Poetry · Chapter
Consider the Ravens explained
The speaker reflects on the lives of ravens and birds, observing their trust in God's provision without anxiety for the future.
What happens
The speaker reflects on the lives of ravens and birds, observing their trust in God's provision without anxiety for the future. Through this meditation, the speaker concludes that even in suffering and death, the birds are cared for by the Father, and resolves to live as God's bird, trusting in divine care.
Themes in this chapter
Nature as Divine Revelation
The speaker observes the ravens and birds as a means of understanding God's provision and care, seeing divine truth in their simple lives.
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
The speaker acknowledges the reality of suffering and death in nature, yet overcomes fear through trust in God's fatherly care.
Characters to notice
- Lord
The speaker addresses the Lord throughout the poem, considering His words and the example of the birds.
- God
Referred to as 'our father' who is present even at the sparrow's death, emphasizing divine care.
- Sparrow
Mentioned in the context of falling and being cared for by the Father, echoing Jesus' teaching.
Key passages
“Sowing neither corn nor wheat They have all that they can eat; Reaping no more than they sow They have more than they could stow; Having neither barn nor store, Hungry again, they eat more.”
The birds do not plant or harvest crops, yet they always have enough food; they do not store up provisions, but when hungry they find more to eat.
Highlights the birds' reliance on immediate provision rather than hoarding.
“Thy bird has pain, but has no fear Which is the worst of any gear; When cold and hunger and harm betide him, He does not take them and stuff inside him; Content with the day’s ill he has got, He waits just, nor haggles with his lot.”
The bird experiences pain but not fear, which is the worst burden; when suffering comes, the bird does not internalize it but accepts the day's trouble without bargaining with fate.
Emphasizes the bird's freedom from anxiety and its acceptance of present circumstances.
“It cometh therefore to this, Lord: I have considered thy word, And henceforth will be thy bird.”
So I conclude, Lord: after reflecting on your teaching, I will from now on live as your bird, trusting in your care.
The speaker's resolution to adopt the bird's trusting attitude toward God.