Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, Babylon is often depicted through various symbols and metaphors, one of which is the representation of a great eagle. This imagery is primarily found in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament, where it serves to convey the power, reach, and eventual downfall of Babylon.Symbolism of the Eagle The eagle is a symbol of strength, swiftness, and dominance, characteristics that aptly describe the Babylonian Empire at the height of its power. In the ancient Near East, the eagle was often associated with kingship and divine authority, making it a fitting representation for a kingdom that exerted significant influence over the known world. Biblical References One of the key passages that employs the imagery of an eagle in relation to Babylon is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 17, the prophet presents a parable involving two eagles and a vine. The first eagle, described as "great" with "great wings, long pinions, full of feathers of many colors," is interpreted as representing the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 17:3). This eagle comes to Lebanon, takes the top of a cedar, and carries it to a city of merchants, symbolizing the Babylonian king's conquest and the deportation of the Judean king and his nobles to Babylon. The parable continues with the planting of a vine, which initially flourishes under the care of the first eagle but later turns to another eagle for sustenance. This act of seeking help from another power is seen as a breach of covenant and leads to the vine's destruction. The narrative underscores the futility of relying on foreign alliances instead of trusting in God's sovereignty. Historical Context The use of the eagle to represent Babylon is not only a literary device but also reflects the historical context of the Babylonian Empire's expansion. Under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon became a dominant force, conquering Jerusalem in 586 BC and leading many of its inhabitants into exile. The eagle's ability to soar high and cover vast distances mirrors Babylon's far-reaching influence and military prowess. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the depiction of Babylon as a great eagle serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over the nations. While Babylon is portrayed as powerful and majestic, the prophetic literature consistently emphasizes that its power is temporary and subject to divine judgment. The imagery of the eagle, therefore, is not only a symbol of Babylon's might but also a testament to its eventual downfall as ordained by God. Conclusion The representation of Babylon as a great eagle in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that captures the empire's strength and the transitory nature of earthly power. Through this imagery, the biblical narrative communicates themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the futility of human pride. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 17:3And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, long winged, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came to Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ... The Mystery Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... Babylonia and Assyria The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Resources Was Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Babylon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Babylon was Called: Desert of the Sea Babylon was Called: Lady of Kingdoms Babylon was Called: Land of Merathaim Babylon was Called: Land of Shinar Babylon was Called: Land of the Chaldeans Babylon with Media and Persia Divided by Darius 120 Provinces Babylon: Ambassadors of, Sent to Hezekiah Babylon: As a Power Was: An Instrument of God's Vengeance on Other Nations Babylon: As a Power Was: Arrogant Babylon: As a Power Was: Covetous Babylon: As a Power Was: Cruel and Destructive Babylon: As a Power Was: Grand and Stately Babylon: As a Power Was: Oppressive Babylon: As a Power Was: Secure and Self-Confident Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Babylon the Great Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called Beauty of Chaldees Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the City of Merchants Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Glory of Kingdoms Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Called the Golden City Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Enlarged by Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Its Antiquity Babylon: Babylon the Capital of Surrounded With a Great Wall and Fortified Babylon: Babylon the Chief Province of Babylon: City of Built by Nimrod Babylon: City of Capital of the Kingdom of Babylon Babylon: City of in the Land of Shinar Babylon: City of Peter Writes From Babylon: City of Prophecies Concerning Babylon: Composed of Many Nations Babylon: Destroyed by the Medes Babylon: Empire of a Limited Monarchy Babylon: Empire of Armies of, Invade Ancient Canaan Babylon: Empire of At the Time of Ahasuerus Babylon: Empire of Called Land of Shinar Babylon: Empire of Colonists From, Sent to Samaria Babylon: Empire of Conquest of Egypt By Babylon: Empire of Divisions of Babylon: Empire of Extent of, at the Time of Nebuchadnezzar Babylon: Empire of Founded by Nimrod Babylon: Empire of Jews Carried To Babylon: Empire of Prophecies of Conquests By Babylon: Empire of Prophetic Denunciations Against Babylon: Formerly a Part of Mesopotamia Babylon: Founded by the Assyrians, and a Part of Their Empire Babylon: Inhabitants of Addicted to Magic Babylon: Inhabitants of Idolatrous Babylon: Inhabitants of Profane and Sacrilegious Babylon: Inhabitants of Wicked Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged and Took Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Besieged Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Burned Jerusalem Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Jehoiakim Tributary Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Made Zedekiah King Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Rebelled Against by Zedekiah Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled and Burned the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Spoiled the Temple Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Jehoiachin Captive to Babylon Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar King of Took Zedekiah Captive to Babylon Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Captivity of the Jews By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Conquests By Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Destruction of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Perpetual Desolation of Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Preaching of the Gospel In Babylon: Predictions Respecting: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Presidents Placed Over Babylon: Remarkable For: Antiquity Babylon: Remarkable For: Commerce Babylon: Remarkable For: Manufacture of Garments Babylon: Remarkable For: Military Power Babylon: Remarkable For: National Greatness Babylon: Remarkable For: Naval Power Babylon: Remarkable For: Wealth Babylon: Remarkable For: Wisdom of Senators Babylon: Represented by a Great Eagle Babylon: Represented by a Head of Gold Babylon: Represented by a Lion With Eagle's Wings Babylon: Restoration of the Jews From Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Babylon: Situated Beyond the Euphrates Babylon: The Gospel Preached In Babylon: The Jews Exhorted to be Subject To, and Settle In Babylon: Treatment of the Jews In Babylon: Watered by the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris Related Terms Merodach-baladan (2 Occurrences) |
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