The Hen
Looking over Jerusalem, Jesus lamented, 'how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!' It is one of the tenderest images he used of himself - a mother bird spreading her wings to shelter her brood from danger. The picture echoes the Old Testament theme of refuge under God's wings, from Boaz's blessing on Ruth to the psalmist's 'under his wings shalt thou trust.' The sorrow of the saying lies in its last words: the shelter was offered, but refused.
Key Passages
As a Hen Gathereth Her Chickens
Matthew 23:37-39
Jesus grieves over Jerusalem's refusal of his protecting love, even as he warns of the desolation that will follow.
37 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Explore Related
Did You Know?
Jesus spoke this lament over Jerusalem in the last week before his death.
Luke records a similar saying in Luke 13:34.
Boaz blessed Ruth as one who had come to trust under the wings of the God of Israel.
Psalm 91 promises, 'under his wings shalt thou trust.'