Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Occurrence in Scripture:The term "deep sleep" in the Bible often refers to a profound, divinely induced state of unconsciousness. This state is distinct from ordinary sleep and is typically associated with significant divine actions or revelations. The Hebrew word often translated as "deep sleep" is "tardemah" (תַּרְדֵּמָה), which implies a heavy, overpowering slumber. Biblical Instances: 1. Creation of Eve (Genesis 2:21): One of the earliest mentions of deep sleep occurs in the account of the creation of Eve. "So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh." Here, God uses deep sleep to perform a divine surgical act, highlighting His sovereignty and the sacredness of the creation of woman. 2. Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:12): Another significant instance is during God's covenant with Abram. "As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him." In this state, God reveals the future of Abram's descendants, emphasizing the solemnity and gravity of the covenant. 3. Saul and David (1 Samuel 26:12): In the narrative of David sparing Saul's life, a deep sleep from the LORD falls upon Saul and his men. "So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them, nor did anyone wake up, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them." This divine intervention underscores God's protection over David and His control over human affairs. 4. Job's Reflection (Job 4:13): In the book of Job, deep sleep is associated with visions and divine communication. "In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men..." This suggests that deep sleep can be a medium through which God imparts wisdom or warnings. 5. Daniel's Vision (Daniel 8:18): Daniel experiences deep sleep during a vision. "While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and helped me to my feet." This indicates that deep sleep can accompany overwhelming spiritual experiences, requiring divine assistance to comprehend. Theological Significance: Deep sleep in the Bible is often a prelude to divine revelation or action. It signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs, often to establish covenants, impart wisdom, or protect His chosen servants. This state underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to transcend natural human limitations to fulfill His purposes. Symbolism and Interpretation: In a symbolic sense, deep sleep can represent a state of vulnerability and trust, where individuals are entirely reliant on God's protection and guidance. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual receptivity, where the human soul is open to divine influence and instruction. Practical Implications for Believers: For believers, the concept of deep sleep can be a reminder of the importance of spiritual rest and trust in God's providence. It encourages a posture of openness to God's will and a recognition of His power to work beyond human understanding. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Deep SleepDEEP SLEEP See SLEEP, DEEP. Greek 2659. katanuxis -- stupefaction ... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: katanuxis Phonetic Spelling: (kat-an'-oox-is) Short Definition: deep sleep, stupor Definition: deep sleep ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2659.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 8639. tardemah -- deep sleep... 8638, 8639. tardemah. 8640 . deep sleep. Transliteration: tardemah Phonetic Spelling: (tar-day-maw') Short Definition: sleep. ... deep sleep. ... /hebrew/8639.htm - 6k 7290a. radam -- to be in or fall into heavy sleep 7290. radam -- to be in or fall into heavy sleep Library The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep... Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. Chapter xv I Sleep, but My Heart Waketh; it is the Voice of My Beloved that ... Hymn at Cock-Crow How to Make Use of Christ as the Life, when the Believer is So ... The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved Acts xx. 1 Blessed be that Child, who Gladdened Bethlehem To-Day! At the Same Time There Appeared a Young Man on the Mountains to ... Resources What is Christian fanaticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Jacob wrestling with God? | GotQuestions.org What is the Gap Theory? Did anything happen between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2? | GotQuestions.org Deep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |