For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16:9—NKJV

“The eyes are the light of the soul” some have said. I believe that the eyes can generally reveal what is taking place in the heart. The eyes say a lot when someone is startled, joyful, downhearted, or angry. In some lands there are superstitions regarding the color of “the evil eye.” Our mothers had “eyes” in the back of their heads. The eye’s design is one of the astounding miracles of the Almighty and purpose is one of the five senses we treasure.

It is no wonder that the Bible speaks of the “eyes of the Lord.” Though God is Spirit and not confined to physical form there is no doubt that He “sees.” The Scriptures refer to the sight of God in such phrases as “nothing is hidden” from Him, we stand “before Him”, and “He sees” the plight of those who fear Him for He is over all.

Referring to the “vision” of God is a human way of saying that God is omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). In practical terms, He is all seeing, all sensing, all wise, all evaluating, all superior, all noting, all remembering, and either rewarding or judging as fitting to the circumstance.

Our text is interesting because it is found in the story of King Asa of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 14:2–4 the Bible records that, “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.” During Asa’s reign a prophet told him, “the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” He generally followed that advice but towards the end of his reign he looked elsewhere for his security and found it from worldly sources without consulting God. Because of this breach of God’s plain command our verse is given.

He had forgotten the words of King David (his forebear), “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 32:8, 33:13–19, 34:15)

Why such an intense interest displayed by God? It is in the affairs of men (created in His image) that He intentionally and personally acts in relationship to His revealed Word. Those who yield in loyalty to His divine prerogative are treated to ringside seats to displays of His strength, wisdom, sustaining grace, and covenantal lovingkindness. In Psalm 17:8 David says, “Keep me as the apple (pupil) of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”

With a pure heart and clear conscience the believer desires the approving “eye of God” to treasuringly rest upon him in harmony with God’s all-wise and all-loving plan. Are there things you do in your life which you wish God did not see of which you must repent and confess? Do you make yourself available to God and make it your daily request that He demonstrate His strength through you as He pleases? Do you desire for His eye to rest on you? Trust and obey.