Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the ostrich is classified among the unclean birds, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The ostrich is mentioned in several passages of Scripture, often symbolizing desolation and abandonment due to its association with deserted places.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:13-16 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the 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." In this passage, the ostrich is listed among the birds that are considered unclean and not to be consumed by the Israelites. The inclusion of the ostrich in this list underscores its status as a creature that is not fit for consumption according to the dietary laws given to the people of Israel. 2. Deuteronomy 14:12-16 : "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the 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." This reiteration of the dietary laws in Deuteronomy confirms the ostrich's classification as an unclean bird, reinforcing the prohibition against its consumption. 3. Job 39:13-18 : "The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but cannot match the pinions and feathers of the stork. For she leaves her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if not her own, with no concern that her labor was in vain. For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding. Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider." In this poetic passage, the ostrich is depicted as a creature lacking wisdom and understanding, yet possessing a unique beauty and strength. The description highlights the ostrich's distinctive characteristics, such as its speed and its seemingly careless approach to nurturing its young. 4. Lamentations 4:3 : "Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but the daughter of my people has become cruel, like ostriches in the wilderness." Here, the ostrich is used metaphorically to illustrate a lack of maternal care and compassion. The comparison to ostriches in the wilderness emphasizes the theme of neglect and harshness, drawing on the bird's reputation for leaving its eggs vulnerable. 5. Isaiah 13:21 : "But desert creatures will lie down there, and howling creatures will fill the houses. There the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap." While the ostrich is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of desolation and the presence of desert creatures align with the imagery often associated with the ostrich in biblical literature. Symbolism and Cultural Context: In biblical times, the ostrich was known for its habitation in arid and desolate regions, which contributed to its symbolic representation of desolation and abandonment. The bird's behavior, such as leaving its eggs in the sand, was perceived as neglectful, further reinforcing its negative connotations in Scripture. The ostrich's classification as unclean reflects the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between what is holy and unholy, clean and unclean, as part of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The ostrich's portrayal in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of wisdom, care, and adherence to divine commandments. Its presence in the list of unclean birds underscores the call for the Israelites to maintain purity and obedience in their dietary practices, as a reflection of their commitment to God's laws. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 39:13,18Gave you the goodly wings to the peacocks? or wings and feathers to the ostrich? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... On the Animals The Glory of the Trinity Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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