Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References and SymbolismVultures are mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing desolation, judgment, and the aftermath of divine retribution. In the ancient Near Eastern context, vultures were seen as scavengers, feeding on carrion and thus associated with death and decay. This imagery is utilized in Scripture to convey messages of judgment and the consequences of sin. One of the earliest mentions of vultures is found in Genesis 15:11, where Abram drives away birds of prey, including vultures, from the carcasses of his sacrifices. This act can be seen as a symbolic gesture of protecting the covenant between God and Abram from corruption or interference. In the book of Job, vultures are noted for their keen eyesight and ability to find food from great distances. Job 28:7 states, "No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it." Here, the vulture's acute vision is used metaphorically to describe the hidden paths of wisdom that are beyond human discovery. The prophetic books often use vultures to depict the aftermath of divine judgment. In Isaiah 34:15, the desolation of Edom is described with imagery of wild animals and birds, including vultures, inhabiting the ruins: "There the owl will make her nest, lay her eggs, and hatch her young; she will gather them under her shadow. There too the vultures will gather, each with its mate." This passage illustrates the complete devastation and abandonment of a once-inhabited land. Similarly, in Jeremiah 19:7, the Lord declares judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, saying, "I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place, and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies and by the hand of those who seek their lives. I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth." Vultures, as birds of prey, are implied in this grim picture of defeat and disgrace. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of vultures in His eschatological teachings. In Matthew 24:28, He states, "Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather." This saying underscores the inevitability and visibility of the coming judgment, as vultures are drawn to the unmistakable sign of death. Cultural and Natural Context In the biblical lands, vultures were a common sight, known for their role in the ecosystem as scavengers. They were considered unclean animals according to Levitical law, as outlined in Leviticus 11:13, which lists birds that are detestable and not to be eaten: "These are the birds you are to detest and not eat because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture." Vultures, with their bald heads and large wingspans, are well-adapted to their role as nature's cleanup crew. They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease by consuming dead animals. This natural behavior, while beneficial, also contributed to their negative perception in biblical times, as they were often associated with death and impurity. Theological Implications The use of vultures in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. Their presence in prophetic and apocalyptic texts highlights the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice. The imagery of vultures gathering around carcasses serves as a stark reminder of the fate awaiting those who reject God's covenant and commandments. In a broader theological sense, vultures remind believers of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to remain faithful to God's word. Just as Abram drove away the vultures from his sacrifices, Christians are called to guard their faith and lives against the corrupting influences of the world. Greek 105. aetos -- an eagle ... eagle, bird of prey. Word Origin a prim. word Definition an eagle NASB Word Usage eagle (3), vultures (2). eagle. From the same ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/105.htm - 6k Library The Carrion and the Vultures Juventus Mundi Bound to the Altar Concerning Persecution Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. Port of Spain A Prince's Bride The victory of Unarmed Faith Expositions of Holy Scripture The High Woods Thesaurus Vultures (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Vultures (6 Occurrences). Matthew 24:28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together. (WEB WEY NAS NIV). ... /v/vultures.htm - 8k Eagle (27 Occurrences) Vulture (16 Occurrences) Ossifrage (2 Occurrences) Flock (242 Occurrences) Gather (251 Occurrences) Vulture's (1 Occurrence) Nest (22 Occurrences) Gier-eagle (4 Occurrences) Giereagle Resources What does the Bible say about the eagle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Could an alien deception be part of the end times? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vultures (6 Occurrences)Matthew 24:28 Luke 17:37 Job 15:23 Proverbs 30:17 Isaiah 34:15 Lamentations 4:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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