Birds of a Feather Flock Together
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| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
Everyone is familiar with the phrase (or proverb), "Birds of a feather flock together." That proverb is used to refer to the many ways in which we humans who share common interests (both natural and spiritual) will naturally group ourselves together in a given situation, similar to how birds of the same species flock together. That is called "human nature." The proverb is an example of a metaphor, where the literal meaning, related to birds, is figuratively used to relate to humans. In nature, birds of a single species do in fact frequently form flocks. During warm, seasonal days we commonly see a flock of birds flying together; and they always seem to have a "leader." (I wonder if the leader of a flock of birds feels important!) Ornithologists explain this behavior as a "safety in numbers" tactic to reduce the risk of predators. Psychologists tell us that a leader will always emerge out of any gathering of people.
This principle is scriptural as well. The first example in the Bible when men tried to be "together" is in Genesis 11:1-9, when men set out to build a tower that would reach unto heaven (man's attempt to reach God). That was the origin of Babylon.
Now let us consider a few verses in Genesis that illustrate prophetically that proverb.
9 And He said unto him, Take Me a heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. Genesis 15:9-10
This was in preparation of Genesis 15:17, when the smoking furnace and the burning lamp passed between the pieces, which speaks of the covenant between God the Father and God the Son, a covenant which can never be broken. It is that covenant that all Christians are called to enter into. Note that Genesis 15:18 speaks of a different and second covenant between the LORD and Abram. Any covenant between God and man will always be broken from man's side but never from God's side. We assume that a piece of the heifer was on one side and a piece on the other side; a piece of the she goat was on one side and a piece on the other side; a piece of the ram was on one side and a piece on the other side. Since the birds were not divided, we assume the turtledove was on one side and the young pigeon on the other side. We should note that later, under the Mosaic Law, those animals and birds were used for a sin offering.
The animals and birds in that verse speak prophetically of three classes or types of Christian believers. The heifer, she goat, and ram collectively represent those believers who are "me-centered," such as displayed at the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians. The turtledove (or mourning dove or rain dove) represents those believers who, as ministers to the Lord, mourn for the body of Christ to mature. They are those ministers of the Lord who weep between the porch and the altar (Joel 2:17). They identify with the heartbeat of the Lord; they identify with His intercession (Hebrews 7:25). They identify with His weeping over [spiritual] Jerusalem. The young pigeon represents those believers whose heart, motivation, etc. is right but they do not have sufficient feathers yet. They require further work within them so that Christ might increase within them and the carnal flesh might decrease.
If that is a true exegesis of Genesis 15:9, and I am persuaded that it is, then we need to consider the significance of that a bit further. We must acknowledge that Genesis 15:9 encompasses all of us who claim to be Christian believers. There are no more animals and no more birds listed in that verse. What does that mean for us? Hopefully, no believer listening to this word falls into the category of the heifer, the she goat, and the ram (although from observation and experience there are far too many believers who unfortunately are caught in that trap and do not know it).
We hope to clarify some of the significance of Genesis 15:9-10 for each one of us … you and me. Note that the heifer, the she goat, and the ram were killed, but nothing is explicitly said about the birds being killed. A heifer is a female calf, nearly grown. The word "heifer" comes from a root word meaning "circular, or to revolve." The word "she goat" comes from a Hebrew word which means "harden, impudent, or strengthen self." The word "ram" is a Hebrew word which means "strength or powerful." We believe that all three of those animals refer to believers who are mighty in their own strength and keep going around the same mountain ... those believers who are self-centered, carnal, and looking for something for themselves ... those who are called but not chosen ... not chosen because they do not choose the way of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:17-18). Therefore they are not walking in the Kingdom of God. Further, the fact that those three animals were divided speaks of the church at Corinth, where the very first error that Paul addresses is that there were divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). When divisions occur in the church, that opens the door for all sorts of further errors and works of the flesh, just as that occurred in the church at Corinth. In addition, those three animals speak of the priests who minister to the house (in Ezekiel 44), but for their own pleasure.
