Topical Bible: The Eagle: Delights in the Lofty Cedars

◄ The Eagle: Delights in the Lofty Cedars ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, swiftness, and the divine. Its presence in Scripture often conveys themes of power, protection, and the transcendence of God’s creation. The eagle's affinity for high places, such as the lofty cedars, underscores its role as a creature of the heavens, soaring above the earth with grace and authority.

Biblical Symbolism and Imagery

The eagle is emblematic of God's care and deliverance. In Exodus 19:4 , God reminds the Israelites of His protection: "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 of being borne on eagles' wings signifies divine intervention and the strength provided by God to His people.

In Deuteronomy 32:11 , the eagle is depicted as a nurturing parent: "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." This passage illustrates God's tender care and guidance, likening His actions to those of an eagle teaching its young to fly.

Eagle and the Lofty Cedars

The eagle's preference for high places is highlighted in the Bible, where it is often associated with the lofty cedars. These trees, known for their height and strength, provide a fitting habitat for the eagle, symbolizing its dominion over the skies. In Ezekiel 17:3 , the eagle is described in a parable: "This is what the Lord GOD says: A great eagle with great wings, long pinions, and full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar." Here, the eagle's interaction with the cedar represents political and spiritual themes, illustrating the reach and influence of powerful nations.

Strength and Renewal

The eagle is also a symbol of renewal and endurance. Isaiah 40:31 famously 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." This verse captures the essence of the eagle's strength and the promise of renewed vigor for those who trust in God.

Judgment and Swiftness

In addition to its positive connotations, the eagle is sometimes used to depict swiftness in judgment. In Habakkuk 1:8 , the Chaldeans are described as having horses "swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their horsemen charge ahead; their cavalry comes from afar; they fly like an eagle swooping to devour." This imagery conveys the rapid and inevitable nature of divine judgment.

Conclusion

The eagle, with its powerful wings and affinity for the heights, serves as a potent symbol throughout the Bible. Its connection to the lofty cedars emphasizes its role as a creature of majesty and strength, reflecting the divine attributes of protection, renewal, and judgment. Through the eagle, Scripture communicates profound truths about God's nature and His relationship with His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 17:3,4
And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, long winged, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came to Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... saith of him, 'His countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars' (Cant 5 ... 2.
I therefore take those pinnacles to be types of those lofty airy notions with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... can listen to anything: as to hear God charged with folly, "Ye shall not surely
die"; as to hear him made the author of ignorance, and that he delights to have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm