In the context of biblical times, the concept of an "artificial day" is not directly addressed in Scripture, as the natural cycle of day and night was the primary means by which time was understood and measured. However, the division of the day into specific segments, such as "noon," can be explored through the practices and cultural understandings of the ancient Near East, as well as the biblical text.

Noon in Biblical Context

The term "noon" refers to the middle of the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. In biblical times, the day was often divided into segments based on the position of the sun. The Hebrew word for noon, "צָהֳרַיִם" (tsohorayim), is used in several passages to denote this time of day. For example, in 1 Kings 18:26, the prophets of Baal called upon their god "from morning until noon," indicating a clear understanding of the day's division.

Biblical References to Noon

1. 1 Kings 18:27 : "At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, 'Shout louder! Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.'"
· This passage highlights the time of noon as a significant moment during the contest on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah's taunting at noon underscores the futility of the prophets' efforts and the power of the true God.

2. Psalm 91:6 : "nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon."
· Here, noon is mentioned as a time when calamity can strike, emphasizing the ever-present need for God's protection throughout the day.

3. Acts 22:6 : "About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me."
· The Apostle Paul recounts his dramatic conversion experience, noting the time of day as noon, which adds to the vividness and impact of the divine encounter.

Cultural and Practical Aspects

In the ancient world, the division of the day into segments such as morning, noon, and evening was practical for daily life, including work, rest, and religious observance. Noon, being the hottest part of the day, often marked a time for rest or a pause in labor, as seen in the practice of the siesta in some cultures.

The biblical understanding of time was deeply connected to the natural order established by God. Genesis 1:14 states, "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.'" This verse underscores the divine origin of time's division, with the sun playing a central role in marking the passage of the day.

Theological Implications

The division of the day, including the recognition of noon, reflects the order and structure inherent in God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the rhythm established by God, which governs both the natural world and human activity. The acknowledgment of specific times, such as noon, in Scripture often carries theological significance, pointing to moments of divine intervention, judgment, or revelation.

In summary, while the concept of an "artificial day" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the division of the day into parts like noon is well-attested and carries both practical and theological importance. Noon, as a time of day, is woven into the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for significant events and divine encounters.Genesis 43:16
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Gods of Egypt
... no more;" that is to say, the day of his ... are frequently met with; the ribs are divided
and piled ... it is true, was remedied by the artificial reconstruction in ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The High Woods
... distinct eyes, each of these organs being divided across the ... where you may ride or
walk all day in wet ... In the hothouse they seem almost artificial from their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... as authentic history more than one document as artificial as the ... She fled before
him on that day when battle ... the same judgment as Thot, and divided the kingdom ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... was created and was introduced into the tomb. So strong was this conviction that
the belief has lived on through two changes of religion until the present day. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... of non-residence which was only too common in his day. ... years; I conversed with him
morning, noon, and night ... In 1785 the saint entered into his everlasting rest ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... was true, but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his
head;[4 ... But the night was as troublesome to him as the day; wherefore, instead of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... all his earthly duties and works are artificial, whilst his ... began to recover on the
same day from her ... all your soul, not with your heart divided, not paying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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