In Deut. xxxii, 10-12, the Lord has given a peculiar illustration of His dealings with those whom He loves and is preparing for His kingdom. Of Jacob He says that, “He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth, abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings; so the Lord alone did lead him.” Eagles build their nests in the tops of high trees. Here the young ones are hatched and fed by the mother till strong enough to begin to fly. But how shall they learn to fly ? If they venture out of the nest, they will fall and be dashed to pieces on the rocks below. So to learn them how to use their wings, the mother “stirreth up her nest,” and throws out one of the young eagles. To him this seems like a cruel work—sure death. He is compelled to make an effort to save himself, to use his wings; yet down, he goes! Does the mother leave him to perish ? No; she “fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings,” and thus saves them. When they are nearly tired out, she flies under them, takes them on her wings and they rest, then casts them off again. In this way they learn to fly. So the Lord says he deals with his children. Sometimes he sends afflictions, takes away friends, property, health, prosperity, every thing. It seems as though God had forsaken them entirely and had no care for them. But it is not so; it is for their good, and to teach them confidence in Him. “All things work together for good to them that love God.”
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Jan. 8, 1867