Birds of the Bible – God Blessed Them

November 12, 2012 by Lee

Osprey Family by Phillip Simmons

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”
(Genesis 1:22 NKJV)

And God H430 blessed H1288 them, saying, H559 Be fruitful, H6509 and multiply, H7235 and fill H4390 (H853) the waters H4325 in the seas, H3220 and let fowl H5775 multiply H7235 in the earth. H776 (Genesis 1:22 KJV+)

I have written before on this verse, but really never looked into this aspect of it. I knew He had told them to multiply and be fruitful, but I missed the “blessing” part. The Lord didn’t just create the birds and then leave them on their own. He cared about them and “blessed” them. Below is the definition of Strong’s Hebrew word and then Thayer’s Greek word for Blessing or Blessed.

Strong – H1288

בּרך
bârak
baw-rak’
A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason): – X abundantly, X altogether, X at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, X greatly, X indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, X still, thank.

Thayer – G2127

εὐλογέω
eulogeō
Thayer Definition:
1) to praise, celebrate with praises
2) to invoke blessings
3) to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers
3a) to ask God’s blessing on a thing
3b) pray God to bless it to one’s use
3c) pronounce a consecratory blessing on
4) of God
4a) to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on
4b) favoured of God, blessed
Part of Speech: verb

Let’s see what some of the commentaries have to say about the birds being blessed by God:

(Chuck Smith) – “But we get the more complex life forms that sort of are a little independent. They’re not rooted, they’re not grounded, they are mobile, and the various cycles that God has created, the whole process is just so marvelous indeed. The water, teeming with life, and then the air, and the many, many kinds of birds and the variety of birds that God has created. And those instinctive abilities in the birds!

American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) at National Aviary by Lee

I’m always fascinated by that little bird in Hawaii that goes up into the Aleutian chain in order to mate. During the summer, they take off from Hawaii and they fly all the way up into Alaska where they mate. They build their nests, they lay the eggs, they hatch their young. And then with the coming of winter, they don’t want to spend winter in Alaska — and who can blame them. And you have to almost envy them, spending their winters in Hawaii. They take off over the thousands of miles without suitcases, without spare gas tanks, without compasses or navigational equipment. And they come and fly right into Hawaii, sometimes they get into severe storms, one-hundred, two-hundred mile an hour winds that blow them off course, but somehow they find their way right in. You say, “oh, they remember the way they flew out.”

How do they reckon? Some think they have some kind of device that tunes on the magnetic field of the earth. I don’t know. But, really, they’re not following the same path, so that argument’s sort of shot down, because, really, the parents decide to leave for Hawaii before the kids are able to fly that far. So, the parents fly off to Hawaii, leaving their kids in Alaska! But, it doesn’t seem to matter, cause a couple of weeks later, their kids take off and they fly right to Hawaii. Never been there before, yet somehow, God has built into this little bird that kind of instinct; and that’s a bird brain. And it’s not a very big kind of a computer. Talk about microsystems!

Oh, the wisdom of God, the wisdom of God. How thrilling to be able to see the design in nature, all testifying of the wisdom of the God that I serve. I’m so glad that I serve Him. I’m so glad that I know Him. Such a glorious God, so wise; all of these created life forms. Now, He created also the mammals, the great whales. He created the animals, the domesticated-type animals, all after their own kind.

And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in nest by Ray

(John Gill) – “Genesis 1:22

And God blessed them,…. With a power to procreate their kind, and continue their species, as it is interpreted in the next clause, saying, be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas: and these creatures do multiply exceedingly, and vast quantities there are of them in the mighty waters, though the consumption of some sorts of them is very great. Our English word “fish” is derived from the Hebrew word פוש, “fush”, which signifies to multiply and increase:

and let fowl multiply in the earth; as they did, and continue to do to this day.”

