Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of dividing the day into twelve hours was a common practice among the Jewish people and other ancient cultures. This division is evident in various passages of Scripture and reflects the understanding of time during the biblical era.The division of the day into twelve hours is first and foremost a practical measure, aligning with the natural cycle of daylight. The day began at sunrise and ended at sunset, with the twelve hours being variable in length depending on the season. During the longer days of summer, each hour would be longer, while in the shorter days of winter, each hour would be shorter. This method of timekeeping is distinct from the modern fixed-hour system. The Gospel of John provides a direct reference to this division of time. In John 11:9 , Jesus says, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world." Here, Jesus uses the twelve-hour division to illustrate a spiritual truth, emphasizing the importance of walking in the light, both physically and metaphorically. The division of the day into twelve hours is also implied in the parable of the workers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-16. In this parable, the landowner hires laborers at different times throughout the day, starting early in the morning and continuing until the eleventh hour. This reference to the eleventh hour indicates the use of a twelve-hour day, with the final hour representing the end of the workday. The practice of dividing the day into twelve hours was not unique to the Jewish people but was also prevalent in other ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Romans. However, the Jewish understanding of time was deeply rooted in their religious and cultural context, with the day beginning at sunset, marking the start of a new day according to the Hebrew calendar. In the context of biblical events and teachings, the twelve-hour division of the day serves as a backdrop for many narratives and parables. It provides a framework for understanding the timing of events, such as the crucifixion of Jesus, which is described in the Gospels as occurring from the sixth to the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44). The division of the day into twelve hours also holds symbolic significance in Scripture. It reflects the order and structure inherent in God's creation, as seen in the orderly progression of time from morning to evening. This structure is a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and His provision of light and darkness, work and rest. In summary, the division of the day into twelve hours is a significant aspect of biblical timekeeping, providing insight into the daily life and spiritual teachings of the biblical world. It underscores the importance of living in the light and making the most of the time given by God, as echoed in the words of Jesus and the teachings of Scripture. Nave's Topical Index John 11:9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world. Nave's Topical Index Library Furthermore, as to the Proposal Subjoined to Your Epistle... Their Cosmogony Framed According to These Mystic Doctrines of ... On the Creation of the World Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. The Resurrection of Lazarus. No Account Can be Given of These Productions. The Theory of the Marcosians, that Created Things were Made after ... Stones Crying Out And yet we Say, "A Long Time" and "A Short Time"... Resources If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.org On what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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