Eagles are one of the largest birds and admired the world over as a living symbol of power, freedom, and transcendence. Four distinct species of eagles have been noticed in Palestine, so it is no surprise that the writers of Scripture were inspired to use them to portray strength, power, vision, and even destruction. Eagles are proficient flyers. They can climb high into the air and swoop down on prey at incredible speed. They regulate the speed of their flight just by altering the position of its huge wing. The hollow bones, large and strong flight muscle and well aerated layers of feather are body designs that make them skillful flyers. In his eulogy to Saul and Jonathan, David describes them as mighty warriors swifter than eagle and stronger than lions (2 Samuel 1.23). King Solomon personifies transiency of worldly riches to the flight of an eagle in Proverbs 23.5.

‘Eagle-eyed’ is an adjective in English language to represent keen sight and vigilance. The most efficient and prominent sense of an eagle is its vision. Lateral position, anatomical features, large number of cone cells and large size of the eyes are some of the remarkable characteristics that impart enhanced perception and long distant sight to this bird of prey. God, while confronting Job, displayed before him the wisdom with which He designed and prepare each creature for its unique mode of living (Job 39. 27-29). The flying skill and sharp vision of eagle are two prominent features that make them expert hunters. An eagle swooping down towards its prey is a picture of destruction. Devastation that was to come upon the Jews was foretold using the illustration of eagle (Jeremiah 48. 40-41; Jeremiah 49. 22; Deuteronomy 28.49; Hosea 8.1).

Eagles not only fly high but also build their nest on Rocky cliff / Tree Tops, for the reasons of better vision, protection of eggs and open flight path. Bible addresses man’s insatiable greed for worldly success or man’s pride through the illustration of eagle’s nest (Jeremiah 49. 16). Eagles also exhibit a stage of molting that lasts for about 150 days wherein it loses its old feather and get replaced with new ones. This restoration is compared to the Holy Spirit’s renewal in a believer’s heart (Psalm 103.5).

Another remarkable characteristic of the eagle is its tenderness toward its young. No member of the bird family is more gentle and attentive in watching over its young. It builds its nest high up on a mountain crag. Both parents bring food to the little eaglets, and when they teach them to fly, both parents are involved in the training. As the little one takes off from that dizzy height and attempts to follow its parent in flight, the eagle swoops beneath it and bears the little one on its wings when he seems exhausted. ‘Bore you on eagles’ wings’ in Exodus 19.4 is a graceful expression of the Lord’s fatherly compassion to His own children (Deuteronomy 32:10,11) and the salvation He provided through the blood of His beloved Son Jesus Christ.

Eagles generally build their next on rock cliff, which offers a view of the world below. It is therefore an important aspect for believers to build their lives on the Rock (Lord Jesus Christ) and seeing the world below and not being not attracted to the pleasures it offers.

By Dr. Lizby Anu Mathews

Taken from Harvest Times April 2020 Edition