Ziz in the Bible has been mentioned once. Thus, not all readers have remembered it. Instead, they remember creatures like Leviathan and Behemoth. So, in this post, let’s reveal the spiritual truths and insights about this enigmatic creature.
The name Ziz is mentioned only once in the original King James Version of the Bible, specifically in Psalm 50:11:
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“I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.”
The verse doesn’t explicitly name Ziz, ancient Jewish commentators refer to this verse as hinting at Ziz, the king of all birds, counterpart to Behemoth (beast of the land) and Leviathan (the beast of the sea).
In Jewish mythology and apocryphal books, the ziz is described as so large that its wingspan can blot out the sun. Some even say it once dropped an egg the size of a rotten egg-scented lake that drowned a group of sailors. However, the story is a myth recorded in Jewish lore and Talmudic writings.
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the cliff of Ziz appears in 2 Chronicles 20. This passage describes an actual ascent or mountain pass on the way to confront a massive enemy force called the horde of Moabites and Ammonites.
As the people of Judah prepared to face overwhelming odds, divine intervention came through a prophetic voice:
“You will not have to fight this battle… take up your positions… and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.”
The ascent of Ziz and the pass of Ziz lie to the east of the wilderness of Jeruel, near the wilderness of Tekoa. In present-day terms, this route is close to the wilderness of Judea, passing ancient trade and war paths that once connected Jerusalem to the shores of the Dead Sea, via routes like Wady Chacaca and the Pass of Ain Jidy.
As a Bible reader, understanding these locations enriches your knowledge of Biblical texts. These aren’t just names. Rather, they’re embedded in geography, history, and divine storytelling.
3. Primordial Beasts and the Fifth Day of Creation
According to Jewish scholars and the history of the patriarchs, the Ziz was created on the fifth day, when creatures of the sea and birds of the mountains were formed. Along with the wild beasts of the field, these primordial beasts represent dominion over the sky, land, and sea.
Some writings suggest the Ziz was so massive that it could stand in the ocean and reach the heavens, a metaphor for divine authority. It aligns with the book of Psalms and the grand descriptions in Job, where great beasts symbolize the power and mystery of God’s creation.
The biblical battle at the end of the valley, near the desert of Jeruel, was one of strategy, divine intervention, and worship. As the people of Judah sang praises, their enemies, the hordes of Moabites, turned on each other.
This miraculous victory came the next morning, at what is described at the end of the book, another name for the end of the gorge that runs through the Judean hills.
In other words, the Ziz doesn’t show up in the next flapping its wings, but the location, the pass of Ziz, and the overwhelming odds point to a larger symbolic presence.
God’s spirit covered the land, shielding the faithful, like a giant bird soaring above chaos.
5. Ziz and the Present Steep Pass
From Children’s Bible retellings to public domain animations, Ziz has become a visual teaching aid, even showing up in indie fantasy games.
In our present steep pass, whether a spiritual valley or personal challenge, Ziz can serve as a symbol of hope, resilience, and God’s protection over the skies of our struggles.
The image of the Ziz helps early Christians and modern believers connect with divine power during uncertain times, like the soft words of a mother bird or the shadow cast by mighty wings.
7. Ziz and the End of Days
The Ziz will play a role at the end of days. Like Leviathan and Behemoth, Ziz is believed to be slain and served at a grand feast for the righteous, a meal not of destruction but of spiritual fulfillment. The flesh of the Ziz isn’t literal food. Rather, it’s a metaphor for divine reward and victory.
In the imitation of Christ, believers are called to soar above enemy forces, like Ziz above the animal kingdom. The Spirit of the Lord uplifts us in battles we were never meant to fight alone.
Rediscovering the Forgotten Bird
The mention of ziz may be scarce in canonical Bible references. However, its impact is rich in Jewish lore, geography, and metaphor. Whether you find yourself walking the ancient road near the wilderness of Judah or facing spiritual trials in the present day, the legend of Ziz remains an echo of the ancient name, a symbol of covering amid storms.
From the carpenter’s axe to the lock of hair used in biblical metaphors, Scripture is filled with power. The Ziz in the Bible is a reminder that not all of God’s messages come in plain sight. Sometimes, the greatest revelations soar just above us, waiting to be noticed.
FAQs
Is the Ziz actually mentioned in the Bible?
The name Ziz isn’t explicitly spelled out in most English translations, but Jewish sages interpret Psalm 50:11 as a mention of Ziz, the giant bird said to rule over the skies. References are more prominent in Jewish mythology, apocryphal books, and rabbinic literature than in the canonical Bible texts.
What does the Ziz symbolize in biblical and Jewish tradition?
The Ziz symbolizes divine protection, overwhelming majesty, and God’s authority over the heavens. Alongside Behemoth (land) and Leviathan (sea), Ziz completes the trio of primordial beasts that represent God’s power in every realm of creation. It’s often seen as a metaphorical expression of covering and guidance, especially during times of overwhelming odds and spiritual battle.
Where is the Pass or Ascent of Ziz located today?
The Pass of Ziz or Ascent of Ziz is believed to be a mountain pass in the wilderness of Judah, near the east of the wilderness of Jeruel, possibly close to the Pass of Ain Jidy and Wady Chacaca along the shores of the Dead Sea. In present-day geography, this area lies within the rugged cliffs and dry valleys near the wilderness of Judea, a place rich in both biblical history and natural symbolism.
Jane is a Roman Catholic on a journey of re-learning about God and deepening her understanding of the Bible. She has over a decade of experience as a copywriter. Her goal is to blend her passion for writing with her spiritual journey. She writes content that doesn’t just uplift but also connects with people who wish to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word. Follow Jane on LinkedIn or Instagram.
