Topical Encyclopedia The bittern is mentioned in the Bible as one of the unclean birds, though its specific identification has been a subject of debate among scholars and translators. The Hebrew word often translated as "bittern" is "קָאַת" (ka'ath), which appears in the context of desolation and judgment in the prophetic books of the Old Testament.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 14:23 : "I will make her a place for owls and swamplands; I will sweep her away with the broom of destruction," declares the LORD of Hosts. In this passage, the bittern is associated with desolation, as God pronounces judgment upon Babylon. The imagery of a desolate land inhabited by creatures like the bittern underscores the totality of the destruction. 2. Isaiah 34:11 : "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of destruction." Here, the bittern is again linked with a scene of ruin and abandonment, this time concerning Edom. The presence of such birds symbolizes the complete and utter desolation that will befall the land. 3. Zephaniah 2:14 : "Flocks and herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows; rubble will be in the doorways, and the beams of cedar will be exposed." In this verse, the bittern is part of the prophetic vision of Nineveh's downfall, where the once-great city becomes a haunt for wild animals and birds. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In the biblical context, the bittern is not merely a bird but a symbol of desolation and divine judgment. Its presence in prophetic literature serves as a metaphor for the aftermath of God's wrath upon nations that have turned away from His commandments. The bittern's association with uncleanliness further emphasizes the separation between the holy and the profane, as outlined in the Levitical laws. Identification and Characteristics: The bittern is a member of the heron family, known for its solitary and secretive nature. It typically inhabits marshy areas and is recognized by its distinctive booming call. In biblical times, the bittern's habitat in swamps and desolate places made it an apt symbol for the desolation prophesied against sinful nations. Theological Implications: The mention of the bittern in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His judgments. The desolation associated with the bittern reflects the consequences of disobedience and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. For believers, these passages underscore the importance of adhering to God's laws and the reality of His justice. In summary, the bittern, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just an unclean bird; it is a powerful symbol of desolation and divine retribution, serving as a warning to nations and individuals alike. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 14:23I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, said the LORD of hosts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 34:11 Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. 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 |
    |