Topical Encyclopedia In the Scriptures, the practice of early rising is often associated with diligence and devotion, as seen in the lives of the righteous. However, the Bible also provides instances where early rising is employed by the wicked to carry out their nefarious schemes. This use of early rising underscores the intent and determination of those who pursue evil, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.Biblical Instances: 1. Micah 2:1 : "Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning light they accomplish it because it is in their power to do so." This verse illustrates how the wicked use the early hours to execute their plans. The imagery of plotting evil on their beds suggests a premeditated intent, with the morning light symbolizing the time of action. The wicked rise early, not for prayer or worship, but to bring their malevolent schemes to fruition. 2. Proverbs 4:16 : "For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall." Here, the inability to rest until evil is done indicates a restless pursuit of wickedness. The early rising implied in this verse is driven by an insatiable desire to cause harm, demonstrating the perverse dedication of the wicked to their destructive goals. 3. Jeremiah 7:13 : "And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and though I spoke to you again and again, you did not listen, and though I called you, you did not answer." While this verse does not explicitly mention early rising, it reflects the persistent disobedience and active engagement in evil by the people. The context of Jeremiah's warnings often includes the early morning as a time when God reaches out to His people, yet they choose to pursue their own wicked ways instead. Theological Implications: The use of early rising by the wicked serves as a stark reminder of the moral choices individuals face. While the early hours can be a time of seeking God and aligning one's life with His will, they can also be misused for selfish and harmful purposes. This duality emphasizes the importance of intention and the heart's orientation in determining the righteousness or wickedness of one's actions. The Bible consistently calls believers to rise early for prayer, meditation, and service to God, contrasting the righteous use of time with the wicked's exploitation of it for evil. The diligence of the wicked in pursuing their plans serves as a cautionary tale, urging the faithful to be equally diligent in their pursuit of righteousness and to guard their hearts against the allure of sin. Moral Lessons: The practice of early rising by the wicked for executing plans of evil highlights the need for vigilance and discernment among believers. It serves as a call to examine one's own life and priorities, ensuring that the time given by God is used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The Scriptures encourage believers to rise early, not for the pursuit of personal gain or harm to others, but to seek the Lord and His righteousness, setting a godly example in a world often marked by darkness and deceit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil on their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chaldaean Civilization Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What was early Christianity like? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the early church fathers? | GotQuestions.org What is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org Early: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Early Rising: Christ Set an Example of Early Rising: Illustrates Spiritual Diligence Early Rising: Neglect of, Leads to Poverty Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Deceit Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Executing Plans of Evil Early Rising: Requisite For: Devotion Early Rising: Requisite For: Discharge of Daily Duties Early Rising: Requisite For: Executing God's Commands Related Terms |
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