Topical Encyclopedia The practice of rising early is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with diligence, devotion, and divine encounters. Throughout Scripture, rising early is depicted as a time for seeking God, preparing for significant tasks, and demonstrating commitment to one's responsibilities.Biblical Examples: 1. Abraham: In Genesis 19:27, Abraham rises early in the morning to return to the place where he had stood before the LORD. This act of rising early signifies his eagerness to commune with God and witness the fulfillment of God's promises. "Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD." 2. Moses: In Exodus 34:4, Moses rises early to ascend Mount Sinai, carrying the stone tablets as commanded by God. This early rising underscores his obedience and readiness to receive God's law. "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 ascended Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him." 3. Joshua: Joshua's leadership is marked by his early rising, as seen in Joshua 3:1, where he prepares the Israelites to cross the Jordan River. His early start reflects his dedication to leading God's people into the Promised Land. "Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over." 4. David: In 1 Samuel 17:20, David rises early to tend to his responsibilities and ultimately confront Goliath. His early rising is indicative of his faithfulness and courage. "Early in the morning David left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry." 5. Jesus: The Gospels frequently mention Jesus rising early to pray and seek solitude with the Father. Mark 1:35 highlights this practice: "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This demonstrates the importance of prioritizing communion with God. Spiritual Significance: Rising early in the Bible often symbolizes a heart prepared to meet with God and fulfill His purposes. It reflects a disciplined life, prioritizing spiritual matters over personal comfort. The act of rising early is associated with seeking God's guidance, receiving His instructions, and engaging in prayer and worship. Practical Implications: For believers, the biblical precedent of rising early serves as an encouragement to begin the day with intentionality and focus on God. It suggests setting aside time for prayer, meditation on Scripture, and preparation for the day's tasks. This practice can foster a deeper relationship with God and a more disciplined spiritual life. Conclusion: The theme of rising early in the Bible underscores the value of diligence, devotion, and readiness to engage with God's will. It serves as a model for believers to prioritize their spiritual lives and seek God's presence at the start of each day. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 31:15She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Nave's Topical Index Greek 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 - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7925. 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 Library Wesley and Early Rising On Redeeming the Time God's Patient Pleadings Out from the Rising of the Sun, Approaching Doom The Rising Storm. Prayer and Faith The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Hymns of the Early Church Whether it was Fitting that the Disciples Should See Him Rise ... Resources What does it mean that God came from Teman (Habakkuk 3:3)? | GotQuestions.orgFinancial crisis - what's a Christian to do? | GotQuestions.org Is the idea of mother nature biblical? | GotQuestions.org Rising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |