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Owl, the

The owl in Scripture symbolizes desolation, loneliness, and God's judgment upon the wicked. It appears in biblical law as an unclean animal and in prophetic passages describing the consequences of sin.

Overview

Owls are mentioned throughout Scripture primarily in contexts of judgment and desolation. They inhabited ruins and waste places, making them symbols of abandonment and divine judgment. The owl was classified among unclean birds in the Mosaic Law, forbidden for consumption by God's people.

Key Scriptures

"The owl also and the night hawk and the fisher owl and the cormorant" (Leviticus 11:16-17, ESV) - listed among unclean birds. "I am like an owl of the waste places; I lie awake" (Psalm 102:6, ESV) - expressing loneliness and distress. "And the owl shall possess it, the bittern shall dwell in it" (Isaiah 34:11, ESV) - prophesying desolation as judgment.

Application

Reflect on how Scripture uses natural imagery to illustrate spiritual truths: desolation follows sin, while obedience to God's laws separates His people from spiritual uncleanness.

Scripture References 16
Isaiah 34:15 Psalms 102:6 Isaiah 34:11 Isaiah 34:12 Isaiah 34:13 Isaiah 34:14 Isaiah 13:21 Jeremiah 50:39 Micah 1:8 Psalms 102:6 Leviticus 11:13 Leviticus 11:16 Leviticus 11:16 Leviticus 11:17 Deuteronomy 14:15 Deuteronomy 14:16
Full Topical Reference List 16 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Careful of its young

Isaiah 34:15

Illustrative of mourners

Psalms 102:6

Inhabits deserted cities and houses

Isaiah 13:21 Isaiah 34:11 Isaiah 34:12 Isaiah 34:13 Isaiah 34:14 Jeremiah 50:39

Mournful in voice

Micah 1:8

Solitary in disposition

Psalms 102:6

Unclean and not to be eaten

Leviticus 11:13 Leviticus 11:16

Varieties of

Deuteronomy 14:15 Deuteronomy 14:16 Leviticus 11:16 Leviticus 11:17
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