Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "ascends" in the Bible often refers to the act of rising or going up, both in a physical and spiritual sense. This term is significant in various contexts, including the ascension of individuals, offerings, and prayers, as well as the ultimate ascension of Jesus Christ.
1. Ascension of Individuals:In the Old Testament, the act of ascending is frequently associated with individuals going up to places of worship or significant locations. For example, Moses ascends Mount Sinai to receive the Law from God. In
Exodus 19:20 , it is written, "The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up." This ascent signifies a movement towards divine presence and revelation.
2. Ascension of Offerings:The term "ascends" is also used in the context of offerings. In Levitical law, burnt offerings are described as ascending to God as a pleasing aroma.
Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." The ascent of smoke symbolizes the offering reaching God, representing atonement and worship.
3. Ascension of Prayers:Prayers are often depicted as ascending to God, illustrating the communication between humanity and the divine. In
Psalm 141:2 , David prays, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This imagery emphasizes the belief that prayers rise to God, who hears and responds to the petitions of His people.
4. Ascension of Jesus Christ:The most significant use of "ascends" in the New Testament is the ascension of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven in the presence of His disciples.
Acts 1:9 records, "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." This event marks the exaltation of Christ and His return to the Father, signifying the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly reign.
The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal moment in Christian theology, affirming His divinity and the promise of His return. It also signifies the sending of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised in
John 16:7 , "But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."
5. Spiritual Ascension:Believers are called to ascend spiritually, seeking a closer relationship with God.
Colossians 3:1-2 encourages, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This spiritual ascent involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's life with the will and purposes of God.
In summary, the concept of "ascends" in the Bible encompasses physical movements towards sacred spaces, the rising of offerings and prayers to God, the exaltation of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual journey of believers. Each aspect highlights a movement towards the divine, reflecting a deeper relationship with God and His eternal purposes.
Strong's Hebrew
500. Elale -- "God ascends," four Israelites... 499, 500. Elale. 501 . "God
ascends," four Israelites. Transliteration: Elale
Phonetic Spelling: (el-aw-lay') Short Definition: Elealeh.
... 5927. alah -- to go up, ascend, climb
... to go up, ascend, climb NASB Word Usage all means go (1), approach (1), arise (2),
arose (1), ascend (12), ascended (10), ascending (2), ascends (2), ascent (1 ...
Library
Jesus Ascends to Heaven.
... JESUS ASCENDS TO HEAVEN. Jesus had been cruelly put to death. His hands,
which had been placed on the heads of little children when ...
With Beauty Decked the Morn Ascends,
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH With beauty decked the morn ascends,. 8,6,8,6. With
beauty decked the morn ascends,. And all the earth is bright; ...
Of Repentance, of Mercy, and the Forgiveness of Sins.
... He who ascends the first step is sufficiently just; he who ascends the second is
now of perfect virtue, since he offends neither in deeds nor in conversation ...
Whether Christ's Ascension into Heaven Belonged to Him According ...
... I answer that, The expression "according to" can denote two things; the condition
of the one who ascends, and the cause of his ascension. ...
Relation viii. Addressed to F. Rodrigo Alvarez.
... for burning; so, like fire burning rapidly, the soul, in that preparation of itself
which is the work of God, sends up a flame,"the flame ascends on high ...
Why they Leave Us
... He here ascends, not from one blessing which may be enjoyed on earth, to another
of higher degree; but he mounts right away from all that is of this present ...
Commandment Sixth. How to Recognise the Two Spirits Attendant on ...
... When, therefore, he ascends into your heart, forthwith [192] he talks to you of
righteousness, purity, chastity, contentment, and of every righteous deed and ...
Pursues the Same Matter.
... CHAP. XV. Of the two means, whereby the Soul ascends up to infused Contemplation,
with the Explication of what and how many the steps of it are. 140. ...
Poseidon, Zeus, and Metis.
... Now since fire ascends, this was not swallowed, and made to descend by time or Kronos;
but, as I said, the fiery substance, since it has life in it, and ...
Christ, the Head and the Body; Owing to the Union of the Natures ...
... earthly, shall become heavenly; and this they can only obtain by being made members
of me; so that he may ascend who descended, since no one ascends who did ...
Thesaurus
Ascends (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Ascends (4 Occurrences). Revelation
... Hallelujah!
For her smoke
ascends until the Ages of the Ages." (WEY).
...Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... horon.' " When the Philistines were opposing King Saul at Michmash they sent a company
of their men to hold "the way of Beth-horon." This pass ascends from the ...
Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... horon.' " When the Philistines were opposing King Saul at Michmash they sent a company
of their men to hold "the way of Beth-horon." This pass ascends from the ...
Ascending (16 Occurrences)
Territory (140 Occurrences)
... though now the least frequented, is the most northerly, which passes westward at
the back of ancient Jericho (near `Ain es Sultan) and ascends by Michmash and ...
Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... The lower slopes of Ebal as one ascends from Nablus are covered with gardens and
orchards, the copious streams from the fountains under Gerizim washing its foot ...
Clamor (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 74:23 Don't forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult of those
who rise up against you ascends continually. (See RSV NIV). ...
Ascent (32 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of rising; motion upward; as, he made a tedious ascent; the ascent
of vapors from the earth. 2. (n.) The way or means by which one ascends. ...
Uproar (33 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Psalms 74:23 Don't forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult
of those who rise up against you ascends continually. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
Tumult (56 Occurrences)
... Psalms 74:23 Don't forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult of those who
rise up against you ascends continually. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
Resources
How many times did Moses ascend Mount Sinai? | GotQuestions.orgIs the phoenix mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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