Topical Bible: The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the eye is often seen as a window to the soul and a symbol of spiritual insight and understanding. For the Jewish people, the act of raising their eyes in prayer is a profound expression of faith, dependence on God, and a desire for divine intervention and guidance.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

The act of lifting one's eyes in prayer is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, symbolizing an appeal to God and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty. This gesture is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, reflecting an inner posture of humility and trust.

One of the most poignant examples is found in the Psalms, where the psalmist declares, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1-2). Here, the lifting of the eyes signifies a search for divine assistance and a recognition that true help comes from the Lord alone.

In another instance, Psalm 123:1-2 states, "I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He shows us mercy." This passage illustrates the dependence and expectation of the faithful, who look to God with the same attentiveness and hope as a servant to their master.

Cultural and Religious Practices

In Jewish tradition, prayer is a central component of daily life, and the physical act of raising the eyes can be seen during various liturgical practices. The Amidah, a central prayer in Jewish worship, is often recited while standing, with eyes lifted towards heaven, symbolizing a direct communication with God.

The raising of the eyes in prayer is also evident in the practice of the Priestly Blessing, where the priests lift their hands and eyes towards heaven as they pronounce blessings upon the people. This act underscores the belief that blessings and favor come from above, from the Almighty.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the act of raising the eyes in prayer reflects a deep-seated belief in God's omnipresence and omnipotence. It is an acknowledgment of human limitation and the need for divine intervention. By lifting their eyes, the faithful express their hope and trust in God's providence and His ability to respond to their needs.

Moreover, this gesture is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It signifies a turning away from earthly distractions and a focus on the divine, reinforcing the idea that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and salvation.

Conclusion

The practice of raising the eyes in prayer is a rich and meaningful tradition within the Jewish faith, deeply rooted in Scripture and reflective of a profound spiritual truth. It serves as a powerful symbol of faith, dependence, and the eternal hope that believers place in their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 121:1
I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where comes my help.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 123:1
To you lift I up my eyes, O you that dwell in the heavens.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Servant of the Lord
... so the Apostle has shaken himself clear of the Jews' narrow belief ... God having raised
up His Son ... meal, with squabbles about precedence which had an eye to places ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the servant of the lord.htm

The Lord's Prayer
... go; and I will guide thee with mine eye.' And then ... Lord have mercy on all men, on
Jews, Turks, Infidels ... freely for us, to deliver us from evil; and raised Him up ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon ix the lords prayer.htm

The Avenging of the Saviour.
... cancer, and he had his face torn even to the eye. ... have also found out about Jesus,
whom the Jews most wickedly ... First, of water he made wine; he raised the dead ...
/.../unknown/the avenging of the saviour/the avenging of the saviour.htm

"We have Found the Messias"
... If the Jews had received him, it would have been ... The eye of Christ rested upon him,
reading his character ... that God had visited His people and raised up a horn ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 14 we have found.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... were as absent, and brings them to the eye and ear ... Was it a celebrated day wherein
the Jews rested from their ... see him reigning in glory, and myself raised to a ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
... He did both in the land of the Jews, and in ... Him God raised up the third day, and
shewed Him openly; 41 ... way of establishing facts is by evidence of eye-witnesses ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/god is no respecter of.htm

Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ...
... of His saints." Therewith he replaced the eye that was ... most blessed Stephen when
he was stoned by the Jews. ... others, falls at my knees, is raised up to receive ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of miracles which were.htm

Authenticity and Credibility of the Gospel Narratives.
... In his name, apostles raised the dead to life; but ... The Jews regarded Moses with the
highest reverence; but no ... they have seen or learned from eye-witnesses; but ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter iv authenticity and credibility.htm

"My Garden" --"His Garden"
... he is a child of God who never raised that question ... the Holy Spirit touch them with
his heavenly eye-salve, that ... were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/my gardenhis garden.htm

A New Order of Priests and Levites
... not remember that Josephus, speaking as an eye-witness, said ... of the sinful, backsliding,
tranegressing Jews, or of ... down, and almost as suddenly raised up a new ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm