Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance:Sunlight, the natural light of the sun, is a fundamental element in the Bible, symbolizing God's presence, guidance, and the revelation of truth. It is often associated with life, purity, and divine favor. The sun itself is a creation of God, serving as a testament to His power and glory. Creation and Order: In the account of creation, sunlight is introduced as part of God's orderly design. On the fourth day, God created the sun to govern the day, as recorded in Genesis 1:16: "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars." This establishment of the sun underscores its role in the divine order and its importance in sustaining life on earth. Symbol of God's Presence: Sunlight is frequently used as a metaphor for God's presence and His righteous nature. In Psalm 84:11, the psalmist declares, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Here, God is likened to the sun, emphasizing His protective and benevolent character. Guidance and Revelation: The imagery of sunlight is also employed to convey guidance and revelation. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." While not directly mentioning sunlight, the concept of light as guidance is evident, reflecting how God's truth illuminates the path of the faithful. Righteousness and Justice: Sunlight is associated with righteousness and justice, as seen in Malachi 4:2: "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall." This prophetic imagery portrays the coming of God's justice and the restoration of His people, with sunlight symbolizing the dawn of a new era of righteousness. Eternal Light: In the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, sunlight is transcended by the glory of God. Revelation 21:23 states, "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." This passage highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence, where His glory surpasses the need for natural sunlight. Moral and Spiritual Enlightenment: Sunlight is often used to illustrate moral and spiritual enlightenment. In Ephesians 5:13-14, Paul writes, "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. So it is said: 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'" Here, the transformative power of Christ's light is likened to sunlight, bringing clarity and awakening to those who are spiritually asleep. Conclusion: Sunlight in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's creative power, His righteous nature, and His guiding presence. It is a reminder of the divine order established by God and the spiritual enlightenment available through His Word and presence. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The light of the sun.Greek 1506. eilikrines -- judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure ... judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eilikrines Phonetic Spelling: (i-lik-ree-nace') Short Definition: pure ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1506.htm - 7k 2246. helios -- the sun Strong's Hebrew 8123. Shimshon -- a deliverer of Isr.... NASB Word Usage Samson (35), Samson's (3). Samson. From shemesh; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite -- Samson. see HEBREW shemesh. 8122, 8123. Shimshon. 8124 > ... /hebrew/8123.htm - 6k 216. or -- a light Library Sunlight of the Heavenly Day, Walamir and Eutyches See, in the Darkness, the Dawn is Awaking, The Pride of Amaryllis The Lamp and the Bushel While Vergilius, Going Slowly, was Thinking of These Things... Love and Discernment. The Presence of Christ On the Unity and Trinity of God Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ... Thesaurus Sunlight (5 Occurrences)...Sunlight (5 Occurrences). ... Job 5:14 In the daytime it becomes dark for them, and in the sunlight they go feeling about as if it was night. (BBE). ... /s/sunlight.htm - 8k Botany Neesing Lamplight (1 Occurrence) Rob (27 Occurrences) Daytime (18 Occurrences) Damage (57 Occurrences) Sunken (1 Occurrence) Sincere (18 Occurrences) Sincerity (17 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How do we honor an abusive parent? | GotQuestions.org Sunlight: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sunlight (5 Occurrences)Revelation 22:5 Job 5:14 Isaiah 30:26 Isaiah 38:8 Habakkuk 3:4 Subtopics Related Terms |