Topical Bible: The Owl: Inhabits Deserted Cities and Houses

◄ The Owl: Inhabits Deserted Cities and Houses ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The owl, a nocturnal bird of prey, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of desolation and abandonment. Its presence in Scripture often signifies a place that has been forsaken or left in ruins. The owl's haunting call and solitary nature make it an apt metaphor for desolation, aligning with the biblical theme of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 13:21 · In the prophecy against Babylon, Isaiah describes the aftermath of divine judgment, where the once-great city becomes a dwelling place for wild animals and birds. The Berean Standard Bible states, "But desert creatures will lie down there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about." Here, the owl is depicted as inhabiting the ruins of a city that has been laid waste, emphasizing the totality of its destruction.

2. Isaiah 34:11 · In a similar vein, the prophecy against Edom includes the owl as a resident of the desolate land. The BSB reads, "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. He will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation." The presence of the owl underscores the complete and utter desolation decreed by God.

3. Zephaniah 2:14 · The prophet Zephaniah speaks of the judgment against Nineveh, where the city becomes a haunt for wild animals. The BSB states, "Flocks and herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows; rubble will be in the doorways, and the beams of cedar will be exposed." The imagery of owls roosting on the ruins of Nineveh highlights the city's fall from power and glory.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, the owl is more than just a bird; it is a symbol of divine retribution and the consequences of sin. Its association with deserted places serves as a stark reminder of the fate that befalls those who oppose God's will. The owl's presence in these prophetic passages is not merely incidental but is used to convey a deeper spiritual truth about the nature of judgment and the reality of divine justice.

The owl's role in these narratives also reflects the broader biblical theme of the natural world responding to God's decrees. As cities fall and civilizations crumble under divine judgment, the natural order reclaims what was once dominated by human achievement. The owl, as a creature of the night, embodies the darkness and silence that follow in the wake of God's righteous judgment.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the owl was often associated with mystery and the supernatural, due to its nocturnal habits and eerie calls. This cultural perception may have influenced its symbolic use in the Bible, where it becomes a fitting representation of desolation and abandonment. The owl's presence in deserted cities and houses serves as a visual and auditory reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable return to chaos and disorder when His presence is withdrawn.

The biblical portrayal of the owl as a denizen of desolate places continues to resonate with readers, offering a powerful image of the stark reality of divine judgment and the hope for restoration through repentance and obedience to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 13:21
But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 34:11-14
But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out on it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 50:39
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelled in from generation to generation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook