President-elect Joe Biden addressed a crowd in Wilmington, Delaware on November 7 where he recited the hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings” and pledged to be a president “who seeks not to divide, but to unify.”
Biden said the hymn captured “the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America,” reports Premier Christian News. He shared that “On Eagle’s Wings” has a personal meaning to him and his family, particularly his son, Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015. Biden, the second Catholic president in American history, hopes the popular hymn can provide comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who lost a loved one to COVID-19.
With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be. A nation united. —President-elect Joe Biden
During his address, Biden quoted the words of the song, which are based on Psalm 91, Book of Exodus 19, and the Gospel of Matthew 13:
‘And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.’
Biden ended his speech with a call for unity. “And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do,’ he said. ‘With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be. A nation united.”
Many took to social media to praise Biden’s victory speech, reports The Scotsman. Fr. James Martin, a Jesuit Catholic priest, wrote on Twitter: “Catholic explainer: ‘On Eagles’ Wings’ is a popular Catholic hymn just mentioned by our Catholic President elect @JoeBiden as beloved by his family. (Me too.)”
Former Tory international development secretary Rory Stewart tweeted: “This is a beautiful speech – fluent, natural and focused on healing, not division – deeply reassuring and profoundly needed. Thank you @Joe Biden.”
Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called Biden’s message a “proper good speech.” He said, “That was a proper good speech by President Elect Joe Biden, passionate delivery, inclusive, forgiving and welcoming of the other side…”
Meanwhile, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd, posted a video of fireworks in Brisbane and said, “Celebrating last night in Brissie Joe Biden’s win. Or at least borrowing someone else’s fireworks for that purpose A sigh of relief around the world today. A great and healing speech just now from the President-elect. God speed this new administration, both at home and abroad.”
