Kurzformulierung von Biblischen Aussagen
The concept of God "shortening" or "cutting short" time appears in biblical texts, particularly in discussions of tribulation and divine intervention. This idea emphasizes God's sovereign control over historical events and His mercy towards His chosen people [7].
One prominent instance of this concept is found in Mark 13:20, which states, "If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them" [7]. This passage refers to a period of intense calamity or tribulation. The shortening of these days is presented as an act of divine mercy, preventing the complete destruction of humanity [7]. Intertestamental Jewish literature also frequently refers to God's shortening of His timetable for days of calamity, as seen in texts like 2 Esdras 2:13 and 2 Baruch 20:1 [7]. This suggests a broader understanding within Jewish thought that God intervenes to limit suffering for the sake of His people [7].
The prophet Isaiah also speaks of a "short work" or "short reckoning" that the Lord will make upon the earth. Romans 9:28 quotes Isaiah 10:22-23, stating, "For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness; because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth" [5]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary suggests that while the apostle Paul's use of this passage might seem to differ from the prophet's original intent, the underlying sentiment is consistent: a remnant of Israel will be graciously spared [5]. This "short work" implies a decisive and swift divine action that brings about a decreed consumption, yet with an element of righteousness that preserves a portion [5].
The idea of God preserving the "simple" or those with limited understanding is also related to divine intervention and care. Psalm 116:6 states, "The Lord preserves the simple" [3]. John Gill interprets "the simple" as those who have a small degree of understanding, are sensible of their lack of wisdom, and commit themselves to the Lord. They are described as sincere, upright, harmless, and easily imposed upon, yet God preserves them [3]. This aligns with the idea that God's actions, including the shortening of difficult times, are often for the benefit of those who depend on Him. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render "simple" as "babes," further emphasizing their vulnerability and need for divine protection [3]. Similarly, Psalm 119:130 notes that "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple" [1]. This suggests that divine revelation and intervention are particularly beneficial for those who are humble and receptive.
The concept of God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises is another facet of this theme. Isaiah 60:22 speaks of a "little one" becoming a "thousand" and a "small one" a "strong nation," adding, "I the Lord will hasten it in its time" [6]. This emphasizes that while human beings might wish to accelerate divine plans, God's actions will occur in His appointed time [6]. This divine timing is not subject to human impatience but unfolds according to God's sovereign will, as seen in the first coming of Jesus and the future restoration of Israel and conversion of the world [6].
The "unsearchable riches" of Christ's grace, as mentioned in Ephesians 3:8, further illustrate the boundless nature of God's provisions and interventions [4]. The term "unsearchable" (ἀνεξιχνίαστος) implies an inexhaustible mine of treasures that can never be fully explored [4]. This concept reinforces the idea that God's actions, including His shortening of tribulation or His preservation of the simple, stem from an infinite wellspring of grace and wisdom that is beyond human comprehension [4].
The biblical narrative of Abraham's call in Hebrews 11:8, where he "obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance," demonstrates a trust in God's plan and timing, even when the destination was unknown [2]. This act of faith underscores the reliance on God's sovereign direction, which includes His decisions to shorten or extend periods of trial or blessing.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 119:130 (BSB) — The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Hebrews 11:8 cross-references: Genesis 11:31, Genesis 12:1, Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:15, Genesis 15:5, Genesis 15:7, Genesis 17:8, Genesis 20:13, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:3, Numbers 10:30, Deuteronomy 9:5, Joshua 24:3, Nehemiah 9:7, Psalms 105:9, Isaiah 41:2, Isaiah 51:2, Ezekiel 36:24, Matthew 2:21, Matthew 7:24, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:5, Romans 6:17, Romans 10:16, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 5:9, Hebrews 11:33, James 2:14, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 4:17”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 116:6: The Lord preserveth the simple,.... Such as have but a small degree of understanding, either in things natural or spiritual, in comparison of others; babes, as the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render it, so in the Talmud (i); see Mat 11:25. Such who are sensible of their lack of wisdom, and what they have they do not lean unto or trust in, but being sensible of their weakness commit themselves to the Lord; they are sincere and upright, harmless and inoffensive, artless and incautious, and so easily imposed upon by designing men; bu”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 3:8: am--Not merely was I in times past, but I still am the least worthy of so high an office (compare Ti1 1:15, end). least of all saints--not merely "of all apostles" (Co1 15:9-10). is--Greek, "has been given." among--omitted in the oldest manuscripts Translate, "to announce to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the unsearchable (Job 5:9) riches," namely, of Christ's grace (Eph 1:7; Eph 2:7). Rom 11:33, "unsearchable" as a mine inexhaustible, whose treasures can never be fully explored (Eph 3:18-19).”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 9:28: For he will finish the work, and cut--"is finishing the reckoning, and cutting it" it short in righteousness; because a short work--"reckoning" will the Lord make upon the earth-- (Isa 10:22-23), as in the Septuagint. The sense given to these words by the apostle may seem to differ from that intended by the prophet. But the sameness of sentiment in both places will at once appear, if we understand those words of the prophet, "the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness," to mean that while a remnant of Israel should be graciously spar”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 60:22: little one--Even one, and that the smallest in number and rank, shall be multiplied a thousandfold in both respects (Mic 5:2; Mat 13:31-32). his time--not our time; we might wish to hasten it, but it will come in due time, as in the case of Jesus' first coming (Gal 4:4); so in that of the restoration of Israel and the conversion of the world (Isa 66:8; Hab 2:3; Act 1:7; Heb 10:37). Messiah announces His twofold commission to bring gospel mercy at His first coming, and judgments on unbelievers and comfort to Zion at His second coming (Isa 61:1-9); t”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 13:20: 13:20 God’s shortening of his timetable for the days of calamity is referred to frequently in intertestamental Jewish literature (e.g., 2 Esdras 2:13; 2 Baruch 20:1). This statement emphasizes the horrors of this tribulation experienced by God’s people, but also God’s mercy in shortening this time. • not a single person will survive: The whole population of Judea might have been destroyed if the days of anguish had been longer. • chosen ones (literally elect): Followers of Jesus.”