In Genesis 15:10, "birds" means "little birds," like a sparrow. However, from Verse 9, "birds" apparently refers to a turtledove and a young pigeon. Since they were not divided, perhaps the turtledove was on one side and the young pigeon on the other side. There are many different birds which are smaller than turtledoves and pigeons, such as sparrows, wrens, hummingbirds, cardinals, robins, mocking birds, finches, swallows, etc. These birds speak of believers who are little in their own sight.
Pigeons and doves are related but are not difficult to distinguish one from another. In practice, "dove" tends to be the used for smaller species and "pigeon" for larger ones. They are stout-bodied birds with short necks, small heads, and short bills. Doves and pigeons build relatively flimsy nests (much spiritual significance here), which may be placed on trees, ledges, or on the ground. We believers are not of this world; we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are in the world but not of the world. We are passing through an earthly Jerusalem, being tested and proven and prepared to walk with God for eternity in the heavenly Jerusalem. On earth, in time, we go in and out (John 10:9), but in that day the overcomers will go no more out (Revelation 3:12).
The turtle dove is also called a "mourning dove" or a "rain dove." It is worthwhile to look up all the references to "rain" and "mourning" in Scripture. Mourning doves are light grey and brown and generally muted in color. They do not call attention to themselves. Its plaintive woo-OO-oo-oo-oo call gives the bird its name. We hear turtledoves mourning at least several times a week. Turtledoves are noted for their love and faithfulness. They are also a symbol of peace.
Now, what is the significance of the proverb for us believers today? The proverb, "Birds of a feather flock together," seems to refer to the natural, carnal man ... the man of the flesh, a result of the first Adam. For us as believers, it refers to our tendency, our desire to be together with those who see things spiritually in a like manner that we do. That attitude, of course, tends to promote "inbreeding." It is very comfortable for our flesh and we tend to think, "Isn't this fellowship wonderful?" But is that what the Lord is really after? How does that further the kingdom of God on earth?
Everyone is familiar with the account of Elijah when he fled from the threats of Jezebel to a mountain cave. Twice Elijah said he had been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts. Well, that is a good thing. We need lots more of that! But then Elijah said he was the only true prophet left, whereupon the Lord set him straight. He told Elijah that He, the Lord, had 7,000 more that Elijah did not know about. Fortunately, Elijah got the message, but that was essentially the end of Elijah's ministry on earth.
Elijah never met another of the 7,000 of the remnant that the Lord still had, with the possible exception of Elisha (although it appears that Elisha never had the inner character that the Lord had worked into Elijah). Do you think, when Elijah heard of the 7,000, that he thought, "Oh boy! Wouldn't it be great if I could get together with all of those 7,000? We could have a real "hootin and hollerin" time together!" What an absurd thought! Yet that is exactly what some folks historically have tried to do. In like manner, the LORD today is scattering His remnant such that they cannot "get together" physically, but only spiritually.
Robert Half, the founder and president of Robert Half International, an employment agency, was a pioneer in the employment field, with at least 150 offices around the United States. Robert Half is famous for his pithy statement, "If birds of a feather flock together, they don't learn enough." I have no idea if Robert Half was a believer, but that statement is scripturally very true.
Now let us try to understand, in Genesis 15:9-10, the significance of the turtledove and the young pigeon; and why the birds were not divided. The word used for a young pigeon means a nestling, as being comparatively nude of feathers. Feathers are a feature unique to birds. Feathers facilitate flight, provide insulation from heat and cold, and are used in camouflage and signaling. A new believer, or an old believer who has never heard the true gospel of the kingdom of God, needs much spiritual attention. From my experience and observation, some charismatic pastors do not know the difference between being saved, going to heaven one day, and the so-called rapture on the one hand as compared to the kingdom of God on the other hand. Therefore it should be no surprise that there are many believers, born from above, who are still young pigeons, with no defense mechanisms... no feathers.
