Topical Encyclopedia Chickens, while not frequently mentioned in the Bible, hold symbolic significance in the scriptures. They are often associated with themes of protection, care, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The imagery of a hen and her chicks is used to convey God's nurturing and protective nature.Protection and Care One of the most poignant references to chickens in the Bible is found in the words of Jesus Christ, who uses the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks to express His desire to protect and care for His people. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying: "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!" (Matthew 23:37). This passage highlights the tender and protective nature of Christ's love for His people, akin to a hen's instinct to shelter her young under her wings. It underscores the theme of divine care and the sorrow of unrequited love when His people reject His protection. Fulfillment of Prophecy Chickens also appear in the context of prophecy and its fulfillment. In the account of Peter's denial of Jesus, the crowing of a rooster serves as a pivotal moment. Jesus predicts Peter's denial, saying: "Truly I tell you," Jesus declared, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Matthew 26:34). This prophecy is fulfilled later in the chapter: Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75). The rooster's crowing serves as a stark reminder of human frailty and the fulfillment of Jesus' words. It marks a moment of repentance and realization for Peter, illustrating the accuracy of Christ's foreknowledge and the call to humility and repentance. Symbolism and Cultural Context In the cultural context of the Bible, chickens were common in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. They were valued for their eggs and meat, and their behavior was well-known to the people of the time. The use of chicken imagery in scripture would have resonated with the audience, providing a relatable and vivid illustration of spiritual truths. The metaphor of a hen and her chicks is a powerful symbol of God's desire to gather and protect His people, offering them refuge and safety. It serves as a reminder of the nurturing aspect of God's character and His longing for a relationship with His creation. In summary, while chickens are not a central theme in the Bible, their mention in scripture carries significant symbolic weight, illustrating themes of protection, prophecy, and the human condition. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Nave's Topical Index Library According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... A Letter from Origen to Africanus. Difficulties and Objections Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. Allegation 4 "We Teach that the Greatest Part of the Human Race ... Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The City of God. Index of Subjects. How to Preach the Gospel. The Land and the People. Resources What made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Santeria? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |