00. INTRODUCTION
Our
subject was learning on Pentateuch. Thus we were introduced to different areas
about Pentateuch. We have learned that the Torah contains many strange
elements, since it was written with the influence of Jewish culture. We have
learned that we have to be critical while reading the five book of the Torah.
They are not historical books but books of faith. This course helped us to use
our critical analysis for a better understanding of the Torah which contains
many images.
The authors of the Pentateuch made use of many
images. The imagery is used oftentimes by the writers in order to make their
texts more interesting. One of the most interesting images is what we find in
the book of Exodus 19: 4. The same image of God portrayed as ``eagle wings’’ is also found in
Deuteronomy 32:11, whereby God is referred to as a mother eagle. Based on this
interesting image we have decided to entitle our work ``Eagle wings. An analytical approach of Exodus 19:4. Throughout this work we are going to analyze
the meaning of eagle wings which we find in the book of Exodus.
The
image of mother eagle came out during the long journey of the Israelites in the
wilderness. This image used by the narrator in order to show the saving power
of God deserves our focus. Why is God identified to mother eagle? Why is it
that only eagle was chosen, and not another bird? The responses to these
questions will constitute the core of this work.
In
fact, this image was used by the Israelites in order to express the powerful
hand of God which has guided and protected them during that crucial time of
their history. YHWH is described as mother eagle since He takes care of the
Israelites as a mother eagle does for its eaglets.
O.1. Objective
We
have decided to discuss the image of eagle
wings in order to better understand the meaning of this important image. We
hope to understand why eagle is chosen by the narrator in order to express the
power and protection of God.
0.2. Method used in the work
Our
work is an analytical approach about the image of ``eagle wings’’ which we find in Exodus 19:4.
0.3. Division of the work
We have divided this work into two
chapters. The first chapter will be consecrated to the general notion on
eagles. The second chapter will describe eagle as a sign of transcendence,
lightness, patience and faithfulness. At the end a short conclusion will sum up
this work.
Chapter I: GENERAL APPRAOCH ON EAGLES
In
this chapter we are trying to have an overview on eagles in order to better
tackle our topic. In the book of Exodus it is written, `` remember how I bore you on
eagles wings’’ (Exodus 19:4). Similarly in the book of Deuteronomy, `` As an eagle incites its nesting forth by
hovering over it brood, so he spread his wings to receive them and bore them up
on his pinions’’ (Deuteronomy 32:11). The previous quotes show us how
important is the notion of eagle in the Bible. Oftentimes used as metaphor, ``eagle wings’’ deserves our particular
attention.
I.1 Some writers` point of view
According
to Father Rudolf Horst, `` many kings and
emperors and nations have used the eagle as symbol of strength and courage’’[1], the USA for instance. Eagle is known
as strong bird which can look straight unto the sun and always takes care of its
young ones. It is in this perspective
that God is identified as mother eagle in Exodus 19:4.
Regarding eagles we know that they
soar high above all dangers and other predators[2].
They fly trough the safe areas. They keep the eaglets in a safe place. We find
these same qualities in God. Hence, YHWH
is identified to mother eagle. He is the
God of the covenant. He takes care of Israel as a mother eagle does for the
eaglets. From this point of view, we can describe this imagery as the framework
of God`s saving acts for the sake of Israel whom He calls, my ``firstborn’’. In the same perspective, Father
Rudolf Horst writes, `` this image is
taken up in the book of Exodus. The Israelites had safely left the slavery of Egypt
and arrived at Mount Sinai’’[3].
As it is expressed in the book of
Deuteronomy, `` Israelites have an idea
of God as the one who is always near them and does all for them’’[4].
God has liberated them because He loves them as a mother eagle does for the
eaglets. In this perspective, the image ``mother
eagle’’ in Exodus 19:4 tells us that God does these saving acts in order to
instruct His people (Israelites) that they are about to be bound by a
covenantal relationship with Him. From this point of view, the image of God as
mother eagle brings about a pedagogical dimension. That is to say it’s a new
teaching that we find in Exodus, or in Deuteronomy. God is clearly described as
mother eagle in Deuteronomy as we read, ``
He found them in a wilderness, wasteland of howling desert. He shielded them
and cared for them, guarding them as the apple of his eye.
As an eagle incites its nestlings
forth by hovering over its brood, so he spread his wings to receive them and
bore them on his pinions. The lord alone was their leader, no strange god was
with him’’. (Deuteronomy 32:11).
