Definition and Context
Hastening refers to the act of moving swiftly or expediting an event or action. In the biblical context, hastening often relates to the fulfillment of God's promises, the coming of the Day of the Lord, or the urgency in responding to God's call.

Biblical References

1. 2 Peter 3:12 · "as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat." This verse highlights the believer's role in hastening the coming of God's day through holy conduct and godliness. It suggests that the faithful can influence the timing of divine events through their actions and prayers.

2. Isaiah 60:22 · "The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly." Here, God promises to hasten the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The verse underscores God's sovereignty and the certainty that His plans will come to pass swiftly when the appointed time arrives.

3. Psalm 70:1 · "Hasten, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!" This plea for God's swift intervention reflects the urgency and desperation in the psalmist's prayer. It demonstrates the believer's reliance on God's timely assistance in times of trouble.

4. Habakkuk 2:3 · "For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." While not using the word "hasten," this verse reassures believers that God's promises will be fulfilled at the right time, emphasizing patience and trust in God's timing.

Theological Implications

Hastening in the biblical sense often involves a tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God has set times for His plans, Scripture suggests that human actions, such as prayer, repentance, and righteous living, can play a role in bringing about God's purposes more swiftly. This concept encourages believers to live in a manner that aligns with God's will, actively participating in His redemptive plan.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to live with a sense of urgency regarding their spiritual lives and the mission of the Church. This includes evangelism, discipleship, and social justice, as these actions can contribute to the hastening of God's kingdom. The anticipation of Christ's return should motivate Christians to live holy and godly lives, reflecting the values of the kingdom they await.

Conclusion

The concept of hastening in the Bible serves as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between God's eternal plans and human agency. It calls believers to active participation in God's work, fostering a sense of urgency and expectation for the fulfillment of His promises.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hasten.4692. speudo -- to hasten, urge on
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition to hasten, urge on NASB Word Usage hastening
(1), hurried (1), hurry (2), hurrying (1), make haste (1). hasten, hurry. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4692.htm - 6k4118a. maher -- hastening, speedy, swift
... 4118, 4118a. maher. 4118b . hastening, speedy, swift. Transliteration: maher
Short Definition: swift. Word Origin from mahar Definition ...
/hebrew/4118a.htm - 5k

4118. maher -- hastening, speedy, swift
... 4117, 4118. maher. 4118a . hastening, speedy, swift. Transliteration: maher
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-hare') Short Definition: hasteth. ...
/hebrew/4118.htm - 5k

2363a. chush -- to hasten, make haste
... root Definition to hasten, make haste NASB Word Usage agitation (1), disturbed
(1), hasten (8), hastened (2), hastening (1), hurried (1), make haste (2), quick ...
/hebrew/2363a.htm - 5k

7602a. shaaph -- to gasp, pant, pant after, long for
... root Definition to gasp, pant, pant after, long for NASB Word Usage eager (1),
hastening (1), long (1), pant (2), panted (1), pants (1), sniffs (1). ...
/hebrew/7602a.htm - 5k

Christ Hastening to the Cross
... VOLUME I: ST. LUKE Chaps. I to XII CHRIST HASTENING TO THE CROSS. 'And
it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ hastening to the cross.htm

1 Corinthians xiii. 11
... Now I believe the only reason which could make it supposed to be possible that there
could be danger in hastening this change, is drawn from the observation of ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture iii 1 corinthians xiii.htm

Moreover, --To Touch Briefly Some of the More Recondite Topics ...
... them utterly in the conflicts of sin, as the Prophet Ezekiel mystically intimates
when he says, "In that day angels shall come forth hastening to exterminate ...
/.../15 moreoverto touch briefly some.htm

The Message.
... How we might think could love give a more truthful exponent of its reality than
hastening instantaneously to the relief of one so dear to Him? But not so! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/v the message.htm

John i. 3
... these things and the things which are above these in a single sentence; with reason,
because they were known to his hearers, and because he is hastening to a ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily v john i 3.htm

Epistle ix. To Callinicus, Exarch of Italy .
... you have announced to me of your victories over the Sclaves, know that I have been
refreshed with great joy that the bearers of these presents, hastening to be ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle ix to callinicus exarch.htm

The Master.
... the condoling crowd of Jews, is forming its own cold speculations on the amount
of our grief and the bitterness of our loss, we are found hastening to cast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/x the master.htm

Everybody's Sermon
... For instance, Isaiah named his child, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, that they might know
that the judgment of the Lord was hastening upon them; and this child was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/everybodys sermon.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... crucify him!" Your noble Prince is preparing for his marriage: mine is hastening
to his doom. ... The burden thou didst bear,. When hastening to the accursed tree,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... And they derived no little comfort when they saw the martyr hastening to death with
so much readiness, as is consistent in one called to the realms which are ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on s ignatius and.htm

Expedient (8 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Advantageous; suitable to a purpose, especially to one's own benefit; hastening
or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit ...
/e/expedient.htm - 10k

Hastening (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hasten. Multi-Version
Concordance Hastening (6 Occurrences). Acts 20:16 For Paul had ...
/h/hastening.htm - 8k

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)
... He remained, however, for only a short time, as he was hastening to keep the feast,
probably of Pentecost, at Jerusalem; but he left Aquila and Priscilla ...
/e/ephesus.htm - 24k

Reach (63 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have
to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be ...
/r/reach.htm - 27k

Repeating (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Genesis 41:32 And because of the repeating of the dream unto Pharaoh twice,
surely the thing is established by God, and God is hastening to do it. ...
/r/repeating.htm - 8k

Philip (37 Occurrences)
... Alexander the Great (1 Maccabees 1:1; 6:2), king of Macedonia in 359-336 BC His
influence for Greece and for mankind in general lay in hastening the decadence ...
/p/philip.htm - 32k

Past (200 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have
to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be ...
/p/past.htm - 37k

Avoid (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have
to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be ...
/a/avoid.htm - 15k

Almond (7 Occurrences)
... Its Hebrew name, shaked, signifying "wakeful, hastening," is given to it on account
of its putting forth its blossoms so early, generally in February, and ...
/a/almond.htm - 14k

Spending (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have
to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be ...
/s/spending.htm - 8k

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