Signaling
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Definition and Context:
Signaling in the biblical context refers to the use of signs, gestures, or objects to convey messages or instructions, often in situations where verbal communication is not possible or practical. This practice is evident throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes such as military strategy, communication of divine messages, and guidance for the people of God.

Biblical Instances:

1. Military Signaling:
In the Old Testament, signaling was often used in military contexts. For example, in the battle against Ai, Joshua employed a signal to coordinate the ambush. Joshua 8:18 states, "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Hold out your javelin toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.' So Joshua held out his javelin toward Ai." This act served as a signal for the ambush to commence, demonstrating the strategic use of signaling in warfare.

2. Prophetic Signaling:
Prophets frequently used symbolic actions as signals to convey God's messages. In Ezekiel 4:1-3 , God instructs Ezekiel to use a clay tablet to depict the siege of Jerusalem, serving as a visual signal of the impending judgment. Such prophetic acts were designed to capture attention and communicate divine truths in a tangible manner.

3. Divine Signaling:
God often used signs to communicate with His people. The rainbow, as described in Genesis 9:13 , is a divine signal of God's covenant with Noah: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." This signal served as a perpetual reminder of God's promise never to flood the earth again.

4. Guidance and Direction:
In the New Testament, signaling is seen in the context of guidance. The star of Bethlehem is a notable example, serving as a celestial signal guiding the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew 2:9-10 recounts, "After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight."

5. Communication Among Believers:
In Acts 12:17 , after Peter's miraculous escape from prison, he "motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." This gesture was a form of signaling to gain the attention of the believers and communicate the miraculous event.

Theological Significance:
Signaling in the Bible underscores the importance of communication in fulfilling God's purposes. Whether through divine intervention, prophetic acts, or practical strategies, signals serve as vital tools for conveying messages and instructions. They highlight God's sovereignty in orchestrating events and His desire to communicate with His people in ways they can understand and respond to.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to be attentive to the various ways God may signal His guidance and direction in their lives. Just as biblical figures responded to divine signals with obedience and faith, Christians today are called to discern and follow God's leading, trusting in His wisdom and timing.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Signal.
Library

Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes
... GAMES. Observation, Agility, Strength, Fun"Indoor and Outdoor Quoits. SIGNALING.
Semaphore Wig Wag Heliograph Wireless. WOODCRAFT. ...
/.../the boy and the sunday school/x through-the-week activities for boys.htm

The Holy Scripture.
... spirits by means of those impressions." Those letters are but tokens of recognition;
those words are only the clicks of the telegraph-key signaling thoughts to ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the holy scripture.htm

Thesaurus
Signaling (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Signal. Multi-Version
Concordance Signaling (1 Occurrence). Numbers 31:6 Moses sent ...
/s/signaling.htm - 6k

Writing (194 Occurrences)
... These, however, by no means exhaust the list of signs which have been used for record
or message purposes; eg colored flags for signaling, pebbles, cairns ...
/w/writing.htm - 70k

Signalled (1 Occurrence)

/s/signalled.htm - 6k

Signaled (1 Occurrence)

/s/signaled.htm - 6k

Resources
What is virtue signaling? | GotQuestions.org

Worldview on Social Issues ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

Signaling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Signaling (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 31:6
Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Signaling

Related Terms

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Signaled
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