My yard has had a variety of winged visitors this summer, from hawks and hummingbirds to dozens of varieties in between. I love sitting on my patio in the mornings peacefully watching and listening.
The Hebrew word for wing is kanaf. It appears all the way back in the first chapter of Genesis when God created the winged birds. God next uses the term as a picture for Himself – reminding the Israelites how He rescued them from the Egyptians bearing them on eagle’s wings (Exodus 19:4). The wing becomes a picture of protection.
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7
“Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.” Psalm 61:4
Over time, kanaf also came to refer to a corner. Think about a desert tent, with the edges flapping in the wind, and it’s resemblance to wings. Or the tunic worn during ancient times when the corners would whip around as you moved.
“… and I spread the corner (kanaf) of my garment over you and covered your nakedness.” Ezekiel 16:8
It was even used for the corners of the earth.
“… and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12
In Jewish tradition, when a blessing is said over the people, the priest raises his hands with a corner of the prayer shawl in each hand. It’s a beautiful picture of being not just under His covering, but actually under His wings. It evokes a much more personal relationship with our God who is a place of refuge and protection.
“and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Psalm 63:7
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