Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, birds are mentioned as part of God's provision for humanity, both in terms of sustenance and as a symbol of His care and abundance. The Bible provides specific guidelines regarding which birds are permissible for consumption, reflecting the dietary laws given to the Israelites.Creation and Provision The provision of birds as food is rooted in the creation account, where God establishes His creation as "very good" (Genesis 1:31). While the initial diet of humanity was plant-based (Genesis 1:29), the post-flood narrative expands dietary options. After the flood, God tells Noah, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things" (Genesis 9:3). This declaration includes birds, which are part of the "moving things" that God provides. Dietary Laws and Clean Birds The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, delineates between clean and unclean animals, including birds. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 provide lists of birds that are not to be eaten, implying that those not listed are permissible. The clean birds, though not exhaustively listed, are generally understood to include domesticated birds like chickens and doves, which were commonly used in sacrifices and meals. Leviticus 11:13-19 specifies unclean birds, such as the eagle, vulture, and raven, among others. These prohibitions are part of the broader dietary laws that set Israel apart as a holy nation, emphasizing purity and obedience to God's commands. Quail in the Wilderness A notable instance of birds being given as food is the provision of quail to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In response to the people's complaints about the lack of meat, God miraculously provides quail: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you... In the evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread'" (Exodus 16:4, 12). Numbers 11:31-32 further describes how God brought quail from the sea, covering the camp, and the people gathered them for food. This event underscores God's ability to provide abundantly for His people, even in desolate places. Symbolism and Lessons Birds, as part of God's creation, also serve as symbols of His care and provision. Jesus uses birds to teach about God's providence, saying, "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?" (Matthew 6:26). This teaching highlights the trust believers are to have in God's provision, as He cares for all His creation. In summary, birds are presented in the Bible as a source of nourishment, subject to divine laws that distinguish between clean and unclean. They are also a testament to God's provision and care, serving as a reminder of His faithfulness to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 9:2,3And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, and on every fowl of the air, on all that moves on the earth, and on all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether the Body of Man was Given an Apt Disposition? Whether Adam in the State of Innocence had Mastership Over the ... Of the Condition of the Beasts and Man. The Rule Given About not Seeking One's Own Gain is Established... Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use. Of the Intestines in Man, and their Use. Chapter xv. No Man Can Serve Two Masters; and that Because it is Necessary ... Thankfulness to God. The Struggle for Life 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 |
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