Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OSTRICH

A large, richly plumed, swift moving, flightless bird of the genus Struthio. Now found in the wild only in Africa, in ancient times ostriches were also plentiful in the barren plains of Western Asia. The biblical writers frequently mention the ostrich (Heb. baṯ hayyaʿănâ; rĕnāîm) as an image of desolation (Isa. 13:21; 34:13; 43:20; Jer. 50:39; cf. Job 30:29; Mic. 1:8).

Though many Western Asian peoples hunted it for food, the Israelites considered the omnivorous ostrich unclean (Lev. 11:16; Deut. 14:15). The ostrich is described as neglectful of its eggs (Job 39:14-16; Lam. 4:3), leaving them to be warmed by the sun during the day and incubated at night. The description of the ostrich as stupid (Job 39:17) arises from this supposed neglect and its inability to take evasive action when pursued.

Nicole J. Ruane






Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)

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Prayer Tents is a Christian mission organization that serves Christians around the world and their local bodies to make disciples ("evangelize") more effectively in their communities. Prayer Tents provides resources to enable Christians to form discipleship-focused small groups and make their gatherings known so that other "interested" people may participate and experience Christ in their midst. Our Vision is to make disciples in all nations through the local churches so that anyone seeking God can come to know Him through relationships with other Christians near them.

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