Topical Encyclopedia The term "three-day" or "three days" appears frequently in the Bible, often symbolizing a period of trial, preparation, or significant transformation. This time frame is used in various contexts, each carrying theological and spiritual significance.Old Testament References 1. Jonah and the Great Fish: One of the most well-known instances of a three-day period is found in the Book of Jonah. Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights. This period symbolizes a time of repentance and deliverance. Jonah 1:17 states, "Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish." 2. Moses and the Israelites: In the narrative of the Exodus, Moses requests Pharaoh to let the Israelites go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to worship the LORD. This request is repeated several times, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God. Exodus 5:3 records, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us; now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest He strike us with plague or sword." 3. Esther's Fast: Queen Esther called for a three-day fast before she approached King Xerxes to plead for the lives of her people. This period of fasting and prayer was crucial for seeking divine intervention and favor. Esther 4:16 says, "Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." New Testament References 1. Jesus' Resurrection: The most significant three-day period in the New Testament is the time between Jesus' crucifixion and His resurrection. Jesus Himself prophesied this event, drawing a parallel to Jonah's experience. Matthew 12:40 states, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." This period signifies victory over sin and death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and establishing the foundation of Christian faith. 2. Paul's Conversion: After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul (later Paul) was blind for three days, during which he neither ate nor drank. This time of physical blindness and fasting marked a profound spiritual transformation. Acts 9:9 notes, "For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink." Symbolic Significance The three-day motif often represents a complete cycle of events leading to a new beginning or divine intervention. It is a period that allows for reflection, repentance, and preparation for what God is about to accomplish. In biblical numerology, the number three is associated with completeness and divine perfection, further underscoring the importance of these three-day periods in Scripture. Throughout the Bible, the three-day period serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, the necessity of faith, and the hope of redemption and renewal. Library The Older Boys' Conference or Congress The Tomb of Jesus Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... The Immaculate Conception Thesaurus Three-day (2 Occurrences)Three-day. Three-and-twentieth, Three-day. Threefold . Multi-Version Concordance Three-day (2 Occurrences). Exodus 3 ... /t/three-day.htm - 7k Lice (4 Occurrences) Threefold (2 Occurrences) Three-and-twentieth (1 Occurrence) Resources On what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Epiphany / Three Kings' Day and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of Jesus being dead for three days? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Three-day (2 Occurrences)Exodus 3:18 Exodus 5:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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