Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of night is not merely a division of time but is imbued with theological significance, reflecting God's sovereignty and purpose. The night, like the day, is part of God's creation and is under His dominion. This entry explores the multifaceted role of night in Scripture, emphasizing its divine ownership and purpose.Creation and Sovereignty The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God establishes the cycle of day and night. Genesis 1:4-5 states, "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.'" Here, night is not an afterthought but a deliberate part of God's orderly creation. It underscores His authority over time and space, as He names and defines both day and night. God's Presence in the Night Throughout Scripture, the night is depicted as a time when God is actively present and working. In Psalm 139:11-12 , the psalmist declares, "If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me,' even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You." This passage highlights God's omnipresence and omniscience, affirming that night cannot obscure His presence or hinder His purposes. Divine Revelation and Guidance The night is often a time of divine revelation and guidance. In the Old Testament, God frequently communicates with His people during the night. For instance, in Genesis 15:5 , God takes Abram outside at night to show him the stars, promising, "Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able. Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" Similarly, in 1 Kings 3:5 , God appears to Solomon in a dream by night, offering him wisdom. Protection and Deliverance Night is also a time when God provides protection and deliverance for His people. In Exodus 12:29-30 , the Lord strikes down the firstborn of Egypt at midnight, leading to the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage. The Passover event underscores God's protective power during the night. Additionally, Psalm 91:5 reassures believers, "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day," emphasizing God's safeguarding presence. Symbolism and Eschatology In biblical symbolism, night can represent spiritual darkness or the absence of God's light. However, it also points to the hope of a new dawn. The eschatological vision in Revelation 22:5 promises, "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever." This future reality reflects the ultimate triumph of God's light over darkness. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of night reveals it as a time under God's control, filled with His presence, revelation, and protection. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the assurance that even in the darkest times, God is at work, guiding and delivering His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 74:16The day is yours, the night also is yours: you have prepared the light and the sun. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his ... That the Figure Synecdoche, in which the Part Stands for the Whole ... Whether Vengeance is Lawful? Whether Obedience Belongs to Religious Perfection? Alive unto God. God's Inheritance in the Saints Abandonment a Pledge of Predestination. Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ... Of the World, and Its Parts, the Elements and Seasons. Finding God Resources What does it mean that Jesus will return like a thief in the night? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.org Why would God's law command a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night to be stoned to death? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |
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