Used as a symbol of protection. Under 'the shadow of God's wings' is referred to in the Psalms; and the Lord said He would often have gathered Israel as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but they would not. Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 57:1; Matthew 23:37; etc. Wings were given for rapid motion. The living creatures in Ezekiel 1 , had each four wings, and those in Isaiah 6:2 and Revelation 4 , had each of them six wings. God's executives are swift messengers.