Owls are mysterious creatures, often symbolizing wisdom or magic in different cultures. With their silent flight and piercing eyes, they’ve captured human imagination for centuries. But beyond the myths and legends, what makes owls so unique? These birds of prey have fascinating behaviors and adaptations that allow them to thrive in the darkness of the night.
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What Does The Bible Say About owls
Leviticus 11:17
“The little owl, the long-eared owl, the barn owl”
In this verse, the various types of owls are mentioned as part of the animals that are considered unclean and therefore not to be eaten according to the dietary laws of the Israelites. It highlights the specific inclusion of owls in the list of unclean birds.
This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of these creatures in the context of ancient Jewish culture and their symbolic association with impurity.
Isaiah 34:11
“But the desert owl and the screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will nest there. God will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation.”
In this verse, the presence of different types of owls is used metaphorically to describe a place of desolation and chaos. It portrays the inhospitable and abandoned state of Edom, which will become a dwelling place for these night-dwelling birds.
The usage of owls in this context emphasizes the solemn judgment and punishment that God will bring upon Edom, reinforcing the negative symbolism often associated with owls in biblical literature.
Job 30:29
“I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of owls.”
In this verse, the speaker laments his diminished social status and compares himself to jackals and owls. The mention of owls highlights a sense of desolation, loneliness, and abandonment.
This verse serves as a depiction of the speaker’s isolation and his identification with creatures that are often associated with darkness and desolation, expressing his deep sorrow and despair.
Psalm 102:6
“I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.”
In this verse, the psalmist compares himself to a desert owl, emphasizing his feelings of loneliness and solitude. The imagery of the owl among ruins conveys a sense of desolation and abandonment.
The use of owls in this context highlights the psalmist’s plea for God’s attention and deliverance from his afflictions, as he likens his own state to that of a forsaken creature in a desolate place.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
In this verse, the consequences of disrespect and disobedience are described, using the imagery of birds, including owls, as instruments of punishment.
This verse serves as a warning against dishonoring and mocking parents, underscoring the severe consequences that await those who choose to disregard the authority and wisdom of their elders.
Isaiah 13:21-22
“But desert creatures will lie there, jackals will fill her houses; there the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will inhabit her strongholds, jackals her luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged.”
In these verses, owls are mentioned as inhabiting the desolate and abandoned cities, along with other creatures. The imagery portrays the desolation and eventual downfall of Babylon.
The use of owls in this context symbolizes the judgment and destruction that befall nations or cities that have strayed from the ways of God, serving as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
Isaiah 34:14
“Wildcats of the desert shall meet with hyenas, goat-demons shall call to each other; there too Lilith shall repose, and find a place to rest.”
In this verse, various creatures, including owls, are listed as inhabitants of desolate and forsaken lands, illustrating a place of darkness and absence of life.
The mention of owls in this context contributes to the overall imagery of desolation and serves to emphasize the destructive consequences of rebellion against God.
Lamentations 4:3
“Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert.”
In this verse, the lack of compassion and care among the people is contrasted with the nurturing behavior of jackals and ostriches. The comparison highlights the moral and emotional state of the people.
While not specifically mentioning owls, this verse serves as a reminder that empathy and compassion are essential traits, contrasting the heartless behavior of the people with the natural instincts of animals in caring for their young.
Deuteronomy 14:16
“the little owl, the short-eared owl, the white owl”
This verse contains a list of birds that are considered unclean for consumption according to the dietary laws of the Israelites. Among these listed birds are owls, emphasizing their inclusion as unclean animals.
The presence of owls in this list reaffirms their symbolic association with impurity and their exclusion from the approved dietary choices of the Israelites.
Job 39:13-15
“The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare with the wings and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them.”
In these verses, the behavior of an ostrich is described, highlighting its lack of wisdom and care for its offspring. The ostrich’s neglect is contrasted with the nurturing nature of other birds, emphasizing its foolishness.
Though not mentioning owls, these verses serve as a reminder of the importance of wisdom and care, contrasting the behavior of certain birds and highlighting their distinct characteristics.
Isaiah 14:23
“I will turn her into a place for owls and into swampland; I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,” declares the Lord Almighty.”
