Observation

OBSERVATION.To observe the Commandments of the Lord, his Laws, his Solemnities, his Covenant, &c. are Expressions that occur very frequently in Scripture. Observa eum, & audi vocem ejus¹. Observe him, and hear his Voice. The Hebrew says, be upon your Guard in his Presence, and fear him. You shall not observe Dreams v. The Hebrew is not known. Some translate it by, you shall use no Sorcery; others, you shall cast no Nativities; or you shall not enchant the Eyes, or you shall use no Auguries by the Flight of Birds.

Observare custodias. To keep guard in the Temple, at the Gate of a Prince, in a 1 Sam. ii. 22.Camp, or even to keep watch over a Flock that lye out in the Field. It is said that the Sons of Eli debauched the Women that kept guard in the Tabernacle. Quæ observabant ad ostium tabernaculi.

Eccl. viii. 2. Eccl. xi. 4.To observe the Mouth of any one, to be a Spy upon his Words, in order to surprize him. The Babylonians observed Daniel, that they might have an Opportunity to accuse him to the King. The Pharisees observed Jesus Christ, and endeavoured to catch him in his Discourses. Solomon advises to observe the Mouth of the King, to keep his Ordinances, to be obedient to his Commands. Elsewhere he says, that he that observes the Winds shall not sow. St. Paul Gal. iv. 10. Ezek. xxiii. 4, 5.reproves the Galatians for observing Days and Months, who imitated the Jews in their superstitious Distinction of Days. Ezekiel says, that he that does not observe himself, or takes not care of himself, shall Ps. cxxx. 3.die by the Sword. If thou Lord shouldst mark (or observe) Iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? If thou shouldst enter into a rigorous Observation of our Faults, who can bear such a Scrutiny, who can stand such an Enquiry?

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