Topical Encyclopedia The term "ospray" refers to a bird of prey mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of dietary laws given to the Israelites. The ospray is identified with the modern-day osprey, a large raptor known for its distinctive hunting style and diet primarily consisting of fish. The osprey is recognized for its keen eyesight and powerful talons, which it uses to catch fish from bodies of water.Biblical References: The ospray is mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where it is listed among the birds that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. These dietary laws were part of the broader Mosaic Law, which outlined clean and unclean animals. · Leviticus 11:13-19 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." · Deuteronomy 14:12-18 : "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, every kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Symbolism and Significance: In the biblical context, the ospray, like other birds of prey, is considered unclean. The classification of certain animals as unclean served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to instill a sense of holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of eating the ospray, were part of a covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing purity and separation from pagan practices. The osprey's characteristics, such as its strength and hunting prowess, are admired in nature. However, its inclusion in the list of unclean birds underscores the importance of adhering to divine instructions over natural attributes. The laws concerning clean and unclean animals were not only about physical health but also about spiritual discipline and devotion to God. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, the observance of dietary laws was a daily reminder of the Israelites' unique identity as God's chosen people. The distinction between clean and unclean animals was a tangible expression of their commitment to live according to God's will. The ospray, as a bird of prey, was associated with characteristics that were not aligned with the dietary purity required by the Law. The osprey's presence in the biblical text highlights the comprehensive nature of the dietary laws, which covered a wide range of animals and birds. These laws were part of a broader system of holiness codes that governed various aspects of life, including food, worship, and social conduct. Conclusion: The ospray, as mentioned in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the distinctiveness of the Israelite community. Its classification as an unclean bird reflects the broader theological themes of purity, holiness, and separation that are central to the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The fishhawk.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OSPRAYos'-pra (`ozniyah; haliaetos; Latin Pandion haliaetus): A large hawk preferring a diet of fish. The word is found in the list of abominations only. See Leviticus 11:13 Deuteronomy 14:12. The osprey was quite similar in appearance to some of the smaller eagles, and by some it is thought that the short-toed eagle is intended. But the eagle and the gier-eagle had been specified, and on account of the osprey plunging into water for food and having feet bare to the lower leg-joint and plumage of brighter and more distinctive marking, it seems very probable that it was recognized as a distinctive species, and so named separately. Moreover, the osprey was not numerous as were other hawks and eagles. It was a bird that lived almost wholly on fish, and these were not plentiful in the waters of Palestine. This would tend to make it a marked bird, so no doubt the translation is correct as it stands, as any hawk that lived on fish would have been barred as an article of diet (see Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, 182; also Studers, Birds of North America, p. 16). Strong's Hebrew 5822. ozniyyah -- (a bird of prey) perhaps vulture... ospray. Probably feminine of oz; probably the sea-eagle (from its strength) -- ospray. see HEBREW oz. 5821, 5822. ozniyyah. 5823 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5822.htm - 6k Thesaurus Ospray (2 Occurrences)...OSPRAY. os'-pra (`ozniyah; haliaetos; Latin Pandion haliaetus): A large hawk preferring a diet of fish. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ospray (2 Occurrences). ... /o/ospray.htm - 8k Ossifrage (2 Occurrences) Osprey (4 Occurrences) Gier-eagle (4 Occurrences) Bearded (2 Occurrences) Osnap'par (1 Occurrence) Detestation (5 Occurrences) Disgusting (149 Occurrences) Detestable (121 Occurrences) Abominate (10 Occurrences) Resources Ospray: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ospray (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 11:13 Deuteronomy 14:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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