Topical Encyclopedia The term "night-hawk" appears in the context of biblical dietary laws, specifically in the list of unclean birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The reference to the night-hawk is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:16 : "the ostrich, the owl, the gull, any kind of hawk." 2. Deuteronomy 14:15 : "the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk." In these passages, the night-hawk is grouped with other birds considered unclean under Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word often translated as "night-hawk" is "tachmas," which has been subject to various interpretations and translations over time. Some scholars suggest that the term may refer to a bird of prey that is active during the night or twilight hours, possibly a type of owl or a nocturnal raptor. Cultural and Historical Context: The classification of the night-hawk as unclean is part of the broader Levitical dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to promote ritual purity. The specific reasons for the inclusion of certain birds as unclean are not explicitly stated in the biblical text, but it is generally understood that these laws were intended to teach principles of holiness and separation. The night-hawk, like other birds of prey, may have been considered unclean due to its diet, which often includes carrion or other animals deemed unclean. The prohibition against consuming such birds would have reinforced the Israelites' understanding of purity and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. Symbolism and Interpretation: In a broader symbolic sense, the night-hawk, as a nocturnal creature, might be associated with darkness and mystery. In biblical literature, darkness often symbolizes ignorance, evil, or separation from God. The night-hawk's inclusion in the list of unclean animals could thus carry a symbolic message about avoiding spiritual darkness and remaining in the light of God's truth. Modern Considerations: Today, the identification of the night-hawk remains a topic of discussion among biblical scholars and translators. The exact species referred to by the ancient Hebrew term is uncertain, and various translations of the Bible may use different names for this bird. Despite these uncertainties, the night-hawk's mention in the dietary laws continues to be a point of interest for those studying biblical texts and the historical practices of the Israelites. In summary, the night-hawk is one of several birds listed as unclean in the Old Testament, reflecting the broader themes of purity and holiness that are central to the Mosaic Law. Its identification and symbolic significance continue to be explored within the context of biblical scholarship. Scripture Alphabet Of Animals Night-HawkI believe this is the only animal of any kind mentioned in the Bible, the name of which begins with N. It is named in the Leviticus 11, among other birds, such as the owl, the cuckoo and the raven, which the children of Israel were not allowed to eat. It is somewhat like the owl in its shape, and in its large, full, round eyes. It flies at evening, and hides itself during the day from the bright light of the sun. It likes to live in lonely, dark woods, and when it comes out at twilight to get the insects that it lives upon, you could hardly hear the sound of its wings, it flies so very gently. It has a very wide, gaping mouth, which helps it to seize upon moths and flies, and its mouth is bordered with a row of stiff bristles, so that the insects may not escape again after they have been caught. The night-hawk belongs to the same family with the whip-poor-will; and, like that bird, it places its eggs on the ground in the shade of some thicket, with only a layer of withered leaves under them instead of making a nest. ATS Bible Dictionary Night-HawkAn unclean bird, Le 11:16 De 14:15. Its name seems to indicate voracity, and is therefore thought by many to point out the Syrian owl, a more powerful bird than the nighthawks, and exceedingly voracious; it sometimes attacks sleeping children. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews tahmas) occurs only in the list of unclean birds (Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15). This was supposed to be the night-jar (Caprimulgus), allied to the swifts. The Hebrew word is derived from a root meaning "to scratch or tear the face," and may be best rendered, in accordance with the ancient versions, "an owl" (Strix flammea). The Revised Version renders "night-hawk." Strong's Hebrew 8464. tachmas -- male ostrich... disease, grievous, that are sickness. From chamac; a species of unclean bird (from its violence), perhaps an owl -- night hawk. see HEBREW chamac. 8463, 8464 ... /hebrew/8464.htm - 6k 8465. Tachan -- an Ephraimite Thesaurus Nighthawk (2 Occurrences)...Nighthawk (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 11:16 and the ostrich, and the night-hawk, and the sea-mew, and the hawk after its kinds; (See RSV). ... /n/nighthawk.htm - 7k Night-hawk (2 Occurrences) Hawk (6 Occurrences) Cuckow (2 Occurrences) Cuckoo (2 Occurrences) Sea-hawk (2 Occurrences) Sea-mew (2 Occurrences) Night (3322 Occurrences) Nightfall (9 Occurrences) Kinds (110 Occurrences) Resources Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.org What is a “dark night of the soul”? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Night-hawk (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:16 Deuteronomy 14:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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