Within this Insight I want to look at some of the birds in the Bible and how they may represent symbols of faith and how a loving God cares for all of his creation. This Insight is part of a mini-series that includes the previous one Seeds, Saplings and Mature Trees. As birds grow and develop they are constantly having to increase their daily weight as they look for seeds, insects and other forms of nutrition.
Two affectionate Sparrows Thank you Mohit pexels.com
They are also seeking to enjoy the shelter and protection of their local trees and shrubs from the hot and changeable weather. They love to fly around and have fun whilst looking to find a mate and in time produce their own chicks for the continuation of the next generation of birds.
There are around twenty-five birds that are mentioned in the Bible. Throughout the book of Leviticus it offers guidelines as to what practices and foods may be considered clean and unclean and in Leviticus 11 it outlines some of the birds that are considered unclean. Within the Bible a number of birds have been used in sacred sacrifices as a ‘sin offering’.
There are numerous birds that are enjoyed for leisure activities and others simply as a source of food. Some birds are referred to as a metaphor, representing symbolic acts of faith and hope and God’s presence, peace and judgment. Birds have also been used as a way of sending messages from God to people and from people to people.
Jesus in Matthew 6: 26, uses the example of the birds in the air, who do not sow or reap for themselves. God provides for them and his love for humanity is much greater than his equally loving care for all his created birds.
Birds mentioned in the Bible – At this point I want us to consider six birds that are found in the Bible.
The Unclean yet Special Raven
The raven is the first bird mentioned in the Bible as found in Genesis 8: 6-12. The raven was sent out to check if the flood waters had receded. The raven did not return and that represented the death and decay that still existed as a result of the flood. Within the Jewish community the raven symbolized desolation and judgment and the eating of the bird was forbidden.
However, even though the raven is considered as a dark bird, it is also one that brought great joy and the provision of food to the sad and lonely prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17: 4-6.. It was during a time of drought in the land and God’s provision through them, demonstrated his continuous care and provision for all his people.
The raven is quite a smart bird and very resourceful in many ways and so may symbolise qualities of survival and adaptability to all that life has to throw at it.
The Plentiful Quail
A quail is very similar to a partridge and known for their tasty meat and are still eaten today in many Middle Eastern countries and beyond.
Moses led the people of Israel for forty years in the wilderness, after the exodus from Egypt. They expressed their frustration with only having manna to eat as part of their daily diet. So they petitioned Moses to ask God to provide meat alongside the manna. God answered their prayers by providing for them the quail as referenced in Exodus 16:12 and Numbers 11: 31-32. God wants not only to provide daily manna but he is happy to provide more meaty and nourishing food for our health and well-being.
The Beautiful Peacock
Peacocks were known for their beauty and very impressive plumage. We read of them in 1 Kings 10: 22 as part of the treasures that were captured and brought to Tarshish for the pleasure of King Solomon.
They are also mentioned in the book of Job 39: 13 (KJV) alongside the mighty Ostrich and considered to be two of the great wonders and complexity of God’s creation and likened to the goodness and majesty of God himself that shows itself so clearly to us all on a daily basis.
The Beautiful Peacock and Impressive Ostrich. Thank you bible.art
The Faithful Sparrow
The little sparrow is mentioned more than forty times in the Old Testament and a few more times in the New Testament. However, such references may in some cases just indicate a small bird rather than the exact spies of a sparrow.
Jesus in showing his love and care for his disciples as in Matthew 10: 29-31, points out that the common sparrow is sold very cheaply for a penny. God loves the sparrow and such love extends to him even knowing the amount of hairs we have on our heads. The bottom line here, is that we should not be fearful or lonely in life, for we are much more valuable and worthwhile than all the sparrows that exist.
The Anointed Dove
We first hear of the dove as a bird that followed the raven when used by Noah in Genesis 8. The role of the dove was to check out if the flood waters had subsided and if there was any land and vegetation available. Eventually, the dove returned with an olive leaf that signified the end of God’s judgment and mercy and the establishment of a new covenant with his people.
In sacrifices used in the Jewish Temple, the dove was the favoured bird over the pigeon and was also seen at the baptism of Jesus by John and symbolised the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. God wants to show his continual mercy and forgiveness to us all and for us to enjoy his personal presence through the fullness of God’s spirit within us.
Two Collared Doves. Thank you Raul pexels.com
The Majestic Eagle
One of the well-known verses that refers to an eagle is found in Isaiah 40: 31. It impresses upon us how those who trust deeply in the Lord will find great strength and may “soar on wings like eagles”.
An eagle is a strong bird and is able to fly very high, even above storms and so symbolises for the Christian that in Christ we can rise above many of life’s challenges that come to us. We may find strength and healing as well as renewal and protection from the Lord. There are other references to the eagle in Leviticus 11: 13, Exodus 19: 4 and Revelations 4: 7.
Take Away
What can we glean from these six birds and the place and significance of all the birds mentioned in the Bible? In the providence of God it seems that his creation of man and woman is his crown and glory.
Thank you Jantin pexels.com
In our troubled world that has abused and neglected the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, birds have their place and importance. Both within and outside the Bible birds reflect the love and character of God and how God protects and provides for all of his creation whether people believe or not. It’s important then to be reminded to continually trust in the providence of God during all the seasons of life we experience.
Birds are indigenous and migratory to countries of their choice. They reside in their seasonal homes for pleasure and for procreation. There is a natural rhythm the birds follow as in Jeremiah 8: 7 and if they deviate from it they will find themselves in trouble.
In life and with faith there is a divine rhythm and order for a holy, peaceful and successful life. If we turn from it, as exampled in the life of Adam and Eve, we cannot complain about any problems, outcomes and pathways we find ourselves in.
Another important lesson from the life of birds is how they travel near and far. Some seem to live a continuous life of being airborne and the only time they are grounded is during their mating and caring season for their offspring.
Birds are diligent in finding a mate and returning to a mate. They build their nests in hope and for the protection of their young. They have to be aware of predators that seek to devour and destroy them.
As believers we have to be patience, to exercise deep hope and faith. To plan, prepare and pray for good outcomes and for the care and welfare of all we love and treasure. Every bird and all of God’s creation seek to naturally praise and worship their creator who sustains them, knowing that the Lord will provide and protect them in all circumstances.
Footnote
There are many other birds mentioned in the Bible are outlined below:
The Hawk – Leviticus 11:16, Job 39:26 – The Kite – Leviticus 11: 14.
The Hen – Matthew 23:37 – The Swift/Swallow – Psalm 84: 3 Proverbs 26: 2.
The Owl – Psalm 102:6, Leviticus 11:17, Job 30:29 – The Osprey – Leviticus 11:18.
The Stork/Pelican – Leviticus 11:18, Duet 14: 18. – The Partridge – 1 Samuel 26:20.
The Vulture – Matthew 24: 28. The Cormorant – Deut14:17. – The Crane – Isaiah 38:14.
The Heron – Leviticus 11:19. The Bittern/Marsh bird – Isaiah 14: 23
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship and Motivational Moments
Graham
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