The term "bird-like" in a biblical context often refers to characteristics or behaviors that resemble those of birds, such as flight, swiftness, or the ability to transcend earthly limitations. Birds are frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing various spiritual truths and divine attributes.

Symbolism and Imagery

1. Freedom and Transcendence: Birds are often associated with freedom and the ability to rise above earthly concerns. In Isaiah 40:31 , it is written, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, the imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles suggests a divine empowerment and the ability to overcome life's challenges.

2. Divine Care and Provision: Birds are used to illustrate God's provision and care for His creation. In Matthew 6:26 , Jesus says, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage emphasizes God's attentive care for all His creatures, encouraging believers to trust in His provision.

3. Protection and Refuge: The imagery of birds is also used to convey protection and refuge. Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This metaphor portrays God as a protective bird, sheltering His people under His wings.

4. Swiftness and Deliverance: Birds are often associated with swiftness and the ability to deliver messages or bring about change quickly. In Hosea 11:11 , it is written, "They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD." This passage uses bird-like imagery to describe the rapid return and restoration of God's people.

Birds in Biblical Narratives

1. Noah's Ark: Birds play a significant role in the narrative of Noah's Ark. After the flood, Noah sends out a raven and a dove to determine if the waters had receded (Genesis 8:6-12). The dove's eventual return with an olive leaf symbolizes peace and the restoration of the earth.

2. Elijah and the Ravens: In 1 Kings 17:4-6 , God commands ravens to provide food for the prophet Elijah during a time of drought. This miraculous provision underscores God's sovereignty and care, using bird-like creatures to sustain His servant.

3. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is depicted as descending like a dove during the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16). This bird-like imagery signifies purity, peace, and the presence of God, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The bird-like qualities found in Scripture often serve as moral and spiritual lessons for believers. They encourage trust in God's provision, highlight the importance of seeking refuge in Him, and inspire believers to rise above earthly challenges through divine strength. The consistent use of bird imagery throughout the Bible reflects the multifaceted ways in which God's creation can teach and remind His people of His eternal truths.5778. Ophay -- an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Ephai (1). Ephai from. From owph; birdlike; Ephai, an Israelite --
Ephai (from margin). see HEBREW owph. 5777, 5778. Ophay. 5779 . ...
/hebrew/5778.htm - 6k

John Chapter i. 32, 33
... How ought humility to have been represented but by an innocent, sorrowing
bird; not by a proud, exulting bird like the raven? 11. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vi john chapter i.htm

Nicodemus.
... The egg of a bird has in it the capacity to become a bird like the parent, but it
remains a dead thing and will corrupt if the parent forsakes it. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/vii nicodemus.htm

Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius.
... We are unsubstantial dreams, impalpable visions, [2963] like the flight of a passing
bird, like a ship leaving no track upon the sea, [2964] a speck of dust, a ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration vii panegyric on his.htm

Carey's Family and Friends
... Can you not get me a male and female khokora"I mean the great bird like a kite,
which makes so great a noise, and often carries off a duck or a kid? ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter viii careys family and.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... His mother Siris, lady of the rain and clouds, was a bird like himself; but Zu had
as son a vigorous bull, which, pasturing in the meadows, scattered abundance ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Bird-like (2 Occurrences)
Bird-like. Bird-catcher, Bird-like. Bird-net . Multi-Version
Concordance Bird-like (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 8:19 And ...
/b/bird-like.htm - 7k

Noises (4 Occurrences)
... come out of the earth, and your words will be low out of the dust; and your voice
will come out of the earth like that of a spirit, making bird-like noises out ...
/n/noises.htm - 7k

Whisper (9 Occurrences)
... 8:19 And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of
spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is ...
/w/whisper.htm - 10k

Mediums (10 Occurrences)
... 8:19 And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of
spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is ...
/m/mediums.htm - 10k

Bird-catcher
Bird-catcher. Birdcatcher, Bird-catcher. Bird-like . Int. ... BIRD-CATCHER.
burd'-kach-er See FOWLER. Birdcatcher, Bird-catcher. Bird-like . Reference
/b/bird-catcher.htm - 6k

Bird-net (1 Occurrence)
Bird-net. Bird-like, Bird-net. Birds . Multi-Version Concordance Bird-net
(1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Bird-like, Bird-net. Birds . Reference Bible.
/b/bird-net.htm - 6k

Prostrate (25 Occurrences)
... come out of the earth, and your words will be low out of the dust; and your voice
will come out of the earth like that of a spirit, making bird-like noises out ...
/p/prostrate.htm - 14k

Sounds (64 Occurrences)
... 8:19 And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of
spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is ...
/s/sounds.htm - 26k

Arts (48 Occurrences)
... 8:19 And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of
spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is ...
/a/arts.htm - 22k

Birds (125 Occurrences)
... To us it seems a long stretch between the reptile with a frame most nearly
bird-like and a feathered creature, but there is a possibility that forms making ...
/b/birds.htm - 62k

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