Topical Bible: The Hart: Young of, Abundantly Provided For

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In biblical literature, the term "hart" refers to a male deer, particularly the red deer, which is known for its grace and swiftness. The imagery of the hart is used throughout Scripture to convey various spiritual truths and lessons. The young of the hart, or fawns, are often depicted as being abundantly provided for by God, symbolizing divine care and provision.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible frequently uses the hart and its young to illustrate God's provision and the beauty of His creation. In the poetic and wisdom literature, the hart is often associated with longing and desire for God, as seen in Psalm 42:1 : "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God." This verse captures the deep spiritual thirst and dependence on God, akin to the hart's need for water.

The young of the hart are depicted as being nurtured and cared for in a manner that reflects God's abundant provision. In the Song of Solomon, the imagery of the hart and its young is used to describe beauty and vitality. Song of Solomon 2:9 states, "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice." This passage highlights the grace and strength of the hart, qualities that are also attributed to the beloved.

Divine Provision and Care

The provision for the young of the hart is emblematic of God's care for His creation. In Job 39:1-4 , God challenges Job with questions about the natural world, including the birth and care of the young deer: "Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn? Can you count the months they are pregnant? Do you know the time they give birth? They crouch down and bring forth their young; they deliver their newborn." This passage underscores God's intimate knowledge and involvement in the life cycles of His creatures, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider.

The abundance provided to the young of the hart can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual nourishment and care that God offers to His people. Just as the young deer are sustained and protected, believers are assured of God's provision and guidance throughout their lives.

Spiritual Lessons

The imagery of the hart and its young serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God and relying on His provision. The hart's longing for water is a powerful metaphor for the believer's need for spiritual sustenance. In a world that often offers temporary and unsatisfying solutions, the believer is encouraged to seek the living water that only God can provide.

Furthermore, the care given to the young of the hart reflects the nurturing and protective nature of God. Believers are reminded of their dependence on God for all things, trusting in His wisdom and timing for their needs. The hart's ability to navigate the wilderness with grace and agility serves as an example of how believers can rely on God's strength and guidance in their own spiritual journeys.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the hart and its young as abundantly provided for offers rich insights into God's provision, care, and the spiritual longing of the believer. Through this imagery, Scripture invites believers to trust in God's unfailing love and to seek Him earnestly, knowing that He will provide for their every need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 39:4
Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Yet Speaking.
... miracle." No lame man had leaped as an hart; the tongue ... words of Jesus, and they
have been abundantly verified. ... soul; and raised from his bier a young man dead ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvi yet speaking.htm

The Wedding Garment
... our souls not only live, but we have life more abundantly. ... There is a verse in one
of Hart's hymns which ... Sermon to the Sabbath School and young people generally ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... to all, and especially to the young, to attain ... testifies when he saith, 'As the hart
panteth after ... the invitation is proportionable, 'Drink abundantly' (Cant 5 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Then said young Mercy (for she was but young), If I thought it would be to ... and so
put themselves under those laws that are provided for the protection of women ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... Art thou young? ... diligence, and refreshment from the font, like the thirsty hart
[4076] that ... 4121] to pour out the things which we possess abundantly, till we ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... This book of the Proverbs is so called because it is such as containeth hard, dark,
and pithy sentences of wisdom, by which is taught unto young men knowledge ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... mass of professed Christians, whose creed and mode of worship have been provided
by human ... Now will the Spirit of God be poured forth abundantly; and our rivers ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

part ii
... Son, I shall inherit eternal life, provided I am ... Both learned and unlearned young
men seldom go to ... Besides this, obedience is also abundantly profitable to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm