In biblical literature, the concept of "slumbers" often refers to a state of sleep or inactivity, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The term is used to describe not only the natural human need for rest but also a metaphorical condition of spiritual negligence or unawareness.

Physical Sleep:

The Bible acknowledges the necessity of physical rest. In the creation account, God Himself rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), establishing a pattern for human rest. Sleep is portrayed as a gift from God, providing rejuvenation and strength. Psalm 127:2 states, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved." Here, sleep is depicted as a divine provision, emphasizing trust in God's care rather than human effort alone.

Spiritual Slumber:

More frequently, the Bible uses the concept of slumber to describe a state of spiritual lethargy or unpreparedness. This metaphorical use serves as a warning against complacency in one's faith and vigilance in spiritual matters. Proverbs 6:9-11 admonishes, "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit." This passage warns against the dangers of laziness and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities.

In the New Testament, the theme of spiritual alertness is further emphasized. Jesus, in His teachings, often warned His disciples to remain watchful and prepared for His return. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the foolish virgins are caught unprepared because they slumbered and did not have enough oil for their lamps. This parable illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness and the consequences of spiritual slumber.

Divine Watchfulness:

Contrasting human slumber, the Bible assures believers of God's constant vigilance. Psalm 121:3-4 declares, "He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This passage provides comfort, affirming that God is always watchful and attentive to the needs of His people, never succumbing to slumber or neglect.

Call to Wakefulness:

The apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to awaken from spiritual slumber. In Romans 13:11-12 , he writes, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has almost dawned. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Paul urges Christians to live in a state of readiness and moral integrity, recognizing the urgency of the times.

In summary, while physical slumber is a natural and necessary part of human life, the Bible uses the concept of slumber metaphorically to caution against spiritual complacency. Believers are called to remain vigilant, prepared, and active in their faith, trusting in the ever-watchful care of God.5123. num -- to be drowsy, slumber
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be drowsy, slumber NASB Word Usage sank
(1), sleeping (1), slumber (3), slumbers (1). sleep, slumber. ...
/hebrew/5123.htm - 5k

The Memories of Home. [A]
... upon the mother's heart! No flight of years; no distance from the grave
in which he slumbers, can erase the image. It will be ever ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxvii the memories of.htm

Hymn at Cock-Crow
... Though sleep be but a passing guest 'Tis type of death's perpetual rest: Our sins
are as a ghastly night, And seal with slumbers deep our sight. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/i hymn at cock-crow.htm

Arise!
... Remember that the might of grace,. When guilty slumbers sealed your eyes,. ... Then boldly
grasp both sword and shield: Who slumbers on the battle-field? Arise! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/arise.htm

The Earthquake
... was beginning to gangrene afresh. Qualms of conscience disturbed the slumbers
of Antiochus of Ptolemais. The old Acacius of Beroea ...
/.../chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm

The Enchanted Ground
... May God grant that his servants may be the means of arousing the church from its
lethargy, and stirring it up from its slumbers, lest haply professors should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the enchanted ground.htm

Sleep Not
... It gives us many a dainty kiss, and lulls us into tranquil slumbers which we imagine
to be God's own peace, whereas the peace of fascination and of satanic ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Evening Prayers.
... May angels guard over My slumbers, and when The morning is breaking, Awake me. Amen.
22. Now the light has gone away; Savior, listen while I pray. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/little folded hands/evening prayers.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... beyond Jordan, He answers "from His holy hill." He and his men camped amidst dangers,
but one unslumbering Helper mounted guard over their undefended slumbers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Watching the Horizon
... It put them in tune with Him who never slumbers nor sleeps, and who watches over
His pledged word, to bring it to pass at the earliest possible hour. ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/viii watching the horizon.htm

Fordington Pulpit:
... 'Midst thy brethren's listening numbers Hast thou felt, with heart sincere, How,
in thought that never slumbers, This great Listener stood more near ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moule/to my younger brethren/fordington pulpit .htm

Slumbers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slumbers (2 Occurrences). 2 Peter 2:3 And through
covetousness, with well-turned words, will they make ...
/s/slumbers.htm - 7k

Slumberings (1 Occurrence)

/s/slumberings.htm - 6k

Slumped (1 Occurrence)

/s/slumped.htm - 6k

Soft (36 Occurrences)
... 10. (superl.) Weak in character; impressible. 11. (superl.) Somewhat weak in intellect.
12. (superl.) Quiet; undisturbed; peaceful; as, soft slumbers. 13. ...
/s/soft.htm - 20k

Idle (33 Occurrences)
... 3 And through covetousness, with well-turned words, will they make merchandise of
you: for whom judgment of old is not idle, and their destruction slumbers not ...
/i/idle.htm - 18k

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