In the above table we have a line of the progress of history according to the biblical texts from the time of Adam to the time Joseph went into Egypt. The numbers below each section represent the numbers of years that passed between the times of each person or specific events. For instance, the first number 1600 represents the time that passed from Adam to Noah, the next number, 400, represents the 400 years from Noah to Abraham. The time slots for Jacob are subdivided into three periods. the first 40 represent the number of years from birth until Jacob went into Haran, the 21 years he spent there follows, and then the final 40 years after he reconciles with Esau until his son Joseph becomes a leader in Egypt.
If we look at the next two time periods we find that the number of years follow the same patter though multiplied by 100. This occurs because now we are dealing not with the work of just some individuals and their families but with the entire Israelite people and their nation on the first parallel and with the growth of the Christian cultural sphere and the general historical development of Western European Civilization on the following parallel.
To grasp the significance of the information presented in this table we first must understand that for the parallels to be convincing exact matching should not be demanded. First of all the people do not have to possess similar names or attributes nor do parallels events have to unfold as exact replicas of their corresponding events. The central idea behind this table is to unveil a certain process taking place in the development of history. History is neither the unfolding of God's plan by the mere fact of he wishing something to happen nor is it isolated events occurring simply because economic, political, and social forces are acting blindly. From how these parallels evolved one can conclude that history moves forward towards a world of peace when humans lead their lives in unity with God's desire. When we fail to follow the direction of providential history we can actually prevent God's will from being realized and even discard the progress established by previous generations.
In following essays we will focus on the details of these parallels.
If you think that this has been of help in understanding how Providential History moves forward please make a comment below.
If we look at the next two time periods we find that the number of years follow the same patter though multiplied by 100. This occurs because now we are dealing not with the work of just some individuals and their families but with the entire Israelite people and their nation on the first parallel and with the growth of the Christian cultural sphere and the general historical development of Western European Civilization on the following parallel.
In following essays we will focus on the details of these parallels.
If you think that this has been of help in understanding how Providential History moves forward please make a comment below.
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