Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) by Aesthetic Photos
Bible Birds – Bird Claws and Eagle Hair
That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. (Daniel 4:33 NKJV emphasis mine)
What an interesting verse to read in the Bible. Most of you know what an Eagle looks like, because Eagles fly to many countries.
Adalbert’s Eagle Aquila adalberti) ©WikiC
Whose hair was going to grow so long that it would be as long as eagles’ feathers?
Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) Feet by Lee at National Aviary
This is what a person looks like with long nails:
Long nails like a bird’s claws
Whose fingernails and toenails was going to grow so long that they would look like bird claws?
The person that verse is referring to is Nebuchadnezzar. He was the King of Babylon in 605 BC – 562 BC. The Lord God had placed him in power to rule over the whole world, but he had forgotten to give God the credit. He started saying things like:
- “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling
- by my mighty power
- and for the honor of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30 NKJV emphasis mine)
Do you know what that is called? Pride! The King was failing to give God the credit for making him the ruler, having majesty, and ability to build his royal place.
Do we have a false pride? Yes, we may do great things. You may make 100% on a test, earn a high award, or receive some other great recognition. Are you swelling up with pride? Have you thanked your parents, friends, or, if you know the Lord as Savior, the Lord for helping you achieve your success?
We should be thankful for the abilities that we have. Thank the Lord for helping you remember those answers to get the 100%. Thank Him for allowing you to earn that award. Thank the Lord for being recognized for something you did that was great.
Thank the Lord even if you didn’t get 100%, a trophy, award, or other prize. If you did your best, that is all He can expect you to do. If you didn’t do your best, then ask the Lord to help you do better the next time something comes up.
Nebuchadnezzar – showing the king during his bout of insanity by William Blake ©WikiC
Yes, after the Lord sent Nebuchadnezzar out to the field with an animal’s heart, eating grass, growing long hair like eagle’s feathers, and his nails growing long like bird’s claws, He finally looked to the Lord God.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. (Daniel 4:37 NKJV)
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