The concept of "The Appointed Place" in the Bible often refers to a divinely designated location where God meets with His people or where significant events unfold according to His sovereign plan. This theme is woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting God's intentionality and purpose in His interactions with humanity.

Old Testament References

1. Mount Moriah: One of the earliest references to an appointed place is found in Genesis 22, where God instructs Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. "Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you'" (Genesis 22:2). This location, later identified as the site of Solomon's Temple, underscores the significance of God's chosen places for pivotal acts of faith and obedience.

2. The Tabernacle and the Temple: The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as appointed places where God dwelled among His people. In Exodus 25:8, God commands, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" . The detailed instructions for the construction of these sacred spaces emphasize their role as central locations for worship and divine encounter.

3. Cities of Refuge: In Numbers 35, God designates cities of refuge as appointed places for those who have accidentally committed manslaughter. "You are to designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there" (Numbers 35:11). These cities provided a haven and a place for justice, reflecting God's provision and mercy.

New Testament References

1. The Upper Room: In the New Testament, the Upper Room in Jerusalem becomes an appointed place for significant events in the life of Jesus and His disciples. It is here that Jesus shares the Last Supper with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper. "He sent two of His disciples and said, 'Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"'" (Mark 14:13-14).

2. The Mount of Olives: This location serves as an appointed place for Jesus' teachings and His ascension. In Acts 1:12, after Jesus' ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a place of profound spiritual significance and fulfillment of prophecy.

3. The Day of Pentecost: The gathering of the disciples in one place on the Day of Pentecost marks another appointed moment. "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place" (Acts 2:1). This event signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, demonstrating God's perfect timing and location for His purposes.

Theological Significance

The concept of the appointed place underscores God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding the course of history. These locations are not chosen randomly but are integral to His redemptive plan. They serve as reminders of God's presence, His promises, and His faithfulness to His people. Through these appointed places, believers are called to recognize the sacredness of God's timing and the importance of obedience to His divine will.