Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "ascending" in the biblical context often refers to the act of rising or going up, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It is used to describe movements towards God, heaven, or a higher state of being. The concept of ascending is significant in various biblical narratives and theological themes, symbolizing elevation, exaltation, and divine approval. Biblical Instances: 1. Jacob's Ladder: In Genesis 28:12, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. This vision signifies the connection between God and humanity, with the ladder representing a pathway to divine presence. The Berean Standard Bible states: "And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." 2. The Ascension of Jesus: One of the most significant events involving ascending is the ascension of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples. This event is recorded in Acts 1:9-11 : "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.'" 3. The Psalms of Ascent: The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) are a collection of psalms sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms express themes of worship, trust, and anticipation of meeting God in His holy city. Psalm 121:1-2 begins with: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." 4. Elijah's Ascension: The prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, as described in 2 Kings 2:11 : "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." Elijah's ascension is a powerful demonstration of God's power and the prophet's unique role in God's plan. Theological Significance: · Symbol of Divine Approval: Ascending often symbolizes divine approval and acceptance. Jesus' ascension is seen as the ultimate affirmation of His mission and His divine nature. It signifies His exaltation and the completion of His earthly work. · Connection Between Heaven and Earth: The act of ascending serves as a reminder of the connection between heaven and earth. It emphasizes the accessibility of God to His people and the hope of eternal life with Him. · Spiritual Growth: Ascending can also represent spiritual growth and the believer's journey towards holiness and closer communion with God. It encourages believers to seek higher spiritual ground and to strive for a deeper relationship with the Lord. Conclusion: The concept of ascending in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing physical movements, spiritual journeys, and divine encounters. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's aspiration to draw nearer to God and to experience His presence in a profound way. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Ascend.2. (a.) Rising; moving upward; as, an ascending kite. Greek 305. anabaino -- to go up, ascend ... Word Origin from ana and the same as basis Definition to go up, ascend NASB Word Usage arise (1), ascend (2), ascended (7), ascending (3), came (7), climbed (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/305.htm - 9k Strong's Hebrew 5927. alah -- to go up, ascend, climb... Definition to go up, ascend, climb NASB Word Usage all means go (1), approach (1), arise (2), arose (1), ascend (12), ascended (10), ascending (2), ascends (2 ... /hebrew/5927.htm - 8k 5930. olah -- whole burnt offering Library See the King of Kings Ascending See the King of Kings Ascending Psalm 47. Christ Ascending and Reigning. Psalm 47 Christ Ascending and Reigning. The Security of Contemplatives Lies in their not Ascending to High ... How Constantine is Represented on Coins in the Act of Ascending to ... He Ascended into Heaven, and Sitteth on the Right Hand of the ... John Chapter vi. 60-72 Whether Christ's Ascension is the Cause of Our Salvation? Whether Consanguinity is Fittingly Distinguished by Degrees and ... Thesaurus Ascending (16 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Ascend. 2. (a.) Rising; moving upward; as, an ascending kite. Multi-Version Concordance Ascending (16 Occurrences). ... /a/ascending.htm - 11k Scale (38 Occurrences) Descending (23 Occurrences) Burnt (392 Occurrences) Ascend (86 Occurrences) Government (20 Occurrences) Vale (20 Occurrences) Nations (683 Occurrences) Joab (128 Occurrences) Jacob (361 Occurrences) Resources What is Jacob's Ladder? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nathanael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ascending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ascending (16 Occurrences)Matthew 15:29 Luke 19:28 John 1:51 John 6:62 John 20:17 Revelation 7:2 Genesis 28:12 Genesis 32:24 Joshua 6:15 Judges 19:25 1 Samuel 9:26 1 Samuel 28:13 2 Kings 3:20 1 Chronicles 26:16 Ezekiel 41:7 Amos 7:1 Subtopics Related Terms |