The Washington Post, Tuesday, September 2, 2014, page E2, had a very interesting article titled, "Without feathers, future is bleak." The subtitle to that article reads, "Rare condition leaves Antarctic chicks with reduced protection." The article states, "Although penguins can't fly, they still need feathers. Without them, the birds risk disease and even death, which is why researchers are concerned about the recent reappearance of a rare disorder causing the feathers of young penguins to fall out." The article also includes a large picture of a penguin chick which is missing large patches of feathers. It is simply amazing how the Lord can speak to us in so many different ways ... if only we can be sensitive to our surroundings. He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Every true believer is called to be a priest, but not all priests are ministers of the Lord (Ezekiel 44). The turtledove, or mourning dove, represents those priests who minister to the Lord as distinct from the priests who minister to the house, where "ministering to the Lord" means much more than just singing praises in the Spirit. Many are called but few are chosen; many are called but few choose. But the exhortation in Joel 2:17 is for the priests, the ministers of the Lord, to weep between the porch and the altar. The porch represents the people of God; the porch represents the young pigeons. The altar represents the Lord Himself. That is real intercession. That will be done by the turtledoves, the mourning doves, the priests, the ministers of the Lord.
If that is a true exegesis of Genesis 15:9, and I am persuaded that it is, then we need to consider the significance of that a bit further. We must acknowledge that Genesis 15:9 encompasses all of us who claim to be Christian believers. There are no more animals and no more birds listed in that verse. What does that mean for us? Hopefully, no believer listening to this word falls into the category of the heifer, the she goat, and the ram (although from observation and experience there are far too many believers who unfortunately are caught in that trap and do not know it).
We hope to clarify some of the significance of Genesis 15:9-10 for each one of us … you and me. Note that the heifer, the she goat, and the ram were killed, but nothing is explicitly said about the birds being killed. A heifer is a female calf, nearly grown. The word "heifer" comes from a root word meaning "circular, or to revolve." The word "she goat" comes from a Hebrew word which means "harden, impudent, or strengthen self." The word "ram" is a Hebrew word which means "strength or powerful." We believe that all three of those animals refer to believers who are mighty in their own strength and keep going around the same mountain ... those believers who are self-centered, carnal, and looking for something for themselves ... those who are called but not chosen ... not chosen because they do not choose the way of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:17-18). Therefore they are not walking in the Kingdom of God. Further, the fact that those three animals were divided speaks of the church at Corinth, where the very first error that Paul addresses is that there were divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). When divisions occur in the church, that opens the door for all sorts of further errors and works of the flesh, just as that occurred in the church at Corinth. In addition, those three animals speak of the priests who minister to the house (in Ezekiel 44), but for their own pleasure.
In Genesis 15:10, "birds" means "little birds," like a sparrow. However, from Verse 9, "birds" apparently refers to a turtledove and a young pigeon. Since they were not divided, perhaps the turtledove was on one side and the young pigeon on the other side. There are many different birds which are smaller than turtledoves and pigeons, such as sparrows, wrens, hummingbirds, cardinals, robins, mocking birds, finches, swallows, etc. These birds speak of believers who are little in their own sight.
Pigeons and doves are related but are not difficult to distinguish one from another. In practice, "dove" tends to be the used for smaller species and "pigeon" for larger ones. They are stout-bodied birds with short necks, small heads, and short bills. Doves and pigeons build relatively flimsy nests (much spiritual significance here), which may be placed on trees, ledges, or on the ground. We believers are not of this world; we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are in the world but not of the world. We are passing through an earthly Jerusalem, being tested and proven and prepared to walk with God for eternity in the heavenly Jerusalem. On earth, in time, we go in and out (John 10:9), but in that day the overcomers will go no more out (Revelation 3:12).
The turtle dove is also called a "mourning dove" or a "rain dove." It is worthwhile to look up all the references to "rain" and "mourning" in Scripture. Mourning doves are light grey and brown and generally muted in color. They do not call attention to themselves. Its plaintive woo-OO-oo-oo-oo call gives the bird its name. We hear turtledoves mourning at least several times a week. Turtledoves are noted for their love and faithfulness. They are also a symbol of peace.
