Topical Bible: Morning: The Jews: Contracted Covenants In

◄ Morning: The Jews: Contracted Covenants In ►

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of "morning" holds significant theological and symbolic meaning, often associated with new beginnings, divine intervention, and the renewal of God's promises. For the Jewish people, morning is not only a time of physical renewal but also a moment of spiritual significance, particularly in the context of covenantal relationships with God.

Covenantal Significance

The Jewish tradition places a strong emphasis on covenants, which are solemn agreements between God and His people. These covenants are often marked by specific times and rituals, with morning being a significant period for such divine-human interactions. The morning is seen as a time when God's mercies are renewed, as expressed in Lamentations 3:22-23 : "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"

Biblical Examples

1. Abrahamic Covenant: The patriarch Abraham is a central figure in the Jewish understanding of covenants. In Genesis 22, Abraham rises early in the morning to fulfill God's command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, demonstrating his obedience and faith. This act, occurring in the morning, underscores the renewal and reaffirmation of God's covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and blessings.

2. Mosaic Covenant: The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai is another pivotal moment in Jewish history. In Exodus 19:16, the morning is marked by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain, signifying God's powerful presence as He establishes His covenant with the Israelites. The morning thus becomes a time of divine revelation and covenantal commitment.

3. Davidic Covenant: King David, a man after God's own heart, often sought the Lord in the morning. In Psalm 5:3 , David declares, "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation." This practice reflects the ongoing relationship and covenant between God and David, with morning prayers symbolizing trust and reliance on God's promises.

Rituals and Practices

In Jewish tradition, the morning is a time for specific prayers and rituals that reinforce the covenantal relationship with God. The "Shacharit" is the morning prayer service, which includes the recitation of the Shema, a declaration of faith and commitment to God's covenant. This daily practice serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's identity and their obligations under the covenant.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets often use the imagery of morning to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Isaiah 58:8 , the prophet speaks of a future where "your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly." This imagery of morning light symbolizes the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises and the ushering in of a new era of righteousness and peace.

Conclusion

The concept of morning in the Jewish tradition is deeply intertwined with the idea of covenant. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and reaffirmation of the sacred agreements between God and His people. Through biblical narratives, rituals, and prophetic imagery, morning serves as a powerful symbol of God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of new beginnings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 26:31
And they rose up betimes in the morning, and swore one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... forty), whether that guilt has been contracted in the ... has this mystery revealed,
while the Jews are destitute ... by ravens bringing bread in the morning and flesh ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... who it was, attacked the house next morning Feb.1 ... it have been thought lawful for
the Jews in the ... through cold, hunger and other distresses, contracted in their ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm

The New Covenant.
... God, therefore, spoke unto the Jews in parables, in ... the earthly shrine had not itself
contracted defilement ... like the priests of Baal, from morning until midday ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Doctrine
... A DISCOURSE TOUCHING THE LAW AND GRACE; THE NATURE OF THE ONE, AND THE NATURE OF
THE OTHER; SHOWING WHAT THEY ARE, AS THEY ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; AND LIKEWISE ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... flew in the midst of heaven, sounding a trumpet, and a glorious throne was seated
in the east, whereon sat one in brightness, like the morning star, upon which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Next morning, when she was up, had prayed to God, and talked with her children a
while, one knocked hard at the door, to whom she spake out, saying, If thou ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm