In the Bible, the significance of four days often relates to the completion and fulfillment of time. For example, Jesus raised Lazarus on the fourth day after his burial (John 11:17), symbolizing the power of resurrection and life, as well as demonstrating that God’s timing is beyond human understanding.
Scripture
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Significance of Four Days in the Bible
The significance of four days in the Bible often points towards themes of completeness, divine timing, and the culmination of God’s plans. In John 11:17, the raising of Lazarus on the fourth day after his death underscores a critical theological point: Lazarus’s four-day entombment signifies that he was undeniably dead, ruling out any suggestion of mere resuscitation. The number four, in this context, can also symbolize a completed cycle before God intervenes, just as the four corners of the earth often symbolize the totality of God’s creation. This illustrates the profound truth that God often works beyond the confines of human understanding and expectations, showcasing His sovereignty over life and death, as emphasized in verses such as Romans 4:17, which speak to God as the one who “calls into existence the things that do not exist.”
Moreover, the idea of four days resonates with the rhythm of time in relation to God’s providence. In Acts 10:9-16, Peter receives a vision on the sixth hour, but the events leading up to this transformative moment involve a series of actions over time that bring about the eventual realization of the gospel being opened to the Gentiles. Here, the waiting period of four days, though not explicitly stated, reflects a significant journey toward revelation and fulfillment of God’s purpose. This can be seen as yet another reminder that while humanity may experience waiting and perplexity, God’s plans are always at work, culminating in a divine breakthrough when the time is right. Thus, the significance of four days extends beyond mere chronology; it encapsulates the essence of faith in God’s redemptive actions and His ultimate authority over human existence.
The theme of four days in the Bible not only highlights divine timing but also serves as a narrative device that demonstrates God’s deliberate orchestration of events. In the context of rituals and practices, the waiting period often holds rich symbolic meaning. For instance, in the purification laws outlined in Leviticus, individuals who had been rendered unclean were required to undergo specific waiting periods, with time acting as a representation of spiritual readiness and transformation. Similarly, the four-day span can evoke the preparation necessary before a significant encounter with God or participation in His plans, indicating that the fullness of divine intervention often follows a period of waiting, testing, and ultimately, hope.
Additionally, the motif of four as a period of significance can be seen in various biblical miracles and prophetic narratives that emphasize the importance of preparation and sanctification. Consider the four days of waiting before the Israelites ventured into the Promised Land; this time was crucial for reaffirming their covenant with God and preparing them for the new life ahead. This period functions to amplify the call to holiness and readiness, showing believers that substantial transitions often require time for God’s greater wisdom to unfold. Thus, the significance of four days not only underscores the necessity of God’s timing in pivotal moments of salvation history but also invites a deeper understanding of the role of patience and preparation in the life of faith.
The Concept of Completion and Fulfillment
In biblical numerology, the number four often symbolizes completeness and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The four corners of the earth, the four winds, and the four living creatures in the Book of Revelation all point to a sense of wholeness in God’s creation. The mention of four days can signify a period of waiting that leads to a complete revelation of God’s power and purpose, emphasizing that God’s timing is perfect and that He brings about His plans in due season.
The Journey from Death to Life
The span of four days can also represent a journey from death to life, illustrating the transformative power of God. In various biblical narratives, periods of waiting or delay often precede significant miracles or revelations. This timeframe can symbolize the transition from despair to hope, highlighting the belief that even in the darkest moments, God is at work to bring about resurrection and renewal. The four days serve as a reminder that God’s intervention can turn seemingly hopeless situations into testimonies of His glory.
The Importance of Divine Revelation
Another broader meaning of four days in the Bible relates to the theme of divine revelation. The waiting period can be seen as a time for preparation, where individuals or communities are being readied to receive a significant message or miracle from God. This concept underscores the idea that divine timing is crucial, and that God often uses periods of waiting to deepen faith and understanding. The four days can thus symbolize a preparatory phase leading to a profound encounter with the divine, reinforcing the belief that God reveals Himself in His own time and manner.
How to Embrace Divine Timing for Spiritual Growth
Embracing divine timing is a beautiful journey that invites us to trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives. As we navigate our spiritual growth, it’s essential to remember that God’s timing often differs from our own; He sees the bigger picture, while we may only glimpse the next step. To cultivate patience and faith, we can start by immersing ourselves in prayer and scripture, allowing His words to guide our hearts and minds. Reflect on moments in your life where waiting led to unexpected blessings or growth—these are reminders of His faithfulness. When we surrender our timelines and expectations, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to bloom in His season. So, let’s lean into this divine rhythm, trusting that every moment is an opportunity for growth, and every delay is a chance to deepen our relationship with Him.
Bible References to Four Days Significance:
Exodus 12:3-6: 3 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.
4 And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb.
5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old.
6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight.
Joshua 2:1-4: 1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.
2 And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.”
3 Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.”
4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from.
Jonah 1:17-2:10: 17 And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish,
2 saying, “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.
3 For you cast me into the deep,
into the heart of the seas,
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’
5 The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head.
6 I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.
7 When my life was fainting away,
I remembered the Lord,
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.
8 Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!
10 And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.
Genesis 1:14-19: 14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,
15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.
16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.
17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,
18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.