Topical Encyclopedia The swallow is a small, agile bird known for its swift flight and distinctive forked tail. In the Bible, the swallow is mentioned in several passages, often symbolizing freedom, restlessness, and the transient nature of life. The swallow is considered a clean bird according to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament, which means it was permissible for the Israelites to eat.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 84:3 : "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God." This verse highlights the swallow's instinct to find a safe and secure place for its young, drawing a parallel to the believer's desire to dwell in the presence of God. The swallow's choice to nest near the altars signifies a longing for closeness to the divine. 2. Proverbs 26:2 : "Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest." Here, the swallow's erratic flight pattern is used metaphorically to describe the ineffectiveness of an undeserved curse. Just as a swallow does not settle easily, so too does a baseless curse fail to find its mark. 3. Jeremiah 8:7 : "Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the turtledove, swift, and thrush observe the time of their migration. But My people do not know the requirements of the LORD." The swallow, referred to here as "swift," is noted for its migratory behavior, which is instinctively guided by the seasons. This natural wisdom is contrasted with the spiritual ignorance of the people, who fail to recognize and follow God's laws. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In biblical times, the swallow was admired for its speed and agility. Its migratory patterns were well-known, and it was often associated with the changing seasons. The swallow's ability to find its way home over long distances made it a symbol of guidance and direction. In a spiritual context, the swallow's journey can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's journey towards God, seeking refuge and rest in His presence. The swallow's presence in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's provision and care for all His creatures. Its mention alongside other birds in the scriptures underscores the diversity and beauty of God's creation, as well as the order and purpose inherent in the natural world. The swallow's clean status under the Mosaic Law further emphasizes the bird's acceptability and purity, reflecting the broader theme of holiness and obedience to divine commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 84:3Yes, the sparrow has found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 38:14 Library The Survival of the Fittest. The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ... Naaman's Wrath The Snare of the Fowler The Dialogue against the Luciferians. The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Oracles on the Edge of Doom. (vii. 16-xviii Passim, xxii, Xlv. ) Who Can Tell? Meanwhile, Unconscious of the Miracle his Prayer had Wrought... 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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