In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "monitor" does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the concept of monitoring, understood as observing, guiding, or overseeing, is deeply embedded in biblical teachings and narratives. This entry explores the biblical principles and examples related to the idea of monitoring, particularly in the realms of spiritual oversight, accountability, and divine observation.

Spiritual Oversight and Leadership

The role of spiritual leaders as monitors is evident throughout the Bible. Leaders such as prophets, priests, and kings were often tasked with the responsibility of guiding and overseeing the spiritual well-being of the people. For instance, the prophet Ezekiel is described as a "watchman" for the house of Israel, tasked with warning the people of impending judgment and calling them to repentance (Ezekiel 3:17). This role of a watchman is akin to that of a monitor, ensuring that the people remain faithful to God's commandments.

In the New Testament, the role of church leaders, such as elders and overseers, includes monitoring the spiritual health of the congregation. The Apostle Paul instructs the Ephesian elders to "keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" (Acts 20:28). This directive emphasizes the importance of vigilance and care in spiritual leadership.

Accountability and Community Monitoring

The concept of mutual accountability within the Christian community is another aspect of monitoring. Believers are encouraged to watch over one another, providing support, correction, and encouragement. In Galatians 6:1, Paul advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness" . This reflects the communal responsibility to monitor each other's spiritual journey, ensuring adherence to the faith.

Furthermore, Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "encourage one another" . This mutual monitoring fosters a supportive environment where believers can grow in their faith and remain steadfast.

Divine Observation

The ultimate monitor in the biblical narrative is God Himself. Scripture frequently affirms God's omniscience and His role as the divine overseer of all creation. Proverbs 15:3 states, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good" . This verse underscores the belief that God is constantly aware of human actions and intentions, serving as the ultimate judge and guide.

Psalm 121:3-4 further illustrates God's vigilant care: "He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" . God's continuous watch over His people provides assurance and comfort, reinforcing the idea of divine monitoring as a source of protection and guidance.

Conclusion

While the term "monitor" is not directly used in the Bible, the principles of oversight, accountability, and divine observation are integral to the biblical worldview. Through spiritual leaders, community accountability, and God's omniscient presence, the concept of monitoring is woven into the fabric of biblical teaching, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and care in the spiritual life.1. (n.) One who admonishes; one who warns of faults, informs of duty, or gives advice and instruction by way of reproof or caution.

2. (n.) Hence, specifically, a pupil selected to look to the school in the absence of the instructor, to notice the absence or faults of the scholars, or to instruct a division or class.

3. (n.) Any large Old World lizard of the genus Varanus; esp., the Egyptian species (V. Niloticus), which is useful because it devours the eggs and young of the crocodile. It is sometimes five or six feet long.

4. (n.) An ironclad war vessel, very low in the water, and having one or more heavily-armored revolving turrets, carrying heavy guns.

5. (n.) A tool holder, as for a lathe, shaped like a low turret, and capable of being revolved on a vertical pivot so as to bring successively the several tools in holds into proper position for cutting.

But Some one Will Say, Does He not Know Without a Monitor Both ...
... Of Prayer. John Calvin Chapter 3 But some one will say, Does he not know
without a monitor both what our? But some one will say ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 3 but some one.htm

The Comforter
... shall teach you all things." This is the original Greek word, and it has some other
meanings besides "Comforter." Sometimes it means the monitor or instructor ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the comforter.htm

Dedication
... me to this address, notwithstanding the imperfections in the manner of handling
it, and the consciousness of my great unworthiness to be your monitor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... I know myself to be unworthy to be your monitor; but a monitor you must have; and
it is better for us to hear of our sin and duty from anybody than from nobody ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

Preface.
... his roof, for a residence among strangers, the idea occurred to him of imbodying
his fraternal counsel in such a form that it might be a friendly monitor to her ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/preface.htm

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... something that is wrong? And this is the greatest mischief in ignorance,
to believe such a monitor intelligent. Now, as we suppose ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/knowledge and self-confidence.htm

The Publisher Has Pleasure in Submitting the Following Extracts ...
... editor, we cannot harbour a doubt of their success with the public. The
Monitor. When it was proposed that, at so low a price as ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the publisher has pleasure in.htm

The Further Adventures of Saint George.
... "You are right, my faithful monitor," he answered, "I'll bid farewell to the Princess,
and be gone.". The Knight found out Sabra seated in a bower of jessamine. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter four the further adventures.htm

For we Offer Prayer for the Safety of Our Princes to the Eternal.. ...
... eyes, with hands outstretched, because free from sin; with head uncovered, for we
have nothing whereof to be ashamed; finally, without a monitor, because it is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxx for we offer.htm

The Armies Thus Approaching Each Other, Seemed on the Eve of a ...
... Licinius fancied that, hearing this, he arose, and that his monitor, who was
nigh him, directed how be should pray, and in what words. ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xlvi the armies thus.htm

Monitor (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Monitor (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and
the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (WEB NIV). ...
/m/monitor.htm - 7k

Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... Words of uncertain meaning, but probably denoting four kinds of lizards." 2. Lizards
of Palestine: Among the many lizards of Palestine, the monitor and thorny ...
/l/lizard.htm - 16k

Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... The desert monitor, Varanus griseus, one of the largest of lizards, sometime attaining
the length of 4 ft., is common in Palestine and may be the animal here ...
/c/chameleon.htm - 11k

Land (19790 Occurrences)
... of unclean "creeping things." Elsewhere is it translated "strength" or "power,"
and it has been thought that here is meant the desert monitor, Varanus griseus ...
/l/land.htm - 21k

Gecko (1 Occurrence)
... Gecko (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall
lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gecko.htm - 7k

Reptile (3 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY NAS RSV NIV). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard,
the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (See NAS). ...
/r/reptile.htm - 8k

Mongrel (1 Occurrence)

/m/mongrel.htm - 6k

Monkeys (2 Occurrences)

/m/monkeys.htm - 7k

Skink (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Skink (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 the gecko, and the
monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/skink.htm - 7k

Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... by the counsels of Zechariah, a man "who had understanding in the vision of God"
(2 Chronicles 26:5), and during the lifetime of this godly monitor "be set ...
/u/uzziah.htm - 27k

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