Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "patterns" often refers to divinely inspired designs, models, or examples that God provides for His people to follow. These patterns can be seen in various aspects of Scripture, including the construction of sacred spaces, the conduct of individuals, and the overarching narrative of redemption.
Patterns in the Tabernacle and TempleOne of the most explicit uses of patterns in the Bible is found in the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. In
Exodus 25:9, God commands Moses, "You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings." This pattern was a heavenly blueprint, a divine design that Moses was to replicate on earth. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including its dimensions, materials, and furnishings, underscore the importance of adhering to God's specific pattern.
Similarly, King David received a pattern for the Temple, which his son Solomon would later build. In
1 Chronicles 28:11-12, David gives Solomon "the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms." This pattern was not merely architectural but also spiritual, reflecting the heavenly reality and God's presence among His people.
Patterns of Conduct and HolinessThe Bible also presents patterns of conduct for believers to emulate. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently exhorts Christians to follow his example as he follows Christ. In
1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul writes, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." Here, Paul sets himself as a pattern of Christian living, emphasizing the importance of modeling one's life after Christ's example.
Moreover, the concept of patterns extends to the call for holiness and righteous living. In
Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves rejecting worldly patterns and embracing the pattern of life that aligns with God's will.
Patterns in Redemption and ProphecyThe Bible's narrative itself follows a pattern of redemption, beginning with the fall of humanity and culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament serves as a pattern pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Hebrews 9:23-24 explains, "It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God."
Prophetic patterns also play a significant role in Scripture. The lives of certain biblical figures, such as Joseph and David, serve as types or foreshadows of Christ. These patterns reveal God's sovereign plan and His consistent character throughout history.
ConclusionThe concept of patterns in the Bible underscores the importance of divine order, intentionality, and the call for believers to align their lives with God's revealed will. Whether in the construction of sacred spaces, the conduct of individuals, or the unfolding of redemptive history, patterns serve as a guide for understanding and living out the truths of Scripture.
Strong's Hebrew
2708. chuqqah -- something prescribed, an enactment, statute... choq Definition something prescribed, an enactment, statute NASB Word Usage appointed
(1), customs (5), due (1), fixed order (1), fixed
patterns (1), ordinance
...Library
Uses of Considering Admonitory Examples, as Well as Instructive...
... The Second Epistle of the Same Clement. Chapter VII."Uses of Considering
Admonitory Examples, as Well as InstructivePatterns....
Hebrews ix. 15-18
... Ver.23. "It was therefore necessary that thePatterns" [3088] (he says) "of the
things in the... And how are they "patterns [3089] of things in the heavens"?...
How the victor Runs
... any shape. And yet here, as in many other parts of his letters, Paul takes
these foul things aspatterns for Christians. 'There...
Holy Exercises of Resignation.
... CERTAINPATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE WILL.
HOLY EXERCISES OF RESIGNATION. TO THE DEVOUT READER. Devout Reader,....
The Building of the Golden House.
... David gave Solomon all the plans andpatterns for the house of the Lord, as the
Lord had given them to him; also the gold and silver stored up for time of...
On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of...
... and is afflicted for us." [2715] And again: "He bare the sins of many, and was
delivered for our offences." [2716] As, therefore, you arepatterns for others...
Exercitium Quotidianum.
... CERTAINPATTERNS OF DEVOUT EXERCISES OF IMMEDIATE ACTS AND AFFECTIONS OF THE WILL.
EXERCITIUM QUOTIDIANUM. 1. Confessionis et Doloris de Peccatis....
Touching Certain Forms of Immediate Acts, &C. ...
... 1. At the end of this book I have adjoined a collection of severalpatterns of
exercises by acts of the will and holy affections, for the use and practice of...
The True vine
... Other teachers come to us and tell us how we ought to live, and give us laws,patterns
and examples, reasons and motives for pure and noble lives....
'This Way'
... It is superior in this, further, thatpatterns fail because they are onlypatterns,
and cannot get themselves executed, and laws fail because they are only...
Thesaurus
Patterns (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Patterns (4 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 1:7 so that
ye became
patterns to all those believing in Macedonia and Achaia, (YLT).
...Pattern (28 Occurrences)
... view"): The Old Testament words translated "pattern" do not necessarily indicate
a drawing such as a modern constructor begins with, or thepatterns made from...
Print (3 Occurrences)
... an edition of a book. 4. (vt) To stamp or impress with colored figures
orpatterns; as, to print calico. 5. (vt) To take (a copy...
Quilt (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To wad, as a garment, with warm soft material. 4. (vt) To stitch or sew
in lines orpatterns. Multi-Version Concordance Quilt (2 Occurrences)....
Lordship (12 Occurrences)
... lordship; (DBY). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as exercising lordship over the heritages,
butpatterns becoming of the flock, (YLT). 2 Peter...
Imitate (13 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over your Churches but
proving yourselvespatterns for the flock to imitate. (WEY)....
Idea (64 Occurrences)
... picture created by the imagination; the same when proposed as a pattern to be copied,
or a standard to be reached; one of the archetypes orpatterns of created...
Razed (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Raze. 2. (a.) Slashed or striped
inpatterns. Multi-Version Concordance Razed (3 Occurrences)....
Exercising (5 Occurrences)
... DBY NAS). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as exercising lordship over the heritages,
butpatterns becoming of the flock, (YLT). 2 Chronicles 11...
Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... cloth, so as to form designs. Thepatterns Usually run to straight lines
such as zigzags or squares. The effect is striking, and...
Resources
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