Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, time is often depicted as an appointed season, a divinely orchestrated framework within which God's purposes unfold. The concept of time in Scripture is not merely chronological but is imbued with theological significance, reflecting God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan.Old Testament Understanding The Old Testament frequently emphasizes the appointed nature of time. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Preacher declares, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." This passage underscores the belief that every event in life occurs according to God's divine timetable. The Hebrew word for "season" (זְמָן, zeman) and "time" (עֵת, et) convey the idea of a fixed, appointed period, suggesting that human history is under divine control. The concept of appointed times is also evident in the festivals and holy days prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 23 outlines the "appointed feasts of the LORD" (Leviticus 23:2), which are specific times set apart for worship and remembrance. These feasts, such as Passover and the Day of Atonement, are not arbitrary but are divinely instituted to commemorate God's acts of salvation and covenant faithfulness. Prophetic Fulfillment The prophetic literature of the Old Testament further illustrates the theme of appointed times. The prophets often speak of a future "day of the LORD," a time of divine intervention and judgment. For instance, Habakkuk 2:3 states, "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." This passage highlights the certainty and inevitability of God's timing in bringing His purposes to fruition. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the concept of time as an appointed season is central to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4 affirms, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." The phrase "fullness of time" indicates that Christ's incarnation occurred at the precise moment ordained by God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant. Jesus Himself speaks of appointed times in His ministry. In John 7:6, He tells His brothers, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always at hand." Here, Jesus acknowledges a divinely appointed schedule for His mission, one that is not subject to human manipulation. The New Testament also looks forward to the eschatological fulfillment of God's plan. Acts 1:7 records Jesus' words to His disciples: "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority." This statement reinforces the idea that the culmination of history is determined by God's sovereign will. Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of time as an appointed season carries significant theological implications. It affirms God's sovereignty over history and His ability to bring His purposes to pass in His perfect timing. Believers are called to trust in God's timing, recognizing that He works all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11). Moreover, the appointed nature of time encourages believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Ephesians 5:16 exhorts Christians to "make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This call to redeem the time reflects an awareness of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of aligning one's actions with God's eternal purposes. In summary, the biblical concept of time as an appointed season reveals a God who is intimately involved in the affairs of the world, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This understanding invites believers to trust in God's perfect timing and to live faithfully in anticipation of the fulfillment of His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 2:6And the king said to me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall your journey be? and when will you return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 3:1,17 Greek 2540. kairos -- time, season ... 1), opportune time (1), opportunity (3), proper time (5), right time (1), season (1), seasons (4), short* (1), time (54), times (11), while (1). appointed time. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2540.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 4150. moed -- appointed time, place, or meeting... sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). ... /hebrew/4150.htm - 7k 2165. zeman -- appointed time, time 6256. eth -- time 2166. zeman -- time Library Redeeming the Time Fragment v. --That up to the Time of the Destruction of Jerusalem ... Of the Exercises of a Religious Man The Third vision "In Heaven" The Lord's Prayer --Our Father in Heaven Of Holy Prayer Whether Baptism Should be Deferred? An Hour and a Time for all Men. Of the Time and Measure of Refreshment. For a Wet Harvest Season. Resources What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1 8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is God's relationship to time? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |
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