Topical Bible: The Eagle: Unclean

◄ The Eagle: Unclean ►

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In the biblical context, the eagle is often mentioned as a symbol of strength and swiftness, yet it is also classified among the unclean birds according to the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The eagle's status as unclean is primarily found in the Old Testament, where specific guidelines are provided regarding which animals are permissible for consumption.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:13 · "These are the birds you are to regard as unclean and not eat because they are unclean: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture." This verse is part of the larger Levitical code that outlines the dietary restrictions for the Israelites. The eagle, along with other birds of prey, is deemed unclean, likely due to its carnivorous nature and scavenging habits.

2. Deuteronomy 14:12 · "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture." This passage reiterates the prohibition found in Leviticus, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the dietary laws as a means of maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.

Symbolism and Characteristics:

The eagle is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent power, freedom, and divine protection. For instance, in Isaiah 40:31, the prophet writes, "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 is a metaphor for the strength and endurance granted by God to those who trust in Him.

Despite its symbolic use, the eagle's classification as unclean highlights the distinction between the symbolic and the literal in biblical texts. The eagle's predatory nature and diet, which includes carrion, likely contribute to its designation as unclean, as these characteristics are inconsistent with the dietary laws that emphasize separation from death and decay.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the eagle was revered for its majesty and prowess. It was often associated with royalty and deities in various cultures. However, the biblical perspective sets the eagle apart by categorizing it as unclean, underscoring the unique identity and holiness required of the Israelite community.

The dietary laws, including the prohibition against eating eagles, served as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to living according to God's standards, which often set them apart from surrounding nations.

Theological Implications:

The classification of the eagle as unclean serves as a reminder of the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. The dietary laws, including the prohibition of certain animals, were not merely about physical health but were deeply connected to spiritual purity and obedience. The unclean status of the eagle and other birds of prey reflects the call for the Israelites to be distinct in their practices and to avoid associations with death and impurity.

In summary, while the eagle is celebrated for its strength and is used metaphorically to convey divine attributes, its designation as unclean in the dietary laws highlights the importance of ritual purity and the distinctiveness of the Israelite identity as a people set apart for God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 11:13
And these are they which you shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:12
But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ...
... and grave manners are approved in men; while those that are without scales are unclean;
because trifling ... Who would eat the hawk, who the kite, who the eagle? ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter iii argument and thus unclean.htm

The Clean and the Unclean
... coney burrowing among the rocks; "Ah!" says he, "unclean; there is sin there!" He
lifts his eye up to heaven; he sees the osprey, the bald eagle, flying along ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

For which Reason, Whatever Else There May be in the Writings of ...
... clean. And amongst the unclean animals mentioned by Moses are the wolf, and
fox, and serpent, and eagle, and hawk, and such like. And ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xciii for which reason.htm

Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ...
... and a sound understanding thereof; and whoever lacks either of these is spiritually
unclean. ... In the eagle which flies at a great height, pride is forbidden: in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there was any reasonable.htm

Mighty in Word and Deed
... for with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey
Him.28. ... This new Teacher would startle all, as an eagle suddenly appearing in a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/mighty in word and deed.htm

The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers.
... These common things, the sow, the hawk, the eagle, and the raven, are not to be
eaten." [3042] For the sow is the emblem of voluptuous and unclean lust of food ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii the use of the.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... over the great gate of Temple at Jerusalem a massive golden eagle, the symbol ... the
impurity which clung to our race in consequence of the unclean union between ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... it is, according to you, the most unclean part of what you consider unclean. ... because
it eats vegetables, and drinks water; and that the eagle, because it eats ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

The Beast
... Law lambs were ceremonially clean and used in sacrifice, but beasts were unclean
and unfit ... symbols " a "Lamb" and a "Dove!" A Dove, not a hawk or an eagle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 the beast.htm

Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ...
... commanding figuratively, Thou shalt not eat the eagle, nor any other bird that feedeth
on a dead carcase [4141] ;' and it pronounced unclean whatsoever eateth ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vii for 335 easter-day iv.htm