The original King James Version reads: "…The time of the singing of birds has come." The phrase "of birds" is italicized to indicate that these words were not found in the original Hebrew text, but were added by the translators to give meaning and continuity to the sentence.
After consulting numerous translations and commentaries, I have learned that many Bible scholars feel that the reference to birds is warranted by its contextual setting.
A Song Of Praise Returns
I remember a time when I went through a week of heavy rain where I live; it resulted in serious flooding. For days skies were oppressively overcast and clouds covered the nearby mountains obstructing their majestic view.
After days of such gloomy weather, one begins to look forward to the return of sunshine and warm clear days. Can you imagine the joy we felt upon waking up and hearing birds singing their song of praise to the Lord?
The sun was sending forth rays of warmth and cheer that made the awakening process quite pleasant. The sound of birdsong made the experience even more enriching.
One writer has said: "The little birds, which all winter lie hid in their retirements and scarcely live, when the spring returns forget all the calamities of the winter. To the best of their capacities they chant forth the praises of their creator."
I see renewal in these words. Sooner or later, the winter will always pass. The Church will have gone through its cold spell, and revival will come like a spring shower. The earth will warm up, and the forthcoming blossoms will turn into fruit.
The singing of the birds is like the joyful sounds of revived and refreshed believers!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers