Topical Encyclopedia The eagle, known as "Aquila" in Latin, served as the principal standard of the Roman legions, symbolizing the power and might of the Roman Empire. This emblem was not merely a military insignia but a representation of Roman authority and divine favor, often carried into battle as a sacred object. The eagle standard was typically made of silver or bronze and mounted on a pole, carried by a soldier known as the "aquilifer."Historical Context The use of the eagle as a military standard dates back to the reforms of Gaius Marius in 104 BC, who standardized the Roman legions and established the eagle as the sole standard for each legion. Prior to this, various animals were used as standards, but the eagle became the exclusive symbol, reflecting the unity and strength of the Roman military. Symbolism in the Bible In the Bible, the eagle is often used symbolically to represent strength, swiftness, and the ability to rise above earthly concerns. For instance, 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." This imagery of the eagle conveys a sense of divine empowerment and protection. The presence of the Roman eagle in the land of Israel during the time of Jesus and the early church would have been a potent symbol of Roman occupation and authority. The eagle standard, therefore, was not only a military emblem but also a reminder of the political and spiritual challenges faced by the Jewish people under Roman rule. Prophetic and Apocalyptic Imagery In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, the eagle is sometimes associated with judgment and the swift execution of God's will. For example, in Revelation 12:14 , the woman is given "the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness," symbolizing divine deliverance and protection. The Roman eagle, as a standard, could also be seen as a fulfillment of certain prophetic warnings about foreign domination and the desecration of holy places. Jesus' prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem in Matthew 24:15-16 alludes to the "abomination of desolation," which some scholars interpret as the Roman legions, with their eagle standards, entering the holy city. Cultural and Religious Impact The eagle standard had a profound impact on the cultural and religious landscape of the time. For the early Christians, the Roman eagle was a symbol of the empire that persecuted them, yet it also served as a backdrop against which the message of the Gospel spread. The contrast between the earthly power of Rome and the spiritual kingdom of God is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In summary, the eagle as the standard of the Roman armies was a powerful symbol of imperial authority and military might. Its presence in biblical lands during the time of Jesus and the early church added layers of meaning to the biblical narrative, highlighting themes of power, judgment, and divine sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 24:15,28When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand:) Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans Now ... St. Gregory the Great. The Church as She Should Be Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. The Seven Trumpets. Patriotic Hymns. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources What does the Bible say about the eagle? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to refer to God as God the mother? | GotQuestions.org Is there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | 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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