From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”
[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.” As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.
In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]
In the fifth verse of Psalm 103, God promises to satisfy us with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle is renewed. In order to understand this verse of Scripture, let’s first consider the eagle.
It is both interesting as well as noteworthy that eagles are mentioned and used as a comparison numerous times in the Bible. The eagle, like other comparisons, is mentioned in places where its characteristics help make the point. Understanding some characteristics of eagles helps us to understand the comparisons.
For instance, Deuteronomy Chapter 32 refers to God as an eagle, fluttering over the young, spreading out His wings, and then bearing them on His wings.
A mother eagle will stir up the nest and let the babies drop and then catch them with her wings. This is how she teaches them to fly. God wants us to fly and soar. He is so willing to catch us, help us, and carry us until we can indeed fly.
In Exodus 19:4, God reminds Moses that He bore the nation of Israel on eagle’s wings. In other words, He carried the whole nation on His wings, just as a mother eagle would carry her young on her wings. That is quite a picture of God’s great power, care, and concern.
There are numerous comparisons in the Bible using the eagle. One such case is Psalm 103, where it talks about our youth being renewed as an eagle is renewed. How is the youth of an eagle renewed?
I have read of different methods that different types of eagles have to shed their old feathers. One method I read was that of the eagle plucking out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in a hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out.
Another method I have read about is when an eagle will shed his old cumbersome feathers by entering into a body of water. At that point the old feathers are shed. The eagle then stays close to shore protecting himself and eating what food he can, waiting for new feathers. Once he has his new feathers, his strength is renewed, and it is compared to his youth being renewed.
The book of Isaiah says that those 
who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Our “youth,” or specifically, our spiritual walk with God, can be renewed, as we shed the old, and get the new. There are a number of verses in the New Testament that refer to putting off, and putting on. We are to put off the old man and put on the new man.
Just like the eagle cannot get his new feathers until he gets rid of his old feathers, we too must put off, cast down, or lay aside the old and then put on the new.
We make a conscious mental effort to put off the actions of the old nature. We determine mentally that those old things will no longer be a part of our lives. And then we replace them with what the Bible declares to be our new nature.
For example, in Ephesians it says to put away lying and speak every man truth with his neighbor. Lying is part of the old nature. Speaking the truth is a characteristic of the new nature.
So we can mentally determine to put away lying; we can shed those old feathers. And in it’s place we make a conscious mental decision to speak the truth. In doing so, we can then walk with God unencumbered by the old.
As we shed the old feathers and put on the new in their place, we are renewed. We can walk with Him and not faint. We can run with Him and not be weary. We can be renewed and mount up with wings of eagles.
Psalm 103:5
Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.Deuteronomy 32:9-12
For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.
As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings:
So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
Exodus 19:4
You have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Ephesians 4:22- 25:
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
II Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Mike Verdicchio
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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.
He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window
Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)
I am not a religious person but This really inspired me.. although i find it hard to believe that, i am capable of shedding my old feathers deep down i still have faith that i might one day find my path in the right direction and shed the old me..
Hey Dario!
praying for you!
Dario, I am so glad it inspired you. I’m not a religious person either – there is a big difference in being “religious” and spiritually minded. And, yes, you can, with God’s help shed the old feathers and enjoy your path. Tomorrow’s podcast will really be an eye opener for you.
Dear Mike
What an excellent description of the eagle / renewal concept! I was trawling through various websites to find out what this meant and I came across your site. I was deeply inspired by the idea of the analogy of old feathers and the shedding of our old selves, in order to relish in God’s newness! Very inspiring indeed! May God continue to use you to bless and inspire others and I am looking forward to learning more!
Audrey, I am so glad this article inspired you. We are to put off the old, and put on the new. 🙂 God bless you.
Despite a few truths about scripture and God, all the ‘renewal’ stories about eagles if blatantly false. Sir, do some real research. Don’t undermine whatever good you may desire to do by sharing untruth which only serves to diminish your credibility. Regards.
Dave,
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
In my opinion, the best resource for research concerning the customs and idioms in the Bible is from Bishop K. C. Pillai. He spent the last twenty years of his life in the United States of America on a special mission to acquaint Christians with the culture of the Bible. He wrote books and worked with a number of Western Christians to help clarify what he believed were difficult Scriptural passages through an understanding of the eastern manners and customs.
Bishop Pillai was born in India in 1900 and the culture he was raised in is not the same today, not only in India, but in most of the Middle East as well. He studied and spent times in other areas including Mesopotamia and Arabia. After converting to Christianity it became very apparent to him that Bible teachers in the West did not understand or appreciate the culture in which the Bible was written.
His mission was to bring understanding of the customs, manners and idioms to the Western world. He taught extensively, first in Europe and then in the United States. I have his three books, hundreds of his recorded teachings, as well as trnascripts of hundreds of his teachings.
I am thankful that a man who was raised in a culture that was yet untouched by the modern emerging world communicated so many, many truths that give greater understanding to the student of the Bible.
A very gracious and informative reply to Dave’s comment.
So nice to see a mature Christian who knows how to respond rather than just react. I pray I can emulate your example in my own life. Blessings. . .
Rosine, thanks for leaving a comment.
A very important key to understanding the Scriptures is understanding it in light of the culture in which it was written. That’s the main reason I wrote a book clarifying around 4 dozen Scriptures. In the preface of that book, I included information about Bishop Pillai, of whom I am indebted to for his teachings regarding the Bible culture. In case you’re interested in that book, “What Does it Mean?, here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Very Good Article.When I was reading psalm 103,I was wondering why david has mentioned,God will renew our youth like eagles.What is so special about eagles.After reading your article it made me to understand the verse clearly.As You mentioned unless we shed our bad habits/attitude new life will never begin.To renew our youth Jesus is the only way.As the scripture(2 Corinthians 5:17)says.When you are in christ you are a new creation.Old life has gone and the new life has begin.
