The term "espied" is an archaic English word that means to catch sight of or to notice something, often with careful observation. In the context of the Bible, "espied" is used to describe moments when individuals or groups become aware of something significant, often leading to pivotal actions or decisions. This term appears in various narratives, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness in the unfolding of God's plans.

One notable instance of the word "espied" occurs in the account of the spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. In Numbers 21:21, the Berean Standard Bible recounts, "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying..." Although the specific term "espied" is not used in this verse, the narrative context involves the Israelites' reconnaissance of the land, which is a form of espial. The spies' report back to Moses and the Israelites significantly influenced their journey and decisions regarding entering Canaan.

Another example is found in 1 Samuel 26:13, where David, while being pursued by King Saul, "espied" Saul's camp. The BSB states, "Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the mountain at a distance; there was a wide gulf between them." David's careful observation of Saul's position allowed him to make strategic decisions, demonstrating the importance of discernment and awareness in the face of adversity.

In the New Testament, while the specific term "espied" is not commonly used, the concept is present in the vigilant watchfulness of the early Christians. For instance, in Acts 9:24, the BSB notes, "But Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him." Here, Saul (later Paul) becomes aware of a plot against him, illustrating the necessity of spiritual and physical vigilance in the life of a believer.

The use of "espied" in the Bible underscores the theme of divine providence and human responsibility. It reflects moments when individuals must be attentive to their surroundings and circumstances, recognizing the hand of God at work and responding accordingly. This concept encourages believers to remain watchful and discerning, aligning their actions with God's will as revealed through careful observation and spiritual insight.(imp. & p. p.) of Espy.

Man.
... man, should on a sudden descend from his throne or chair of state, to take up, that
he might put in his bosom, something that he had espied lying trampled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Amongst its rulers, doctors, and leaders, envy, malice, and blasphemy vented itself
against the power of godliness, in all places where it was espied; as also ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to ...
... In all the journeys and temptations of Jacob the same is to be espied; as when he
fled from his father's house for fear of his brother Esau; when he returned ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /it is i be not.htm

The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... befall him; so, buckling close his armour, which, on account of the heat he had
loosened, and drawing his sword, he climbed the mountain, when he espied, on a ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eight the adventures of.htm

Circumstances and Consequences
... You may remember how Bunyan, in his 'Pilgrim's Progress', represents Christian desiring
to enter the House Beautiful, but suddenly he espied two lions in the ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/viii circumstances and consequences.htm

But Lately, O Blindness, I Worshipped Images Produced from the ...
... produced from the furnace, gods made on anvils and by hammers, the bones of elephants,
paintings, wreaths on aged trees; [3309] whenever I espied an anointed ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/39 but lately o blindness.htm

However, Before those Laws were Sent into Africa by which Men are ...
... Lighting then on a soft heap of earth, and being espied by the light of a lamp by
some men who were passing by at night, he was recognized and picked up, and ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 7 25 however.htm

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.
... This made him take a bye-road to Libberton wynd. A little farther, he espied a
centinel on horseback, which obliged him to take Dalkeith way. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 3.htm

And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ...
... The lamps flickered and flared again, but nobody seemed to want them. Suddenly
Diamond espied a little girl coming along a street. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 4 and as she.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... Just as he was about to faint he espied the crystal fountain, and quickly
filling his shield from it, he cast the water on the fire. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

Espied (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Espy. Multi-Version Concordance
Espied (3 Occurrences). Genesis 42:27 And as one of them ...
/e/espied.htm - 7k

Espy (2 Occurrences)
... to catch sight of," rather than "to explore secretly." the Revised Version (British
and American) therefore retains it in Genesis 42:27, "He espied his money ...
/e/espy.htm - 8k

Especially (23 Occurrences)

/e/especially.htm - 13k

Lodging-place (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the
lodging-place, he espied his money; and, behold, it was in the mouth of his ...
/l/lodging-place.htm - 8k

Espousal

/e/espousal.htm - 7k

Provender (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the
inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. ...
/p/provender.htm - 10k

Spied (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 20:6 In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth
of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with ...
/s/spied.htm - 11k

Sack's (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the
inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/sack's.htm - 7k

Sepulchers (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:16 And as Josiah turned himself, he espied the sepulchers that were there
on the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchers, and ...
/s/sepulchers.htm - 11k

Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 20:6 in that day I lifted up my hand unto them, to bring them out of the
land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and ...
/o/ornament.htm - 17k

Espied: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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