(Matthew Henry) – “2. The blessing of them, in order to their continuance. Life is a wasting thing. Its strength is not the strength of stones. It is a candle that will burn out, if it be not first blown out; and therefore the wise Creator not only made the individuals, but provided for the propagation of the several kinds; God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply, Gen_1:22. God will bless his own works, and not forsake them; and what he does shall be for a perpetuity, Ecc_3:14. The power of God’s providence preserves all things, as at first his creating power produced them. Fruitfulness is the effect of God’s blessing and must be ascribed to it; the multiplying of the fish and fowl, from year to year, is still the fruit of this blessing. Well, let us give to God the glory of the continuance of these creatures to this day for the benefit of man. See Job_12:7, Job_12:9. It is a pity that fishing and fowling, recreations innocent in themselves, should ever be abused to divert any from God and their duty, while they are capable of being improved to lead us to the contemplation of the wisdom, power, and goodness, of him that made all these things, and to engage us to stand in awe of him, as the fish and fowl do of us.”

(Haydock Commentary) – “Genesis 1:22

Blessed them, or enabled them to produce others. — Multiply: the immense numbers and variety of fishes and fowls is truly astonishing.”

(K & D) – “As animated beings, the water animals and fowls are endowed, through the divine blessing, with the power to be fruitful and multiply. The word of blessing was the actual communication of the capacity to propagate and increase in numbers.”

(John Wesley) – “Observe, 2, The blessing of them in order to their continuance. Life is a wasting thing, its strength is not the strength of stones; therefore the wise Creator not only made the individuals, but provided for the propagating of the several species, Gen_1:22. God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply – Fruitfullness is the effect of God’s blessing, and must be ascribed to it; the multiplying of the fish and fowl from year to year, is still the fruit of this blessing here.”

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) ©©Flickr

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalms 107:31 KJV)

The Lord not only blessed the birds, but provided them with the instinct and DNA to be able to reproduce and adapt to the changing conditions. Those that have not been able or suffered disasters be they natural or man-made have become extinct. The “kinds” have produced great varieties (over 10,400 species) that we enjoy as we study and view the different families. While He blessed the birds, in turn, we are blessed because we are able to enjoy the vast variety of these avian creations. Praise the Lord!

Birds of the Bible

Birds of the World

Bird of the Week

Nuggets Plus – More of Him…

November 9, 2012 by a j mithra

Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) by Ian

More of Him… ~ by ajmithra

When female Zebra Finches
have no option,
but to mate with an ugly male,
they tend to lay larger-than-normal eggs.
The researchers say,
that the females
are compensating
for the lack of its
genetic fitness of the father,
by giving their offspring
an egg containing
extra nutrients
and
more space to grow..

Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) ©WikiC Female -2 young

Jesus too compensated

for all our sins,
our shortcomings,
our pride,
our ego,
our ugly,
stinking life,

on the cross of Calvary,
so that we may
never feel weak again
and
we may have more of HIM
and less of I…

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 KJV)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:

Crosstree

ajmithra21

More of a j mithra’s Articles:

Birds of the Bible – Shelter in the Storm

October 31, 2012 by Lee

Under His Wings – ( Male Pink-necked Green Pigeon by Rik Seet)

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. (Psalms 57:1 NKJV)

In our devotions this morning, we read Psalm 57. The first verse caught my attention because of the shelter from the wings of a bird. Also, I just received again the above picture in an e-mail. Only about the 30th time I have received it. Apparently it is as precious to others as it is to me.

With the Hurricane – Superstorm Sandy just passing by the last few days, this is a good time to remember to put and keep our trust in the Lord.

The beginning of that verse has this title attached: “To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” a Michtam of David When He Fled from Saul into the Cave.” David was trying to hide from Saul, just as those up north have been trying to hide from that storm.

“David took refuge under the shelter of God’s wings. He stood “steadfast,” a term indicating firmness, certainty, and determination (v.7). His faith was not blown about by the wind. He clung tenaciously to God. That is why today’s psalm spends more time on the character off God than on the writer’s circumstances.’ (Today in the Word, Day 16, Psalms)

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise. (Psalms 57:7 NKJV)

Another quote, “the prayer (vv 1-4) emphasizes God’s character. He is merciful, protecting, caring, just, and faithful. The enemy may be “ravenous beasts,” but the psalmist can hide beneath His wings as a chick hides beneath a mother bird.”