Thank you for your comment Solomon.
Yes, Christ is the only way!
Accepting him, we do become new, on the inside, spiritually.
Then it’s up to us to put off the old way of thinking and embrace the new man God made us.
God bless you.
I am greatly blessed. Most of us
christians often find it difficult to
change our old dirty
habits. Thank you for more light on this.
Alade,
Thanks for leaving a comment.
And, yes, we just do our best to put off the old and put on the new.
God bless you….
Thanks Mike for bringing to light, how God uses all things He has created, to help us practically understand Him. This is first time I ever researched what the eagle means.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. His Holy name.” Psalm 103:1
Michael,
Thanks for the comment, and have a great week,
God bless you,
Thank you so much for all this information. I have to speak tonight and this was just more conformation to my spirit of what God is saying. I will bless the Lord at all times and his praise shall continue be in my mouth. Thank you Lord for renewing my walk with you everyday! I SHALL MOUNT UP…
Jacqueline, I hope your speaking event went well last night!
Thanks for your kind comments,
God bless you!
This is a positive, hopeful study! We have gone through a great trial of illness and unemployment only to be recovering and embarking on a new business venture. The Lord caught us on His wings and we’ve been Plucked and re feathered! Praise God!
Carol, glad you found this article helpful – our God is good! God bless you.
What a merciful God! That He would describe Himself in such terms. Examining the eagle encourages me that God is so patient with us. He knows that we have feathers to shed, he knows that we are weak….but in him we are strong, in him we have redemption. He alone is our salvation. Where can we take our burden of sin? Where can we take our destroyed youth? Wasted time? Let us not wallow in condemnation but rise in the victory that Christ gave his life and rose again for! We can turn to Him. Thank you for studying and sharing this with us.
Thank you!
Andrea, thanks for leaving a comment – yes indeed we have the victory through Christ!
God bless you
Thank you for this excellent analysis and commentary on “your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
It makes sense in light of the command to spiritually “put off the old man and put on the new.” It also calls to mind Our Lord’s admonition that we cannot have “new wine in old wineskins.” We must become the “new wineskins” capable of containing the “new wine” of God’s abundant mercy and grace.
Still I can’t help wishing this revelation applies to the physical body as well as the should. I wish I had more energy in my old age and my physical strength would be “renewed like the eagle’s.” I wish the stiffness in my joints were gone and I could run and walk as far as I sued to without growing “weary” and “faint” I wish I could hike mountain trails and reach the summit again.
And I mean in THIS life!
Lord have mercy!
Jack, thanks for your kind comments, much appreciated! And, yes, I hear you about getting older. You might want to get the eBook I put out a few months ago – very encouraging for us seniors! The Encouraging Word – Getting Older.
God bless you
This was very helpful. I had always wondered about that verse in Psalm 103. Thanks
Jesse,
I’m glad that article was helpful for you!
I am releasing a book soon with dozens of verses explained in light of Biblical culture. It will be titled, What Does It Mean?
Thanks for leaving a comment, God bless you.
Although this has merit, by faith these verses still mean what they mean at face value: that God can renew your youth and keep you young and healthy for the entirety of your life.
Joshua,
Thanks for leaving a comment, glad it had merit for you.
In my new book, What Does It Mean? I share insight to help to understand the Scriptures by understanding some of the biblical culture and idioms. If you’re interested in getting a signed copy, use this link:
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
God bless you,
your explanation of the verse renewed as eagle was helpful. thanks and God bless.
Tomas,
Thanks for leaving a comment; glad it was helpful.
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy.
God bless you
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Praise the Lord, Mike! I knew about shedding the old feathers and even the young eagle molting until it had what it needs to soar. This article put them both in perspective for me and connected me to the cultural references. Just enough for what I needed!!! Thank you!
Thomansena,
Thanks for leaving a comment; glad it was helpful.
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy.
God bless you
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Hi Mike,
I happened on your website while researching an eagle’s youth. (Psalms 103:5)
I was in charge of the Ladies’ devotion and had decided on Psalms 103:1-5. When I got to verse 5, the possessive form of eagle’s, it piqued my curiosity about an eagle’s youth and how it applied to the Lord’s benefits.
I included some of your text and the ladies were blessed. (of course it was cited as yours)
Thank you. I am enjoying perusing your articles.
Corrine, thanks for leaving a comment, and your kind words.
Glad the information was a benefit to the Ladies devotional.
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Amazing. Thank youbfor sharing.
Øygunn, thanks for leaving a comment,
God bless you
I very much enjoyed this , thank you and I will share
Glad you enjoyed the article, Priscilla. Thanks for sharing it
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Thank you this was an answer to prayer this morning keep up the good work!
Chris, thanks for leaving a comment and your kind words.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Thank you Sir
Having never read or heard how the Eagle is renewed, I was interested in how Ps.103.5
having read it so many times and not questioned how it pertained to me. It is by Choice the Eagle extends it’s life. It isn’t easy to do what it has to do. Not, is it is for humans to put off the old. Thankfully, God sends us help like a teaching as yours and The Precious Holy Spirit. I have shared your writing, it spoke to me, may it speak to others with understanding of being renewed and extend our life in Jesus for His Kingdom. In His Name Amen?✝️
Christine, Thanks for leaving a comment.
Understanding the culture in which it was written opens up many verses in the Bible.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/