Gazest is a term that appears in the context of biblical narratives, often associated with the act of looking or observing with intent or purpose. While the specific term "gazest" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of gazing or looking intently is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting moments of spiritual significance, divine revelation, or human introspection.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Encounters: In the Bible, gazing often signifies a moment of divine encounter or revelation. For instance, Moses gazed upon the burning bush, a pivotal moment where God revealed Himself and His plans for the liberation of the Israelites (Exodus 3:2-4). This act of gazing signifies attentiveness and readiness to receive divine instruction.

2. Prophetic Visions: Prophets in the Old Testament frequently experienced visions where they gazed upon symbolic imagery. Ezekiel, for example, describes his visions with vivid detail, indicating a deep, contemplative gaze upon the revelations given by God (Ezekiel 1:4-28). Such gazing is indicative of the prophet's role as a seer, one who perceives and communicates God's messages to His people.

3. Acts of Faith and Healing: In the New Testament, gazing is often associated with acts of faith and healing. In Acts 3:4, Peter, along with John, gazes intently at a lame man before healing him in the name of Jesus Christ. This gaze is not merely physical but is imbued with spiritual authority and compassion, reflecting the power of faith in action.

4. Contemplation and Reflection: Gazing can also denote moments of contemplation and reflection. In Psalm 27:4, the psalmist expresses a desire to "gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." This longing to gaze upon the divine beauty reflects a heart devoted to worship and spiritual intimacy with God.

5. Warnings and Judgments: The act of gazing can also carry a warning or judgmental connotation. In Genesis 19:26, Lot's wife looks back at Sodom and becomes a pillar of salt. Her gaze, contrary to divine instruction, symbolizes disobedience and attachment to a sinful past, resulting in judgment.

Theological Implications

The concept of gazing in the Bible often transcends mere physical sight, encompassing spiritual insight and understanding. It reflects the human desire to connect with the divine, to understand God's will, and to respond in faith and obedience. Gazing, in its various contexts, serves as a reminder of the importance of focusing one's heart and mind on God, seeking His presence, and aligning one's life with His purposes.

Practical Application

For believers today, the act of gazing can be understood as a call to attentiveness in one's spiritual life. It encourages Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus, as stated in Hebrews 12:2, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." This involves a deliberate focus on Christ's teachings, His example, and His redemptive work, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a life that reflects His glory.

Andromeda
... Lovest thou these, that thou gazest so gay on my tears, and my mother's, Laughing
alike at the horror of one, and the bliss of another? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Psalm CXLVIII.
... When thou seest all these things, and rejoicest, and art lifted up to the Maker,
and gazest on "His invisible things understood by the things which are made ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlviii.htm

Homiletical.
... When thou lookest up to heaven and gazest at the beauty of the stars, pray to the
Lord of the visible world; pray to God the Arch-artificer of the universe ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Gazest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gazest (1 Occurrence). Job 30:20 I cry unto thee, and
thou dost not answer me: I stand up, and thou gazest at me. (ASV). ...
/g/gazest.htm - 6k

Gazes (3 Occurrences)

/g/gazes.htm - 7k

Gazez (1 Occurrence)

/g/gazez.htm - 7k

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