The ostrich, a large flightless bird native to Africa, is mentioned in the Bible as a creature of remarkable speed and unique characteristics. The Hebrew word for ostrich, "ya'ănâh," appears in several passages, highlighting its distinctive nature and behavior.

Biblical References:

1. Job 39:13-18 : In this passage, God speaks to Job about the wonders of creation, including the ostrich. The ostrich is described as a bird that "flaps her wings joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork." The text emphasizes the ostrich's lack of wisdom, as she "lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand," seemingly neglecting them. However, despite this apparent folly, the ostrich is noted for her incredible speed: "When she runs, she laughs at horse and rider." This description underscores the ostrich's ability to outrun many other creatures, highlighting its rapid movement as a God-given trait.

2. Lamentations 4:3 : The ostrich is mentioned in a metaphorical context, where the prophet Jeremiah laments the dire conditions in Jerusalem. He compares the cruelty of the people to that of ostriches in the wilderness, suggesting a lack of maternal care. This reference, while focusing on the ostrich's perceived neglect, indirectly alludes to its habitat and lifestyle, which includes swift movement across arid landscapes.

Characteristics and Symbolism:

The ostrich is the largest living bird, known for its powerful legs and ability to run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. This remarkable speed is a central theme in the biblical portrayal of the ostrich, symbolizing both the majesty and mystery of God's creation. The ostrich's rapid movement serves as a reminder of the diverse and intricate designs found in nature, each with its own purpose and function.

In biblical symbolism, the ostrich's speed and seemingly careless behavior can be seen as a reflection of human folly and the need for divine wisdom. The contrast between the ostrich's physical prowess and its lack of discernment serves as a metaphor for the limitations of human understanding without God's guidance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, the ostrich was well-known in the regions surrounding Israel, including Egypt and Arabia. Its feathers were prized for decoration, and its eggs were used for various purposes. The ostrich's presence in the Bible reflects its significance in the natural world and its role in the cultural milieu of the biblical authors.

The biblical depiction of the ostrich, particularly in the book of Job, invites readers to marvel at the diversity of God's creation. The ostrich's rapid movement and unique characteristics are a testament to the Creator's wisdom and power, encouraging believers to trust in God's providence and design.Job 39:18
What time she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Before Egypt's Throne
... and another waved a fan of black ostrich plumes over ... Another soldier, after rapid
and low-spoken instructions from ... and he turned with a fierce movement as if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... warlike expedition into Ethiopia or on some rapid raid along ... or start his horses
by a simple movement of the ... the back, and one or two ostrich-feathers waved ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... it in present an insurmountable barrier to it; from rapid to rapid it descends ... together
a vari-coloured vegetation which gives shelter to the ostrich and the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... his whole force. The leaders of the movement did not hesitate to assume
the offensive with these slender resources. As early as ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... For the breathing, warm, fresh-coloured body, spontaneous in movement and function,
was substituted an immobile, cold and blackish mass, a sufficient basis for ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find
that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to the east of the Dead Sea.* They seem to have made the same rapid progress in ... As
he looked towards the hills he thought he saw an unusual movement among the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Memphite Empire
... Standing night and day upon the battlements, the sentinels kept a strict look-out
over the desert, ready to give alarm at the slightest suspicious movement. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Ostrich: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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