Topical Bible: The Eagle: (Height and Security of Its Dwelling) of the Fancied But

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The eagle, a majestic bird often mentioned in the Bible, symbolizes strength, freedom, and divine protection. Its notable characteristics include its impressive flight, keen vision, and the height and security of its dwelling. The eagle's nest, typically built on high cliffs or tall trees, serves as a metaphor for safety and refuge in the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Height and Security:
The eagle's choice of dwelling is highlighted in the book of Job, where it is described as making its home on high. "Does the eagle soar at your command and make its nest on high? It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is its stronghold" (Job 39:27-28). This imagery underscores the bird's preference for elevated and secure locations, symbolizing protection and stability.

2. Symbol of Divine Protection:
The eagle's high nest is often used as a metaphor for God's protection over His people. In Deuteronomy 32:11, God is likened to an eagle that "stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions" . This passage illustrates the nurturing and safeguarding nature of God, who provides a secure refuge for His followers.

3. Strength and Renewal:
The eagle is also associated with strength and renewal. Isaiah 40:31 states, "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's ability to soar effortlessly in the sky serves as an analogy for the spiritual renewal and strength granted to those who trust in the Lord.

4. Judgment and Sovereignty:
In prophetic literature, the eagle can symbolize swiftness and the execution of judgment. For instance, in Obadiah 1:4, the pride of Edom is addressed: "Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD" . This passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and the futility of relying on one's own strength and security apart from Him.

Conclusion:

The eagle, with its lofty dwelling and commanding presence, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the Bible. It represents not only the strength and majesty of creation but also the divine protection and renewal available to those who place their trust in God. The imagery of the eagle's high and secure nest invites believers to seek refuge in the Lord, who offers safety and strength beyond human understanding.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:16
Your terribleness has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, O you that dwell in the clefts of the rock, that hold the height of the hill: though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah 1:4
Though you exalt yourself as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, there will I bring you down, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Memphite Empire
... burned the crops, and retreated in security, after having ... with the horizon, but at
half its height the angle ... been the VIth dynasty which took its origin from ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... during infancy by an eagle"that mighty eagle whose shadow ... It was skirted throughout
its whole length by a main ... north to south, and rose to a height of about ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm