small, forked-tailed, long-winged migratory bird, insectivorous, fast-flying, Pr 26, 2; its screeching is characteristic, Is 38, 14.
It knows the seasons Jr 8, 7, and the time to migrate, but it returns every year to the same place to make its nest, Sal 84 (83), 4.
Digital Bible Dictionary, Grupo C Service & Design Ltda., Colombia, 2003
Source: Digital Bible Dictionary
see BIRDS
Source: Hispanic World Bible Dictionary
Very small bird but with long wings and fast flight, and feeds on insects that it catches while flying. It gathers in large flocks. It makes nests in corners of the roofs of buildings. That is why it is said that “even the sparrow finds a home and the g. nest for himself … near your altars† (Ps 84:3), a reference that must have come from the observation of g. that made nests in the †¢temple. She migrates looking for warm climates, so when she saw her coming she knew that there was a change of season. Thus, it is said that †œthe crane and the g. they keep the time of her coming † (Jer 8:7). Scientific name: Apus sp.. †¢Animals of the Bible.
Source: Christian Bible Dictionary
type, FAUNA BIRDS
vet, (a) Heb. “derore”. It is interpreted as “wandering”, which is in accordance with their habits. They are migratory birds and are not tameable (Prov. 26:2). In Ps. 84:3 it is a type of the wanderer who finds rest and protection in the house of God. (b) “Sis”, Isa. 38:14 and Jer. 8:7, where his habits are mentioned. There are several species of swallows that frequent the land of Israel: the “Hirundo rustica”, “H. rufula”, etc. One species of Jordan Valley swift has no need to migrate, due to its mild winter.
Source: New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
(Heb. derohr).
The Hebrew word derohr is identical to the Hebrew word translated “freedom” (Le 25:10; Isa 61:1), and some commentators think that this name refers to the elegant swallow, which soars and flies with great freedom of movement.
Swallows usually build their cup-shaped nests with small balls of mud. They make them in houses or other buildings, usually under the eaves. At one time, they used to nest in the temple in Jerusalem, just as they do today in similar buildings throughout Israel. But later very sharp golden spikes were installed on top of Herod’s temple, so that birds could not perch. (The War of the Jews, by F. Josephus, book V, chap. V, sec. 6.)
When the psalmist spoke of his longing for the courts of Jehovah’s house, he referred to the swallow that finds a nest in the temple in which to lay its chicks, surely near Jehovah’s “grand altar.” (Ps 84:1-3) As a Levite who did not belong to the priestly class, the psalmist only served in the temple for one week every six months, but he knew that the swallow stayed there longer. So he expressed his longing to remain in the courts of Jehovah’s tabernacle as long as possible.
The other reference to the swallow appears at Proverbs 26:2, where it is said that “just as the bird has reason to flee, and just as the swallow has reason to fly, so an invocation of evil itself does not come without true reason” (NM) . However, many versions translate the last words of this Hebrew text differently: “The curse for no reason will never reach its destination” or something similar (VP, Val, CI and others), and therefore take it to mean that Such a curse for no reason does not come to pass or “will never reach its destination”, but is, rather, like the continuous and almost tireless flight of the swallow hunting its prey: insects. However, in the context verses the writer speaks of the stupid one and his ways, and therefore the meaning of the first quoted translation (NW) may be that just like the flight of birds when they flee from danger or seek food has a true cause, the curse that befalls the stupid also has it, in this case, his foolish behavior. (Compare Pr 26:3; also 1:22-32.)
The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is abundant in Palestine. One of its varieties resides there year-round, while others arrive in March from southern Africa and depart as winter approaches. Many others pass through Palestine during their spring and fall migration. The swallow is characterized by being a small bird, having large and powerful wings, and a generally forked tail. Its flight is fast and very elegant, and when it migrates it can cover great distances. Its plumage is often iridescent in color, and its song is a pleasant combination of trills and gurgles.
Source: Dictionary of the Bible