1. The Wings of an Eagle

3. The Security of Trusting in God The Power to Protect The Power to Punish

4. The Power to Protect God delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian captivity, bearing them to safety on eagles’ wings, with the expectation that they would obey His voice and keep His covenant (Exod. 19:1-6, esp. vs. 4). Unfortunately, Israel did not remain faithful to this charge, forsaking the Lord and turning aside to idolatry; as a result God’s blessings gave way to His judgments (Deut. 32:1-24, esp. vs. 11).

5. The Power to Punish Jeremiah 48 contains an oracle concerning Moab. Destruction was decreed because they trusted in their own achievements, and became arrogant toward the Lord (Jer. 48:1-2, 7-8, 40-44). Jeremiah 49 contains an oracle concerning Edom. Disaster would befall these descendants of Esau because they became arrogant, and manifested violence against their kinsmen Jacob (Jer. 49:7-11, 16, 20-22; cf. Obad. 10-14).

6. Application Learning from the tragic example of Israel, may we cultivate a spirit of obedience (Matt. 7:24-27; Heb. 5:8-10). Learning from the tragic examples of Moab and Edom, may we cultivate a spirit of humility (Prov. 8:12-13; 11:2; 15:33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 21:24; 22:4; 29:23).

7. The Vanity of Trusting in Riches The imagery of eagles is also employed in Scripture to convey the vanity of trusting in riches (Prov. 23:4-5). Jesus warned against misplaced materialism in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:19-21). Addressing young Timothy, Paul offered similar admonitions (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19).

8. Conclusion Reflecting upon the overwhelming greatness of God, as depicted in Isaiah 40, may we mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (vs. 31). This glorious chapter focuses upon His comfort (1-2), His call (3-8), His reign and reward (9-11), His creativity and counsel (12-17), His unique singularity (18-20), His exalted judgments (21-26), and His providential empowerment (27-31).