The Woman with Eagles’ Wings – Revelation 12: 13-14
“But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.”
Eagles’ Wings Pattern God’s Rescue and Protection
In Exodus 19:3-4 God speaks to Moses saying
“Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself”
God rescues His children from the hands of a persecuting Egypt. Egypt was the place where God’s children were held captive not only physically, but also spiritually. In the Bible, Egypt would forever represent slavery of the body and the mind. The use of eagles’ wings shows the ability of God to rescue His own from danger. The woman of Revelation 12 is in mortal and spiritual danger. The serpent attacks by using a flood which can represent war and judgment. The flood can also represent dilution and assimilation of the children of God into the ways of the nations and their false gods.
Eagle’ Wings Pattern Agility and Deliberate Intent
God is more than protective, He is instructive and agile in the treatment of His children.
“He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness: He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As the Eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings.”
The picture of an eagle taking up its young and carrying them on its wings in flight is spectacular. All of us have seen pictures of the precision of an eagle swooping down to catch prey. The idea that those sharp talons and powerful wings delicately handle a fragile chick in mid-flight is breathtaking! So, too, our God handles His children with deliberate intent and precision.
Eagles’ Wings Pattern Speed
The serpent is both swift and deadly in its attack. Yet, wings in Scripture are used many times to represent speed. The “wings of the wind” in 2 Samuel 22:11 testify to the quickness and force of God’s action. Satan knows he has but a short time to destroy God’s faithful. The speed of his attack is only countered by the rapidity of God’s protection.
Eagles’ Wings Pattern Strength and Endurance
“But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Wings are strong and lasting in flight. In the Book of Revelation those who endure, continue in strength, rest in the Lord and persevere in their faith during difficult times, are those who are the “overcomers.”
To these God gives His wings of escape, protection and strength. They are the apple of His eye. The swift and deadly attacks of the enemy will come to nothing.
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Sources
Biblical Imagery, Ryken et al. (IVP, Downers Grove, Ill, 1998)
Author Ken Emilio holds an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University and a V.O.M. Certificate in Persecuted Church Ministries from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.