Continuing with the ‘bird’ theme, today we will focus on the eagle. The adult American eagle (also called a bald eagle) is large, heavy-beaked, big-footed and mainly brown with a white head and tail. They are found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting. They feed mainly on fish, snatching them from the water with their talons. They build large tree nests and reach maturity after approximately 4 years. Like God’s design for humans, they have only one sexual partner of the opposite sex during their lifetime. The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States of America and appears on its seal.
Probably the most well-known Bible verse related to eagles is in the Book of Isaiah – Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
In Isaiah Chapter 40, the people of God are reproved for their unbelief and distrust of God. Because of their strength, eagles are a symbol of war and imperial power. God’s people are reminded that their strength is in the Lord. Psalms 28:8 also tells us Who is our strength - “The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.”
Song Lyrics--
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, "My refuge,
My rock, in whom I trust!"
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn;
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
Matthew Henry regarding Isaiah 40:27-31 -
“In the strength of Divine grace their souls shall ascend above the world.
They shall run the way of God's commandments cheerfully.
Let us watch against unbelief, pride, and self-confidence.
If we go forth in our own strength, we shall faint, and utterly fall;
but having our hearts and our hopes in heaven,
we shall be carried above all difficulties, and be enabled to lay hold
of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.”
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