This weekend we flew from Rome to home. Flying reminds me of the times that eagle’s wings were mentioned in the Bible. Eagles (nesher נֶשֶׁר) are mentioned 26 times in the Bible. (I’ve added it to the word list for a future posting.) Eagles wings, in particular, are mentioned in Daniel 7:4, Exodus 19:4, and Isaiah 40:31…
Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, YHWH, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives strength to the weary, and to the one who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for YHWH will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles [ever ka-n’sherim אֵ֖בֶר כַּנְּשָׁרִ֑ים], they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
In ancient Rome an eagle was a symbol of power, strength and courage and visual reminder of the dominion of Rome. In the Tanakh, the eagle is powerful, but also compassionate, caring, and protective. To a Roman Emperor power and brute force was everything. YHWH is a very different kind of sovereign!
I suspect the next few days will be tiring and we will be weary, but I feel safe knowing we are under the protection of YHWH, just like an eagle protects her eaglets under her wings.
Next week: In the Footsteps of Paul Photos
Hebrew Word Lessons 
“Do you not know? Have you not heard?”
Isaiah 40:28
“Everybody’s heard about the bird”
Surfin’ Bird: The Bird is the Word, The Trashmen, 1963
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“Do you not know? Have you not heard?” Isaiah 40:28
“Surfin Bird” aka “The Word is a Bird”
The Trashmen, 1963
I’ll leave it to others to plant the Simpsons meme in your mind for today. Seek and ye shall find.
Forgive me.
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