The previous passages show the power
of God through the image of eagle. The eagle is chosen probably for its natural
qualities. The eagle takes care of its eaglets, protect them and keep them far
away from any danger. In the
perspectives of the Israelites YHWH takes care of them as mother eagle does for
its young eaglets. With regard to this, Father
Rudolf Horst writes, `` eagles also build
their nests in inaccessible heights, far away from any danger. Of course, the
nest is built so that the young eaglets can grow up safe and undisturbed’’[5].
So the eagle wings refer to the security and safety that God provides them
(Israelites) in the light of what mother eagle does for its young eaglets.
In the same line regarding the power
of God through the image of eagle, Fretheim writes,`` it is rooted in the natural qualities of an eagle known for its
capacity as such: it has outstretched wings; it is protective and carries its
young on its back; it has the capacity to soar to great heights, it has
considerable speed and can fly over long distances’’[6]. We do believe that these
characteristics have been the reason why the eagle imagery has attracted the
writer of Exodus and Deuteronomy. That should be the reason why they applied it
to YHWH as carrying His people Israel trough the wilderness wanderings. This
interesting fact leads us to discuss more on the life and ways of a mother
eagle.
I.2 The life and ways of a mother
eagle
As we mentioned it above, the place where
mother eagle builds its nest is really impressive. Unlike other vultures,
eagles build their nest right on edge of a cliff or in inaccessible areas.
Regarding this interesting matter, Father Rudolf Horst writes, `` not only does
the eagle soar high, it builds its nest also in inaccessible heights’’[7].
This causes us to think of the solidity of their nests which must be remarkable
due to the security provided by eagles.
The eagle`s nest is also considered
as a school where the young eaglets learn how to stand on their feet.
Concerning this impressive matter, Pastor Bob Stone says ,`` when the aglets get to a certain size in their nest, the mother eagle
will come one day without food in her back. Then she does not land on the edge
of the nest but hovers over it. The purpose of this is to demonstrate to her
young that those tiny wings on their back have a useful function, they were
meant for flying. Time will come when she will go longer demonstrate but will
just push the eaglets out of the nest. Time will come she will deliberately
create discomfort in the nest so as to allow the aglets to fly on their own’’[8].
This quote corresponds to the text we find in Deuteronomy 32, 10-11. God is
described as a mother eagle since He was with Israel in the wilderness. He
guided and protected them against pharaoh`s soldiers.
When we analyze the text found in
Deuteronomy 32:11 there is a clear connection with the characteristics of a
mother eagle as developed in the previous paragraph. As eagle incites its nestlings
(meaning to say creates discomfort), hovering over its brood (showing them how
to fly), so he spreads his wings to receive them (meaning, as she pushes them
out of the nest) and bears them up on his pinions (connected to the protection
he provides them). This explicitly shows what God is to his people Israel as Fretheim
writes,`` God is one whose wings are
always available for refuge in time of attack, for shelter from the destructive
elements of the fully involved in Israel`s life from Egypt through the
wilderness to this point’’[9].In the same perspective, Father Rudolf
Horst writes,`` the two wings of the
great eagle symbolize God`s powerful protection from danger’’[10]
The Israelites were wandering
throughout the desert without knowing what to do just like young eaglets do
once outside the nest. Their only shelter was God`s wings. They were dependent
to God because they are God`s people[11].
The dependency of Israel to God illustrates also the time for Israel `s own
growth and maturity. This is because Israel had to learn how to fly with its
own wings to complete God`s plan of its liberation. Through the experience in
the desert as guided by mother eagle Israel have learn how to act maturely and
faithfully. As we will discuss it later, eagle is also a symbol of
faithfulness. As the mother eagle pushes its young out of the nest to try their
own wings, God has done the same to Israelites by pushing them out in the
desert in order to test their maturity and to strengthen their faith.
After discussing on the mother
eagle, let us discuss the possible meaning of the image of eagle used by the
narrator in Exodus 19:4 for the complete understanding of this work.
Chapter II: THE LESSONS FROM EAGLE IMAGE
Throughout this chapter our
intention is to discuss the image of mother eagle as a sign of transcendence,
lightness, patience, and faithfulness. We do believe that the narrator of
Exodus, has used this metaphor in order to talk of YHWH.
