Intimation, in a biblical context, refers to the subtle or indirect communication of God's will, guidance, or revelation to individuals. This concept is often seen in the way God communicates with His people, not always through direct speech or overt signs, but through more nuanced and gentle means. Intimation can be understood as the divine prompting or the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, guiding believers in their walk with God.

Biblical Examples of Intimation

1. Elijah's Encounter with God: One of the most profound examples of intimation is found in the account of Elijah on Mount Horeb. After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah experiences a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord is not in these dramatic events. Instead, God speaks to Elijah through a "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12). This passage illustrates how God often chooses to communicate through quiet and subtle means rather than through grandiose displays.

2. The Holy Spirit's Guidance: In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide and counselor is a key aspect of intimation. Jesus promises His disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of everything He has said (John 14:26). The Spirit's work is often internal and personal, providing believers with an inner sense of direction and conviction.

3. Paul's Vision of the Macedonian Call: In Acts 16:9-10, Paul receives a vision in the night of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. This vision is an example of intimation, as it directs Paul and his companions to change their course and preach the gospel in Macedonia. The vision is not a direct command but a subtle indication of God's will for their mission.

4. Joseph's Dreams: Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, receives divine guidance through dreams. In Matthew 1:20-21, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife. Again, in Matthew 2:13, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. These dreams serve as intimations of God's protective and guiding hand over the Holy Family.

Theological Implications

Intimation underscores the personal and relational nature of God's communication with His people. It highlights the importance of spiritual sensitivity and discernment in the life of a believer. The ability to perceive and respond to God's intimations requires a heart attuned to His voice, cultivated through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a life of obedience.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer and to remain open to the subtle ways He may choose to communicate. This includes being attentive to the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of mature Christians, and the circumstances that God may use to direct their paths. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

In summary, intimation is a vital aspect of the Christian experience, reflecting the gentle and personal way God leads His people. Through a heart attuned to His voice, believers can discern His will and walk in His ways.(n.) A hint; an obscure or indirect suggestion or notice; a remote reference; as, he had given only intimations of his design.

Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ...
... Section 200. Parable of the Good Shepherd."The Parable extended. "Christ
the Door."Intimation of Mercy to the Heathen. (John, x.). ...
/.../section 200 parable of the.htm

Letter xiii. (AD 389. )
... instruction of God concerning that which is within us; but in the second we understand
by asking instruction of God regarding that of which intimation is given ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xiii a d 389.htm

Whether Command is an Act of the Reason or of the Will?
... Now, command is essentially indeed an act of the reason: for the commander orders
the one commanded to do something, by way of intimation or declaration; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether command is an act.htm

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
... presented. The reality of the pre-intimation of these shows their importance,
and points out that preparation ought to be made for them. ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiii covenanting predicted in.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival.
Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... Those who hold it supply, "God has commanded me to tell you." But there is not the
slightest intimation of such an ellipsis; and those interpreters have no ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

The Admonition.
... The blessing pronounced on those who watch, is an intimation that the people of
God will be expecting Christ's advent, while others will be taken by surprise ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the admonition.htm

On the Various Distinctions of the Will of God
... The former of these is called "the will of his good pleasure," or rather "of his
pleasure;" and the latter, "that of his open intimation." The latter is ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xix on the various.htm

Of Matthew's Declaration That, on Leaving These Parts, He came ...
... Declaration That, on Leaving These Parts, He Came into the Coasts of Magedan; And
of the Question as to His Agreement with Mark in that Intimation, as Well as ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter li of matthews declaration that.htm

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... kindred to that delivered to man in a state of innocence, but which, containing
also the grant of animal food, and thereby affording an intimation of the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xii covenanting performed in.htm

Intimation (4 Occurrences)
... of his design. Multi-Version Concordance Intimation (4 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles
24:9 and give an intimation in Judah and in Jerusalem ...
/i/intimation.htm - 8k

Waked (13 Occurrences)
... the completion of the word of Jehovah in the mouth of Jeremiah, hath Jehovah waked
up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, and he causeth an intimation to pass ...
/w/waked.htm - 10k

Completion (40 Occurrences)
... the completion of the word of Jehovah in the mouth of Jeremiah, hath Jehovah waked
up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, and he causeth an intimation to pass ...
/c/completion.htm - 19k

Chronology
... Certainly there is no intimation of an insurrection such as characterized a later
census (Acts 5:37; Ant, XVIII, i, 1; BJ, II, xvii, 7; compare Tac. Ann. ...
/c/chronology.htm - 74k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... "Supernatural or miraculous birth" will not do, because there is no intimation
that the process of birth was in any way exceptional. ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Joel (22 Occurrences)
... Beyond the fact that he was the son of Pethuel, there is no intimation in the book
as to his native place, date, or personal history; nor is he mentioned in ...
/j/joel.htm - 49k

Inkling (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A hint; an intimation. Multi-Version Concordance
Inkling (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 20:9 Jonathan said ...
/i/inkling.htm - 6k

Intimidate (4 Occurrences)

/i/intimidate.htm - 7k

Intimately (6 Occurrences)

/i/intimately.htm - 7k

Imputation
... 4. (pp) Opinion; intimation; hint. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IMPUTATION.
im-pu-ta'-shun: I. MEANING AND USE OF THE TERM II. ...
/i/imputation.htm - 39k

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