God’s Presence and Protection: Understanding Biblical Bird Imagery

Throughout Scripture, God uses rich imagery to help us understand His nature, but it is essential to remember that God is not a bird—He simply chooses to describe Himself using birdlike qualities to reveal His presence, protection, and care.

God Is Not a Dove, But the Holy Spirit Is Described Like One

In the baptism of Jesus, we see one of the most well-known bird metaphors in the Bible:

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him.” (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22)

John the Baptist also testified:

“And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him.’” (John 1:32)

Both Jesus and John the Baptist witnessed this extraordinary moment—the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, resting upon Jesus. The dove here is a symbol, representing God’s presence, peace, and approval over His Son. While the Holy Spirit is not literally a dove, He chose this form to visibly manifest His presence at Jesus’ baptism.

God Is Not a Mother Hen, But He Describes Himself as One

In the Gospels, Jesus used the imagery of a mother hen to express His deep love and longing to protect His people:

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34)

This tender image paints a picture of God’s nurturing and protective nature—like a hen shielding her chicks from harm, God longs to gather, shelter, and care for His people. Yet, He does not force Himself upon us; instead, He invites us into His embrace, leaving the choice to us.

God Is Not an Eagle, But He Carries His People Like One

In the Old Testament, God often used the imagery of eagles and other birds to describe His powerful protection:

“You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11)

These verses illustrate God’s strength and care, showing that He lifts His people, shields them from harm, and rescues them in times of trouble. Just as a powerful eagle carries its young, so God carries His people through trials and into His promises.

God Is Not a Bird, But He Covers and Shield His People Like One

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

“Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.” (Isaiah 31:5)

A Loving, Protective God

Though God is not a bird, He uses these vivid images to help us grasp His heart—His presence like a dove, His tenderness like a mother hen, His strength like an eagle, like an unknown bird. These metaphors remind us that God is both near and mighty, always longing to gather us, carry us, and protect us under His wings.

The question is: Will we take refuge in Him?

* * *
A month before SPARK on February 1st, Pastor JD sighted a hornbill. A week before the March 1st SPARK meeting, in the morning of 22 February 2025, as Pastor Nathan Dunamis of Ipoh was in Sitiawan near the Shekinah Methodist Church, he saw an eagle gliding and hovering over the city, flying very near. Is God like a hornbill? Read more here: https://voanews.xyz/en/from-borneo-to-shekinah-the-fire-of-revival-still-burns/

About the Author

VOA Team

Administrator

Visit Website View All Posts