Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, birds often symbolize various spiritual truths and moral lessons. The concept of birds being hostile to strange kinds can be understood through the lens of biblical symbolism and the natural order as established by God. This theme is not explicitly stated in a single verse but can be inferred from various scriptural passages and the broader biblical worldview.Symbolism of Birds in Scripture Birds in the Bible are frequently used to convey messages from God, represent spiritual beings, or illustrate moral lessons. For instance, in Genesis 8:7-12, Noah sends out a raven and a dove to determine if the floodwaters have receded. The raven, which does not return, contrasts with the dove, which brings back an olive leaf, symbolizing peace and the end of God's judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus uses birds to teach about God's provision and care. In Matthew 6:26 , He says, "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?" Here, birds are depicted as part of God's creation, living according to His provision and order. Hostility and the Natural Order The idea of birds being hostile to strange kinds can be understood through the biblical principle of order and separation. In Genesis 1, God creates each creature according to its kind, establishing a natural order. This order reflects God's design and purpose for creation, where each species has its place and role. In Deuteronomy 22:6-7 , the law concerning the taking of a bird's nest illustrates the respect for the natural order: "If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, whether in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life." This command underscores the importance of maintaining the balance and order within creation. Spiritual Lessons and Moral Implications The hostility of birds to strange kinds can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual discernment and the rejection of false teachings or influences. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes birds as agents that snatch away the seed sown along the path, representing the evil one who takes away the word from those who do not understand it (Matthew 13:4, 19). Furthermore, the Bible warns against mixing with those who do not follow God's ways. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 , Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This call to separation from ungodly influences mirrors the natural instinct of birds to be wary of strange kinds, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and purity. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly state that birds are hostile to strange kinds, the concept aligns with the broader biblical themes of order, separation, and spiritual discernment. Birds, as part of God's creation, serve as a reminder of the natural and spiritual order established by the Creator, encouraging believers to live in accordance with His design and to remain vigilant against influences that threaten their faith and integrity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 12:9My heritage is to me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come you, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Rom. I. 18 The Old Testament and Modern Science Literary Expressions The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ... The First Book The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... 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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