Topical Bible: The Eagle: (Wings of) Protection Afforded to the Church

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Topical Encyclopedia

The imagery of the eagle, particularly its wings, is a powerful symbol of protection and deliverance in the Bible. This metaphor is used to describe God's care and provision for His people, and by extension, the Church. The eagle's wings represent strength, swiftness, and the ability to rise above earthly challenges, offering a divine perspective and refuge.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Exodus 19:4 · "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." In this passage, God reminds the Israelites of His deliverance from Egypt, using the imagery of an eagle's wings to convey His protective and nurturing nature. This metaphor underscores God's ability to lift His people out of danger and bring them to safety.

2. Deuteronomy 32:11-12 · "As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spreads His wings to catch them and carries them on His pinions. The LORD alone led him, and no foreign god was with him." Here, the eagle is depicted as a caring parent, teaching its young to fly while ensuring their safety. This reflects God's guidance and protection over His people, ensuring their growth and development under His watchful care.

3. Isaiah 40:31 · "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." This verse promises renewed strength and endurance to those who trust in the Lord. The eagle's wings symbolize the divine empowerment and resilience granted to believers, enabling them to overcome life's trials.

4. Revelation 12:14 · "But the woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent." In this apocalyptic vision, the Church, represented by the woman, is granted the wings of a great eagle to escape persecution. This imagery highlights God's provision of refuge and sustenance during times of tribulation.

Theological Implications

The eagle's wings as a symbol of protection emphasize God's sovereignty and His active role in the preservation of His people. This imagery reassures believers of God's constant presence and His ability to deliver them from spiritual and physical adversities. The Church, as the body of Christ, is under the divine protection of God, who promises to uphold and sustain it through all challenges.

Application for the Church

For the Church today, the metaphor of the eagle's wings serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's providence and to seek refuge under His mighty wings. In times of uncertainty and trial, the Church can find solace in the assurance that God will lift them above their circumstances, providing strength and guidance.

In conclusion, the eagle's wings are a profound biblical symbol of God's protection and care for His Church. They represent the divine promise of safety, strength, and deliverance, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and reliance on God's unfailing love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 12:14
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seven Trumpets.
... The word eagle, instead of angel, is in accordance with the ... of iron; and the sound
of their wings was like ... and provision was made for their protection, in the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... Shrunk also are its wings, with which it used to ... Gregory speaks of the eagle as bald;
but we shall ... themselves, the situation of Rome offered it no protection. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... been with Christ; they daily enjoy his guidance and protection, and in ... 'for riches
certainly make themselves wings, they fly away as an eagle toward heaven ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Life of Bunyan
... de frise, rather than a fence of protection and preservation. ... but yet I was bound
in the wings of the ... sooner was he standing there, than his eagle-eye detected ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... peace and plenty under the immediate protection of God ... therefore are they called
the heads of the eagle. ... Indications of its date are afforded in various passages ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm