Topical Encyclopedia
The term "impending" refers to events or situations that are about to occur or are looming on the horizon. In the context of the Bible, impending events often relate to divine interventions, judgments, or fulfillments of prophecy. The Scriptures are replete with instances where God warns His people of impending events, urging them to prepare or repent.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of impending judgment is frequently addressed by the prophets. For example, the prophet Isaiah warns of the impending judgment on Babylon: "Behold, the day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it" (
Isaiah 13:9). This prophecy highlights the certainty and severity of God's judgment against nations that oppose His will.
Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's persistent disobedience: "For I will soon summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north, declares the LORD. Their kings will come and set up their thrones at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem" (
Jeremiah 1:15). Here, the impending invasion serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the theme of impending events is often associated with the return of Christ and the end times. Jesus Himself speaks of the signs of the end of the age, warning His disciples to be vigilant: "So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, right at the door" (
Matthew 24:33). The impending return of Christ serves as a motivation for believers to live righteously and remain steadfast in their faith.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of impending events in his letters. In
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, he writes, "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape" . This passage underscores the unexpected nature of the Lord's return and the importance of spiritual readiness.
Theological ImplicationsThe notion of impending events in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It emphasizes God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes in His timing. The warnings of impending judgment or deliverance serve as calls to repentance, faith, and obedience. They remind believers of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal significance of their relationship with God.
Furthermore, the anticipation of impending events, particularly the return of Christ, provides hope and encouragement to believers. It assures them that despite present trials and tribulations, God's ultimate plan will be fulfilled, and His justice will prevail. The expectation of Christ's return motivates Christians to live holy and godly lives, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
In summary, the concept of "impending" in the Bible is intricately linked to God's prophetic declarations, His righteous judgments, and the hope of future redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of aligning one's life with God's will and the assurance of His sovereign plan unfolding in due time.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Impend.
2. (a.) Hanging over; overhanging; suspended so as to menace; imminent; threatening.
Greek
5031. tachinos -- swift... swift. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tachinos Phonetic Spelling:
(takh-ee-nos') Short Definition: swift, quick Definition: swift, quick,
impending.
...Strong's Hebrew
6264. athid -- ready, prepared... Word Origin from athod Definition ready, prepared NASB Word Usage
impending things (1), prepared (1), ready (3), treasures (1).
...102. agaph -- a band, army
... bands. Probably from nagaph (through the idea ofimpending); a cover or heap; ie
(only plural) wings of an army, or crowds of troops -- bands. see HEBREW nagaph...
Library
TheImpending Conflict.
... 36. THEIMPENDING CONFLICT. [Illustration: Chapter header.] From the very
beginning of the great controversy in heaven, it has been...
TheImpending Conflict
... Chapter 36 TheImpending Conflict. From the very beginning of the great controversy
in heaven it has been Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God....
TheImpending Judgment
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 13:8-16 THE
IMPENDING JUDGMENT. "For nation shall rise against nation...
How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and...
... For the soul that sleeps from the care of its solicitude is beaten and feels not
pain, because, as it foresees notimpending evils, so neither is it aware of...
Celsus Again, as is Usual with Him, Gets Confused...
... until at length, when all who have yielded to your persuasion have been taken, some
prudent ruler shall arise, with a foresight of what isimpending, and he...
Afraid of Giants
... that the project of sending the spies originated in the people's terror at the near
prospect of the fighting which they had known to beimpending ever since...
The Restoration of the Jews.
... judgments of Heaven, and he proclaimed repeatedly and openly, and in the most public
places of the city, still heavier calamities which he said wereimpending....
Chapter xix
... too obvious. 13. By the summons of v.12 Lot's mind has been prepared for
the announcement of theimpending disaster. So the angels...
The Love of the Departing Christ
... How strange this blending of shrinking and of eagerness, of sorrow and of joy, of
human trembling consciousness ofimpending death, and of triumphant...
Tenants who Wanted to be Owners
... But it contains prophecy as well as history, and the reference to Jesus'impending
fate is almost as transparent as the indictment of the rulers, while the...
Thesaurus
Impending (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Impending (2 Occurrences). Philippians 1:28 Never
for a moment quail before your antagonists. Your fearlessness
...Josiah (51 Occurrences)
... 2. Prophetic: For the spiritual atmosphere of his time and the prophetic consciousness
of a day of wrathimpending, the prophet Zephaniah is illuminating...
Kenosis
... been framed by the evangelists and, apart from this, how far Christ may not have
been consciously using current imagery for theimpending spiritual revolution...
Omen (6 Occurrences)
... Your fearlessness will be to them a sure token ofimpending destruction, but to
you it will be a sure token of your salvation--a token coming from God....
Obadiah (21 Occurrences)
... Obadiah, Book of. Consists of one chapter, "concerning Edom," itsimpending
doom (1:1-16), and the restoration of Israel (1:17-21)....
Joel (22 Occurrences)
... (1.) A prophecy of a great public calamity thenimpending over the land, consisting
of a want of water and an extraordinary plague of locusts (1:1-2:11)....
Impelleth (1 Occurrence)
Imminent (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Threatening to occur immediately; near
at hand;impending; as in imminent danger. 2. (a.) Full...
Instant (19 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Pressing; urgent; importunate; earnest. 3. (a.) Closely pressing orimpending
in respect to time; not deferred; immediate; without delay....
Impenetrable (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Why is Jeremiah known as the weeping prophet? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be a prepper or in any way involved with doomsday prepping? | GotQuestions.orgThe Shack by William P. Young - a review | GotQuestions.orgImpending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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