Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "closing" can be understood in various contexts, including the closing of doors, the closing of eyes in sleep or death, and the closing of periods or eras. Each of these instances carries significant theological and spiritual implications within the biblical narrative.Closing of Doors The closing of doors in Scripture often symbolizes protection, judgment, or the end of an opportunity. In Genesis 7:16, God Himself closes the door of Noah's ark: "The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in." This act signifies divine protection for Noah and his family while simultaneously marking the finality of judgment upon the earth. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of a closed door to illustrate the urgency of spiritual readiness. In the parable of the ten virgins, the door is shut to those who are unprepared: "Later, the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:11-13). Here, the closed door represents the finality of Christ's return and the importance of being prepared for His coming. Closing of Eyes The closing of eyes in sleep or death is another significant motif. Sleep is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe death, as seen in the account of Stephen's martyrdom: "When he had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:60). This euphemism reflects the Christian hope in the resurrection, where death is not the end but a temporary state before eternal life. In the Psalms, the closing of eyes in sleep is also associated with trust in God's protection: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). This verse highlights the believer's confidence in God's sovereignty and care, even in the vulnerability of sleep. Closing of Eras The Bible also speaks of the closing of eras or dispensations, marking the transition from one divine plan to another. The Old Covenant, with its laws and sacrifices, finds its fulfillment and closure in the New Covenant through Christ's atoning work. Hebrews 8:13 states, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear" . This transition signifies the closing of the old era and the inauguration of a new relationship between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. The closing of the age is another significant theme, particularly in eschatological contexts. Jesus speaks of the end times and the closing of the current age in Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" . This closing marks the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the ushering in of His eternal kingdom. In summary, the concept of "closing" in the Bible encompasses themes of protection, judgment, readiness, trust, fulfillment, and eschatological hope. Each instance serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty, the importance of spiritual vigilance, and the assurance of His ultimate plan for creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Close.Greek 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... ... 4625 -- properly, the trigger of a trap (the mechanism closing a trap down on the unsuspecting victim); (figuratively) an , putting a into motion. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4625.htm - 8k 4506. rhuomai -- to draw to oneself, ie deliver Strong's Hebrew 932. Bohan -- "closing," a descendant of Reuben... 931, 932. Bohan. 933 . "closing," a descendant of Reuben. Transliteration: Bohan Phonetic Spelling: (bo'han) Short Definition: Bohan. ... /hebrew/932.htm - 6k Library Closing Exhortation. Closing Hours. Closing Hymn. The Closing Year. The Closing Year. Closing Supplication. Closing Hymn at an Association. Troubles of the Closing Years. Eventide. Closing Hymn. Elisha's Closing Ministry Thesaurus Closing (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Close. Multi-Version Concordance Closing (6 Occurrences). Acts 1:9 When He had said ... /c/closing.htm - 8k Last (1087 Occurrences) Wink (2 Occurrences) Times (1875 Occurrences) Time (7245 Occurrences) Micah (54 Occurrences) Solemn (100 Occurrences) Esther (48 Occurrences) Fasts (3 Occurrences) Feasts (45 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Tenebrae? What is a Tenebrae service? | GotQuestions.org Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews? | GotQuestions.org Closing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Closing (6 Occurrences)Acts 1:9 Leviticus 23:36 1 Samuel 23:26 1 Kings 11:27 Psalms 77:4 Ezekiel 21:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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