Decoding the Analogy of an Eagle

An analogy (pronounced a·nal·o·gy) is a comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification. Whenever we encounter an analogy in the Bible, our task is to find out what the analogy is all about in order to fully understand the lessons that God wants us to learn from His Word.

Take “But those who wait on 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,” (Isaiah 40:31), for instance.

The key to finding what this verse means is finding out and understanding the characteristics of an eagle before you can see its correlation and significance to our walk in Christ. Just as Paul says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised (Hebrews 10:36, New International Version), we need perseverance and endurance in order to sustain our walk in Christ.

Running the Christian Race

Paul follows Hebrews 10:36 by reminding us about endurance when he lists examples of Old Testament saints who had endured by faith. Running the Christian marathon requires endurance built on faith that focuses on Jesus, who endured the cross and received the reward. Our daily walk with Christ requires endurance by spending time in reading the Word, applying it in our life and praying. It is not a sprint but a lifelong marathon.

The Christian race is a lifelong, grueling race that involves uneven roads, trails, numerous hills to climb and swampy marshes to negotiate. We need self-discipline, getting into good shape, positive motivation and sustained effort in order to finish the race.

And unlike a competitive marathon, we are not in competition with other believers. We are all on the same team, competing against the enemy who opposes God’s kingdom and wants us to drop out of the race.

In conclusion

I am sure you have watched a documentary on eagles and their habits. One thing that you will notice is an eagle’s ability to soar up in the sky, nearly motionless and stationary. This absolute lack of movement calls for discipline and endurance because it allows an eagle to be invisible to its prey.

As Christians, we need to have discipline and endurance in our walk in Christ and whenever we feel weary and lack energy we should depend on the Holy Spirit and the example of those who have gone before us for sustenance and the ability to bounce back.

We should learn from the example of an eagle that endures and perseveres against all odds to achieve its desired goals. That is why eagles are admired all over the world as symbols of power, freedom, and transcendence.

Quick Eagle Facts

• An eagle’s wing span measures over eight feet and weighs up to 15 pounds


• An eagle may live up to 40 years


• Eagles are the most attentive parents of all the bird species and perhaps the greatest teachers of their young


• Eagles have excellent eyesight


• Just like doves, eagles will remain monogamous until death


• Eagles feature prominently on the coat of arms of a large number of countries, such as Germany, Mexico, Egypt, Poland and Austria