The Bible does not mention crows by name, but speaks of “every raven after his kind,” which includes the crow family. So our opening verse assures us that the Creator cares for crows and even hears the cries of their little ones.
When full grown these jet-black birds weigh about three pounds. Always hungry, they eat just about anything that can be swallowed, including corn and other grains from farmer’s fields, mice, grubs, eggs, even small birds and small, dead animals. In fact, they have been seen gulping down pieces of plastic and rubber, no doubt thinking them to be food.
It is no secret to those living near crows, especially just after sunrise, that they do not hesitate to announce their presence with loud annoying “caws.” But, in spite of this bad habit, they are very clever and seem almost intelligent at times. Captive crows quickly perform tricks and, like parrots, can even learn a few words (although not knowing what they mean). They are clever in imitating other bird sounds, too.
Spotting a lone owl trying to hide in a tree, a group of crows soon get together and with loud and raucous cawing gang up to chase it out of the area. However, they know better than to get in the way of its sharp beak and claws. Another of their annoying tricks is to snatch a hooked fish from the end of a fisherman’s line before he can reel it in.
No bird is hated more than the crow. Yet in spite of efforts to wipe them out with poisons and guns, their numbers continually increase. In many places they are now protected by law, because the tremendous amount of harmful insects and small rodents they eat more than makes up for their bad habits, so there is no danger of them becoming extinct. It is understandable that crows may not appeal to many people, but they are part of God’s creation, and their unusual instincts and cleverness have been provided by Him so they can perform their part of His purposes in the bird world.
The Bible tells us that every living creature is in the hands of the Lord. Isn’t it wonderful to learn of His care over all things, including crows. But it is especially important to know His watchfulness over every boy and girl, every man and woman, as the Bible verse says, “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Job 34:2121For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. (Job 34:21). He wants us to draw near to Him and so He declares: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you... thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Also, “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11,1311For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13).
Have you gone to Him and proved His love for you and the peace that He alone can give?
ML-02/17/1985