Topical Bible: Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing

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The concept of time in the Bible is intricately linked to the heavenly bodies, which God appointed as instruments for measuring and understanding the passage of time. This divine appointment is first introduced in the creation narrative, where the celestial bodies are established to serve specific purposes in the divine order of creation.

Creation and Purpose

In Genesis 1:14-18 , God declares the purpose of the heavenly bodies: "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.' And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good."

This passage highlights the primary roles of the sun, moon, and stars: to separate day from night, to serve as signs, and to mark time through seasons, days, and years. The greater light, the sun, governs the day, while the lesser light, the moon, governs the night, with the stars complementing this celestial order.

Signs and Seasons

The heavenly bodies are not only timekeepers but also serve as signs. Throughout the Bible, celestial events often signify divine intervention or important events. For example, the star of Bethlehem guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2). The use of the heavenly bodies as signs underscores their role in God's communication with humanity.

The marking of seasons is another critical function of the heavenly bodies. The Hebrew calendar, which is based on lunar cycles, reflects the importance of the moon in determining the timing of religious festivals and agricultural seasons. Leviticus 23 outlines the appointed feasts of the Lord, which are tied to specific times of the year, demonstrating the integration of celestial cycles into the rhythm of worship and daily life.

Days and Years

The division of time into days and years is a fundamental aspect of the biblical understanding of time. The daily cycle, governed by the rising and setting of the sun, is a constant reminder of God's order and provision. Psalm 104:19 states, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." This verse emphasizes the reliability and precision of the heavenly bodies in marking time.

The concept of a year, based on the earth's orbit around the sun, is also significant in the biblical narrative. The Jubilee year, described in Leviticus 25, is a profound example of how the passage of years is woven into the fabric of Israelite society, with implications for land ownership, debt, and social justice.

Eschatological Implications

In eschatological contexts, the heavenly bodies are often associated with signs of the end times. Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, refers to celestial disturbances as precursors to His return: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken’" (Matthew 24:29). These descriptions highlight the role of the heavenly bodies in signaling significant eschatological events.

Conclusion

The appointment of the heavenly bodies as a means for computing time reflects the divine order and purpose inherent in creation. Through the sun, moon, and stars, God provides a reliable and consistent framework for understanding time, marking seasons, and discerning signs. This celestial order not only facilitates the practical aspects of daily life and worship but also serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:14
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

City of God
... Chapter 22.--That the Bodies of the Saints Shall After ... Chapter 2.--At What Time the
Promise of God Was ... Now to the Earthly, Now to the Heavenly Jerusalem, and ...
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