Topical Encyclopedia The term "nocturnal" refers to activities or occurrences that take place during the night. In the Bible, the night is often depicted as a time of both divine activity and human vulnerability. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where nocturnal events play a significant role in God's interaction with humanity.Divine Encounters and Revelations The Bible records several instances where God communicates with individuals during the night. One of the most notable nocturnal encounters is Jacob's dream at Bethel, where he sees a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. In this dream, God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob, promising him land and descendants (Genesis 28:10-15). Another significant nocturnal event is the calling of Samuel. As a young boy serving in the temple under Eli, Samuel hears God's voice calling him during the night. This marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry (1 Samuel 3:3-10). Protection and Deliverance The night is also depicted as a time when God provides protection and deliverance for His people. In the Exodus narrative, the Israelites are instructed to observe the Passover at night, marking their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:6-14). The Lord passes through Egypt at midnight, striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians while sparing the Israelites who have marked their doorposts with the blood of the lamb. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experiences divine protection during a nocturnal event. While imprisoned, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns at midnight, leading to a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors and unfastens their chains (Acts 16:25-26). Symbolism of Night The night often symbolizes spiritual darkness and the absence of God's presence. Jesus uses the imagery of night to describe the urgency of His mission, stating, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4). This highlights the limited time available to accomplish God's work before spiritual darkness prevails. The Apostle Paul also employs the metaphor of night to contrast the deeds of darkness with the light of Christ. He exhorts believers to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12), encouraging them to live as children of the day. Prayer and Vigilance Nocturnal prayer and vigilance are emphasized in the Bible as essential practices for believers. Jesus Himself sets an example by spending entire nights in prayer, seeking communion with the Father (Luke 6:12). He also instructs His disciples to watch and pray, particularly during times of trial and temptation (Matthew 26:41). The Psalms frequently mention seeking God during the night, reflecting a deep yearning for His presence and guidance. Psalm 63:6 states, "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night." Conclusion The Bible presents the night as a time of both divine intervention and spiritual challenge. Through nocturnal events, God reveals His power, provides deliverance, and calls His people to remain vigilant in prayer and righteous living. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to the night; as, nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition; -- opposed to diurnal.2. (a.) Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, nocturnal birds and insects. 3. (n.) An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea. Strong's Hebrew 3915. layil -- night... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition night NASB Word Usage midnight* (6), night (200), nights (14), nocturnal (1), overnight* (2), tonight (10). ... /hebrew/3915.htm - 6k Library Whether Nocturnal Pollution is a Mortal Sin? The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' Hold Nocturnal ... Book ii. Of the Canonical System of the Nocturnal Prayers and ... Of the Canonical System of the Nocturnal Prayers and Psalms. How no Change was Made by the Elders in the Ancient System of ... The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ... The Fourth Trumpet. The Answer How we Should not Exceed the Proper Measure of Food. The Works of John Cassian. Of the Hindrances which an Unbelieving Husband Puts in his Wife's ... Thesaurus Nocturnal (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to the night; as, nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition; -- opposed to diurnal. ...Nocturnal (1 Occurrence). ... /n/nocturnal.htm - 7k Owl (11 Occurrences) Jackal (3 Occurrences) Moth (10 Occurrences) Hyena Nod (2 Occurrences) Nobody (21 Occurrences) Nero Gecko (1 Occurrence) Wolf (4 Occurrences) Resources Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the possibility of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Nocturnal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Nocturnal (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 23:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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