Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the practice of capturing birds using snares or nets is mentioned as a common method for hunting and trapping. This practice is referenced in various passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing the suddenness and inevitability of divine judgment or the cunning nature of human deceit.Symbolism and Metaphor The imagery of birds being caught in snares or nets is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate the unexpected nature of calamity or the entrapment of the wicked. In Ecclesiastes 9:12, the unpredictability of life and the suddenness of misfortune are likened to birds caught in a snare: "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." Similarly, in Proverbs 1:17, the futility of setting a trap in plain sight is highlighted: "How futile it is to spread the net in the sight of any bird!" This verse underscores the idea that wisdom and awareness can prevent one from falling into traps, both literal and metaphorical. Divine Judgment and Protection The use of snares and nets also serves as a metaphor for divine judgment. In Hosea 7:12, God declares His intention to discipline Israel: "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 congregation has heard." Here, the imagery of a net signifies God's inescapable judgment upon a wayward people. Conversely, the Bible also speaks of God's protection against such snares. In Psalm 91:3, the psalmist assures believers of God's deliverance: "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." This promise of protection highlights God's role as a refuge and shield for those who trust in Him. Moral and Ethical Lessons The concept of birds being caught in snares or nets also conveys moral and ethical lessons. In Jeremiah 5:26-27, the prophet describes the wicked as those who set traps for others: "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 serves as a warning against deceit and exploitation, illustrating how the wicked ensnare others for personal gain. It calls for integrity and righteousness, contrasting the ways of the wicked with the path of the just. Conclusion The biblical references to birds taken in snares or nets provide rich symbolism and moral instruction. They serve as reminders of the suddenness of judgment, the protection offered by God, and the ethical implications of deceit and entrapment. Through these vivid images, Scripture communicates profound truths about the human condition and the divine nature. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 1:17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Seventh Commandment Psalm XCI. Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ... A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Pilgrim's Progress Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Exposition of the Moral Law. 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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