II.1 Transcendence
The
imagery of God as mother eagle is seen in the perspective of showing the might
of God. That is to say God is transcendent. Regarding eagles, Rudolf Horst
writes, `` eagle is rightly called king
of the birds. He looks majestic and behaves majestically’’[12].
In the light of this passage we do believe that the narrator in Exodus 19:4 use
the image `` I bore you up on eagles`
wings’’ in order to show that God is transcendent, majestic and almighty. Obviously,
YHWH has played an important role during Israel`s wandering in the wilderness.
Zornberg argues that, `` God as mother eagle is a metaphor of
transcendence’’[13].Mount Sinai has a weighty consideration
in the history of the Israelites. The metaphor, God as an eagle is meaningful
for the Israelites, since it reminds them how God brought them out of Egypt in
safety. That is to say, it expresses the powerful hands of the one who protected
them like an eagle. The narrator used this metaphor probably in order to call
our attention to that unforgettable event of the desert. As we know, the
metaphor is used by many writers for most access to convey the meaning of reality
at its deepest level. What we have to keep in mind is that behind metaphor God
the ``mother eagle’’ lies the idea
``to convey intimacy, protection, love, speed’’[14]
II.2 Lightness
Aware of their emptiness after
experiencing what God has done for them, the Israelites needed protection and
guidance from God. As Zornberg writes,``
it deflates their grandiosity, and evokes a relation to God their kavod, their
weightiness, becomes insignificant’’.[15]
In this perspective God is described
as the Almighty one and Israel has to seek refuge in Him as eaglets would. The
eaglets, as we said earlier, are protected by the wings of the mother eagle.
The journey through the desert was a time for Israel to mature its faith. We do
believe that it`s during the experience in the wilderness that the Israelites
have discovered who God is. God has been with them during the decisive time as
Joseph Ryhmer writes,`` their God had
revealed himself decisively in their history, he had shown that he had the
power’’[16].
This shows us how much God loves them and carries them as a mother eagle
carries its eaglets. This is the lightness of Israel regarding the commitment
they need to establish with entertain YHWH.
Israel has to be aware of the love and
protection which being carried on the eagles` wings involves. With regard to
this, God as mother eagle reminds Israelites the past and rich experiences in
the wilderness. This causes Israel to
reckon that without YHWH he is nothing. Israel is what he is because of the love
and protection of God who carried them. Hence, Zornberg writes, `` history is driven entirely by God`s
motion. The human reality, the gravity
of personal experience, is absorbed into that surge. Such a consciousness of
the unbearable lightness of being, however, is bearable only for short periods
and only within the world of imagination’’[17].
From
the previous quote, we understand that God, the mother eagle with his power,
protects and keeps Israel as the mother eagles do to their young eaglets. Israel has to remain under God`s wings in the
light of the journey in the wilderness. YHWH is the only one who guides the
Israelites by leading them under His care through the wilderness. Israelites
were complaining to Moses why did you bring us here?[18] The
imagery of ``eagle wings’’ is also a
call to Israel to lessen its arrogance. Israel has to know that he is just like
an eaglet which is carried on the wings of mother eagle. That is to say God.
Israel is protected and carried by the Almighty. Thus, he is granted the
ability to fly or be transported in flight to the heights where God dwells in a
region inaccessible by other people. That is to say region inaccessible by the
soldiers and chariots of Pharaoh.
II.3 Faithfulness and Patience
The mother eagle image can be
understood as a sign of faithfulness and patience that God has for Israel. In
this perspective, our intention is to discuss faithfulness and patience as
lessons that we can get from eagles in connection with the image used in Exodus
19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11.
In fact, eagle is also known for its
faithfulness. As Father Rudolf Horst writes, `` Here is another striking fact about these birds: the majestic eagles
are faithful to the first partner they mate with”[19].
In connection with our topic, God has chosen Israel as his beloved one by
saving them from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh. He did not abandon them.
He was with them all the time, guiding them day and night. God is faithful as
an eagle is to its partner. We do believe that the idea of Deuteronomy as the
book of the covenant requiring total self-commitment to the Israelites finds
its basic meaning on the eagle`s faithfulness.
We do believe that the awareness of
the Israelites of having been carried by eagle`s wings has strengthened their
faith and beliefs to God, YHWH. Joseph Ryhmer argues that, `` the experience in the wilderness confirmed the people`s belief that
God had entered into a special covenant with them’’[20].
The Israelites have been freed from the slavery under pharaoh in Egypt so they
need faithfulness to God who carried them on His wings as do the eagles for
their eaglets.
The eagle is known for its patience.
The eagle according to Father Rudolf Horst can wait for nearly two hours in
order to catch its prey in case it`s hidden in hole.[21]
YHWH is described as a patient God. Although Israelites complained and
disobeyed, He did not abandon them. He waited for the right time in order to
save His people. We find this virtue in eagle when it waits for the prey for
the sake of the young eaglets. Similarly God was patient despite the noisiness
of the Israelites.
We do believe that the image of God
as mother eagle is a way of talking probably of God as the patient one. God is
patient and makes Israelites wandering in the wilderness in order to mature
their faith and teach them how to be patient. He could have guided them
straight to the promise land, but He did not do so, time for Israel to mature
its faith and belief in God. That is to say for the sake of a Israel God was
patient in the light of an eagle waiting for its prey for the sake of the young
eaglets.
III. CONCLUSION
Throughout this work, we have
discussed the meaning of eagle wings which we find in Exodus 19:4. We have
showed that the narrator used this metaphor in order to show God`s saving
actions in the wilderness. We have showed that YHWH is presented through the
image of mother eagle as remembrance of safety and protection through which He
guided the Israelites in the wilderness. He took care of them as does an eagle
for its young eaglets. The eagles` wings symbolize the protection of God from
any danger. We have discussed that God put them (Israelites) in inaccessible
area for their safety as mother eagle does for the eaglets.
We have addressed this metaphor as
the way of conveying the transcendence of God. YHWH is almighty and majestic.
The image of mother eagle expresses the powerful hands of God who is considered
by the Israelites as the king of the kings. He provides protection and love for
His people. The imagery as we have discussed reminds Israel its emptiness
before God. Israel has to adore YHWH who has brought them out of Egypt.
The metaphor of God as mother eagle
is lightness with regard to the faith of the Israelites. Israel has to reckon
the meaning of being carried on eagle
wings. Israel has to recognize God as the one taking care of him as the
mother eagle does for its young eaglets. We have discussed faithfulness and
patience as virtues that we have to learn from eagle. YHWH is faithful and
patient by freeing His people from the slavery and guiding them day and night
during the long journey in the wilderness.
IV BIBLIOGRAPHY
I.Books
Ø FR.
Horst Rudolf. Animals in the Bible. A Stroll trough the Biblical Zoo. Logos
Publication, Manila, 2012.
Ø Blenkinsopp
Joseph. Deuteronomy. The Book of the Covenant. Sheed and Ward. London,1968
Ø Terence
Fretheim. Exodus. Interpretation: Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching,
John press, Louisville,1991
Ø Zornberg
Avivah. The Particulars of Rapture. Doubleday. New York,2001
Ø Ryhmer
Joseph. The Beginning of A People. A Way through the Old Testament. The
Pentateuch. Sheed and Ward. London, 1967
II.Internet site
Http.www.eagleflight.org
[1]
Rudolf Horst. Animals in the Bible. A
stroll trough the Biblical Zoo, Logos Publication, Manila. 164
[2]
Cf.Ibid.,166
[3] ibidem
[4]
Joseph Blenkinsopp, Deuteronomy. The book
of covenant, Sheed and Ward, London, 1968, P.12
[5]
Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit.,p.170
[6]
Fretheim Terence, Exodus. Interpretation:
A Bible commentary for teaching and preaching ,Louisville g, John press ,1991, P.210
[7]
Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit.,p.166
[8]
<<Attitudes and actions of a
growing church>>, available from http.www.eagleflight.org, internet
access march 3 ,2013
[9]
Fretheim, Op.Cit.,p210
[10]
Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit.,p170
[11]
Cf. Joseph Blenkinsopp, Op.Cit., p.46
[12]
Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit., p168
[13]
Zornberg Avivah, The particulars of
Rapture, New York, Doubleday,2001, p.257
[14] Ibid.,p.258
[15] Ibid., p.249
[16]
Joseph Ryhmer, The beginnings of A
people. A way through the Old Testament. The Pentateuch, Sheed and Ward,
London,1967, p.139
[17]
Zornberg, Op.Cit., p.258
[18]
We refer to the cries of Israelites in Exodus 14,11-13
[19]
Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit., P.169
[20]
Joseph Ryhmer, Op.Cit., p.17
[21]
Cf. Rudolf Horst, Op.Cit., p.171
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