In biblical contexts, the concept of signaling often involves communication or the conveyance of messages through various means, such as signs, gestures, or other forms of non-verbal communication. This concept is evident in several passages throughout the Bible, where God, prophets, or individuals use signals to convey divine messages, warnings, or instructions.

Old Testament Examples

1. Noah and the Rainbow: One of the earliest examples of a divine signal is found in the account of Noah. After the flood, God set a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with humanity. Genesis 9:13-15 states, "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind."

2. Moses and the Plagues: In the narrative of the Exodus, God used various signs and wonders to signal His power and authority to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. These plagues served as signals of divine judgment and were intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7-11).

3. Gideon's Fleece: In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon seeks a sign from God to confirm His will. Gideon places a fleece on the threshing floor and asks God to make the fleece wet with dew while the ground remains dry, and vice versa. This request for a signal demonstrates Gideon's desire for assurance of God's guidance.

New Testament Examples

1. The Star of Bethlehem: The birth of Jesus was signaled by the appearance of a star, which guided the Magi to the location of the newborn King. Matthew 2:2 records the Magi saying, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." This celestial signal indicated the fulfillment of prophecy and the arrival of the Messiah.

2. Jesus' Miracles: Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed numerous miracles that served as signals of His divine authority and the coming of God's kingdom. In John 2:11 , after Jesus turned water into wine at Cana, it is noted, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him."

3. The Sign of Jonah: Jesus referred to the prophet Jonah as a signal of His own death and resurrection. In Matthew 12:39-40 , Jesus says, "A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical literature, signals often carry deep symbolic meaning, serving as tangible representations of spiritual truths or divine intentions. They are used by God to communicate with humanity, providing guidance, assurance, and warnings. The use of signals underscores the importance of discernment and faith in interpreting God's messages.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, signals in the Bible highlight God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world. They demonstrate His desire to communicate with His people and guide them according to His divine plan. Believers are encouraged to remain attentive to God's signals, both in Scripture and in their personal lives, as they seek to understand His will and purpose.2656. kataneuo -- to make a sign (by nodding the head)
... beckon. Word Origin from kata and neuo Definition to make a sign (by nodding
the head) NASB Word Usage signaled (1). beckon, signal. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2656.htm - 6k

2487. ichnos -- a track
... [Note how the " of faith" is signaled by the Greek . This refers to faith in a
believer's life to reveal and empower God's preferred-will (cf. 2307 ). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2487.htm - 7k

On the Road to Jerusalem
... Past this grisly line, a camel with a single rider swept in from seaward.
The traveler lifted an arm and signaled to the party. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

The Holy Scripture.
... And the thoughts so signaled are not isolated and incoherent, but parts of a complete
system that is directly antagonistic to man's thoughts, yet enters their ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the holy scripture.htm

Signaled (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Signaled (1 Occurrence). Luke 5:7 And they made signs
to their friends in the other boat to come to their help. ...
/s/signaled.htm - 6k

Signal (18 Occurrences)

/s/signal.htm - 12k

Signaling (1 Occurrence)

/s/signaling.htm - 6k

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... heathen temples. One of these was so large that the chazan signaled by a flag
when the congregation should give the Amen! Each district ...
/a/alexandria.htm - 31k

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