Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, birds often symbolize freedom, provision, and the care of God, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:26, where Jesus reminds His followers of God's provision for the birds of the air. However, the imagery of birds also extends to the darker themes of snaring and the designs of the wicked, serving as a metaphor for the traps and schemes laid by those who seek to harm the righteous.The concept of snaring birds is vividly depicted in the Old Testament, where it is used to illustrate the cunning and deceitful plans of the wicked. In Proverbs 1:17-18 , we read, "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 act of setting a snare is likened to the self-destructive nature of the wicked, who, in their pursuit of evil, ultimately ensnare themselves. The imagery of snaring is further explored in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out for deliverance from the traps set by enemies. Psalm 91:3 assures the faithful, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." This verse highlights God's protective power, emphasizing that while the wicked may lay traps, the Lord is a refuge and deliverer for those who trust in Him. In the prophetic literature, the theme of snaring is used to describe the judgment that befalls those who engage in wickedness. Jeremiah 5:26-27 states, "For My people are among wicked men. They watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap; they catch men. Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become powerful and rich." This passage underscores the moral corruption and deceit that characterize the wicked, who, like fowlers, ensnare others for their gain. The New Testament continues this theme, warning believers to be vigilant against the snares of the devil. In 2 Timothy 2:26 , Paul speaks of those who "may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." Here, the snare represents spiritual entrapment, a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for discernment and reliance on God's strength. In conclusion, the biblical motif of snaring birds serves as a powerful metaphor for the designs of the wicked. It illustrates the deceptive and destructive nature of evil, while simultaneously affirming God's sovereignty and protection over His people. The faithful are called to remain vigilant, trusting in the Lord's deliverance from the snares that threaten their spiritual well-being. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 124:7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 1:10-17 Proverbs 7:23 Resources What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org What does God want me to do? | 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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