The Eagle of Wisdom and Zeal of God's Ministers
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The eagle, a majestic bird often mentioned in the Bible, symbolizes various attributes such as strength, swiftness, and keen vision. In the context of God's ministers, the eagle represents wisdom and zeal—qualities essential for those who serve in spiritual leadership.

Symbolism of the Eagle

The eagle is frequently used in Scripture to illustrate divine attributes and the characteristics expected of God's people. In Isaiah 40:31 , it is written, "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 highlights the renewal of strength and the ability to rise above challenges, akin to an eagle soaring in the sky. For ministers, this symbolizes the spiritual vitality and resilience needed to fulfill their calling.

Wisdom of the Eagle

The eagle's keen eyesight is emblematic of discernment and insight. Proverbs 30:18-19 states, "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 wonder of the eagle's flight is likened to the profound mysteries of life, suggesting that ministers must possess a deep understanding and wisdom to navigate spiritual truths and guide their congregations effectively.

Zeal of God's Ministers

Zeal, characterized by fervent devotion and enthusiasm, is another attribute associated with the eagle. In Revelation 12:14 , the imagery of the eagle is used to describe divine protection and swiftness: "But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, to fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time." This passage underscores the urgency and passion required in ministry, as ministers are called to act swiftly and decisively in the service of God.

Biblical Examples

Several biblical figures exemplify the eagle-like qualities of wisdom and zeal. Moses, known for his leadership and prophetic insight, is described in Deuteronomy 34:7 as having undiminished vigor even in his old age. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, whose zeal for the Gospel is evident throughout the New Testament, writes in Romans 12:11 , "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Application for Modern Ministers

In contemporary ministry, the eagle serves as a powerful metaphor for the qualities that God's ministers should embody. Wisdom is necessary for interpreting Scripture, providing counsel, and making decisions that align with God's will. Zeal is essential for inspiring others, advancing the mission of the Church, and persevering through trials.

The eagle's ability to soar high above the earth while maintaining a sharp focus on its surroundings is a fitting illustration for ministers who must balance heavenly aspirations with earthly responsibilities. As they seek to emulate the eagle, ministers are reminded of their dependence on God's strength and guidance to fulfill their divine calling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezekiel 1:10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 4:7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... lot of God's servants, in proportion to their zeal, to be ... not choose to be wise;
we see no wisdom in preferring ... quiet, fear no ill; but, like the eagle in its ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Withholding Corn
... further legislation on the subject." Our narrow wisdom might have ... having soared aloft
on the spread-eagle's wing far ... earnest; let us be clad with zeal as with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/withholding corn.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... the promise; and when God in his infinite wisdom had found ... The eagle fears no bird
from above to hurt her young ... The zeal and love of the saints is blown up by ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Eagle, under man's dominion, [931]416; a king so styled, [932 ... forgiving, [973]475;
implacable, how treated by God, [974]475 ... Equanimity from true wisdom, [981]454 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Men Chosen --Fallen Angels Rejected
... the worm up to the eagle, from the eagle to the ... have no clogging nature to abate
my ardent zeal, but day ... Thus, again, you see his love and his wisdom, that he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/men chosenfallen angels rejected.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... Herrnhaag was the busiest centre of evangelistic zeal in the ... The ship flew as though
on eagle's wings ... passing their resolution they showed their wisdom; and the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... So that it is wisdom (in this sense) to consider the wants ... a griffin having four
feet and wings, his bill like the eagle's. ... Pretences of zeal are insufficient. ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... The precious end, which makes our wisdom wise. Nature, in zeal for human amity,. ...
Superior wisdom, crown'd with smiling joy. ... (That eagle genius!), oh! ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

Christ is All
... suitable fuel, and fanned their zeal with appropriate ... made of God unto us wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification ... into realms beyond where the eagle's wing hath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/christ is all.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... meet for it; not by their own wisdom, but by ... to idolaters, and a proof of the zeal
of those ... and worldly cumber; they should be content with God's providing for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Resources
Who was Agur son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.org

What is the hierarchy of angels? | GotQuestions.org

Eagle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Eagle

Eagle: Carries Her Young Upon Her Wings

Eagle: Figurative

Eagle: Forbidden As Food

Eagle: Gier-Eagle

Eagle: Symbolical

Eagle: The Long Life of

Eagle: The Molting of

Eagle: The Nest of

Eagle: The Swift Flight of

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: A Bird of Prey

The Eagle: Called the Eagle of the Heavens

The Eagle: Delights in the Lofty Cedars

The Eagle: Different Kinds of

The Eagle: Dwells in the High Rocks

The Eagle: Feeds Her Young With Blood

The Eagle: Greatness of Its Wings Alluded To

The Eagle: Long-Sighted

The Eagle: Peculiarity of Its Flight Alluded To

The Eagle: Soaring to Heaven

The Eagle: Strength of Its Feathers Alluded To

The Eagle: Swift

The Eagle: Unclean

Related Terms

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Eagle of Great and Powerful Kings
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