Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, domesticated birds are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing purity, sacrifice, and provision. The most commonly referenced domesticated birds in the Scriptures are doves and pigeons, which hold significant religious and cultural importance.Doves and Pigeons Doves and pigeons are frequently mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of sacrifices. In the Mosaic Law, these birds were acceptable offerings for those who could not afford larger animals. Leviticus 1:14 states, "If, however, his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." This provision highlights God's accommodation for the poor, allowing them to participate in sacrificial worship. The use of doves in sacrifices is further illustrated in the purification rites. In Leviticus 12:8, after the birth of a child, a woman was to bring "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" if she could not afford a lamb. This practice is echoed in the New Testament when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple, offering "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" (Luke 2:24), signifying their humble status. Symbolism and Significance Doves are often associated with peace and the Holy Spirit. In Genesis 8:11, a dove returns to Noah with an olive leaf, signaling the end of the flood and the restoration of peace between God and humanity. This imagery is further enriched in the New Testament when the Holy Spirit descends "like a dove" upon Jesus during His baptism (Matthew 3:16), symbolizing divine approval and the presence of God. The purity and innocence of doves are also highlighted in the Song of Solomon, where the beloved is described as having "eyes like doves" (Song of Solomon 1:15), symbolizing beauty and gentleness. Chickens While not as prominently featured as doves, chickens are indirectly referenced in the Bible. Jesus uses the imagery of a hen gathering her chicks to express His desire to protect and care for Jerusalem: "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" (Matthew 23:37). This metaphor underscores the nurturing and protective nature of Christ's love for His people. Quails Though not domesticated in the traditional sense, quails are mentioned in the context of God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness. In Exodus 16:13, quails covered the camp, providing meat for the Israelites to eat. This event demonstrates God's miraculous provision and care for His people during their journey to the Promised Land. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, domesticated birds were integral to daily life, serving as sources of food, sacrifice, and symbolism. Their presence in biblical narratives reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their reliance on God's creation for sustenance and worship. Overall, domesticated birds in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of sacrifice, purity, peace, and divine provision, woven into the fabric of biblical history and theology. Nave's Topical Index Job 41:5Will you play with him as with a bird? or will you bind him for your maidens? Nave's Topical Index James 3:7 Library Chapter ix Chapter xv The Book of Enoch The Nile and Egypt Chapter vi The Scaffolding Left in the Body The Second Theological Oration. The Origin of Species. Ancient Chaldaea Criticisms on "The Origin of Species. " Resources Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Christian parents deal with empty-nest syndrome? | GotQuestions.org What made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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