There is some historical confusion between the eagle (Ne-sher) and the vulture (A-yit) in regard to their Hebrew names. This confusion has not been resolved until this very day and you’ll find conflicting definition in all world dictionaries. The main difference between the two birds besides ornithological comparisons is that the Eagle is a predator whereas the vulture is a scavenger, feeding chiefly on carrion and reputed to gather with others in anticipation of the death of a sick or injured animal or person. Although they may look alike, there is a major difference between the two that is well noticed in Biblical Hebrew. The Eagle is viewed symbolically as a positive bird to the extent that it is compared to God protecting His people:
“As an eagle stirs up its nest, flutters over its young, spreads out its wings, takes them, bears them on its pinions”
This powerful imagery inspired the adaptation of the bald eagle as the U.S. national emblem in June 20, 1782. The mere name comes from the root “na-shar,” which mean “to fall out,” “to be bald.” This leaves no doubt about America’s choice of its emblem—very biblical, reflecting the godliness of our forefathers. The eagle carries the character of a mighty warrior, and at the same time it is the protecting fatherly manifestation of God. Indeed, the last two letters of the Hebrew word “ne-sher” mean “a price,” “a mighty warrior.”
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