Gerry this is a metaphor . Birds , usually the females but some males also , will shield their young under their outspread wings . This may be done to protect them from the very hot sun or to keep the chicks warm or to shield them from the sight of flying predators that can easily snatch up a young chick . The Bible is full of metaphors that often pertain to farming or wildlife . This is because the people of the time would understand these metaphors quickly and easily as they often lived lives around farming and livestock . Many of us are not knowledgeable about these things any more as we live city based lives .
You're correct Gerry, Almighty God doesn't have wings. But we do see instances of this metaphor being used, as in Psalm 91:1-4. We see it Psalm 17:8, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 61:4, Psalm 63:7 (Psalms of David); Deuteronomy 32:11,12; Malachi 4:2; and maybe others.
As you look at these references, you will notice how the writers viewed the all-shadowing, all-protecting God over them. They might have considered the eagle gliding onto her nest with outstretched wings, and then when another bird of prey appeared to attempt an attack on the young, the mother eagle covered them with her wings - for protection & to keep them out of view. For that time in history, I think that the eagle represented a wonderful metaphor of God's concern & care to those who feared Him.
Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34
Very respectfully,
As Brother Chris mentioned the eagle represented a wonderful metaphor just like here in John you see a whole chapter of metaphors.
John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
These metaphors throughout the bible gives us a clear picture of the intent.
God bless.
As you look at these references, you will notice how the writers viewed the all-shadowing, all-protecting God over them. They might have considered the eagle gliding onto her nest with outstretched wings, and then when another bird of prey appeared to attempt an attack on the young, the mother eagle covered them with her wings - for protection & to keep them out of view. For that time in history, I think that the eagle represented a wonderful metaphor of God's concern & care to those who feared Him.
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