Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of a "day" is a fundamental unit of time that is often divided into distinct parts. This division is evident in various passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both the natural order and the cultural practices of the ancient Near East.Biblical Understanding of a Day The Hebrew word for day, "yom," is used extensively in the Old Testament and can refer to a 24-hour period, the daylight hours, or an indefinite period of time. In Genesis 1, the creation account describes a day as a cycle of "evening and morning" (Genesis 1:5), indicating a complete day-night cycle. Division into Four Parts In biblical times, a day was often divided into four parts, which can be seen in various scriptural references: 1. Morning: The morning is frequently mentioned as a time of new beginnings and divine activity. Psalm 5:3 states, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." The morning was a time for prayer, worship, and preparation for the day's activities. 2. Midday: The middle of the day, or noon, is another significant division. In 1 Kings 18:26-29 , the prophets of Baal called upon their god from morning until noon without success, highlighting the midday as a distinct time for action and decision. 3. Evening: The evening marks the transition from day to night and is often associated with rest and reflection. In Genesis 24:63 , Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening, indicating a time for contemplation and prayer. 4. Night: The night is the final part of the day, often associated with rest but also with vigilance and divine encounters. Psalm 119:148 says, "My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word." The night watches were times for prayer and meditation, as well as for guarding against danger. Cultural and Religious Significance The division of the day into these parts reflects the rhythm of life in ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. It underscores the importance of structuring time around worship, work, and rest, aligning human activity with the natural order established by God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the division of the day continues to hold significance. Jesus' crucifixion is described with reference to the hours of the day, with darkness covering the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45), illustrating the profound impact of these events on the natural order. Conclusion The division of the day into four parts is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting both the practical aspects of daily life and the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, and meditation. This structure serves as a reminder of the divine order and the importance of dedicating each part of the day to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:3And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Whether There is Only one Heaven? On Confession Introductory Chapter. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... On the Creation of the World Excursus on the Public Discipline or Exomologesis of the Early ... Of the Three Woe Trumpets. On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... Symbolism of the Church Building Resources What is the National Day of Prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the day of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day-Age Theory? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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