Suspense, in the context of the Bible, refers to the emotional state of anticipation or anxiety regarding the outcome of events, often involving a period of waiting or uncertainty. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, as God's people frequently find themselves in situations where the resolution is unknown, requiring faith and trust in God's providence and timing.

Biblical Instances of Suspense

1. Abraham and Isaac: One of the most poignant examples of suspense in the Bible is the account of Abraham and Isaac. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the child of promise. The narrative builds suspense as Abraham journeys to Mount Moriah, prepares the altar, and binds Isaac. The tension is resolved when God intervenes at the last moment, providing a ram as a substitute (Genesis 22:1-14). This account highlights the suspense of faith and obedience, as Abraham trusts in God's promise despite the apparent contradiction.

2. Joseph's Imprisonment: Joseph's life is marked by suspense, particularly during his time in prison after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remains faithful, interpreting dreams for Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually leads to his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 39-41). The suspense of Joseph's account underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans in His perfect timing.

3. The Exodus: The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is filled with suspense, from the plagues that precede their release to the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea. The Israelites experience fear and uncertainty as Pharaoh's army pursues them, but God delivers them in a miraculous way (Exodus 14:10-31). This event demonstrates God's power and faithfulness, encouraging His people to trust Him even in the face of overwhelming odds.

4. David and Saul: The relationship between David and King Saul is fraught with suspense, as Saul's jealousy leads him to pursue David relentlessly. Despite being anointed as the future king, David must wait for God's timing while evading Saul's attempts on his life (1 Samuel 18-24). The suspense in David's account illustrates the tension between God's promises and their fulfillment, requiring patience and reliance on God's protection.

5. Esther's Intercession: The account of Esther is a classic example of suspense, as she risks her life to approach King Xerxes without being summoned, in order to save her people from Haman's plot. The tension builds as Esther hosts banquets and reveals her Jewish identity, ultimately leading to the deliverance of the Jews (Esther 4-7). Esther's courage and the suspense of her account highlight God's providential care and the importance of standing firm in faith.

Theological Implications

Suspense in the Bible often serves to test and strengthen the faith of God's people. It is during these times of uncertainty that believers are called to trust in God's character and promises. The resolution of suspenseful situations in Scripture frequently reveals God's faithfulness, wisdom, and power, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, suspense is evident in the anticipation of Christ's return. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness, trusting in God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises. Jesus Himself speaks of the suspense of the end times, urging His followers to remain vigilant and faithful (Matthew 24:42-44).

The suspense of waiting for God's intervention, whether in personal circumstances or in the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom, is a recurring theme that calls believers to a deeper reliance on God and a more profound understanding of His purposes.1. (a.) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.

2. (a.) Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.

3. (n.) The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension; indetermination; indecision; as, the suspense of a person waiting for the verdict of a jury.

4. (a.) Cessation for a time; stop; pause.

5. (n.) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

3349. meteorizo -- to raise on high, fig. to be in suspense
... to be in suspense. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: meteorizo Phonetic Spelling:
(met-eh-o-rid'-zo) Short Definition: I am anxious Definition: I am ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3349.htm - 7k

142. airo -- to raise, take up, lift
... 1), get (4), hoisted (1), keep (1), lifted (2), pick (9), picked (11), pulls away
(2), put away (1), raised (2), remove (1), removed (3), suspense* (1), take ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/142.htm - 9k

5590. psuche -- breath, the soul
... soul NASB Word Usage heart (2), heartily (1), life (36), lives (7), mind (1), minds
(1), person (1), persons (3), soul (33), souls (14), suspense* (1), thing (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5590.htm - 8k

463. anoche -- a delaying, forbearance
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anoche Phonetic Spelling:
(an-okh-ay') Short Definition: forbearance Definition: forbearance, suspense or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/463.htm - 7k

Application of Demonstration to Sceptical Suspense of Judgment.
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies. Chapter V."Application of Demonstration
to Sceptical Suspense of Judgment. Now the same treatment ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v application of demonstration to.htm

Reasons for his Rising on the Third Day. -1 not Sooner for Else ...
... sooner for else His real death would be denied, nor (2) later; to (a) guard the
identity of His body, (b) not to keep His disciples too long in suspense, nor (c ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 26 reasons for his.htm

The Mediator's Threefold Prayer
... laid aside. The fate of the nation is in suspense, and the people wait,
in sad attire, till God knows 'what to do unto' them. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the mediators threefold prayer.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... But+. Ver.22. +if living+ on, +in the flesh+, be my lot; if the present suspense
issues in my being acquitted at the Roman tribunal, +this will prove to me+ ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

The Idols Crumble
... At the expiration of that time his suspense and apprehension became more
and more desperate at the passing of each new day. In rapid ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxviii the idols crumble.htm

Thus Soul-Sick was I, and Tormented, Accusing Myself Much More ...
... than I was, the nearer it approached me, the greater horror did it strike into me;
yet did it not strike me back, nor turned me away, but held me in suspense. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xi thus soul-sick was.htm

In what Manner the Spirit Struggled with the Flesh, that it Might ...
... another man, the nearer it approached me, the greater horror did it strike into
me; but it did not strike me back, nor turn me aside, but kept me in suspense. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xi in what manner the.htm

"Except Ye See Signs and Wonders"
... Messiah. While the officer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, "Except
ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.". Notwithstanding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 20 except ye see.htm

Evolution in General
... desire, not from curious but for practical reasons, to find some light upon the
course; and as the goal comes nearer the eagerness passes into suspense to know ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/i evolution in general.htm

Psalm XXXIX.
... "As I was musing, the fire burned." And as he was in this state of wavering suspense,
between speaking and holding his peace, between those who are prepared to ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxix.htm

Suspense (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding. 2. (a.) Expressing,
or proceeding from, suspense or doubt. ...Suspense (6 Occurrences). ...
/s/suspense.htm - 8k

Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)
... 25), Hezekiah inherited not only a disorganized realm but a grievous burden of Assyrian
dominance and tribute, and the constant peril and suspense of greater ...
/h/hezekiah.htm - 72k

Openly (52 Occurrences)
... him. (WEY BBE). John 10:24 The Jews therefore surrounded him, and said
to him, Until when dost thou hold our soul in suspense? If ...
/o/openly.htm - 21k

Linger (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (v.) To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long; to be slow or reluctant in
parting or moving; to be slow in deciding; to be in suspense; to hesitate. ...
/l/linger.htm - 8k

Exalts (13 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Hosea 11:7 And My people are hanging in suspense, about My returning,
And unto the Most High they do call, Together they exalt not. (See NAS). ...
/e/exalts.htm - 9k

Depend (12 Occurrences)
... something above. 2. (vi) To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined
or undecided; as, a cause depending in court. 3. (vi ...
/d/depend.htm - 10k

Doubt (49 Occurrences)
... In John 10:24 "doubt" translates airo psuchen, which literally means "to lift up
the soul" or "to keep one in suspense"; so the Revised Version (British and ...
/d/doubt.htm - 24k

Debating (3 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:15 And while the people were in suspense and all were debating in their
minds whether John might possibly be the Anointed One, (WEY). ...
/d/debating.htm - 7k

Minds (137 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Luke 3:15 And while the people were in suspense and all were debating in
their minds whether John might possibly be the Anointed One, (WEY). ...
/m/minds.htm - 36k

Plainly (25 Occurrences)
... in God. (WEY NIV). John 10:24 The Jews therefore came around him and said
to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you ...
/p/plainly.htm - 14k

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