Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "looking-glass" refers to what we would understand today as a mirror. However, the mirrors of ancient times were quite different from the glass mirrors we are familiar with today. They were typically made of polished metal, such as bronze or brass, and were used for personal grooming and adornment.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 38:8 : "He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This passage highlights the use of mirrors in the construction of the Tabernacle's bronze basin. The mirrors, donated by the Israelite women, were melted down and repurposed for sacred use. This act signifies the transformation of personal vanity into a tool for divine service, reflecting the biblical theme of consecrating one's possessions and talents to God. 2. Job 37:18 : "Can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze?" Here, the comparison of the sky to a bronze mirror illustrates the grandeur and majesty of God's creation. The imagery suggests a firmament that is both expansive and reflective, emphasizing God's power and the beauty of His handiwork. 3. 1 Corinthians 13:12 : "Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." In this New Testament passage, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a mirror to describe the partial and imperfect understanding of divine truths in this life. The "dim reflection" signifies the limitations of human perception, which will be fully clarified in the presence of God. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, mirrors were luxury items, often owned by the wealthy or used in religious contexts. The process of creating a mirror involved skillful metalwork, as the metal had to be polished to a high sheen to provide a reflective surface. The use of mirrors in biblical texts often carries symbolic meaning, representing self-examination, reflection, and the pursuit of spiritual clarity. Theological Implications: The concept of the looking-glass in Scripture invites believers to consider the importance of self-reflection and the pursuit of holiness. Just as a mirror reveals physical imperfections, the Word of God serves as a spiritual mirror, exposing the condition of the heart and prompting believers to seek transformation through Christ. James 1:23-24 further elaborates on this idea: "For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." In summary, the looking-glass in biblical literature serves as a powerful metaphor for introspection, spiritual growth, and the ultimate revelation of God's truth. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are encouraged to examine their lives, align themselves with God's will, and anticipate the day when they will see Him "face to face." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A mirror made of glass on which has been placed a backing of some reflecting substance, as quicksilver.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOOKING-GLASSlook'-ing-glas (Exodus 38:8 the King James Version margin "brasen glasses"). Greek 2072. esoptron -- a mirror (ie an object for looking into) ... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: esoptron Phonetic Spelling: (es'-op-tron) Short Definition: a mirror Definition: a mirror, looking-glass (made ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2072.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 4759. mar'ah -- vision... looking glass, vision Feminine of mar'eh; a vision; also (causatively) a mirror -- looking glass, vision. see HEBREW mar'eh. 4758, 4759. mar'ah. 4759a . ... /hebrew/4759.htm - 5k 7209. rei -- a mirror Library Seen in a Looking Glass Moody and his Little Willie. Solitude, Silence, Submission That God Should Love in the Soul is Most Easy to Believe The Heavens and the Earth Serve You The Beatific vision The Loftiness of Humility The Formula of Sanctification Kept from Iniquity That when the Mind Loves Itself, it is not Unknown to Itself. Thesaurus Lookingglass... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia LOOKING-GLASS. look'-ing-glas (Exodus 38:8 the King James Version margin "brasen glasses"). See GLASS; MIRROR. ... /l/lookingglass.htm - 6k Looking-glass (1 Occurrence) Glass (12 Occurrences) Mirror (4 Occurrences) Looking (883 Occurrences) Lookingglasses (1 Occurrence) Polished (23 Occurrences) Skies (36 Occurrences) Spectacle (6 Occurrences) Smooth (39 Occurrences) Resources Will there literally be streets of gold in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.org Should Christians recycle? How should a Christian view recycling? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Looking-glass (1 Occurrence)Job 37:18 Subtopics Related Terms Looking-glasses (2 Occurrences) |