Topical Encyclopedia The term "night hawk" appears in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. These laws are part of the broader Levitical code, which outlines clean and unclean animals, distinguishing those that may be consumed from those that are forbidden. The night hawk is specifically mentioned in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy as one of the birds that the Israelites were prohibited from eating.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-19 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." 2. Deuteronomy 14:11-18 : "You may eat any clean bird, but these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite, any kind of raven, the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Identification and Characteristics: The exact identification of the "night hawk" in these passages is a matter of some debate among scholars. The Hebrew word used is "tachmas," which is often translated as "night hawk" or "nightjar." These birds are generally nocturnal and are known for their silent flight and camouflaged plumage, which makes them adept hunters of insects during the night. Cultural and Religious Significance: In the ancient Near Eastern context, dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations. The prohibition against eating certain birds, including the night hawk, was part of a larger framework of holiness and purity. By adhering to these dietary restrictions, the Israelites demonstrated obedience to God's commandments and maintained their distinct identity as His chosen people. The night hawk, along with other forbidden birds, was considered "detestable" or "unclean," which in the Levitical context, often implied a symbolic association with death or impurity. Birds of prey, scavengers, and those with nocturnal habits were typically included in this category, possibly due to their feeding habits and the environments they inhabited. Theological Implications: The prohibition against consuming the night hawk reflects the broader theological theme of separation and holiness found throughout the Levitical laws. These dietary restrictions were not merely about physical health but were deeply intertwined with spiritual and communal identity. By observing these laws, the Israelites were reminded of their covenant relationship with God and their call to be a holy nation. In the New Testament, the dietary laws, including those concerning birds like the night hawk, are reinterpreted in light of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. However, the principles of holiness, obedience, and distinctiveness continue to resonate within the Christian tradition, emphasizing the importance of living a life set apart for God. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:16And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:15 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. The Nile and Egypt Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Egypt the Legendary History of Egypt The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |
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