Looking-glasses, known today as mirrors, are reflective surfaces used for personal grooming and adornment. In biblical times, these objects were typically made from polished metals such as bronze, brass, or copper, rather than the glass mirrors we are familiar with today. The use and symbolism of looking-glasses in the Bible provide insight into the cultural and spiritual life of ancient societies.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 38:8 : "Next, he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This verse highlights the use of looking-glasses in the construction of the Tabernacle. The mirrors, donated by the Israelite women, were melted down to create the bronze basin used for ceremonial washing. This act of devotion signifies the transformation of personal vanity into a tool for divine service, reflecting the purification and sanctification required to approach God.

2. 1 Corinthians 13:12 : "Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Here, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a mirror to describe the partial and imperfect understanding of divine truths in this life. The mirrors of the time, being made of metal, provided a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrors, symbolizing the limited clarity with which humans perceive spiritual realities.

3. James 1:23-24 : "For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." James uses the analogy of a mirror to emphasize the importance of acting upon the Word of God. Just as a mirror reveals one's physical appearance, the Scriptures reveal one's spiritual state. The failure to respond to this revelation is likened to forgetting one's reflection, underscoring the necessity of obedience and transformation.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In ancient cultures, mirrors were not only practical tools but also held symbolic meanings. They were often associated with self-examination and introspection. The act of looking into a mirror was a metaphor for self-awareness and the pursuit of inner truth. In the biblical context, mirrors serve as a reminder of the need for spiritual reflection and the pursuit of holiness.

The transformation of mirrors into the bronze basin in the Tabernacle also illustrates the biblical theme of consecration. Objects of personal use were repurposed for sacred functions, symbolizing the call for believers to dedicate their lives and resources to God's service.

Theological Implications:

The use of looking-glasses in Scripture invites believers to consider the nature of their spiritual reflection. Just as a mirror reveals physical imperfections, the Word of God exposes spiritual shortcomings. This calls for a response of repentance and a commitment to spiritual growth. The metaphor of seeing "dimly" in a mirror also points to the eschatological hope of perfect knowledge and communion with God, a promise that encourages perseverance in faith.

In summary, looking-glasses in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of self-examination, transformation, and the pursuit of divine truth. They remind believers of the importance of aligning their lives with God's will and the ultimate hope of seeing Him "face to face."Looking-Glasses

Or rather, mirrors, were anciently made of metal, chiefly copper, Exodus 38:8; Job 37:18, melted and cast in a circular form, highly polished, and attached to an ornamental handle. Similar mirrors have been found in the ruins of ancient Egypt.

The Moods of Mr. George Moore
... best in combating. Mr. Moore hates Catholicism because it breaks up the
house of looking-glasses in which he lives. Mr. Moore does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ix the moods of mr.htm

Jerome Savonarola (Ad 1452-1498)
... There were among them cards and dice, fineries of women's dress, looking-glasses,
bad books, musical instruments, pictures, and statues. ...
/.../chapter xxviii jerome savonarola ad.htm

Secret Faults
... outward. They see themselves in their looking-glasses every morning, although
they 'go away and forget what manner of men' they were. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/secret faults.htm

That when the Mind Loves Itself, it is not Unknown to Itself.
... For eyes can never see themselves except in looking-glasses; and it cannot be supposed
in any way that anything of that kind can be applied also to the ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 that when the mind.htm

Wesley at Sevenoaks
... to draw them. The tables, the chairs, the frames of the looking-glasses,
are all plated over with silver. The tapestry, representing ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley at sevenoaks.htm

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
... Coffee-houses will not let you pray, trades will not let you pray, looking-glasses
will not let you pray; but if you were born of God, you would. ...
/.../bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/bunyans last sermonpreached july 1688.htm

Known by their Fruits.
... yourselves? In some houses they line the rooms with looking glasses, so
that wherever you turn you see a reflection of yourself. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xliii known by their.htm

The First Part
... know not what substance; viz. of the looking-glasses of the women assembling
at the door of the tabernacle. But you may see the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Coffee-houses will not let you pray, trades will not let you pray, looking-glasses
will not let you pray; but if you was born of God, you would. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... Sabbath, because they might discover a white hair and attempt to pull it out, which
would be a grievous sin; but men ought not to use looking-glasses even on ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Lookingglasses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lookingglasses (1 Occurrence). Exodus 38:8 And
he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of ...
/l/lookingglasses.htm - 6k

Looking-glasses (2 Occurrences)
Looking-glasses. Lookingglasses, Looking-glasses. Lookout . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Lookingglasses, Looking-glasses. Lookout . Reference Bible
/l/looking-glasses.htm - 7k

Undergarments (6 Occurrences)
... water. (See NAS NIV). Isaiah 3:23 The looking-glasses, and the fair linen,
and the high head-dresses, and the veils. (See NAS). Ezekiel ...
/u/undergarments.htm - 8k

Looking-glass (1 Occurrence)
Looking-glass. Lookingglass, Looking-glass. Lookingglasses . Noah Webster's
Dictionary ... (BBE WBS). Lookingglass, Looking-glass. Lookingglasses . ...
/l/looking-glass.htm - 7k

Lookout (4 Occurrences)

/l/lookout.htm - 7k

Glass (12 Occurrences)
... (Comp. Exodus 38:8: "looking-glasses" are brazen mirrors, RV). A mirror is
referred to also in James 1:23. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/g/glass.htm - 21k

Washing-vessel (8 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:8 And he made the washing-vessel of brass on a brass base, using the polished
brass looking-glasses given by the women who did work at the doors of ...
/w/washing-vessel.htm - 8k

Polished (23 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:8 And he made the washing-vessel of brass on a brass base, using the polished
brass looking-glasses given by the women who did work at the doors of ...
/p/polished.htm - 13k

Assembling (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the
lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the ...
/a/assembling.htm - 10k

Doors (149 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:8 And he made the washing-vessel of brass on a brass base, using the polished
brass looking-glasses given by the women who did work at the doors of ...
/d/doors.htm - 39k

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