Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of a "look-out" or watchman was integral to the safety and security of cities and communities. The role of a look-out was to remain vigilant, often stationed on city walls or towers, to observe and report any approaching danger or significant events. This position was not only practical but also carried spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ReferencesThe role of a look-out is prominently featured in the Old Testament. In
2 Samuel 18:24-27, a watchman is stationed on the city wall to observe the approach of messengers. The passage states, "While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone." This illustrates the watchman's duty to identify and report oncoming individuals, whether they be friend or foe.
In
Isaiah 21:6-9, the prophet is instructed to set a watchman: "For this is what the Lord has said to me: 'Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.'" The watchman in this passage is tasked with observing the movements of Babylon, symbolizing the anticipation of God's judgment and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Ezekiel 33:1-7 further expands on the spiritual responsibility of a watchman. God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel, emphasizing the duty to warn the people of impending judgment. The passage underscores the accountability of the watchman: "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood."
New Testament ApplicationWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention look-outs in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of vigilance and spiritual watchfulness is prevalent. Jesus Himself admonishes His disciples to be watchful and alert. In
Mark 13:33-37, He warns, "Be on your guard; be alert! You do not know when that time will come." This call to spiritual vigilance echoes the duties of a look-out, emphasizing the need for readiness in anticipation of Christ's return.
The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to maintain a watchful stance. In
1 Thessalonians 5:6, he writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." This exhortation to spiritual alertness aligns with the responsibilities of a look-out, urging Christians to be aware of spiritual dangers and to live in a state of readiness.
Symbolism and Spiritual SignificanceThe role of a look-out in the Bible carries profound spiritual symbolism. It represents the call to vigilance, both in the physical and spiritual realms. The watchman’s duty to warn of impending danger parallels the responsibility of spiritual leaders and believers to warn others of spiritual peril and to proclaim the truth of God's Word.
In a broader sense, the concept of a look-out serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be watchful, discerning, and prepared for the return of Christ. The biblical portrayal of look-outs underscores the importance of vigilance, accountability, and the faithful proclamation of God's message.
Greek
1980. episkeptomai -- to inspect, by ext. to go to see... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: episkeptomai Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-skep'-
tom-ahee) Short Definition: I look upon, visit,
look out, select Definition
...4265. problepo -- to foresee
... provide. From pro and blepo; tolook out beforehand, ie Furnish in advance -- provide.
see GREEK pro. see GREEK blepo. (problepsamenou) -- 1 Occurrence....
4306. pronoeo -- to foresee
... From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, ieLook out for beforehand (actively,
by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for...
Strong's Hebrew
6822. tsaphah -- tolook out or about, spy, keep watch... root Definition to
look out or about, spy, keep watch NASB Word Usage destined
(1), keep watch (3),
lookout (1), looks well (1), spies (1), watch (3), watch
...8259. shaqaph -- to overhang,look out or down
... 8258, 8259. shaqaph. 8260 . to overhang,look out or down. Transliteration:
shaqaph Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kaf') Short Definition: down. Word Origin a prim...
6836. tsippiyyah --lookout post
... 6835, 6836. tsippiyyah. 6837 .lookout post. Transliteration: tsippiyyah
Phonetic Spelling: (tsef-ee-yaw') Short Definition: watching....
4707. mitspeh -- watchtower
... 4706, 4707. mitspeh. 4708 . watchtower. Transliteration: mitspeh Phonetic
Spelling: (mits-peh') Short Definition:lookout. Word...
975. bachan -- a watchtower
... tower. From bachan (in the sense of keeping alook-out); a watch-tower -- tower.
see HEBREW bachan. 974, 975. bachan. 976 . Strong's Numbers.
8245. shaqad -- to watch, wake
... A primitive root; to be alert, ie Sleepless; hence to be on thelookout (whether
for good or ill) -- hasten, remain, wake, watch (for). 8244, 8245....
Library
A LastLook-Out
... A LastLook-Out. A Sermon (No.989). Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan
Tabernacle, Newington. "The time of my departure is at hand.""2 Timothy 4:6....
Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
... A man travelling in a railway train can choose which side of the carriage he will
look out at, either the one where the sunshine is falling full on the front...
Letters of St. Bernard
... with all, all alike work together for good.[931] But as to the wish that you have
expressed that two of the brothers[932] should be sent tolook out a place...
To Defend the Weak, or to Help Strangers, or to Perform Similar...
... that we should meet a guest with ready and free service, andlook out for his... He
carefully kept alookout, so as to meet the stranger, and anticipate him, and...
O Purest of Creatures
... Dark night hath come down on us Mother! And weLook out for thy shining, sweet Star
of the Sea!Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!...
Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... in the United States, and you will find that one maxim runs through the whole, to
"buy as cheap as you can, and sell as dear as you can, tolook out for number...
How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case...
... (1.)Look out to Christ, as a feeling High Priest, faithful and merciful, who, being
like us in all things, except sin, doth sympathise with, and succour such...
Introduction to Oration ii.
... ruled, nor does it overstep the limits laid down by philosophy, [2559] or involve
disgrace; any more than for an excellent sailor to become alookout-man, and...
The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... Youlook out and can only see the smallest possible dog, but he is sure that
it is a roaring lion and he must stay at home and go to bed....
Looking at the Unseen
... he calls 'light' and 'but for a moment' is possible only when we open the shutter
of the dungeon which we fancied was the whole universe, andlook out on to...
Thesaurus
Lookout (4 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A person engaged in watching. 4. (n.) Object or duty of forethought and
care; responsibility. Multi-Version Concordance
Lookout (4 Occurrences).
...Look-out (2 Occurrences)
Look-out.Lookout,Look-out. Lookouts . Multi-Version ConcordanceLook-out
(2 Occurrences).... (BBE).Lookout,Look-out. Lookouts . Reference Bible.
Look (1874 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To show one's self in looking, as by leaning out of a window; as,lookout
of the window while I speak to you. Sometimes used figuratively....
Mizpah (42 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Or Miz'peh, watch-tower; thelook-out. (1.) A
place in Gilead, so named by Laban, who overtook Jacob at...
Nob (6 Occurrences)
... of the city. It is fittingly named "thelook-out." Col. Conder states the
case for identifying this height with Mt. Scopus where...
Necessity (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:3lookout, therefore, brethren, seven men of you who are well testified
of, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may set over this necessity...
Obstacles (3 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:17 Now I beg you, brothers,lookout for those who are causing the divisions
and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned...
Opposition (22 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:17 Now I beg you, brothers,lookout for those who are causing the divisions
and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned...
Occasions (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:17 Now I beg you, brothers,lookout for those who are causing the divisions
and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned...
Learn (76 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:17 Now I beg you, brothers,lookout for those who are causing the divisions
and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned...
Resources
What does it mean that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Satan look like? What do demons look like? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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