Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: In biblical terms, "searchings" often refer to the act of seeking, examining, or investigating, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. This concept is frequently associated with the human heart's introspection and the pursuit of understanding God's will and truth. The term can also imply a sense of doubt or questioning, as seen in various scriptural narratives. Biblical References: 1. Judges 5:16 · In the Song of Deborah, the term "searchings" is used to describe the indecision and internal debate among the tribes of Israel. The verse states, "Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was much searching of heart." This passage highlights the hesitation and internal conflict within the tribe of Reuben during a time of national crisis, emphasizing the need for decisive action in response to God's call. 2. Psalm 139:23-24 · The psalmist invites God to search his heart, demonstrating a desire for divine examination and guidance. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Here, "searchings" reflect a proactive request for God to reveal hidden sins or anxieties, underscoring the importance of spiritual introspection and alignment with God's righteousness. 3. Proverbs 25:2 · This proverb speaks to the glory of God in concealing matters and the honor of kings to search them out: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." The act of searching is portrayed as a noble pursuit, aligning human inquiry with divine wisdom and the responsibilities of leadership. 4. Romans 8:27 · In the New Testament, the concept of searching is applied to the Spirit's role in understanding the depths of the human heart: "And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." This passage emphasizes the intimate knowledge God has of human intentions and the Spirit's intercessory work in aligning believers with God's purposes. Theological Implications: The theme of "searchings" in the Bible underscores the importance of self-examination and the pursuit of truth. It reflects a dual aspect of human experience: the internal struggle to understand one's own heart and the external quest to comprehend God's will. The Bible encourages believers to engage in this process of searching, both individually and communally, as a means of spiritual growth and alignment with divine purposes. Practical Application: For believers, the concept of "searchings" serves as a reminder to continually seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life. It calls for an openness to divine examination and a willingness to confront and address personal doubts or sins. Engaging in regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and communal worship can facilitate this process, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His will. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEARCHINGSsur'-chingz (chiqre (lebh), from chaqar, to "search," "explore," "examine thoroughly"): In the song of Deborah the Reubenites are taunted because their great resolves of heart, chiqeqe lebh, led to nothing but great "searchings" of heart, chiqre lebh, and no activity other than to remain among their flocks (Judges 5:15 f). The first of the two Hebrew expressions so emphatically contrasted (though questioned by commentators on the authority of 5 manuscripts as a corruption of the second) can with reasonable certainty be interpreted "acts prescribed by one's understanding" (compare the expressions chakham lebh, nebhon lebh, in which the heart is looked upon as the seat of the understanding). The second expression may mean either irresolution or hesitation based on selfish motives, as the heart was also considered the seat of the feelings, or answerability to God (compare Jeremiah 17:10 Proverbs 25:3); this rendering would explain the form liphelaghoth in Judges 5:16, literally, `for the water courses of Reuben, great the searchings of heart!' Strong's Hebrew 2714. cheqer -- a searching, a thing (to be) searched out... a searching, a thing (to be) searched out NASB Word Usage depths (1), inquiry (1), inscrutable* (1), recesses (1), search (1), searchings (1), things (1 ... /hebrew/2714.htm - 6k Library For Nothing is Effected by Fiction and Invention, by any Contrived ... Psalm LXIV. Recreant Reuben "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ... The Future State a Self-Conscious State. The Well-Beloved's vineyard. Reconstruction. Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men Twenty-Second Day. Holy Zeal. Thesaurus Searchings (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEARCHINGS. sur'-chingz (chiqre ... Isaacs. Multi-Version Concordance Searchings (2 Occurrences). Judges 5 ... /s/searchings.htm - 8k Searching (111 Occurrences) Heart-searchings (1 Occurrence) Lowings (1 Occurrence) Watercourses (14 Occurrences) Whistling (4 Occurrences) Is'sachar (40 Occurrences) Rushing (61 Occurrences) Districts (22 Occurrences) Deb'orah (10 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Searchings (2 Occurrences)Judges 5:15 Judges 5:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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