Topical Encyclopedia The crane is a bird mentioned in the Bible, known for its distinctive call and migratory patterns. In the context of biblical literature, the crane is often associated with themes of wisdom, discernment, and the natural order established by God. While the Bible does not explicitly list the crane among the clean or unclean birds in the dietary laws found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, its mention in other contexts provides insight into its symbolic significance.Biblical References: The crane is specifically mentioned in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 38:14 , the prophet Isaiah records the words of King Hezekiah during his illness: "Like a crane or a swallow, so I chattered; I moaned like a dove. My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. Lord, I am oppressed; be my security." Here, the crane is used metaphorically to describe the king's plaintive cries and his earnest seeking of God's deliverance. The imagery of the crane's call underscores the depth of Hezekiah's distress and his reliance on divine intervention. In Jeremiah 8:7 , the prophet Jeremiah uses the crane to illustrate the natural wisdom inherent in God's creation: "Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed times, and the turtledove, swift, and crane keep the time of their migration. But My people do not know the requirements of the LORD." This passage highlights the crane's instinctual knowledge of its migratory patterns, contrasting it with the spiritual ignorance of the people of Israel. The crane's ability to discern the seasons serves as a rebuke to those who fail to recognize and follow God's commandments. Symbolism and Significance: In biblical symbolism, the crane is often associated with vigilance and the ability to discern the times. Its migratory behavior is seen as a reflection of the order and wisdom inherent in God's creation. The crane's journey across vast distances and its return to familiar breeding grounds can be viewed as a metaphor for spiritual pilgrimage and the believer's journey toward God. The crane's presence in biblical texts also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all creation and the importance of living in harmony with God's established order. The bird's natural instincts and behaviors are portrayed as a model for human obedience to divine law. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, cranes were well-known for their distinctive calls and impressive migratory flights. They were often observed in marshlands and open fields, making them a familiar sight to the people of biblical times. The crane's migratory patterns, which involve traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds, would have been a remarkable phenomenon to ancient observers, further enhancing its symbolic significance in Scripture. While the Bible does not explicitly categorize the crane as clean or unclean, its positive portrayal in the prophetic writings suggests a recognition of its role within the created order. The crane's inclusion in biblical metaphors and teachings underscores its value as a creature that exemplifies the wisdom and providence of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 38:14Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: my eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 8:7 Library A Prince's Bride The Gods of Egypt Letter xxii. To Eustochium. The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Resources Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is theistic evolution? | GotQuestions.org How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | 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 |
    |