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men Who are set on fire, Whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. (Psalms 57:1-4 NKJV)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) babies ©WikiC (Lukasz_Lukasik)

Verses 5 and 11 “focuses our attention on God’s chief attribute–His glory and worthiness to be worshiped”

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. (Psalms 57:5 NKJV)

Our prayers and thoughts are with those going through this storm. We have been there in the midst of hurricanes before (Andrew, Charlie, Jean, Frances and those that passed near) and we know it is hard, but there is always a peace that only the Lord can give to get you through. Look to Him.

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible

Birds of the Bible – Sorry For Their Creation?

October 26, 2012 by Lee

Rose-Crowned Fruit-Dove by Birdway

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Genesis 6:5-8 NKJV)

Now that is an interesting passage from Scripture. Does God change His Mind? I don’t believe He does, but let’s look see what some of the Commentary writers have to say. The bolding mine.

White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) by Africaddict

(Believer’s Bible Commentary) – “6:6, 7 The Lord’s sorrow does not indicate an arbitrary change of mind, though it seems that way to man. Rather, it indicates a different attitude on God’s part in response to some change in man’s behavior. Because He is holy, He must react against sin.”

(Barnes – this is long but interesting) – Gen_6:7 – I will wipe away man from the face of the soil. – The resolve is made to sweep away the existing race of man. Heretofore, individuals had departed this life. Adam himself had long since paid the debt of nature. These solemn testimonies to the universal doom had not made any salutary or lasting impression on the survivors. But now a general and violent destruction is to overtake the whole race – a standing monument of the divine wrath against sin, to all future generations of the only family saved.
From man to cattle, creeper and fowl of the sky. – These classes of animated nature being mingled up with man are involved in the same ruin with him. This is of a piece with the curse laid upon the serpent, which was the unconscious organ of the tempter. It is an instance of a law which runs through the whole course of nature, as we observe that it is the method of the divine government to allow for the time the suffering inflicted on an inferior animal, or even on a fellow-creature, by selfish passion. It has an appearance to some minds of harshness and unfairness. But we must remember that these animated creatures are not moral, and, therefore, the violent termination of their organic life is not a punishment; that the pain incidental to this, being apart from guilt, is in itself a beneficial provision for the conservation of life; and that it was not intended that the life of animals should be perpetual. The return of the land to a state of desolation by the destruction of animal and vegetable life, however, has its lesson for man, for whom ultimately all of this beauty and fertility were designed, and from whom it is now withdrawn, along with all the glories it foreshadows, as part of the punishment of his guilt. The tenant has become unworthy of the tabernacle, and accordingly he is dispossessed, and it is taken down and removed.

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) by S Slayton

(Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown) – Genesis 6:5-6 – God saw it … repented … grieved — God cannot change (Malachi_3:6; James_1:17); but, by language suited to our nature and experience, He is described as about to alter His visible procedure towards mankind – from being merciful and long-suffering, He was about to show Himself a God of judgment; and, as that impious race had filled up the measure of their iniquities, He was about to introduce a terrible display of His justice (Ecc_8:11).

(Matthew Henry) – 4. Even the brute-creatures were to be involved in this destruction – Beasts, and creeping things, and the fowls of the air. These were made for man, and therefore must be destroyed with man; for it follows: It repenteth me that I have made them; for the end of their creation also was frustrated. They were made that man might serve and honour God with them; and therefore were destroyed because he had served his lusts with them, and made them subject to vanity. 5. God took up this resolution concerning man after his Spirit had been long striving with him in vain. None are ruined by the justice of God but those that hate to be reformed by the grace of God.

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) by Africaddict

(Guzik) – “b. The Lord was sorry that He had made man . . . He was grieved in His heart: God’s sorrow at man, and the grief in His heart, are striking. This does not mean that creation was out of control, nor does it mean that God hoped for something better but was unable to achieve it. God knew all along that this was how things would turn out, but our text tells us loud and clear that as God sees His plan for the ages unfold, it affects Him. God is not unfeeling in the face of human sin and rebellion.”

