In biblical literature, the concept of roosting-places is often associated with birds and their natural habitats. While the term "roosting-place" itself may not be explicitly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the imagery of birds finding rest and shelter is a recurring theme that carries symbolic and theological significance.

Symbolism of Birds and Roosting

Birds in the Bible often symbolize freedom, care, and divine provision. The act of roosting, where birds find a place to rest and dwell, can be seen as a metaphor for God's provision and protection for His creation. In Matthew 6:26 , Jesus uses the example of birds to illustrate God's care: "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?"

Roosting-places in the Psalms

The Psalms frequently use the imagery of birds and their resting places to convey trust in God's protection. Psalm 84:3 states, "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near Your altar, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God." Here, the roosting-place near God's altar signifies a place of safety and divine presence, emphasizing the closeness and care God provides to those who seek Him.

Prophetic Imagery

In prophetic literature, the imagery of birds and their roosting-places can also be found. Isaiah 34:11 describes desolation using the imagery of birds: "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." In this context, the presence of birds in a desolate land serves as a symbol of judgment and abandonment.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to use bird imagery to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 13:32 , Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven using the parable of the mustard seed: "Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." Here, the roosting of birds in the branches of the mustard tree symbolizes the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, offering refuge and rest to all who come.

Theological Implications

The concept of roosting-places in the Bible underscores the themes of divine care, protection, and provision. It reflects the belief that God provides for all His creatures, offering them places of rest and safety. For believers, this imagery serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He is a refuge for those who trust in Him. The roosting-place becomes a metaphor for the spiritual rest and security found in a relationship with God, echoing the promise of peace and shelter under His wings.

The Son of Man
... Foxes have holes, anywhere they can rest, the birds of the air have,' not as our
Bible gives it, 'nests,' but 'roosting-places, any bough will do for them. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the son of man.htm

The Afterwards and Our Hope
... of the fact that, whilst 'foxes have holes' where they curl themselves up, and they
are at rest, 'and the birds of the air have roosting-places,' where they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the afterwards and our hope.htm

'Physicians of no Value'
... 'Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have roosting-places': why is it that
amongst all God's happy creatures, and God's shining stars, men stand ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/physicians of no value.htm

Gershom and Eliezer
... 'Foxes have holes,' and they are quite comfortable there; 'and the birds of the
air have roosting-places,' and tuck their heads under their wings and go to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gershom and eliezer.htm

Sparrows and Altars
... Do you remember who it was that said"and on what occasion He said it"'Foxes have
holes, and birds of the air have roosting-places, but the Son of Man hath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sparrows and altars.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... enthusiasm, and by no word of pleasure or invitation, but by the apparently cold
repulse: 'Foxes have holes, birds of the air roosting-places; but the Son of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

A Stranger in the Earth
... and the strength of our lives, then, then it does not matter, though we have to
say, 'foxes have holes, and birds of the air have their roosting-places,' and I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a stranger in the earth.htm

The Patient Workman
... They find in life a field for every power. You and I do not. 'The foxes have holes,
and the birds of the air have roosting-places.' They all correspond to ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the patient workman.htm

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
... Creatures have their burrows and their roosting-places, but I, the Lord of creatures,
the Son of Man, whose kingdom prophets proclaimed, am houseless in My own ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture a/christ repressing rash discipleship.htm

Roosting-places (2 Occurrences)
Roosting-places. Rooster, Roosting-places. Root . Multi-Version
Concordance Roosting-places (2 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/r/roosting-places.htm - 7k

Rooster (13 Occurrences)

/r/rooster.htm - 10k

Places (610 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 And Jesus says to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven
roosting-places; but the Son of man has not where he may lay his head. ...
/p/places.htm - 35k

Says (1491 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 And Jesus says to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven
roosting-places; but the Son of man has not where he may lay his head. ...
/s/says.htm - 34k

Root (54 Occurrences)

/r/root.htm - 28k

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