Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the eagle is mentioned among the birds that are considered unclean and therefore forbidden as food for the Israelites. This prohibition is part of the dietary laws given by God to the people of Israel, which are detailed in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.The eagle is first listed as unclean in Leviticus 11, where God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the animals that may and may not be consumed. Leviticus 11:13-19 (BSB) states: "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." Similarly, in Deuteronomy 14:12-18 (BSB), the eagle is again mentioned among the birds that are not to be eaten: "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the bearded vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon, any kind of raven, the ostrich, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, the little owl, the great owl, the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat." The prohibition against eating eagles and other birds of prey is rooted in the broader Levitical code, which emphasizes holiness and separation from practices that are considered impure or detestable. The eagle, as a bird of prey, is associated with characteristics that are contrary to the dietary purity laws established for the Israelites. These laws served not only as a means of physical health and hygiene but also as a symbol of spiritual cleanliness and obedience to God's commandments. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dietary laws distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations, reinforcing their identity as a people set apart for God. The eagle, often seen as a symbol of power and majesty, is nonetheless categorized among the unclean animals, highlighting the distinctiveness of God's requirements for His people. The eagle's inclusion in the list of forbidden birds underscores the importance of adhering to divine instructions, as these laws were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The dietary restrictions, including the prohibition of eating eagles, were a tangible expression of the Israelites' commitment to living according to God's will. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 11:13And these are they which you shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 14:12 Library The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Psalm CIII. Concerning the Disease that Herod Fell into and the Sedition which ... The Nature of Spiritual Hunger On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... The Primitive Church. The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. A Compendious view of the Christian Life. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Resources What does the Bible say about the eagle? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to refer to God as God the mother? | GotQuestions.org Is there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org Eagle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Eagle: Carries Her Young Upon Her Wings The Eagle of Great and Powerful Kings The Eagle of Wisdom and Zeal of God's Ministers The Eagle was the Standard of the Roman Armies The Eagle: (Hasting to the Prey) of the Swiftness of Man's Days The Eagle: (Height and Security of Its Dwelling) of the Fancied But The Eagle: (Increase Baldness of, in the Moulting Season) of The Eagle: (Mode of Teaching Her Young to Fly) of God's Care of His The Eagle: (Renewed Strength and Beauty of) the Renewal of Saints The Eagle: (Swiftness of) the Melting Away of Riches The Eagle: (Swiftness of) the Swiftness of Hostile Armies The Eagle: (Upward Flight of) the Saint's Rapid Progress Toward The Eagle: (Wings of) Protection Afforded to the Church The Eagle: Called the Eagle of the Heavens The Eagle: Delights in the Lofty Cedars The Eagle: Dwells in the High Rocks The Eagle: Feeds Her Young With Blood The Eagle: Greatness of Its Wings Alluded To The Eagle: Peculiarity of Its Flight Alluded To The Eagle: Strength of Its Feathers Alluded To Related Terms |