Topical Bible: Raven: Cared for by Divine Providence

◄ Raven: Cared for by Divine Providence ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The raven, a bird often associated with desolation and mystery, holds a unique place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's providential care and the broader themes of provision and sustenance. The raven is mentioned in several key passages throughout the Bible, each highlighting different aspects of God's interaction with His creation.

Noah and the Raven

The first mention of the raven occurs in the account of Noah and the Flood. After the waters began to recede, Noah sent out a raven to see if the land had dried. Genesis 8:7 states, "And he sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth." The raven's role here is significant as it symbolizes the beginning of a new era and the restoration of the earth. Despite its reputation as an unclean bird, the raven was used by God to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that all creatures are under His sovereign care.

Elijah and the Ravens

One of the most striking examples of divine providence involving ravens is found in the account of the prophet Elijah. During a time of drought and famine, God commanded Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith, promising him sustenance. In 1 Kings 17:4-6 , God says, "You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." The passage continues, "The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook." This miraculous provision underscores God's ability to use even the most unlikely of creatures to care for His people, highlighting His omnipotence and faithfulness.

Ravens in Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible also reflects on the raven as a testament to God's care for creation. In Job 38:41 , God challenges Job with a series of questions about the natural world, asking, "Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?" This rhetorical question emphasizes God's intimate involvement in the sustenance of all living things, reinforcing the theme that He is the ultimate provider.

Jesus' Teaching on Ravens

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the raven to illustrate God's provision in His teachings. In Luke 12:24 , Jesus says, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than birds!" Here, the raven serves as a powerful reminder of God's care for humanity. If God provides for the ravens, which neither sow nor reap, how much more will He provide for His people, who are of greater value to Him?

Symbolism and Lessons

Throughout the biblical narrative, the raven is a symbol of God's providence and care. Despite its status as an unclean bird, the raven is used by God to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His care extends to all of creation. The lessons drawn from the raven's appearances in Scripture encourage believers to trust in God's provision and to recognize His sovereignty over all aspects of life. The raven, often seen as a creature of mystery, becomes a testament to the divine care that sustains the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are you better than the fowls?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... It was wisely ordered by Divine Providence, that before the king ... and then with sinful
ceremonies in divine worship ... soul to care for, and they both cared for that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... drawing near to God, that he little cared whether the ... desiring that which will most
advance the divine life and ... to repeat the miracle of sending it by a raven? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... bringeth forth a viper, and a bad raven lays a ... as both describe the dreadfulness
of the divine judgment. ... death (Jeremiah 2:6), and affectionately cared for all ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... judgment"in fact, all his works, are peculiarly calculated to inform the minds of
the millions"to reform bad habits, and, under the divine blessing, to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm