This saying is also found in Luke 13:34 as Jesus is progressing towards Jerusalem. This idea of protection and tender concern is also found in passages such as Psalms 17:8, 36:7, and 91:4.
In glancing at a number of commentaries on the Matthew 23 and Luke 13 passages, all I found were general statements about “protection” and “tenderness.” However, I once heard a lecture by N. T. Wright where he seemed to suggest that what was involved here was a “barn yard fire,” where the mother hen gathered her chicks under her wings. After the fire swept though the barn yard the mother hen had been incinerated, but the chicks under her wings were still alive—the hen sacrificing her life for her chicks.
This interpretation never struck me as too plausible and after lecturing to an adult group one of the participants came up to me and described a much more plausible explanation:
Again, the hen sacrificing her life for her chicks. I had not heard such an informative comment on this passage before—but then I am not a farmer, nor the son of a farmer!
The altar on which the above mosaic is found is located in the Roman Catholic Church Dominus Flevit that commemorates Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) as he entered the city from the east.
The mother hen watches for danger. When she sees an animal that could hurt her chicks, she clucks to warn her babies. Some of the baby chicks quickly run under the wings of their mother for safety. The mother hen keeps her chicks under her wings until the danger has passed.
I love how the feature I chose shows the chicks totally hidden under the mother hens’ feathers. It took me some time to choose the backing tune for this poem’s podcast, as I wanted it to reflect the movement of chickens, and eventually, I found this staccato plucking tune. Beverley Joy
I write my poems as a personal devotional activity and simply share them with the world, to offer comfort and encouragement. This was one of the first Christian poems I wrote in 2014 based on Psalm 91 verses 1-4. hearing a sermon on Psalm 91 and further studying the passage. I also wrote another poem titled God Protects from Enemy Attacks based on Psalm 91 verses 5-13.
Again, the hen sacrificing her life for her chicks. I had not heard such an informative comment on this passage before—but then I am not a farmer, nor the son of a farmer!
The altar on which the above mosaic is found is located in the Roman Catholic Church Dominus Flevit that commemorates Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) as he entered the city from the east.
This interpretation never struck me as too plausible and after lecturing to an adult group one of the participants came up to me and described a much more plausible explanation:
In glancing at a number of commentaries on the Matthew 23 and Luke 13 passages, all I found were general statements about “protection” and “tenderness.” However, I once heard a lecture by N. T. Wright where he seemed to suggest that what was involved here was a “barn yard fire,” where the mother hen gathered her chicks under her wings. After the fire swept though the barn yard the mother hen had been incinerated, but the chicks under her wings were still alive—the hen sacrificing her life for her chicks.
This saying is also found in Luke 13:34 as Jesus is progressing towards Jerusalem. This idea of protection and tender concern is also found in passages such as Psalms 17:8, 36:7, and 91:4.
When Do You Separate a Mama Hen from her Chicks? | Cosmopolitan Cornbread
FAQ
Are hens protective of their chicks?
Why do hens gather their chicks under their wings?
Where in the Bible does it say a hen covering her chicks?
How long do baby chicks stay under their mother?
Why do hens lay their eggs in a coop?
Interruptions at peak laying times may result in floor laying. By visiting the hen house, the chickens are exposed to low levels of stress, which the chickens can get acclimated to thereby improving socialization skills. Most hens will lay their eggs in a nest but some however will be found in the coop, floor of run, or free-range areas.
Can one pick up viruses from animals or chicken fowl?
Yes, you can catch viruses from animals, including poultry. Some can transmit diseases like bird flu or COVID-19. Be cautious when handling them, and practice good hygiene.
Why do hens raise babies?
As a prey species, chickens instinctively know there is safety in numbers and more sets of eyes and ears to stay alert for predator threats. There’s also the chance that you can score some additional babies, or the other way around: another hen may raise your chicks for you.
What do hens do between nest explorations?
Between nest explorations, hens may resume other behaviors such as eating, preening, sleeping, etc. Eventually, the hen will put more and more of her body in the nesting box until she finally settles in the box to lay her egg. Hens may settle in the nest they lay, cackle, and then leave the nest.