The study of how frequently and how numerous birds are mentioned in the Bible is a very fascinating as well as a very rewarding undertaking. Jesus, the Master of analogous teaching, often used birds to illustrate a point and to increase the understanding of his listeners. Solomon, who possessed a wealth of knowledge concerning all living creatures, used birds in many of his Proverbs.
Look at some statistics concerning the birds of the Bible. Birds are mentioned in 45 of the 66 books of the Bible. Approximately 50 different species of birds are mentioned in the Bible. There are about 400 different kinds of birds in Palestine, and of the 400 species, 26 are found only in Palestine.
The first mention of birds in the Bible is in Genesis 1:20, where God says: “Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.”
The last mention of birds in the Bible is in Revelation 18:2, where Babylon is referred to as a “cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” To name a few of the birds mentioned in the Bible we have the Bitten, Cock, Crane, Dove, Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Hen, Nighthawk, Ostrich, Owl, Partridge, Peacock, Quail, Rave, Sparrow, Stork, Swallow, Swan, Turtledove and the Vulture.
It is interesting to note that on many occasions, birds were used to render some specific service for God or for God’s people. During the days of Noah, when the rain ceased, a raven was sent to determine whether or not the waters had abated and the land was sufficiently dry.
A raven was also used to bring food to the prophet Elijah when he was hiding at the brook, which is called Cherith.
Quails were sent by God to be consumed as food when the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness.
Turtledoves were used by the Israelites to serve as sacrifices to God.
A rooster was used by Jesus to remind Simon Peter that he had denied Him three times.
Now, there are three birds that can be used to symbolize the Trinity, or as we usually say, The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
In the book of Deuteronomy, the Eagle is used as a symbol of God. The writer says, “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young; spreadeth abroad her wings; so the Lord alone did lead him and there no strange God with him.” (Deut. 32:11)
Now, the Eagle is compared to God for many reasons. First, the Eagle is one of the largest birds to be found in the world. Secondly, the Eagle is the strongest and most powerful bird in the world. Thirdly, the Eagle is one of the swiftest birds in the world. Then the Eagle flies higher than most other birds; he has the keenest eyesight of any bird, and he probably has the longest life span of any bird.
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