(Wesley) – “Genesis 6:7 – I will destroy man – The original word is very significant. I will wipe off man from off the earth; as dirt is wiped off from a place which should be clean, and thrown to the dunghill. Or, I will blot out man from the earth, as those lines are blotted out of a book which displease the author, or as the name of a citizen is blotted out of the rolls of the freemen when he is disfranchised. Both man and beast the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air – These were made for man, and therefore must be destroyed with man. It repenteth me that I have made them – For the end of their creation also was frustrated: they were made that man might serve and honour God with them and therefore were destroyed, because he had served his lusts with them, and made them subject to vanity.

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) w young ©USFWS

These are just some of the remarks from the Commentaries that I have on my e-Sword program, which I use often. My understanding is that God had created both man and beasts/birds. They were suppose to serve Him and use the birds in His service also. After the fall, (Genesis 3) that is when things changed. Man continued sinned more and more until it was continually night and day – “24/7”. Apparently, they even used the creatures and birds in evil ways. Enough was enough and God had reached the end of his long suffering and had to use justice. Because of His Love, he could not let things continue. Gospel Presentation

Now we see such beautiful birds and wonder how much impressive were they like in their unfallen state. I am so thankful that God saved Noah’s family and at least 2 of each animal and 7 pairs of each of the birds. We see some glimpse of what they must have been like. We also, unfortunately, see the results of the curse on many of our avian friends.

More Birds of the Bible

Birds of the Bible – The Common Ostrich

October 24, 2012 by Lee

Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) at Riverbanks Zoo SC by Lee

Dan and I just recently were on vacation and stopped by the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia, SC. I have see Ostriches before, but it has been awhile. We see the Emus at Zoo Tampa often, but they are not nearly as tall as the Ostrich. I had forgotten that the Lord had created such a huge bird.

The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, But are her wings and pinions like the kindly stork’s? For she leaves her eggs on the ground, And warms them in the dust; She forgets that a foot may crush them, Or that a wild beast may break them. She treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers; Her labor is in vain, without concern, Because God deprived her of wisdom, And did not endow her with understanding. When she lifts herself on high, She scorns the horse and its rider. (Job 39:13-18 NKJV)

The Ostrich does belong to the Struthionidae Family. Currently there are two; the Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Somali Ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes). The one we saw was the Common. The Ostrich is the largest bird in the world! They are omnivorous flightless birds but make up for their inability to fly with the powerful legs they possess. These birds were built for speed. That is why the reference to the horse and rider. Ostriches can give a horse competition for at least a burst of speed.

Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Foot at Riverbanks Zoo SC by Lee

Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Foot back at Riverbanks Zoo SC by Lee

“Ostriches usually weigh from 140–320 lb (63 to 145 kilograms), Ostriches of the East African race (S. c. massaicus) averaged 250 lb (115 kg) in males and 220 lb (100 kg) in females, while the nominate subspecies was found to average 240 lb (111 kg) in unsexed adults. At sexual maturity (two to four years), male ostriches can be from 6 ft 11 in to 9 ft 2 in (2.1 to 2.8 m) in height, while female ostriches range from 5 ft 7 in to 6 ft 7 in (1.7 to 2 m) tall. New chicks are fawn with dark brown spots. During the first year of life, chicks grow about 10 in (25 cm) per month. At one year of age, ostriches weigh around 100 lb (45 kilograms). Their lifespan is up to 40 or 45 years.” (Wikipedia with editing)

Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Foot front at Riverbanks Zoo SC by Lee

I am not sure how tall these were, but they had to be close to 8 feet. As I was observing them, I was trying to remember all that the verses said about them. That is one reason I took pictures of their feet. I knew that their feet and legs helped them run, but also that those same feet were a danger to their young ones. They do have big feet and with an interesting shape as you can see from the photos.

