The term "olden" is often used to refer to ancient times or periods long past, particularly in the context of biblical history and narratives. While the word "olden" itself does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept is frequently encountered in the Scriptures as they recount the events, customs, and traditions of ancient Israel and the early Christian church.

Biblical Context

The Bible is replete with references to ancient times, often highlighting the faithfulness of God throughout history. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, lived in what could be described as "olden" times, setting the foundation for the nation of Israel. Genesis 12:1-3 recounts God's call to Abram, marking the beginning of a covenant relationship that would span generations: "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'"

Historical Significance

The historical narratives of the Old Testament provide a window into the customs and lifestyles of ancient peoples. The construction of the Tabernacle, the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai are all events that occurred in these "olden" times. These events are foundational to understanding the religious and cultural identity of Israel. Exodus 25:8-9 describes God's instructions for the Tabernacle: "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you."

Prophetic and Poetic Literature

The prophetic books often reflect on the past to call Israel to repentance and faithfulness. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah reminded the people of God's mighty acts in "olden" times as a basis for trust and obedience. Isaiah 46:9 states, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me."

The Psalms frequently recall God's deeds in ancient times as a source of comfort and hope. Psalm 77:11 declares, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old."

New Testament Reflections

In the New Testament, the "olden" times are often referenced to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 traces His lineage back to Abraham, highlighting the continuity of God's plan from ancient times to the present. Hebrews 1:1-2 reflects on God's revelation through history: "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."

Cultural and Theological Implications

Understanding the "olden" times is crucial for interpreting the Bible's message and its application to contemporary life. The customs, laws, and narratives of ancient Israel provide insight into God's character and His expectations for His people. The continuity of God's faithfulness from "olden" times to the present encourages believers to trust in His unchanging nature and His eternal purposes.

In summary, while the term "olden" may not be explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is integral to the biblical narrative, providing a rich tapestry of history, prophecy, and fulfillment that underscores the timeless nature of God's word and His covenant with humanity.1. (a.) Old; ancient; as, the olden time.

2. (v. i.) To grow old; to age.

A Service in the Olden Time. Nehemiah viii.
... XLV. A SERVICE IN THE OLDEN TIME. NEHEMIAH viii. I."The Congregation.
All who could understand were present (verses 2-3). None ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xlv a service in the.htm

Whether Religion is the Same as Sanctity?
... denotes purity; and this signification fits in with the Greek, for {hagios} means
"unsoiled." In another way it denotes firmness, wherefore in olden times the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religion is the same.htm

Whether virginity is Unlawful?
... for a vice. Now in olden times those were punished who led a celibate life,
as Valerius Maximus asserts [*Dict. Fact. Mem. ii, 9 ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether virginity is unlawful.htm

Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ...
... Or do you think that, because those whom I have mentioned belonged to olden times,
therefore they form no argument against you, because you did not say, In ...
/.../chapter 93 202 petilianus.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... stories which are written in sacred writ; nothing that can more truly move the heart
of a child than the marvellous works of God which he did in the olden times ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... for you upon the cross. This is the truth of all truths, and one, too,
strikingly taught in these olden types. If you read the Bible ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm

The Arminian Controversy. AD 1604-1619.
... The great statesman, John van Olden Barneveldt (1549-1619), Advocate-General of
Holland and Friesland, and Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), the most comprehensive ...
/.../ 65 the arminian controversy.htm

Chapter vi
... of men and they bore unto them. Their were the heroes, which in olden days
were renowned men. Really quite a simple verse, unless ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Broken Bread
... ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. XLIV. THE BRITISH BAYONET. XLV. A SERVICE IN THE OLDEN TIME.
NEHEMIAH viii. XLVI. KEEP THE FIRE BURNING WHILE THE FROST LASTS! XLVII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/

The Conflict.
... Among the wonderful characters of olden times we find Epictetus, Josephus, Strabo,
Pliny, Seneca, Virgil, Aristotle, Plato, Tacitus, Thucydides and Herodotus. ...
/.../the conflict.htm

Olden (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Old; ancient; as, the olden time. 2. (vi) To grow
old; to age. Multi-Version Concordance Olden (2 Occurrences). ...
/o/olden.htm - 6k

Covenant (309 Occurrences)
... Rather we might have reason to hesitate in clinging to the view that on the old
ark there was really a golden kapporeth, but only because in olden times the ...
/c/covenant.htm - 101k

Older (43 Occurrences)

/o/older.htm - 19k

Ark (212 Occurrences)
... Rather we might have reason to hesitate in clinging to the view that on the old
ark there was really a golden kapporeth, but only because in olden times the ...
/a/ark.htm - 84k

Gerasa
... The presence of a copious spring of sweet water makes it probable that the site
has been occupied from olden time; but no trace remains of any ancient city. ...
/g/gerasa.htm - 10k

Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)
... make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing-stock," as one set up to be gazed
at, mocked and despised-a form of punishment in olden times; compare "mocking ...
/g/gazing-stock.htm - 9k

Gerasenes (3 Occurrences)
... The presence of a copious spring of sweet water makes it probable that the site
has been occupied from olden time; but no trace remains of any ancient city. ...
/g/gerasenes.htm - 11k

Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)
... make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing-stock," as one set up to be gazed
at, mocked and despised-a form of punishment in olden times; compare "mocking ...
/g/gazingstock.htm - 9k

Wheat (56 Occurrences)
... The "wheat harvest" was in olden times one of the regular divisions of the year
(Exodus 34:22 Judges 15:1 1 Samuel 12:17); it follows the barley harvest ...
/w/wheat.htm - 28k

Bier (3 Occurrences)
... (2) Closed coffins, so universal now in the West, were unknown to common usage among
the Hebrews of olden times, though not unknown to Egyptians, Greeks and ...
/b/bier.htm - 9k

Olden: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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