EAGLE
Several animals receive this name in Palestine; It is generally applied to the most powerful of the birds of prey and, with it, to other species of predatory animals, which is why it is among the impure animals.
It flies at high altitude, quickly and majestically, fiercely guarding its nest. In both the Old and New Testaments it is frequently cited in images and comparisons.
There are many varieties of eagles, and almost all of them are found in Palestine, one of the best known being the golden eagle (“Aquila heliacea”). The Hebrew name also designates other birds of prey, with which it should not be confused (Deut. 14:12, 28; 32:11; Jb. 39:30; Rev. 4:7).
The eagle is frequently associated with visions of mysterious beings that take forms visible to men (Ez. 1:10). It also illustrates the rapidity with which riches are dissipated (Prov. 23:5).
In Ezekiel’s vision there is a likeness of an eagle (Ez. 1:10; 10:14) which is mentioned again in Rev. 4:7. In the parable of Ez. 17, Babylon and Egypt are compared to an eagle.