Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "coincidence" is often understood through the lens of divine providence and sovereignty. The term "coincidence" itself is not explicitly used in the Scriptures, but the idea that events may appear coincidental to human understanding while being orchestrated by God is a recurring theme.Divine Providence and Sovereignty The Bible frequently emphasizes that God is in control of all events, both great and small. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse highlights the belief that while humans may make plans, it is ultimately God who guides the outcome. Similarly, Proverbs 19:21 affirms, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." Examples of Apparent Coincidences 1. Joseph's Journey to Egypt: The account of Joseph, found in Genesis 37-50, is a profound example of what might seem like a series of coincidences. Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery, he ends up in Egypt, and through a series of events, he rises to become the second most powerful man in the nation. What appears to be a series of unfortunate events is later revealed to be part of God's plan to save many lives during a famine. Joseph himself acknowledges this in Genesis 50:20, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." 2. Ruth and Boaz: In the Book of Ruth, Ruth "happens" to glean in the field of Boaz, who is a relative of her deceased husband. This seemingly coincidental event leads to her marriage to Boaz and her becoming the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth 2:3 notes, "So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech." 3. Esther's Position as Queen: The Book of Esther provides another example where what appears to be coincidence is seen as divine orchestration. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen of Persia at a time when her people are threatened with destruction. Her position enables her to intercede on behalf of the Jews, leading to their deliverance. Mordecai, her cousin, suggests the divine nature of her position in Esther 4:14, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Theological Implications From a theological perspective, what may appear as coincidence is often viewed as part of God's intricate plan. The belief in God's omniscience and omnipotence suggests that nothing happens by chance. Romans 8:28 reassures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Human Perception and Faith While humans may perceive events as coincidental, faith in God's sovereignty encourages believers to trust that there is a purpose behind every occurrence. This perspective fosters a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is actively involved in the details of life. The challenge for believers is to discern God's hand in the events of their lives and to respond with trust and obedience. Topical Bible Verses Deuteronomy 18:15The LORD your God will raise up to you a Prophet from the middle of you, of your brothers, like to me; to him you shall listen; Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The condition of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.2. (n.) The condition of occupying the same place in space; as, the coincidence of circles, surfaces, etc. 3. (n.) Exact correspondence in nature, character, result, circumstances, etc.; concurrence; agreement. Greek 4795. sugkuria -- chance ... chance. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sugkuria Phonetic Spelling: (soong-koo-ree'-ah) Short Definition: a coincidence, accident, chance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4795.htm - 7k 378. anapleroo -- to fill up 3704. hopos -- as, how, that Library Extraordinary Coincidence Book V Here She Made an End and was for Turning the Course of Her ... Josiah and the Newly Found Law Providential Preparations for the Discovery of America --Spiritual ... The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Christ Our Passover The Paradoxes of Christianity The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... Essay v. Whose Powers Shed Round Him in the Common Strife... Introductory Notice to Hippolytus. Thesaurus Coincidence (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) The condition of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. ...Coincidence (1 Occurrence). ... /c/coincidence.htm - 7k Chance (78 Occurrences) Coin (9 Occurrences) Coins (13 Occurrences) Ur (5 Occurrences) Unison (2 Occurrences) Onesimus (2 Occurrences) Fit (47 Occurrences) Rahab (14 Occurrences) Evil-merodach (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about coincidence? | GotQuestions.orgIs it true that everything happens for a reason? | GotQuestions.org Why won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.org Coincidence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Coincidence (1 Occurrence)Luke 10:31 Subtopics Related Terms |
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