Ancient Alarm Systems

(Psa 123:2 KJV)  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

(Proverbs 5 also read)

This describes a mental attitude that is totally foreign to us.  The word “servants” (5650) is sometimes translated “slave”.  That is because in ancient times there was a social position that did not have much difference.  The power of the masters was almost absolute.  

Why would the “maiden” (8198) be fixed on the hand of her mistress?  Because she was expected to understand that her place in society demanded subservience and instant obedience.  If the boss-lady picked up her coffee cup and looked inside the servant should already be on her way with a refill or fresh cup.  In the process the servant was not allowed to express any annoyance or sloth.  The signals were clear.

So?  We should be attuned to what God has to say to us.  That may come obviously in a sermon or a Bible verse.  It may also come from that inner voice that becomes alert when we see something that sets off an alarm in our soul.