Topical Encyclopedia The bittern is a bird mentioned in the Bible, often associated with desolation and wilderness. It is a type of heron, known for its solitary nature and distinctive booming call. The bittern is referenced in the context of prophetic imagery, symbolizing desolation and abandonment, which aligns with its natural habitat in marshy, uninhabited areas.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 14:23 : "I will make her a place for owls and swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction," declares the LORD of Hosts. In this passage, the bittern is implied in the desolation of Babylon, where the land is transformed into a swampy wasteland, suitable for creatures like the bittern. 2. Isaiah 34:11 : "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of destruction." Here, the bittern is again associated with desolation, as the land of Edom is prophesied to become a haunt for wild creatures. 3. Zephaniah 2:14 : "Flocks and herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows; rubble will be in the doorways, and the beams of cedar will be exposed." The bittern is part of the imagery of ruin and abandonment, as the once-thriving city becomes a dwelling for wild birds. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical context, the bittern serves as a symbol of judgment and desolation. Its presence in prophetic literature underscores the severity of divine judgment, where once-prosperous cities are reduced to ruins, inhabited only by creatures of the wild. The bittern's natural habitat in marshes and swamps makes it an apt metaphor for the aftermath of divine retribution, where human habitation is replaced by wilderness. The bittern's solitary nature and haunting call further enhance its symbolic role in the Bible. It represents the loneliness and abandonment that follow divine judgment, a stark contrast to the bustling life that once characterized the judged cities. Natural History: The bittern belongs to the heron family, Ardeidae, and is known for its elusive behavior and camouflaged plumage, which allows it to blend seamlessly into its marshy surroundings. Its distinctive booming call, often heard at dusk or dawn, adds to its mysterious aura. Bitterns are found in wetlands across various regions, where they feed on fish, amphibians, and insects. In summary, the bittern in the Bible is more than just a bird; it is a powerful symbol of desolation and divine judgment, reflecting the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Its presence in prophetic texts serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations and their destinies. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 14:23I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, said the LORD of hosts. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 34:11 Zephaniah 2:14 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Resources Bittern: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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