In the Bible, the imagery of a hen brooding over her chicks is used to convey themes of protection, care, and divine longing. This metaphor is most prominently found in the New Testament, where Jesus uses it to express His deep desire to gather and protect His people.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 23:37 : "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" In this passage, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His sorrow over the city's rejection of His message and His desire to offer them shelter and safety, much like a hen would with her brood. The imagery highlights the nurturing and protective nature of Christ's love, as well as the tragedy of human resistance to divine care.

2. Luke 13:34 : "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" This parallel passage in Luke reiterates the same sentiment, emphasizing the consistency of Jesus' message and His enduring compassion for His people despite their repeated rejections.

Theological Significance:

The metaphor of a hen brooding over her young is rich with theological meaning. It underscores the protective and nurturing aspects of God's character. Just as a hen instinctively gathers her chicks to shield them from harm, God desires to gather His people to Himself, offering them refuge and safety. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's maternal care and His willingness to embrace His children, even when they stray.

The use of this metaphor also highlights the theme of divine patience and persistent love. Despite the repeated rejection by Jerusalem, Jesus' longing to gather His people remains unchanged. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's enduring love and His desire for reconciliation with humanity.

Cultural Context:

In the agrarian society of biblical times, the image of a hen and her chicks would have been a familiar and poignant one. Chickens were common in the daily lives of the people, and the protective behavior of a hen towards her brood would have been a well-understood symbol of care and vigilance. This cultural context adds depth to the metaphor, making it a relatable and powerful illustration of divine love and protection.

Application:

For believers, the image of a hen brooding over her young serves as a comforting reminder of God's constant care and His desire to protect and nurture His children. It calls Christians to respond to God's invitation to come under His wings, finding refuge and security in His presence. Additionally, it challenges believers to reflect on their own willingness to accept God's protection and to remain close to Him, trusting in His unfailing love and care.Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kill the prophets, and stone them that are sent to you; how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen does gather her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Nave's Topical Index

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... saddle at need, emperors who fed chickens or listened ... power to dictate to the Church
her own belief. ... pirates Hengist and Horsa, and successive broods of their ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

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