If you notice the size of their head to their body, maybe that is how the Lord “did not endow her with understanding.” The head is interesting though because they are one of the few birds that have eyelashes. They have acute eyesight and hearing, the long neck and legs keep their head up to 9 ft (2.8 m) above the ground, and their eyes are said to be the largest of any land vertebrate – 2.0 in (50 mm) in diameter; they can therefore perceive predators at a great distance. The eyes are shaded from sun light falling from above. However, the head and bill are relatively small for the birds’ huge size”

Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Head at Riverbanks Zoo SC by Lee

Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. (Psalms 96:1-4 NKJV)

Links:

Birds of the Bible – Ostrich

Bible Birds – Ostrich

Struthionidae – Ostriches

Ostrich – Creation Wiki

Ostrich – Wikipedia

Ostrich – The Largest Bird with the Biggest Eyes

The Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes – The Flowing Worship and the Formal Worship..

October 23, 2012 by a j mithra

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) ©WikiC

The Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes – The flowing worship and the formal worship.. ~ by a j mithra

The Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes
are very similar species
whose breeding ranges overlap slightly.
Their songs and their habitats, while similar,
differ significantly.
The pitch of the beginning notes
of the Louisiana’s song usually descend,
just as does the hilly stream
that is its preferred habitat.

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) ©hjhipster

The Northern Waterthrush prefers
bogs and waters that are flat,
just as its beginning notes stay
on the same pitch.

What sort of worship life
do we lead?

Does worship flow from within us?

Cos, when the Living Water flows
from within us,
our worship too would flow
like the Living Water.
When our life is stagnant
our worship too would turn
stale and stagnant…
Its time for us to switch on the
Search light to check,
if we have a flowing worship
or a formal worship…
Remember,
when worship flows
blessing follows…
“Whoever believes in me,
as the Scripture has said,

Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:
Crosstree

ajmithra21

See more of a j’s articles here:

a j mithra

Also:

Waterthrushes – Wikipedia

Northern Watherthrush – All About Birds

Louisiana Waterthrush – All About Birds

Parulidae – New World Warblers

Birds of the Bible – Trees and Birds

October 6, 2012 by Lee

Eagle in Tree on a windy day by Dan

These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it. (Daniel 4:10-12 NKJV)

What an interesting passage. Actually, this was part of the vision or dream that Nebuchadnezzar had and he is revealing it to Daniel. He is looking for an explanation for it. (See Daniel 4:19 + for the interpretation)

Daniel gives him the interpretation in the rest of the Chapter 4, but I want to concentrate on the tree and the birds. I have seen so many photos and witnessed birds enjoying themselves in the trees. The Lord created them all and provides for the tree, the beast, the birds, and us.

The trees provide food (fruit and seeds), leaves give shade for the animals and birds, the limbs provide a resting place, especially for birds, but I have seen a few leopards and koalas resting on them also.

Verse like:

Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray

By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. (Psalms 104:12 NKJV)

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) by Daves BirdingPix

The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted, (Psalms 104:16 NKJV) (Many birds like the sap – Sapsuckers for one)

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in nest by Ray

Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees. (Psalms 104:17 NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20 NKJV)

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 NKJV)

Cedar Waxwing on Cedar Tree at Birdwatchers Digest.

Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish. (1 Kings 4:33 NKJV)

Our Great Creator has wonderfully designed so many things to work together to provide for each other. Birds need trees and trees need birds. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving. And don’t you just enjoy watching the birds in the trees?

For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 117:2 NKJV)

Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, For great is the glory of the LORD. (Psalms 138:5 NKJV)

Scarlet Myzomela (Myzomela sanguinolenta) by Ian

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. (Psalms 147:5 NKJV)

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17 NKJV)

Birds of the Bible – Where Did They Go?

September 29, 2012 by Lee

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) ©Arthur Grosset

Where did they go? I was wondering that a little over a week ago when we drove 50 miles to Orlando. I keep a small notebook and write down the birds we see as Dan drives. As cross into each county, I start my list for that county by drawing a line, putting the time, temperature if I know it, and what the sky looks like. Other than a Turkey Vulture or Black Vulture in each county, nothing was flying. We saw a few grackles, a Mockingbird, and a few Fish Crows. Coming back, one county I wrote “none” on my notebook. Normally here in Central Florida, we see birds around the ponds and lake. Nothing that day.