In this verse, the prophecy of Babylon’s downfall is described, using the imagery of owls and swampland. The transformation of Babylon into a desolate place is proclaimed as a result of Divine intervention.
The inclusion of owls in this prophecy reinforces the negative symbolism associated with these birds and serves to emphasize the severity of the judgment that Babylon will face.
Isaiah 34:15
“There the owl will nest and lay eggs, she will hatch them, and care for her young under the shadow of her wings; there also the falcons will gather, each with its mate.”
In this verse, the nesting and nurturing behavior of the owl is highlighted, along with the gathering of falcons with their mates. The imagery creates a sense of life and natural rhythm.
The mention of owls in this context focuses on their maternal instincts and serves as a reminder of the beauty and care found in the natural world, showcasing God’s design and provision for His creatures.
Micah 1:8
“Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl.”
In this verse, the speaker expresses deep sorrow and grief, employing the imagery of a moaning owl to convey the intensity of their anguish.
The mention of owls in this verse evokes a sense of mourning and emphasizes the depth of the speaker’s despair, utilizing nature to illustrate their emotional state.
Nahum 2:12
“The lion mauled enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his lionesses. He filled his lairs with torn prey and his dens with the torn carcasses.”
In this verse, the strength and ferocity of a lion and its provision for its offspring are described. The lion’s success in hunting is portrayed using vivid language.
Although not mentioning owls, this verse serves as a depiction of the natural order and God’s provision, highlighting the instinctual behaviors displayed by animals in meeting the needs of their young.
Isaiah 43:20
“The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen”
In this verse, God’s provision of water in the wilderness is celebrated, and wild animals, including owls, are mentioned as beneficiaries of God’s care.
The inclusion of owls in this passage showcases God’s abundant provision, extending beyond human beings to encompass all creatures, illustrating His love and concern for His creation.
Jeremiah 50:39
“So desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and there the owl will dwell. It will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation.”
In this verse, various creatures, including owls, are mentioned as inhabitants of the desolate and uninhabited Babylon. The prophecy declares the everlasting abandonment of the city.
The mention of owls in this context emphasizes the irrevocable nature of the divine judgment upon Babylon, ensuring its perpetual desolation.
Psalm 102:6-7
“I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places; I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.”
In these verses, the psalmist expresses feelings of isolation and loneliness, comparing themselves to a desert owl and a lonely sparrow.
By using the image of an owl, the psalmist emphasizes their solitude and sleeplessness, describing their deep distress and yearning for God’s mercy and deliverance.
Isaiah 34:13
“Thorns will overrun her citadels, nettles and brambles her strongholds. She will become a haunt for jackals, a home for owls.”
In this verse, the impending desolation of Edom is described, using the imagery of thorns, nettles, jackals, and owls to depict the decay and abandonment of the land.
The mention of owls in this context reinforces the overall imagery of desolation and serves to emphasize the consequences that await nations or cities that defy God’s ways.
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
In this verse, God declares His intention to bring about a transformation, creating new possibilities even in the midst of desolation and barrenness.
Though not specifically mentioning owls, this verse provides a message of hope, emphasizing God’s ability to bring forth life and renewal in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Isaiah 34:11-12
“But the desert owl and the screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will nest there. God will stretch out over it the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation.”
In these verses, the impending judgment and devastation of Edom are described, using the imagery of owls, ravens, and chaos.
The mention of owls in this context emphasizes the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God, underscoring the severity of the judgment that will befall those who choose to oppose His ways.
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
In these verses, the psalmist declares the safety and security found in seeking refuge under the protection of God, emphasizing trust and reliance on His divine care.
Though not mentioning owls, this passage offers comfort and reassurance, highlighting the importance of finding solace in God’s presence and His unwavering love and protection.
Isaiah 13:20-21
“She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; there no nomads will pitch their tents, there no shepherds will rest their flocks. But desert creatures will lie there, jackals will fill her houses; there the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap about.”
In these verses, the prophecy of the desolation of Babylon is described, highlighting its permanent emptiness and the inhabitation by various creatures, including owls.
The mention of owls in this context emphasizes the ultimate downfall of Babylon and serves to illustrate the contrast between its former grandeur and its eventual desolate state.