Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in direct sunlight, leading to the body's inability to regulate its temperature. This condition can result in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. In the context of the Bible, sunstroke is mentioned as a potential danger, particularly in the harsh climates of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

One of the most direct references to sunstroke in the Bible is found in the book of 2 Kings. The account of the Shunammite woman's son, who suddenly fell ill while working in the fields, is often interpreted as a case of sunstroke. The child complained, "My head, my head!" before being carried to his mother and subsequently dying (2 Kings 4:19-20). This narrative highlights the vulnerability of individuals, especially children, to the intense heat of the sun.

In the Psalms, the psalmist speaks of God's protection against the dangers of the sun: "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalm 121:5-6). This passage metaphorically assures believers of God's safeguarding presence, using the imagery of protection from sunstroke as a symbol of divine care.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narratives are set, the climate is characterized by hot, arid conditions. The risk of sunstroke would have been a real and present danger for those working outdoors, such as shepherds, farmers, and travelers. The Bible's references to sunstroke reflect an understanding of the natural environment and its potential hazards.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of sunstroke in the Bible serves as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine protection. The harshness of the sun is often used as a metaphor for trials and tribulations, while God's protection is likened to shade and refuge. This imagery reinforces the belief in God's providential care over His people, offering comfort and assurance in the face of life's adversities.

Practical Considerations:

In biblical times, practical measures to prevent sunstroke would have included seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated. These practices are consistent with the wisdom literature of the Bible, which often emphasizes prudence and foresight in daily living.

Overall, the concept of sunstroke in the Bible serves as both a literal and metaphorical illustration of the challenges faced by God's people and the sustaining power of His protection.(n.) Any affection produced by the action of the sun on some part of the body; especially, a sudden prostration of the physical powers, with symptoms resembling those of apoplexy, occasioned by exposure to excessive heat, and often terminating fatally; coup de soleil.SUNSTROKE

sun'-strok.

See SUN, SMITING BY.

The Shunammite's Boy.
... sickles. But after a while he came to his father, calling, "O my head,
my head!" for he had got sunstroke with the great heat. At ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the shunammites boy.htm

The Secret of Success.
... Elisha?]. One day the little boy ran out into the harvest field, when the
sun was hot, and he had a sunstroke, and was very ill. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlii the secret of success.htm

The Races --A Letter
... round him, whom I advised in vain to do the one thing needful"put a blanket over
him to keep off the sun, for the poor thing had fallen from sunstroke; so I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xv the racesa letter.htm

The True Gold and Its Testing
... and there are a great many more that belong to the tropics; as there is such a thing
as sunstroke, which is, perhaps, as dangerous as the cramping cold from ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the true gold and its.htm

The Savanna of Aripo
... The sun was getting low, and more intolerable as he sank; and to escape a sunstroke
on the spot, or at least a dark ride home, we hurried off into the forest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xii the savanna of.htm

Sunstroke
... heat, and often terminating fatally; coup de soleil. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. SUNSTROKE. sun'-strok. See SUN, SMITING BY. ...
/s/sunstroke.htm - 6k

Sunworship

/s/sunworship.htm - 8k

Manasses (1 Occurrence)
... 10:33. (2) The wealthy husband of Judith; died of sunstroke when employed
at the barley harvest (Judith 8:2, 7; 10:03; 16:22;). (3 ...
/m/manasses.htm - 19k

Sickness (40 Occurrences)
... Among adolescents there are recorded the unspecified sickness of Abijah (1 Kings
14:1), of the widow's son at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17), the sunstroke of the ...
/s/sickness.htm - 29k

Sick (117 Occurrences)
... Among adolescents there are recorded the unspecified sickness of Abijah (1 Kings
14:1), of the widow's son at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17), the sunstroke of the ...
/s/sick.htm - 44k

Sunshine (4 Occurrences)

/s/sunshine.htm - 8k

Heat (104 Occurrences)
... 2. Causes Disease: This continuous summer heat often causes sunstroke, and the glare
causes diseases of the eye which affect a large percentage of the people ...
/h/heat.htm - 45k

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