Appoint
The Divine Act of Appointment
In the Bible, the idea of appointment is fundamentally an expression of God's sovereignty. From the creation of celestial bodies to "rule over the day and over the night" (Genesis 1:16-18) to the establishment of human authorities, God is the primary agent who appoints. This is not a passive selection but an active, purposeful designation that carries the weight of divine authority and intention. The concept underscores that nothing happens by chance; key moments and roles are orchestrated within God's redemptive narrative.
Appointing People and Roles
A frequent use of 'appoint' in Scripture concerns the selection of individuals for specific tasks or offices. God appointed Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10), Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 28:41), and judges to govern the people (Deuteronomy 16:18). In the New Testament, Jesus appointed twelve apostles "that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14). Similarly, the Holy Spirit appoints overseers for the church (Acts 20:28). These appointments are not based on human merit alone but on God's gracious choice and equipping for a divine purpose.
Appointing Times and Events
Scripture also speaks of God appointing specific times and seasons. He appointed annual feasts like Passover (Exodus 12:14) and set the boundaries for nations and the times of their existence (Acts 17:26). Most significantly, the New Testament reveals that God "set" or appointed a day for judgment (Acts 17:31) and had predetermined the time for the coming of Christ (Galatians 4:4). This highlights God's control over history and the certainty of His plan unfolding according to His timetable.
The Language of Appointment
The English word 'appoint' translates numerous Hebrew and Greek terms, each adding nuance. Key Hebrew words include paqad (to put in charge, as Joseph was over Egypt in Genesis 41:34), nathan (to give or assign, as cities of refuge in Joshua 20:2), and tsawah (to command or ordain). In Greek, tithēmi means to set, place, or designate (used in Luke 12:46 for a place with the unbelievers), and horizō means to determine or appoint (as in Acts 10:42 where Christ is appointed judge). This linguistic richness shows appointment can mean to commission, assign, destine, or establish.
Human Appointments and Divine Sovereignty
While God is the supreme appointer, He also delegates authority for humans to make appointments. Kings appointed military officers (1 Samuel 8:12), and the early church appointed deacons to handle practical ministries (Acts 6:3). However, these human actions are ultimately under God's providence. The story of Esther hinges on her being appointed "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14), demonstrating how human decisions and divine purpose intertwine. Even the wicked rulers who opposed Jesus acted only by what God's "power and will had decided beforehand should happen" (Acts 4:28).
Appointment and Destiny
The concept reaches its deepest theological level in the appointment of salvation and judgment. Believers are told they were appointed to eternal life (Acts 13:48) and chosen in Christ before creation (Ephesians 1:4-5). Conversely, Scripture speaks of those who disobey the gospel being appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9) or, as in the case of Judas, a foreknown destiny (Acts 1:16-20). These passages emphasize God's sovereign choice and human responsibility, themes that have been central to theological reflection throughout church history.
Biblical Context
The theme of appointment permeates the entire biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, it is prominent in the Pentateuch with the appointment of priests, festivals, and leaders (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers). Historical books detail the appointment of kings, prophets, and officials (1 Samuel, 1 Kings). The Prophets often speak of God appointing nations for judgment or restoration (Jeremiah, Isaiah). In the New Testament, the Gospels record Jesus appointing disciples, the Book of Acts shows the appointment of church leaders, and the Epistles explore the doctrine of divine appointment in salvation and service (Romans, Ephesians). Key narratives include Joseph's rise in Egypt, the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, the choosing of David, and the commissioning of the apostles.
Theological Significance
The doctrine of appointment is crucial for understanding God's sovereignty, providence, and the certainty of His promises. It teaches that God is actively governing His creation, not as a distant observer but as an engaged ruler who selects means and agents to accomplish His will. It comforts believers with the truth that their lives, roles, and ultimate destiny are in the hands of a purposeful God. It also presents the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, challenging simplistic views of free will. Ultimately, the appointment of Jesus as Savior and Judge (Acts 10:42, Hebrews 3:2) is the cornerstone of redemption, assuring believers that their salvation rests on God's decisive, premeditated action in history.
Historical Background
The practice of appointment by a higher authority was common in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures. Kings and emperors appointed satraps, governors, and military commanders to administer their realms, much like Pharaoh appointed Joseph or Persian kings appointed officials like Nehemiah. The concept of a deity appointing a king or leader was also widespread, seen in Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts where rulers claimed divine mandate. Understanding this context helps modern readers see that biblical references to appointment would have been immediately comprehensible, though the Bible uniquely grounds all authority in the one true God's sovereign choice, contrasting with the polytheistic or imperial frameworks of Israel's neighbors.