Meaning
Eagle <1,,105, aetos>
"an eagle" (also a vulture), is perhaps connected with aemi, "to blow," as of the wind, on account of its windlike flight. In Mat 24:28, Luk 17:37 the vultures are probably intended. The meaning seems to be that, as these birds of prey gather where the carcass is, so the judgments of God will descend upon the corrupt state of humanity. The figure of the "eagle" is used in Ezek. 17 to represent the great powers of Egypt and Babylon, as being employed to punish corrupt and faithless Israel. Cp. Job 39:30, Pro 30:17. The "eagle" is mentioned elsewhere in the NT in Rev 4:7, Rev 8:13 (RV); Rev 12:14. There are eight species in Palestine.
