Behold - Wednesday's Word

Did you see it? Did you behold the message that followed this word? Or did you glance over it, like I did? Depending on the version of the Bible you are reading, behold appears around 40 times in the book of Matthew.  

The Oxford English dictionary defines “behold” as a verb meaning to see or observe (a thing, or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one). Biblical use serves as a powerful imperative meaning look or see here. A command urging readers to pay close attention. It is an invitation to stop, reflect, and consider the importance of what is being presented. Behold is frequently used to indicate a moment of revelation or divine encounter (why you read it so many times in the December Advent reading plan). Behold is found 1,500 times in the Old Testament and around 200 times in the New Testament. 

Go back and read Matthew chapter 9 in KJV or ESV versions and you will find behold six times. What follows each use? Behold sets the stage for crucial teaching, healing, prophecy, and is meant to prepare our hearts for what is to come. The Biblical meaning of behold extends beyond mere attention, it calls for a deeper awareness. We are encouraged to pause and reflect on our relationship with God and what these verses are teaching us.

Matthew chapter 1, ends with Joseph being told by an angel to “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” and the book of Matthew ends with Jesus words of the great commission “and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus uses these closing words as a call to action and a promise. An invitation, challenging you and me to go and make disciples. We are called to witness, engage, and act on the truth revealed to us in scripture, and that we are not alone, He is always with us.

Each chapter we have been reading in Matthew is packed with action and choosing a verse or portion to journal at times has been a challenge. This little word, behold, has been choosing the verses for me. What does God want me to pay specific attention to? What am I supposed to learn from this verse? 

As I have pondered this word, it has also made me think about what else am I paying attention to? We learned in Matthew 7, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Am I paying too much attention to other people, what other people think? How much time am I spending on my phone, social media, mindless scrolling? Why with a catch up day and Sabbath day in this month’s reading plan, am I consistently a day or two behind? Behold, I need to pay more attention to God’s word than things of this world. Behold, a challenge to slow down, pause, and reflect.