Can we mount up with wings like Vultures?

Have you ever ever heard the scripture, "They that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like vultures"?


Our English Bibles translate this passage in Isaiah as,

"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isa 40:31)

You may find it interesting that the Hebrew and Greek words translated "eagle"in our English Bibles may actually be referring to the once-numerous-in-Israel Griffon vultures.

In Matthew 24:28 we read,
For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. (Mat 24:27-28)

Eagles would be unlikely to gather around a dead carcass. Eagles are rarely seen in groups larger than two or three, and feed primarily on fish and living creatures. Dead carcasses are the primary staple of vultures, however, and they gather in great numbers for their feasting.

The featherless head of the vulture may be in view in Micah 1:16 as the eagle has a head thickly covered with feathers, but the Vulture's head and neck are but scantily sprinkled with white down.

The Griffon vulture is a majestic bird, and is said to fly higher than any eagle. So who knows, maybe God will renew our strength and enable us to rise up with wings like the majestic Griffon vulture.

With all that said, the important thing for us to remember is that when we are weak and weary, we can find our strength and hope renewed as we wait on the Lord.

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psa 27:14)

Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
(Pro 20:22)

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
(Isa 40:31)

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:9-10)

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.