Topical Encyclopedia The term "Giereagle" does not appear in the canonical texts of the Bible, nor is it recognized in traditional biblical scholarship or historical records as a specific entity or term. However, the concept of eagles and their symbolic significance is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Eagles are often used metaphorically to convey strength, swiftness, and the protective care of God.Biblical Symbolism of Eagles Eagles are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often symbolizing God's power and protection. In Exodus 19:4 , God speaks to the Israelites, saying, "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." This imagery illustrates God's deliverance and care for His people, likening His actions to the powerful and nurturing nature of an eagle. In Isaiah 40:31 , the prophet Isaiah uses the eagle to describe the renewal of strength for those who trust in the Lord: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, the eagle represents the divine empowerment and endurance granted to believers. Eagles in Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature Eagles also appear in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts. In Ezekiel 17, the prophet uses the imagery of a great eagle to convey a parable about the fate of Israel and its leaders. The eagle in this passage represents foreign powers and the political dynamics affecting Israel. In the Book of Revelation, eagles are part of the apocalyptic vision. Revelation 12:14 states, "But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, to fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time." This passage uses the eagle to symbolize divine protection and deliverance during times of tribulation. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, eagles were revered for their majesty and strength. They were often associated with royalty and divine attributes. The biblical use of eagle imagery would have resonated with contemporary audiences, who understood the eagle as a symbol of power and sovereignty. Theological Implications The use of eagle imagery in the Bible underscores themes of God's sovereignty, protection, and the renewal of strength for His people. It serves as a reminder of the divine care and empowerment available to those who trust in the Lord. The eagle's ability to soar high above the earth is a metaphor for the spiritual elevation and perspective granted to believers through faith. While "Giereagle" itself is not a recognized biblical term, the rich symbolism of eagles in Scripture provides profound insights into the nature of God's relationship with His people and His overarching plan for creation. Smith's Bible Dictionary Giereaglean unclean bird mentioned in (Leviticus 11:18) and Deuteronomy 14:17 Identical in reality as in name with the racham , of the Arabs, viz., the Egyptian vulture. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIER-EAGLEjer'-e-g'-l (racham; kuknos, in Leviticus, porphurion, in Deuteronomy): The name applied to one of the commonest of the vultures, and not an eagle at all. The word is derived from a Hebrew root, meaning "to love," and was applied to the birds because mated pairs seldom separated. These were smaller birds and inferior to the largest members of the family. They nested on a solid base, lived in pairs, and not only flocked over carrion as larger species permitted, but also ate the vilest offal of all sorts, for which reason they were protected by a death penalty by one of the Pharaohs. Because of this the birds became so frequent and daring around camps, among tent-dwellers, and in cities, that they were commonly called "Pharaoh's chickens." They are mentioned in the Bible in the lists of abominations found in Leviticus 11:13 and Deuteronomy 14:12 (the King James Version "ossifrage"); Deuteronomy 14:17 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "vulture"). Thesaurus Giereagle/g/giereagle.htm - 7k Gier-eagle (4 Occurrences) Gier (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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