Topical Encyclopedia The nighthawk is listed among the unclean birds in the Bible, specifically in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. These laws are found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which outline the creatures that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. The nighthawk is mentioned in these lists, indicating its status as an unclean bird.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-19 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." 2. Deuteronomy 14:11-18 : "You may eat any clean bird, but these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." In these passages, the nighthawk is grouped with other birds of prey and scavengers, which are considered unclean. The Hebrew term for nighthawk is "tachmas," though there is some debate among scholars about the exact identification of this bird. It is generally understood to refer to a type of nocturnal bird, possibly akin to the modern nighthawk or nightjar, known for its crepuscular and nocturnal habits. Characteristics and Symbolism: The nighthawk, as understood in biblical times, would have been recognized for its nocturnal activity and distinctive flight patterns. These characteristics may have contributed to its classification as unclean, as many nocturnal creatures were often associated with mystery and the unknown, which could be viewed with suspicion or as contrary to the purity laws. In the broader biblical context, unclean animals often symbolize spiritual impurity or moral corruption. The dietary laws served not only as health guidelines but also as a means of setting the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing holiness and obedience to God's commands. Cultural and Historical Context: The classification of certain birds as unclean reflects the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Israel. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, distinct from their neighbors, and adherence to dietary laws was a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God. The prohibition against eating unclean birds like the nighthawk reinforced the importance of maintaining ritual purity and obedience to divine instruction. While the specific reasons for the inclusion of the nighthawk in the list of unclean birds are not explicitly stated in the biblical text, it is clear that these laws were integral to the identity and religious practice of the Israelite community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 11:16And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 |
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