The Eagle’s Wings

The wingspan of an eagle can reach up to eight feet, enabling it to reach speeds of 40 miles per hour in flight and 100 miles per hour when diving. The eagle has captured people’s imaginations for thousands of years. This majestic bird is not the biggest or most powerful bird in the world, but its combination of quickness, strength, and incredible eyesight has caused it to stand head and shoulders above other birds in the human psyche.

When these abilities are combined with their wingspans, it makes for a very impressive specimen—especially when observed in their nests, which can be as much as 13 feet deep and weigh more than a ton. (One record-setting bald eagle’s nest in Florida measured in at 20 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and weighed nearly three tons!)

It is no wonder that the Bible often employs the imagery of an eagle to illustrate the character and actions of God. Moses, in Deuteronomy 32:11, 12, describes God’s care of Israel in this way: “As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led him.”

God’s “wings” provide the ultimate safety for all who will come under them. They offer optimal protection and unsurpassed security. More than this, they are wide enough and large enough to take in all who would respond to the Spirit’s biddings. None need worry whether there is room enough under the wings of heaven’s Eagle, for Jesus Himself says, “Come to Me all you who are labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, emphasis added).

Key Bible Texts

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. (Exodus 19:4 KJV)