Eagles in the Bible are famous for their sight, their soaring, and their parenting. We have examined the first two in previous articles. Today let’s consider this: how do eagles teach their young to fly? 

For protection and a good view of the land, eagles build their nests high on cliffs or in trees. Jeremiah 49:16 says, “ . . . though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.” As the young hatch, they must learn to fly or they will plunge to their death or become prey for other birds or animals. God tells us in Deuteronomy 32:11 how this is done. “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings. . .”
Eagles, like many young people, prefer the security of home and provision over taking the responsibility of maturity. To overcome this, as the offspring reaches the proper age, the mother eagle will begin making it harder for them to eat. She retrieves food for them but drops it off at a nearby branch so baby must hop over to get it. Further and further from the nest the next meal is served and eventually baby must flutter over for lunch.
Finally the day comes when baby must learn to fly on its own. The parent will lift it up on her wings and take off, eventually forcing it to fly. Then preceding the baby, her powerful wings will cause spiraling turbulence that lifts the fledgling’s wings up in flight. The baby might think, “Flying is easy,” while really it is Mommy doing most of the work. Think of this in light of Exodus19:4- “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.” Israelites became cocky about what they had done in escaping Egypt. But in reality, it was God doing most of the work. How is God now teaching you your total dependence on Him? (John 15:5) The ways of eagles are truly marvelous and clear evidence of a Designer.