The next day, we drove 50 the other direction to Tampa to go to the Lowry Park Zoo. I knew those birds would be there. They are captive. I had the same results. One or two birds, but nothing flying. When I attended church the next day, I had several people tell me that they hadn’t seen any birds at their feeders and wondered if I knew why. I didn’t and don’t have a clue.

I am curious if it is that way up north when the birds start their migrations. You see them one day and then not the next. Our summer birds seem to be here year-round, or at least I thought so.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) by Lee

All of that reminded me of the verses in Jeremiah:

I beheld, and indeed there was no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled. (Jeremiah 4:25 NKJV)

I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, And for the dwelling places of the wilderness a lamentation, Because they are burned up, So that no one can pass through; Nor can men hear the voice of the cattle. Both the birds of the heavens and the beasts have fled; They are gone. (Jeremiah 9:10 NKJV)

That also caused me to think about this past summer. Where did it go? Where did those days and hours go that I had so many plans for. I especially thought I would work on this blog while the birds were gone north for the summer. Well, guess what? Here it is Autumn and it didn’t happen. In fact I am busier now than before they left. I was putting out about one article a day and now struggle to get one out every few days.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Reinier Munguia

Do these verses cause you also to consider where time goes?

Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah (Psalms 39:5 NKJV)

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NKJV)

This post is just a “rambling” post, but I’m sure most of those who visit here that have blogs have felt the same way at times. I don’t want to just put a post up just for the sake of putting one up. I prefer for it to mean, instill or teach something.

ActiveLink for today

Seems like lately, everything vies for my time. I have been on Weight Watchers since January (lost 30 lbs so far) and now even they are after my time. They recently released “ActiveLink” which monitors our movements. Sitting at a computer for hours, does not movement make. So now I have to get up and, ugh, exercise every so often or at least walk around. It will be worth it, but it takes “TIME.” That isn’t the only thing I have added lately. I am in new Ladies Bible Study and now I have “homework.” Time, time, time, where does it go?

Can you relate to any of this? I would venture to say many of you can. Oh, but isn’t the Lord great? When we do get time to see his fantastic creation, especially His birds, don’t they bring joy to you?

Birds of the Bible – Bluebirds

September 22, 2012 by Lee

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) by J Fenton

Cranes know when it’s time to move south for winter. And robins, warblers, and bluebirds know when it’s time to come back again. But my people? My people know nothing, not the first thing of GOD and his rule. (Jeremiah 8:7 MSG)

As far as I know, the only Version of the Bible (English) that used the word “bluebirds is the Message. It is not a version I use, but that verse makes for chance to write about the Bluebirds. In many of the other versions, “Thrush” is used. Bluebirds are in the Turdidae – Thrushes Family. There are three species; the Eastern, Western and Mountain Bluebirds. In a completely different family, the Irenidae – Fairy-bluebirds Family you will find the Asian and Philippine Fairy-bluebirds. These are not “thrushes” per se.

This verse has been written about in Birds of the Bible – Thrush and Thrushes II. It mentions that the birds know more about migration than the people know that much about God and His dominion.

Do the Bluebirds migrate? Only the Eastern Bluebird. Here is their range map. Yellow is summer, blue – winter and green is year round. The summer breeding range extends as far north as the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Montana. The northern Western Bluebirds can migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. The mountain bluebird is migratory. The Mountain Bluebird range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter.

Eastern_Bluebird-rangemap rangemap Y-Sum B-win G-yr rnd

So, not so sure that was a good choice of birds to use especially since they aren’t even anywhere near the Middle East. Nevertheless they are beautiful birds that the Lord has created for His pleasure and our enjoyment. The majority of their diet is “insects and other invertebrates. The remainder of the bird’s diet is made up of wild fruits. Favored insect foods include grasshoppers, crickets, katydids, and beetles. Other food items include earthworms, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, sow bugs and snails. (Eastern) Bluebirds are very helpful with pest control in the territory surrounding the nest.”

