Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, birds often symbolize various spiritual truths and moral lessons. One of the more somber themes associated with birds is the concept of snaring and death, which serves as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and the judgment that follows.The imagery of birds being ensnared is vividly depicted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. In Ecclesiastes 9:12, it is written, "For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them." This passage highlights the unpredictability of life and the suddenness with which judgment or calamity can occur, much like a bird unsuspectingly caught in a trap. The snare, in biblical terms, often represents the deceitfulness of sin and the entrapment of the unwary. Proverbs 1:17-18 states, "How futile it is to spread the net in the sight of any bird! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives." Here, the futility of setting a trap in plain sight is contrasted with the self-destructive nature of those who pursue wickedness, ultimately leading to their own demise. In the prophetic writings, the snaring of birds is used to illustrate divine judgment. Hosea 7:12 declares, "When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air. I will chastise them as their assembly has heard." This passage underscores the certainty of God's judgment upon those who turn away from His commandments, likening it to the inescapable capture of birds. The New Testament also alludes to the concept of snaring in the context of spiritual vigilance. In Luke 21:34-35, Jesus warns, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth." Here, the snare represents the suddenness of the end times and the need for constant spiritual readiness. In summary, the biblical motif of birds being ensnared serves as a powerful metaphor for the suddenness of judgment and the consequences of sin. It calls believers to live in a state of spiritual alertness, avoiding the traps of sin and remaining steadfast in their faith. The imagery of snaring and death, while sobering, ultimately points to the hope of redemption and the importance of aligning one's life with the teachings of Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 9:12For man also knows not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Christian parents deal with empty-nest syndrome? | GotQuestions.org What made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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