Now, what is the significance of the proverb for us believers today? The proverb, "Birds of a feather flock together," seems to refer to the natural, carnal man ... the man of the flesh, a result of the first Adam. For us as believers, it refers to our tendency, our desire to be together with those who see things spiritually in a like manner that we do. That attitude, of course, tends to promote "inbreeding." It is very comfortable for our flesh and we tend to think, "Isn't this fellowship wonderful?" But is that what the Lord is really after? How does that further the kingdom of God on earth?
Everyone is familiar with the account of Elijah when he fled from the threats of Jezebel to a mountain cave. Twice Elijah said he had been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts. Well, that is a good thing. We need lots more of that! But then Elijah said he was the only true prophet left, whereupon the Lord set him straight. He told Elijah that He, the Lord, had 7,000 more that Elijah did not know about. Fortunately, Elijah got the message, but that was essentially the end of Elijah's ministry on earth.
Elijah never met another of the 7,000 of the remnant that the Lord still had, with the possible exception of Elisha (although it appears that Elisha never had the inner character that the Lord had worked into Elijah). Do you think, when Elijah heard of the 7,000, that he thought, "Oh boy! Wouldn't it be great if I could get together with all of those 7,000? We could have a real "hootin and hollerin" time together!" What an absurd thought! Yet that is exactly what some folks historically have tried to do. In like manner, the LORD today is scattering His remnant such that they cannot "get together" physically, but only spiritually.
Robert Half, the founder and president of Robert Half International, an employment agency, was a pioneer in the employment field, with at least 150 offices around the United States. Robert Half is famous for his pithy statement, "If birds of a feather flock together, they don't learn enough." I have no idea if Robert Half was a believer, but that statement is scripturally very true.
Now let us try to understand, in Genesis 15:9-10, the significance of the turtledove and the young pigeon; and why the birds were not divided. The word used for a young pigeon means a nestling, as being comparatively nude of feathers. Feathers are a feature unique to birds. Feathers facilitate flight, provide insulation from heat and cold, and are used in camouflage and signaling. A new believer, or an old believer who has never heard the true gospel of the kingdom of God, needs much spiritual attention. From my experience and observation, some charismatic pastors do not know the difference between being saved, going to heaven one day, and the so-called rapture on the one hand as compared to the kingdom of God on the other hand. Therefore it should be no surprise that there are many believers, born from above, who are still young pigeons, with no defense mechanisms... no feathers.
The Washington Post, Tuesday, September 2, 2014, page E2, had a very interesting article titled, "Without feathers, future is bleak." The subtitle to that article reads, "Rare condition leaves Antarctic chicks with reduced protection." The article states, "Although penguins can't fly, they still need feathers. Without them, the birds risk disease and even death, which is why researchers are concerned about the recent reappearance of a rare disorder causing the feathers of young penguins to fall out." The article also includes a large picture of a penguin chick which is missing large patches of feathers. It is simply amazing how the Lord can speak to us in so many different ways ... if only we can be sensitive to our surroundings. He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Every true believer is called to be a priest, but not all priests are ministers of the Lord (Ezekiel 44). The turtledove, or mourning dove, represents those priests who minister to the Lord as distinct from the priests who minister to the house, where "ministering to the Lord" means much more than just singing praises in the Spirit. Many are called but few are chosen; many are called but few choose. But the exhortation in Joel 2:17 is for the priests, the ministers of the Lord, to weep between the porch and the altar. The porch represents the people of God; the porch represents the young pigeons. The altar represents the Lord Himself. That is real intercession. That will be done by the turtledoves, the mourning doves, the priests, the ministers of the Lord.
12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil.14 Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? Joel 2:12-14
The turtledoves hear the sound of the trumpet in Zion. They rend their heart and not their garments. They become a meal offering and a drink offering, poured out to the Lord. They want the Lord to be satisfied and pleased more than life itself. Scripture indicates that only a tenth of a tenth of believers will fall into that category (for example, the 300 in Gideon's army).
The meal offering and drink offering are the turtledoves, who will fulfill Joel 2:17. The same truth is found in Revelation 12, Isaiah 66, and in many other places in the Bible. The process is the same as a Christian wife who prays and intercedes for her husband to come forth spiritually; then the husband performs the same function for his wife.
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!Matthew 24:19
About 45 years ago, the Lord quickened to my wife, Linda, the spiritual significance of that verse. It speaks of a wife whose husband has never matured spiritually.
Now why are the turtledoves mourning? and for what? They are not mourning for themselves; they are mourning for the will of God to be done ... for the body of Christ to come into maturity ... they are mourning for the Lord to have His way.
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Isaiah 52:7-8
Verse 7 is a truly amazing Verse! Who is "him"? the Lord Jesus Christ. What man is able to say anything of value to spiritual Zion (which speaks of the highest level to which any believer can attain)? only the Spirit of God. The implication of Verse 8 is that the watchmen will see eye to eye only when the LORD brings again Zion. Make no mistake. The Lord Himself is bringing forth spiritual Zion, which are the turtledoves. It is largely a hidden work, just as Moses was hidden away as a baby for a season and later hidden away for 40 years in preparation for his work on earth. The turtledoves are likewise hidden away until the Lord chooses to make them manifest, just as Elijah suddenly appears on the scene (1 Kings 17:1).
Now perhaps it is clearer why the birds were not divided. The turtledoves must be in one accord just as the watchmen will see eye to eye. The birds were not divided because,
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:12-13
In the following verse, the word "turtle" is the same Hebrew word as "turtledove" in Genesis 15:9.
Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. Jeremiah 8:7
Every believer, from the choices we make, eventually becomes either a heifer, a she goat, a ram, a turtledove, or a young pigeon. Although there are many "conferences" of Christian believers at many levels, there will never be a physical gathering or conference of the turtledoves. The Lord will not allow it. That way, no man can take the glory. They are hidden away; but they will do that which is ordained for them. They will intercede for the young pigeons that the body of Christ may come into fullness... that the Lord may be glorified. We are fast approaching the time when the turtledoves ... the sons of God ... will be caught up in the realm of the Spirit and will bring forth the young pigeons. That will be the real rapture, which is in the realm of the Spirit.
10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle [turtledove] is heard in our land;13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
The Lord always wants to challenge His people. In summary, the sequence of events in these end times is: (1) those who have eyes to see and ears to hear pray fervently that the Lord will quickly raise up His turtledoves; 2) His turtledoves intercede for the young pigeons and fulfill Joel 2:17; and (3) the second advent of the Lord.
Let us think for a few minutes about whether we, you and I, are a turtledove or a young pigeon. No matter where we are in our spiritual walk with the Lord, there is room for further growth and maturity. There is nothing belittling about being a young pigeon as long as we are progressing. But the Lord desires that you and I aspire to become turtledoves, with mourning, weeping, and intercession for the whole body of Christ to come forth.
Now, are you one of the turtledoves? Am I? wrong question. What is important is that the Lord is glorified and that His chosen vessels come forth. May the Lord quickly bring forth His turtledoves in our time! And may the Lord add feathers to our lean vessel and meat to the bones of this word!
Perhaps a better question is, "Into which of the two categories (the turtledove and the young pigeon) do you and I WANT to be included?" Each of us answers those questions every day by our decisions ... by the choices that we make. Many are called but few are chosen (because few choose). First we must have a vision ... a revelation that can only come from the Holy Spirit. But that is not sufficient. Then we must say, Lord I see what you are after. Lord, break me and then make me. In other words, we must cry out, "Help, Lord!" For only the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit can make any person into a turtledove. And only the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit can make us willing to do and become still higher for His Highest.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.Philippians 2:13
Hopefully every hearer has done more than say, "How interesting!" Revelation for revelation's sake is of little value. The important question is, "How does any revelation apply to me? How does it help me to become more Christ-like?" The Word must become flesh within us; otherwise it just becomes words of little value.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
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