Instinct of Birds
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The instinct of birds is a remarkable aspect of God's creation, showcasing His wisdom and providence. Throughout the Bible, birds are often used as symbols and examples of God's care and the natural order He established.

Migration and Navigation

One of the most fascinating instincts of birds is their ability to migrate over long distances with precision. This phenomenon is alluded to in the Bible, highlighting the wisdom and order inherent in creation. In Jeremiah 8:7 , it is written, "Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the turtledove, swift, and thrush observe the time of their migration." This verse underscores the innate knowledge God has placed within these creatures, allowing them to navigate vast distances and return to their habitats at the appointed times.

Provision and Care

Birds are also used in Scripture to illustrate God's provision and care for His creation. In Matthew 6:26 , Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage emphasizes the instinctual trust birds have in God's provision, serving as a reminder of His faithfulness to all His creatures, including humanity.

Nesting and Reproduction

The instinctual behavior of birds in building nests and caring for their young is another testament to God's design. Proverbs 27:8 states, "Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home." This comparison highlights the natural inclination of birds to create a safe environment for their offspring, reflecting the importance of stability and care within the family unit.

Symbolism and Lessons

Birds are frequently used symbolically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths and lessons. For instance, the eagle is often associated with strength and renewal. Isaiah 40:31 declares, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, the eagle's instinctual ability to soar high and renew its strength serves as an encouragement for believers to trust in the Lord for spiritual renewal and endurance.

Diversity and Beauty

The diversity and beauty of birds are celebrated in Scripture, reflecting the creativity and majesty of the Creator. In Psalm 104:12 , it is written, "The birds of the air nest beside the springs; they sing among the branches." This imagery captures the harmonious existence of birds within God's creation, their songs and vibrant presence adding to the beauty of the natural world.

In summary, the instinct of birds as depicted in the Bible reveals the intricate design and care of the Creator. Their behaviors, from migration to nesting, serve as powerful illustrations of God's wisdom, provision, and the order He has established in the world. Through the study of birds, believers are reminded of the Creator's attention to detail and His sovereign care over all creation.
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Jeremiah 8:7
Yes, the stork in the heaven knows her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.
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Library

Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of ...
... I answer that, The movements or cries of birds, and whatever dispositions one may ...
Now the cause of dumb animals' actions is a certain instinct whereby they are ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination by auguries omens.htm

On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ...
... But if our thought can estimate this beauty of the universe by a natural
instinct"an instinct such as we see in certain birds and beasts whose voice, though ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the trinity book i.htm

The Genesis Picture.
... The same mother instinct in the birds spends itself in getting the nest ready, and
then patiently broods until the new occupants come to take possession. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the genesis picture.htm

The First Games
... intelligence, who mastered without effort, and as if by instinct, the encyclopaedic ...
the games of his childhood, he only mentions "nuts," handball, and birds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ...
... We are born under a House of Lords, as birds under a house of leaves ... The subconscious
popular instinct against Darwinism was not a mere offense at the grotesque ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 42 a cultivated conservative.htm

Consider the Lilies of the Field
... Some say that the seeds grow by laws of nature; the birds come back by instinct.
Be it so. What Scripture says, and what we should ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xiv consider the lilies of.htm

Whether Adam in the State of Innocence had Mastership Over the ...
... Let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the birds of the ... For we see
in the latter a certain participated prudence of natural instinct, in regard ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether adam in the state 2.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to
feed thee there" (1 Kings 17:2-4). The natural instinct of these birds of prey ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Discourse of the Same Elder on the Untrustworthy Sort of ...
... to others, a thing which we find is the case not only with mankind but with all
birds and beasts. For at the prompting of a natural instinct they protect and ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter ii discourse of the.htm

The Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation.
... every mountain and marsh, wilderness and wood, plentifully stocked with birds and
beasts ... of cunning and sagacity, or what we generally call instinct, we find ...
/.../sect ii the power and.htm

Resources
What is a biblical theology of work? | GotQuestions.org

How can I maintain a good attitude when I am struggling with PMS? | GotQuestions.org

In what ways should Christians be prepared to step outside their comfort zone? | GotQuestions.org

Instinct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Instinct of Animals
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