[Greek] ὁρίζω (horizō), [Latin] definitum, [Latin] constitutus, [Latin] statuit: to mark off by boundaries, to determine, to appoint, to decree, to declare, to ordain, to decide, to define, to designate, to bound, to limit; Lk.22:22, Act.2:23, Act.10:42, Act.17:26, Rom. 1:4, Heb.4:7
Background information:
Secular Greek: Interestingly, this term takes on many nuanced meanings. This includes marking, limiting, ordaining fixing, appointing, defining, determining, or marking out. He marked out the land around the altar (Herodotus 3.142). I have limited my share to one-third of their property (Lysias 17.6). Then the Dephian lords decided that my mistress should die, by being cast from the rock (Euripides, Ion 1222). That there may be no question raised about my obedience, please fix the age limit below which is to be accounted young (Xenophon). Shall we therefore rightly define the pious man as on who knows what is lawful concerning the gods? (Xenophon). I date his hostility from the very day when he wiped out the Phocians (Demosthenes 9.19).
Old Testament: This term is used in a much more limited sense in primarily defining the borders and occupation of Israel. This is what Moses gave to the tribes of the Gadites and their clans…in the Jordan valley: Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, Zaphon (Jos.13:24-27). The western boundary was the Great Sea and its coast (Jos.15:12). The Jordan bounded it on the east (Jos. 18:20).
New Testament: This takes on the sense of to decide or to appoint. Such examples primarily define the Christological nature of Jesus. Jesus’ divine appointment is tied to His eternal (boundless) nature. They describe the person and work of Jesus Christ. The other example illustrates one’s capacity share one’s gifts. One’s limits (boundaries) are defined by his nature and gifts.
Scripture:
“So the disciples determined that, according to ability, each should send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.” Act. 11:29
The scripture passage relates to an individual’s capacities (or limitations) to provide relief. Luke is stressing the importance of providing charity.
“This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless man to crucify Him.” Act. 2:23
God, as part of His Divine Providence, appointed Jesus to bring redemption to His people.
“He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that He is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.” Act. 10:42
It was according to the will of God that Jesus would provide this judgment to all. This apostolic preaching to the Jews appeals to their Messianic hope. The apostolic preaching to the Gentiles stressed the coming divine judgment.
“Jesus, established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom.1:4
Jesus Christ is able to communicate the Spirit to those who believe in Him. This is a divine declaration and divine appointment.
Conclusion:
Horizon, horizontal, definite, constitute, statute
It was interesting to see the many nuanced senses of this term in the secular Greek, ranging from maps to proclamations. Then, at the other extreme, the Old Testament presents this term only in terms of geographical physical boundaries. The New Testament goes into another direction, focusing on the Christological nature and identity of Jesus. This is a quite stark difference between the Old Testament and New Testament.
When I think of a horizon, I immediately think of boundaries. In a sense, this term does involve boundaries. However, the New Testament shows that Jesus is boundless in His divine nature. He even knows what is in “our hearts”. Also, our potential generosity is often determined, defined, and limited by our resources (time, treasure and talent).
Horizontal actually means parallel to the horizon. For those of you who want to know what the technical definition of a horizon, here it is! A horizon is the apparent line that separates the earth from the sky. I think I can “proclaim” to all the ends of the earth (horizon) in saying, “What a lame definition!” But as we move forward in our journey in life, we still must be thankful for our blessings.