Definition and Importance: Early rising refers to the practice of waking up at the beginning of the day, often before sunrise. This habit is frequently associated with diligence, discipline, and a commitment to spiritual and practical responsibilities. In the biblical context, early rising is often linked to prayer, worship, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 31:15: The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is noted for her industriousness and care for her household. "She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants." This verse highlights the value of early rising in fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities.

2. Psalm 5:3: The psalmist expresses a commitment to seeking God early in the day. "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." Early rising is associated with prioritizing time with God and setting a spiritual tone for the day.

3. Mark 1:35: Jesus Himself exemplified the practice of early rising for prayer. "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This passage underscores the importance of solitude and communion with God, often best achieved in the quiet of the early morning.

4. Exodus 34:4: Moses rose early to meet with God on Mount Sinai. "So Moses chiseled two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hand, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him." Early rising here is connected with obedience and preparation for divine encounter.

Theological Implications:

Early rising in the Bible is often associated with spiritual readiness and alertness. It reflects a heart that prioritizes God and His purposes above personal comfort or convenience. The practice is seen as a discipline that aligns one's life with divine order and purpose.

Practical Applications:

1. Spiritual Discipline: Early rising can be a practical expression of seeking God first, as it allows for uninterrupted time in prayer and Scripture study before the distractions of the day begin.

2. Diligence and Productivity: The Bible often associates early rising with hard work and productivity. By starting the day early, individuals can accomplish more and manage their time effectively.

3. Setting Priorities: Rising early can help believers prioritize their day around God's will, ensuring that spiritual and practical responsibilities are met with diligence and care.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, early rising was a practical necessity due to the reliance on natural light for daily activities. The biblical emphasis on early rising reflects both cultural practices and spiritual principles, encouraging believers to align their lives with God's timing and purposes.

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not mandate early rising as a command, it presents it as a commendable practice that reflects a heart devoted to God and His work. Through the examples of biblical figures and teachings, early rising is portrayed as a means to cultivate a disciplined, God-centered life.Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 28:1
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 24:1
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Topicalbible.org

Mark 16:2
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 5:21
And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Topicalbible.org

3722. orthros -- daybreak, dawn
... early in the morning. From the same as oros; dawn (as sun-rise, rising of light);
by extension, morn -- early in the morning. see GREEK oros. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3722.htm - 6k7925. shakam -- to start or rise early
... 16), eager (1), early (6), got up early (1), morning (1), persistently (1), rise
up early (1), rise early (6), rising up early (2), rising early (1), rose up ...
/hebrew/7925.htm - 6k

Wesley and Early Rising
... Chapter 19. An Ideal Circuit; Wesley in his Eighties; Wesley Visits Holland;
Incidents in Scotland Wesley and Early Rising. As soon ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley and early rising.htm

Out from the Rising of the Sun,
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH Out from the rising of the sun,. 8,6,8,6,8,6. Out
from the rising of the sun,. O'er tracts of desert wild,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/out from the rising of.htm

Letter x. The Preservation of Health.
... early. Upon the plan proposed, early retiring will be necessary to early
rising, which is a matter of the first importance. Early ...
/.../letter x the preservation of.htm

The First Easter Sunrise
... Day sun. It was midsummer day for Him, while it was but spring for earth's
calendar. That early rising has no setting to follow. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the first easter sunrise.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... very account, (not only to punish yourself for your folly and unfaithfulness, but,)
in order to recover your health and strength, resume your early rising. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

The Rising Storm.
... CHAPTER I THE RISING STORM ... For years these Germans had been increasing in power,
and the whole early history of Bohemia is one dreary succession of bloody wars ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the rising storm.htm

Hymns of the Early Church
... PUER NATUS IN BETHLEHEM From a Latin MS. of the Early 14th Century. Out from the
rising of the sun,. ti soi prosenenkomen, Christe. Over trackless regions,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the early church/

Ode V.
... "Reconciliation's plan devising,. "Fellow-sharer of the FATHER's Throne,. "Thee,
O CHRIST, we, very early rising,. "Tender lover of our spirits, own!". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/ode v 2.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE EARLY CHURCH. ... We have brought before us the picture of the
rising of some stately fabric upon a firm foundation, course by course ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

Sight and Blindness
... A night- march offered the chance of a surprise, which seems to have been prevented
by the unusually early rising of Elisha's servant, the young successor of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

What is the Epistle of Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org

What are the apocryphal gospels? | GotQuestions.org

Why did the early Mormons believe in plural marriage? | GotQuestions.org

Early: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus