Topical Bible: The Eagle: Dwells in the High Rocks

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The eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, swiftness, and the divine protection of God. Its ability to soar high and dwell in elevated places is emblematic of its grandeur and power. The eagle's habitat in high rocks and cliffs is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating its independence and dominance over the skies.

Biblical References:

1. Habitat and Symbolism:
The eagle's dwelling in high places is noted in several passages. In Job 39:27-28 , God questions Job, "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." This imagery highlights the eagle's preference for inaccessible and secure locations, symbolizing safety and sovereignty.

2. Strength and Renewal:
The eagle is often 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 represents the renewal of strength and the ability to rise above challenges through faith in God.

3. Divine Protection:
The eagle is also a symbol of God's protection and care for His people. In Exodus 19:4 , God reminds the Israelites, "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." This metaphor illustrates God's deliverance and the nurturing care He provides, akin to an eagle carrying its young to safety.

4. Judgment and Swiftness:
The eagle's swiftness is used to describe the rapidity of God's judgment. In Deuteronomy 28:49 , it is written, "The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand." The eagle's swift descent is a metaphor for the sudden and overwhelming nature of divine judgment.

5. Wisdom and Vision:
The eagle's keen vision is another aspect highlighted in Scripture. Proverbs 30:18-19 mentions, "There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden." The eagle's flight is a marvel, symbolizing wisdom and insight beyond human comprehension.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In biblical times, the eagle was revered for its impressive abilities and was often seen as a symbol of divine attributes. Its high dwelling places were not only a testament to its physical prowess but also a metaphor for spiritual elevation and closeness to God. The eagle's characteristics serve as a powerful reminder of the virtues of strength, renewal, protection, and wisdom that believers are encouraged to seek through their relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 39:27,28
Does the eagle mount up at your command, and make her nest on high?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ebenezer!
... so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's," hath he ... I charge you before the Most
High, never depend upon ... unknown to men in whom the Spirit dwells not; but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... the fourth I know not: the tracks of an eagle flying," ie ... the cross), rests on the
cross of Christ and dwells in Paradise ... "A cock walking with high spirit among ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... thing that is eternal, even the faithfulness of God, dwells amid, and ... The mountain
is high, the deep is profound ... where God is likened to the 'eagle stirring up ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

A Bundle of Myrrh
... The religion of Christ is as high above them as is the ... This is a path which the eagle's
eye hath not seen ... Do not talk to me about a religion which dwells in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a bundle of myrrh.htm

Outward Bound
... bird, wheeling round aloft like an eagle, was hailed as ... Papaya), their stems some
fifteen feet high, with a ... and beautiful Mon Nid, where she dwells beneath the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... with good things; Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. ... of the Hebrew poet is one
of his high prerogatives ... of charging upon God injustice, he dwells at length ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... Had he dropp'd. (That eagle genius!), oh! had he let fall. ... Or, gazing by pale lamps
on high-born dust,. ... For here, resistless demonstration dwells; ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

Temptations.
... themselves wings, and fly away as an eagle towards heaven. ... mark for the prize of
the high calling of ... The tempted, wherever he dwells, always thinks himself the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xv temptations.htm

The Fainting Warrior
... That life is a high, holy and supernatural principle, it is ... be tainted"spotless,
holy and pure, it dwells in our ... within my heart, is like a caged eagle; and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the fainting warrior.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... the former it was the voice of "an eagle flying in ... &c.); ie, the God who no longer
dwells between the ... denoting ZERUBBABEL the prince, and JESHUA the high priest ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm