Topical Encyclopedia Sunshine, as a natural phenomenon, holds significant symbolic and literal importance in the Bible. It is often associated with God's creation, His blessings, and His presence. The sun, as the source of sunshine, is a testament to God's power and the order He established in the universe.Creation and Order In the account of creation, the sun is established by God to govern the day. Genesis 1:16 states, "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." Sunshine, therefore, is a part of the divine order, marking the passage of time and seasons, as noted in Genesis 1:14 : "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.'" Symbol of God's Blessing Sunshine is frequently used as a metaphor for God's favor and blessing. In the Old Testament, sunshine is often linked with prosperity and divine favor. For instance, in Deuteronomy 33:14 , Moses blesses Joseph with "the choicest gifts of the sun and the rich yield of the seasons." Here, sunshine symbolizes abundance and the blessings of the land. Righteousness and Justice The imagery of sunshine is also used to depict righteousness and justice. In Malachi 4:2 , the prophet speaks of the "sun of righteousness" that will rise with healing in its wings for those who fear God's name. This passage highlights the restorative and purifying power of God's justice, likening it to the life-giving and illuminating qualities of sunshine. God's Unbiased Provision Sunshine is a symbol of God's impartial provision for all of creation. In Matthew 5:45 , Jesus teaches, "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." This verse underscores the universality of God's grace and the common blessings He bestows upon humanity, regardless of their moral standing. Light and Revelation Sunshine is often associated with light, which in biblical terms, represents truth and revelation. Psalm 19:4-6 poetically describes the sun's course across the sky, likening it to a bridegroom and a champion, emphasizing its role in declaring God's glory and handiwork. The sun's light is a metaphor for the clarity and truth found in God's word and His revelation to mankind. Eschatological Imagery In eschatological contexts, sunshine is used to describe the glory and presence of God in the new creation. 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." Here, the absence of the sun in the New Jerusalem signifies the direct and eternal presence of God as the ultimate source of light and life. Moral and Spiritual Guidance Sunshine, as a source of light, is also a metaphor for moral and spiritual guidance. In Ephesians 5:14 , Paul exhorts believers to "Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." This call to spiritual awakening and enlightenment is likened to the dawning of a new day, where Christ's light dispels darkness and guides believers in righteousness. In summary, sunshine in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol representing God's creation, blessing, justice, and revelation. It serves as a reminder of His constant presence and the order He has established in the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The light of the sun, or the place where it shines; the direct rays of the sun, the place where they fall, or the warmth and light which they give.2. (n.) Anything which has a warming and cheering influence like that of the rays of the sun; warmth; illumination; brightness. Greek 2602. katabole -- a laying down ... all people can Him. This was laid down before the first ray of sunshine or drop of water touched the earth. Word Origin from kataballo ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2602.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5051. nogah -- brightness... Word Origin from nagah Definition brightness NASB Word Usage bright (1), bright light (1), brightness (10), dawn (1), light (1), radiance (4), sunshine (1). ... /hebrew/5051.htm - 6k 216. or -- a light Library Continual Sunshine Wesley and the Sunshine Thanksgiving for Gracious Sunshine. Evening Hymns. I. The Happy Sunshine all is Gone, What the Flowers Say. The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings Blowing the Clouds Away King David's Little Boy. At the Burial of the Dead on the Death of his Son. Home-Made Clouds Thesaurus Sunshine (4 Occurrences)... warmth; illumination; brightness. 3. (a.) Sunshiny; bright. Multi-Version Concordance Sunshine (4 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 4:4 ... /s/sunshine.htm - 8k Light (2869 Occurrences) Dial (2 Occurrences) Ahaz (42 Occurrences) Olive (61 Occurrences) Day (17670 Occurrences) Clear (641 Occurrences) Cold (25 Occurrences) Clearness (1 Occurrence) Shine (62 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about pessimism? | GotQuestions.org Sunshine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sunshine (4 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 4:4 2 Samuel 23:4 Job 8:16 Isaiah 18:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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