Topical Bible: Measure: A Pace

◄ Measure: A Pace ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of measurement was integral to daily life, encompassing various units and methods to quantify distance, volume, and weight. One such unit of measurement was the "pace," which is referenced in the context of distance. The pace, as a measure, is understood to be the distance covered in a single step or stride, typically by an adult male. This unit of measurement, while not as frequently mentioned as others like the cubit or the shekel, played a role in the practical aspects of life and communication in the ancient world.

Biblical Context and Usage

The Bible, while not explicitly detailing the pace as a primary unit of measurement, implies its use in various passages where walking or journeying is described. The pace would have been a practical measure for estimating short distances, especially in the context of travel or military maneuvers. For instance, in the narrative of battles or the movement of armies, the pace could serve as a means to gauge the distance between troops or the length of a march.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narrative unfolds, measurement systems were not standardized as they are today. Each culture had its own methods and units, often based on the human body. The pace, like the cubit (the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger), was a natural and accessible measure. It is likely that the pace varied slightly from person to person, but it provided a rough estimate that was sufficient for the needs of the time.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of human-based measurements like the pace underscores the incarnational aspect of God's revelation. The Bible, written in the language and context of its original audience, employs familiar concepts to convey divine truths. The use of everyday measures such as the pace reflects the accessibility and relatability of God's Word to His people. It serves as a reminder that God's communication is grounded in the reality of human experience.

Practical Applications

Understanding the concept of a pace as a measure can enrich one's reading of Scripture by providing insight into the practical realities of biblical narratives. When considering passages that involve travel or distance, recognizing the use of a pace can help modern readers visualize the scene more accurately. It also highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of ancient peoples in their use of available tools and methods to navigate their world.

In summary, while the pace is not a prominent measure in the biblical text, its presence is felt in the practical and cultural context of the Scriptures. It serves as a testament to the human dimension of God's revelation, bridging the gap between the divine and the everyday life of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:13
And it was so, that when they that bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatted calves.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

iv.
... But it belongs to humanity to increase in stature and in wisdom, and, I might add,
in grace, intelligence keeping pace with the measure of the body, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/iv.htm

Messianic Predictions in the Prophets.
... catastrophes were impending which were to be brought about by the Asiatic kingdoms,
and which kept equal pace with the sin of Israel, the measure of which was ...
/.../christology of the old testament/messianic predictions in the prophets.htm

Writings of Rufinus. Preface to the Commentary on the Benedictions ...
... do I need that, through God's mercy, I may have your company in fuller measure;
for that ... lay upon me, yet I have no chance of bursting at a rapid pace into the ...
/.../writings of rufinus preface to.htm

The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
... Lastly, we have Christ accommodating the pace of His power to the slowness of the ...
His faith was a condition of his cure, and the measure of it determined the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the gradual healing of the.htm

Preface
... ups are dull: they never yield to sublime impulses: they measure, calculate, practice ...
level of safe actuality, and pursue ideals at a canny and cautious pace. ...
/.../kane/greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /preface.htm

Naked or Clothed?
... Its increase barely keeps pace with the increase of its consumers. ... A Christian man's
works are perpetual in the measure in which they harmonise with the divine ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/naked or clothed.htm

Seventh Tractate. Time and Eternity.
... does not make the essence of Time consist in its being either a measure or a ... Time
necessarily unresting as the Life with which it must keep pace: and "coeval ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/seventh tractate time and eternity.htm

Reform
... Our streets have not yet become such as Chastity might pace at midnight, nor are
the ... I got home." The fact was, she had a bushel that gave false measure to her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Drill and Enthusiasm
... A watch would be a poor timekeeper, where every wheel tried to set the pace and
be a mainspring, or sulked ... The only measure is quality, the only gauge is motive ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/drill and enthusiasm.htm

List of the Benefits which Constantine Conferred in the Freedom of ...
... in the cities fell into disuse: and among the Egyptians the measure used to ... The
prosperity of religion kept pace with the increased prosperity of the empire. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter viii list of the benefits.htm