Topical Encyclopedia The eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of strength, swiftness, and the far-reaching power of kings and nations. This imagery is particularly evident in prophetic literature, where the eagle often represents the might and dominion of empires and rulers.Symbolism in Scripture The eagle's symbolism is deeply rooted in its characteristics—its keen eyesight, powerful flight, and predatory prowess. These attributes make it an apt metaphor for the qualities of great and powerful kings. In the Bible, the eagle is often associated with divine judgment and the execution of God's will through earthly rulers. Ezekiel's Vision One of the most vivid depictions of the eagle in relation to kingship is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 17:3-4, the prophet presents 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.’" This eagle represents the king of Babylon, who exerts his influence over Israel, symbolized by the cedar. The imagery underscores the power and reach of Babylon as an instrument of God's judgment. The Eagle in Deuteronomy In Deuteronomy 28:49, the eagle is used to describe the swiftness and might of a foreign nation that the LORD will bring against Israel as a consequence of their disobedience: "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." Here, the eagle signifies the impending and unstoppable force of an invading army, emphasizing the severity of divine retribution. The Eagle in Prophetic Literature The book of Daniel also employs the eagle as a symbol of royal authority and empire. In Daniel 7:4, the first beast in Daniel's vision is described as "like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle." This beast is commonly interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire, with the eagle's wings symbolizing its rapid expansion and dominance. The Eagle in Revelation In the New Testament, the book of Revelation continues the use of eagle imagery. Revelation 12:14 speaks of the woman being given "the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness." This passage, while not directly related to earthly kings, uses the eagle to convey divine protection and deliverance, highlighting the bird's association with power and providence. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, the eagle was a common emblem of royal power and divine favor. Assyrian and Babylonian art frequently depicted kings with eagle motifs, reinforcing their status as divinely appointed rulers. This cultural backdrop enriches the biblical use of the eagle as a symbol of great and powerful kings, resonating with the original audience's understanding of authority and sovereignty. Conclusion The eagle, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of the might and authority of kings and empires. Its use in prophetic literature underscores the themes of divine judgment, protection, and the execution of God's sovereign will through earthly rulers. The eagle's enduring image in Scripture continues to evoke the awe-inspiring nature of God's power and the transient nature of human authority. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 17:3And 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 Hosea 8:1 Library On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of ... The Roman Power. St. Gregory the Great. V. ... Demonstration v. --Of Wars. Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ... Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla Resources What are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.org Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Eagle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Eagle: Carries Her Young Upon Her Wings The Eagle of Great and Powerful Kings The Eagle of Wisdom and Zeal of God's Ministers The Eagle was the Standard of the Roman Armies The Eagle: (Hasting to the Prey) of the Swiftness of Man's Days The Eagle: (Height and Security of Its Dwelling) of the Fancied But The Eagle: (Increase Baldness of, in the Moulting Season) of The Eagle: (Mode of Teaching Her Young to Fly) of God's Care of His The Eagle: (Renewed Strength and Beauty of) the Renewal of Saints The Eagle: (Swiftness of) the Melting Away of Riches The Eagle: (Swiftness of) the Swiftness of Hostile Armies The Eagle: (Upward Flight of) the Saint's Rapid Progress Toward The Eagle: (Wings of) Protection Afforded to the Church The Eagle: Called the Eagle of the Heavens The Eagle: Delights in the Lofty Cedars The Eagle: Dwells in the High Rocks The Eagle: Feeds Her Young With Blood The Eagle: Greatness of Its Wings Alluded To The Eagle: Peculiarity of Its Flight Alluded To The Eagle: Strength of Its Feathers Alluded To Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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