Origin of Birds
The Bible is the oldest literature of all faiths and it has offered perspectives and analysis on a very large range of topics. One of them relates to birds, which are mentioned 517 times in the Bible. Birds are believed to have evolved 150 million years ago, much before the emergence of humans. A bird’s anatomy is quite complex and its feathers provide wings that make it so special. There are believed to be roughly 10,000 species of birds across the world currently and they can be found in the most remote places on earth.
The Bible’s Reference To Birds
The Bible has numerous references to birds throughout scriptures, from the birds released from Noah’s Ark as a sign of hope and freedom, to Jesus’ instruction to followers to “look at the birds of the air” for lessons about unexpected provision. In the Old Testament, there are references to over fifty different species of birds and in the New Testament, there are over 20 species of birds mentioned.
Most times birds are used in the bible as illustrations to teach spiritual truths. In the Bible, there’s a picture of the birds’ ability to swiftly move through the air, interpreting that such action communicates to the need for believers to be agile and find ways to further their spiritual journey. The bird’s swiftness also signifies a sense of dread upon foes of God (Isaiah 8:8).
Lessons Learnt From Birds
The most notable lesson learnt from birds is Jesus’ use of the birds as an illustration of security. “Consider the birds of the sky: they do not sow, nor do they reap nor collect into barns, yet God feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26). This means, God of the Heavens will make provisions for His people, and He takes special delight in taking care of those He loves.
The Bible also attempts to remind man that there’s a need for him to have consideration for birds. Leviticus 22:8 says “When you offer a bull as a sacrifice of peace to the Lord, make sure not to slaughter it and its offspring on the same day. You shall also not drop the nest of young birds to the ground due to harmlessness and gentleness being imprinted in us by God”.
Birds in the Bible as Symbolism
In its several references to birds, the Bible seeks to use the birds as a symbolism in many ways. In some cases, birds serve as good omens and in some cases, they serve as bad omens. One of the most notable times birds were used in the Bible as symbolism is in Psalm 91:3-5, “For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.”
In this Bible reference, God is symbolically depicted as the eagle that has its wings spread wide with the trait of protection extended to the small prey that are seeking refuge. Here, the wings of the bird serve as an illustration of the love and protection that is available to people.
The Absence of Birds in Different Contexts
There are circumstances in the Bible where absent birds are used as references. An example is seen in Jeremiah 7:33 when God states how “the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth will be driven away” as a result of man’s evil actions. In Revelation 16:3, birds are mentioned as absent when God’s wrath is described, “The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea. And it became blood like that of a dead man and every living thing in the sea died”.
The birds’ absence in these contexts and other references communicates judgment that could befall those who choose to ignore God’s word, as it decorates a display of wrath in the occurrence of bad events, even in the face of birds which signify joy.
Conclusion
Birds are mentioned in the Bible numerous times in various contexts and with various meanings, from symbolic references to being mentioned in conjunction with Scriptures that teach spiritual truths. Whether mentioned in the context of safety, joy, provision, protection or wrath, the endless references to birds in the Bible vividly conveys to believers the importance of obedience and details God’s trustworthiness in the face of varied circumstances.
