Topical Bible: Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day

◄ Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of a "Good Day" is often associated with periods of celebration, thanksgiving, and divine favor. The Bible frequently references days set apart for joy and festivity, which are seen as blessings from God and opportunities for communal worship and remembrance of His deeds.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of days designated for celebration and rest, often linked to God's covenant with Israel. The Sabbath, for instance, is a weekly day of rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This day is considered "good" as it offers physical rest and spiritual renewal.

Feasts such as Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles are also significant "Good Days" in the Jewish calendar. These festivals commemorate God's deliverance, provision, and faithfulness. For example, the Feast of Tabernacles is described in Leviticus 23:39-41: "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you are to celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days. The first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day is also a day of rest. On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of a "Good Day" is often linked to the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the new covenant. The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on what is now known as Easter Sunday, a day of great joy and victory over sin and death. This event is central to Christian faith and is considered the ultimate "Good Day" as it signifies the hope of eternal life.

The early church also gathered on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. Acts 20:7 notes, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." This practice highlights the importance of setting aside time for worship and fellowship, marking it as a day of spiritual significance and joy.

Theological Significance

Theologically, "Good Days" are seen as gifts from God, providing opportunities for believers to reflect on His goodness and grace. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the hope found in His promises. These days are not merely for physical rest or social gathering but are deeply rooted in spiritual reflection and gratitude.

In the eschatological sense, the ultimate "Good Day" is anticipated in the return of Christ, when believers will experience eternal joy and peace in the presence of God. Revelation 21:4 speaks of this future hope: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, observing "Good Days" involves setting aside time for worship, reflection, and community. It is a practice that fosters spiritual growth and strengthens the bonds within the body of Christ. Whether through traditional observances or personal times of thanksgiving, these days are opportunities to acknowledge God's sovereignty and express gratitude for His blessings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 8:17
And in every province, and in every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 9:19
Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelled in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Fragment v. --That up to the Time of the Destruction of Jerusalem ...
... speaks of the day of our holy festivity, which the ... of the Lord's Passion, and at
the time of the ... people of Israel, rightly observing the fourteenth day of the ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/fragment v that up to the.htm

Christmas Day.
... It was very necessary, especially at a time when men ... of the most high God with any
earthly merriment, or festivity? ... that a less portion of the next day can be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxii christmas day.htm

John Chapter vii. 13-Jan
... human glory; but my time, that is, the time of my ... That will be my feast-day, not
running before and ... but remaining for ever; that will be festivity, joy without ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxviii john chapter vii.htm

On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said ...
... but because it was kept up by a continued festivity; just as the ... that He should not
go up to the feast day, and He ... let us, as far as in the press of time we can ...
/.../sermon lxxxiii on the words.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... For the time, all other interests were forgotten. ... day of the feast." The morning
of this day found the people wearied from the long season of festivity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm

Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
... army."The day of toil."The day of festivity."Speech of ... He revolved in his mind for
some time the measures ... They had had, on the first day, hard work and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter v accession of cyrus.htm

Psalm XLII.
... of the faithful, the sound of that festivity charms his ... Does man "call on" man as
God is called upon? ... will commend His loving-kindness in the day-time; and in ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlii.htm

The Minne-Songs
... But in the midst of the banquet, when the festivity is at its height ... The combat with
Gramoflanz is postponed to the next day, to give Gawain time to recover ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the minne-songs.htm

The City of God
... It is certain that the Africans of his time"and for that matter, those of
to-day"would have ... happened at intervals, at times of public festivity or some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the city of god.htm

General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... having come under the conditions of time, Thou hast ... The assemblies of the faithful
are to-day enlightened and ... The festivity is come and the great mystery hath ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter i general service for.htm