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) by Daves BirdingPix

All three of them are cavity dwellers or nest box residents. They are all territorial and “Bluebirds can typically produce between two and four broods during the spring and summer (March through August in the Northeastern United States). Males identify potential nest sites and try to attract prospective female mates to those nesting sites with special behaviors that include singing and flapping wings, and then placing some material in a nesting box or cavity. If the female accepts the male and the nesting site, she alone builds the nest and incubates the eggs.”

“The bluebirds are a group of medium-sized, mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the genus Sialia of the thrush family (Turdidae). Bluebirds are one of the few thrush genera in the Americas. They have blue, or blue and red, plumage. Female birds are less brightly colored than males, although color patterns are similar and there is no noticeable difference in size between sexes.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) juvenile by Quy Tran

Western Bluebirds are sometimes confused with other bluebirds, however they can be distinguished without difficulty. The Western Bluebird has a blue (male) or gray (female) throat, the Eastern Bluebird has an orange throat, and the Mountain Bluebird lacks orange color anywhere on its body.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) ©WikiC

I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)

See:

Birds of the Bible

Birds of the Bible – Thrushes

Eastern, Western, Mountian Bluebirds – Wikipedia

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible – Smith’s Sparrow

September 13, 2012 by Lee

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) by J Fenton

While looking up the word “birds” in the Dictionary section of my e-Sword program, there is an “i” symbol that shows on the tab of the name of a dictionary. That “i” indicates that there is information about your search word. The Smith’s Bible Dictionary had an “i” so I investigated it. This is what I saw:

Birds
Birds. See Sparrow.

So when I went there, this interesting definition of “sparrow” was found and I wanted to share it with you.

Eurasian Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) by Ian

Sparrow

Sparrow. (Hebrew, tzippor, from a root signifying to “chirp” or “twitter”, which appears to be a phonetic representation of the call-note of any passerine (sparrow-like) bird). This Hebrew word occurs upwards of forty times in the Old Testament. In all passages, except two, it is rendered by the Authorized Version indifferently as “bird” or “fowl,” and denotes any small bird, both of the sparrow-like species and such as the starling, chaffinch, greenfinch, linnet, goldfinch, corn-bunting, pipits, blackbird, song-thrush, etc. In Psalm 84:3, and Psalm 102:7, it is rendered “sparrow.”

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. (Psalms 84:3 KJV)

I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. (Psalms 102:7 KJV)

Anyone for a Sparrow Snack?

The Greek, stauthion, (Authorized Version, “sparrow”), occurs twice in the New Testament, Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6-7. (The birds above mentioned are found in great numbers in Palestine, and are of very little value, selling for the merest trifle, and are, thus, strikingly used by our Saviour, Matthew 10:20, as an illustration of our Father’s care for his children. — Editor).

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29 KJV)

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 KJV)

Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) by Nikhil Devasar

The blue thrush, (Petrocossyphus cyaneus), is probably the bird to which the psalmist alludes in Psa_102:7, as “the sparrow that sitteth alone upon the house-top.” It is a solitary bird, eschewing the society of its own species, and rarely more than a pair are seen together. The English tree-sparrow, (Passer montanus), is also very common, and may be seen in numbers on Mount Olivet, and also about the sacred enclosure of the mosque of Omar. This is, perhaps, the exact species referred to in Psalm 84:3.

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. (Psalms 84:3 KJV)

House Sparrows visiting National Aviary Parrot Show by Lee

House Sparrows visiting NA Parrot Show Outside

Dr. Thompson, in speaking of the great numbers of the house-sparrows and field-sparrows in troublesome and impertinent generation, and nestle just where you do not want them. “They stop your stove — and water-pipes with their rubbish, build in the windows and under the beams of the roof, and would stuff your hat full of stubble in half a day, if they found it hanging in a place to suit them.”

