The concept of "ancient time" in the Bible often refers to periods that predate the current events being described, encompassing eras from the creation of the world to the patriarchal age and beyond. This term is used to evoke a sense of history, continuity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

Creation and Early Humanity

The Bible begins with the account of creation, marking the commencement of time itself. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational event sets the stage for all subsequent history, establishing God's sovereignty over time and creation. The early chapters of Genesis describe the lives of the first humans, Adam and Eve, and their descendants, including notable figures such as Noah, who lived in what can be considered ancient times.

The Patriarchal Period

The patriarchal period, featuring figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is often referred to as ancient in the biblical narrative. These patriarchs are central to God's unfolding plan and His covenant with Israel. In Isaiah 51:2 , the prophet calls the people to "look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who gave you birth," highlighting the significance of these ancient figures in the faith journey of Israel.

The Exodus and the Law

The time of the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai is another pivotal ancient period. This era is marked by God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant. Deuteronomy 32:7 exhorts the Israelites, "Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you." This call to remember underscores the importance of ancient times in understanding God's faithfulness and guidance.

The Time of the Judges and Kings

Following the conquest of Canaan, the period of the Judges and the establishment of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon are considered ancient times. These eras are characterized by cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, with God raising up leaders to guide His people. The Psalms often reflect on these times, as seen in Psalm 44:1 : "We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old."

Prophetic Reflections on Ancient Times

The prophets frequently refer to ancient times to remind Israel of God's past actions and to call them back to faithfulness. Jeremiah 6:16 urges, "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" This appeal to the "ancient paths" emphasizes the enduring truth and reliability of God's ways.

Eschatological Implications

In eschatological contexts, ancient times serve as a backdrop for understanding God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. The book of Daniel, for instance, provides visions that span from ancient times to the end of days, illustrating God's control over history. Daniel 7:9 describes the "Ancient of Days" taking His seat, a title that underscores God's eternal nature and authority over all time.

Throughout Scripture, references to ancient times serve to remind believers of God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness throughout history, and the continuity of His redemptive plan. These periods are not merely historical but are imbued with theological significance, pointing to the eternal purposes of God.Isaiah 45:21
Tell you, and bring them near; yes, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Completeness and Universality of his Character.
... intellectual activity of whole generations and periods, until they ... that is not at
the same time found among ... The particular and national in him is always duly ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/completeness and universality of his.htm

The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ...
... its chronological arrangement into Jubilee-periods' - or Little ... been preserved to
us are mentioned in Talmudical ... only given for a particular time or occasion ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the old faith.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... the history of the church into six periods: (1.) From ... seeing what light it throws
upon some particular subject,"some ... go through with it a second time, to see ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

Acts I
... succession of events than in definite dates and periods. ... The mother of Jesus is here
mentioned for the ... The particular time within the ten days, at which this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts i.htm

John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ...
... to the banks of the Ganges, if particular traits had ... and of the Jewish spiritual
teachers of this time, were derived ... of the Dead Sea.[4] At the periods when he ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter vi john the baptistvisit.htm

Parable of the Marriage Feast of the King's Son. (Matt. , xxii. ...
... not to himself; as he speaks of a time when he ... from such as exist now, or at late
periods, that like ... was so general in the East that no particular reference to ...
/.../section 255 parable of the.htm

The Preface
... world is a passing church, still circulating through ages and periods of time, so
that ... can be written, that will suit the case of one particular church at ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

The Writings of St. Augustin.
... faults of an artificial rhetoric, involved periods and far ... works are directed against
the particular heresies of ... and Adam's fall, yea, beyond time itself, to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iv the writings of st.htm

The Author's views Respecting the Celebration of Easter, Baptism ...
... Jews observe no exact rule either in the time or manner ... observance of types, ought
to depart from them in no particular. ... Periods under apostolos and euangelion ...
/.../chapter xxii the authors views respecting.htm

The Plan of the Work.
... character of those who at various periods have contended ... in another, have transmitted
to us particular accounts of ... and which even to the present time are held ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter i the plan of the.htm

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