Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Gazing refers to the act of looking steadily and intently, often with admiration, curiosity, or contemplation. In the biblical context, gazing can denote a range of human experiences, from awe and wonder to scrutiny and judgment. The act of gazing is often associated with significant spiritual or divine encounters, as well as moments of introspection and revelation.Biblical Instances: 1. Moses and the Burning Bush: One of the most profound instances of gazing in the Bible is Moses' encounter with the burning bush. In Exodus 3:2-3 , it is written, "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. So Moses thought, 'I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?'" Here, Moses' gaze leads to a divine encounter, marking the beginning of his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 2. The Ascension of Jesus: In Acts 1:10-11 , the disciples are described as gazing into the sky as Jesus ascends into heaven: "They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.'" This moment of gazing signifies both the awe of witnessing a miraculous event and the anticipation of Christ's promised return. 3. The Bronze Serpent: In Numbers 21:8-9 , the Israelites are instructed to gaze upon the bronze serpent to be healed from snake bites: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze serpent, he lived." This act of gazing is an act of faith and obedience, prefiguring the salvific gaze upon Christ crucified. 4. The Transfiguration: During the Transfiguration of Jesus, Peter, James, and John gaze upon the glorified Christ alongside Moses and Elijah. In Matthew 17:2 , it states, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This gaze reveals the divine nature of Christ and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Theological Significance: Gazing in the Bible often signifies a deeper spiritual insight or revelation. It is an act that transcends mere physical sight, inviting the observer into a deeper understanding of God's presence and purpose. The act of gazing can be a moment of transformation, where the observer is called to respond in faith, obedience, or worship. Moral and Spiritual Lessons: From a moral and spiritual perspective, the act of gazing encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, as stated in Hebrews 12:2 : "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This exhortation calls Christians to maintain a steadfast focus on Christ amidst life's distractions and challenges, drawing strength and guidance from His example and teachings. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gazing upon a deity or a divine manifestation was often considered a privilege or a sign of favor. The biblical narratives reflect this cultural understanding, where gazing upon God or His works is both a moment of revelation and a call to action. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Gaze.Greek 2301. theatrizo -- to make a spectacle of ... to put to shame, expose publicly. From theatron; to expose as a spectacle -- make a gazing stock. see GREEK theatron. (theatrizomenoi) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2301.htm - 7k 3706. horasis -- the act of seeing, a vision, appearance 816. atenizo -- to look fixedly, gaze Strong's Hebrew 6837. Tsiphyon -- perhaps "gazing," a son of Gad... 6836, 6837. Tsiphyon. 6838 . perhaps "gazing," a son of Gad. Transliteration: Tsiphyon Phonetic Spelling: (tsif-yone') Short Definition: Ziphion. ... /hebrew/6837.htm - 6k 6825. Tsepho -- perhaps "gazing," an Edomite 7583. shaah -- to gaze Library A Gazing-Stock. A Soul Gazing on God Hebrews x. 32-34 Of the Threefold Prayer of Christ, that we Might be one with God How Our Spirit is Called to Go Out in Contemplation and Fruition Do You Know Him? Coming Again. The Purifying Influence of Hope How Peter Told Paul. Triumphant Prayer Thesaurus Gazing (11 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Gaze. Multi-Version Concordance Gazing (11 Occurrences). ... Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? ... /g/gazing.htm - 9k Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences) Gazingstock (2 Occurrences) Zephi (1 Occurrence) Zepho (3 Occurrences) Outstretched (40 Occurrences) Officer (70 Occurrences) Longing (40 Occurrences) Gazite (1 Occurrence) Resources What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus will come in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)? | GotQuestions.org Gazing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Gazing (11 Occurrences)Luke 4:20 Luke 22:56 Acts 1:10 Acts 1:11 Acts 6:15 Romans 8:19 2 Corinthians 3:13 Genesis 24:21 Song of Songs 2:9 Daniel 10:8 Nahum 3:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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