(I added the verses to make it easier and also the “blue thrush, (Petrocossyphus cyaneus)” could not be found. Photos also inserted.)

The Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) is a species of chat. This thrush-like Old World flycatcher was formerly placed in the family Turdidae. It is now found in the Muscicapidae family.

Sparrows are found in two families today. The Family – Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies and the Family – Passeridae – Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches.

Smith’s Bible Dictionary, originally named A Dictionary of the Bible, was a 19th century Bible dictionary containing upwards of four thousand entries that became named after its editor, William Smith. Its popularity was such that condensed dictionaries appropriated the title, “Smith’s Bible Dictionary”.

The original dictionary was published as a three volume set in 1863, in London and Boston, USA. This first edition was followed in 1893 by an expanded four volume version which was published in the United States as A dictionary of the Bible comprising its antiquities, biography, geography, and natural history, edited by Smith and J. M. Fuller.

The original publications are now in the public domain; some derivative, commercial versions are still in copyright.

Bible Birds – Sparrows I

September 11, 2012 by Lee

Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) by Nikhil Devasar

In the Bible, the Sparrows are mentioned in 7 verses. Check out these from the NKJV:

Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. (Psalms 84:3 NKJV)

I lie awake, And am like a sparrow alone on the housetop. (Psalms 102:7 NKJV)

Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight. (Proverbs 26:2 NKJV)

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. (Matthew 10:29 NKJV)

Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31 NKJV)

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. (Luke 12:6 NKJV)

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7 NKJV)

Sparrows are not always thought of very highly. Many people think they are just “little brown birds” and are of no use. But is that what the Scriptures says in those verses? No.

What can you learn from those verses?

The sparrow has found a ____________

The sparrow is found on the __________________

How does the sparrow fly? (see Proverbs 26:2) _______________

Who is aware of or allows a sparrow to fall to the ground? ______________

Are sparrows forgotten by God? ______________

How many sparrows were sold for one copper coin? ________

For two copper coins? ___________

Who is more valuable, you or a sparrow? _____________

We will talk more about Sparrows in the next Bible Birds – Sparrows II. For now, here are a few pictures of different Sparrows around the world.

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Bible Birds – Sparrows

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible – Patient Herons

September 6, 2012 by Lee

Tricolored Heron at Vierra Wetlands, Vierra, FL

I watch Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons and Green Herons which are quite common in our area. They are all in the same family and all seem to have a characteristic of being very patient. Have you just sat and watched them? When you are out birdwatching it is a habit of those in the Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns Family to stand very still and wait for some food to swim by or to lean over and strike a pose. They freeze other than a side-to-side movement of their neck.

Herons are mentioned twice in the Bible, and only in a list of unclean birds to not eat. Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18.

the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. (Leviticus 11:19 NKJV)

the stork, the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat. (Deuteronomy 14:18 NKJV)

Here is a video of a Great Egret at Lake Parker looking for something in a tree. I strung three short videos together. Taken back in 2008.

The Herons are so patient it reminds me that I need to be more patient. So, here are some of the verses in Scripture that tell us to be patient or to wait:

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. (Psalms 37:7 NKJV)

…I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. (Psalms 40:1 NKJV)

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV)

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, (2 Timothy 2:24 NKJV)

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) ©WikiC

Here’s a good one for us and the heron when he catches his fish:

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:15 NKJV)

And then one of my favorite passages that has to with waiting, even though the Eagle is mentioned instead of the Heron.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31 NKJV)

Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective

Tag Archives: Bible

Birds of the Bible – God Blessed Them

Nuggets Plus – More of Him…

Birds of the Bible – Shelter in the Storm

Birds of the Bible – Sorry For Their Creation?

Birds of the Bible – The Common Ostrich

The Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes – The Flowing Worship and the Formal Worship..

Birds of the Bible – Trees and Birds

Birds of the Bible – Where Did They Go?

Birds of the Bible – Bluebirds

Birds of the Bible – Smith’s Sparrow

Bible Birds – Sparrows I

Bible Birds – Sparrows

Wordless Birds

Birds of the Bible – Patient Herons

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