Topical Bible: Weeks: Origin of Computing Time By

◄ Weeks: Origin of Computing Time By ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a week as a unit of time is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and holds significant theological and historical importance. The origin of computing time by weeks is primarily derived from the creation account in the Book of Genesis, where God establishes a seven-day cycle.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for the week is found in Genesis 1:1-2:3, where God creates the heavens and the earth in six days and rests on the seventh. This pattern sets a divine precedent for the structure of time. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This passage not only establishes the seven-day week but also sanctifies the seventh day, making it distinct from the others.

The Sabbath Commandment

The concept of the week is further reinforced in the Ten Commandments, where the observance of the Sabbath is commanded. Exodus 20:8-11 instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work... For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." This commandment not only reiterates the creation week but also institutionalizes the seven-day cycle as a perpetual observance for the Israelites.

Cultural and Historical Context

The seven-day week, as established in the Bible, contrasts with other ancient cultures that used different time divisions, such as the Egyptians and Romans, who had ten-day and eight-day weeks, respectively. The biblical week, however, became a defining feature of Jewish identity and religious practice, influencing the broader cultural context as Judaism spread.

New Testament Affirmation

In the New Testament, the concept of the week continues to hold significance. The early Christians, while recognizing the Sabbath, also began to gather on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This practice is noted in Acts 20:7 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." The first day of the week thus gained prominence in Christian worship, while the seven-day cycle remained intact.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the week serves as a reminder of God's creative power and His sovereignty over time. The sanctification of the seventh day underscores the importance of rest and worship, reflecting God's desire for His creation to experience both work and rest in a balanced rhythm. The week also points to the eschatological rest promised to believers, as discussed in Hebrews 4:9-10 : "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His."

In summary, the origin of computing time by weeks is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to God's creative order and His covenant relationship with humanity. The seven-day week, with its rhythm of work and rest, continues to shape religious observance and cultural practices to this day.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:2
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Torrey's Topical Textbook