It was on this day in 1949 that the Aliyah known as “Magic Carpet,” an immigration of thousands of Yemenite Jews to Israel, began. During this operation some 49,000 Yemenite Jews were airlifted to Israel aboard British and American transport flights. The official Hebrew name of this operation was Kanfei Nesharim, or “On the Wings of Eagles,” a name obviously inspired by Scripture.

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:4) 

“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.” (Isaiah 40:31)

This connection between eagle’s wings and an exodus from the gentile nations to the land of Israel is significant. We see that in the book of Revelation, these eagles’ wings are mentioned once again, this time carrying the sun-clothed woman into the wilderness to escape the wrath of the dragon. 

It is interesting so see the connection between God’s people leaving the nations to go back to the land of their fathers and eagles’ wings. We should not assume that this has no bearing upon those of us who are in Messiah; in Him we are considered to be part of this family that God calls Israel. We are partakers of the promises, according to Paul (Galatians 3) and one of those promises involves the land of promise – Israel. Perhaps this fact, in part, is why so many believers feel so attached to the land of Israel.

Some people are so attached to the land that, spurred on by their view of prophecies such as we just mentioned, they feel they should move to Israel as soon as possible. Unless the Lord prompts them to do this, their zeal might equate to trying to hurry the prophecy along. In fact, some times we can be guilty of getting ahead of God whatever the prophecy, be it something foretold in Scripture or something personal that God has spoken to us. We can become so anxious for the prophecy to come to pass that we focus on the future so intently that we fail to pay attention to the now.

It behooves to remember that Isaiah used the word “wait” – “Those who wait upon the Lord…” Another translation of that particular word could be “to look longingly for,” while we wait for Him to act. Remember, the Creator is never early, never late, but always on time, therefore, it’s imperative that we wait for Him in the right place for the right time. Also, Yeshua said, “Occupy until I come,” – not “Until you think I’m about to come.” 

Waiting can be hard at times, especially when we are anticipating some great event or the arrival of someone special. Still, that is what we’re instructed to do but doing it while we’re working and engaging in His business – occupying until He comes. So let us work while we can because the day approaches when He will gather His people unto Himself and deliver them upon the wings of eagles. Let’s do the work, now, that ensures our lamps are filled with oil so that we are ready and prepared for the cry, “Behold! The Bridegroom Comes!” 

Shalom.