Topical Bible: Night: Continued Until Sunrise

◄ Night: Continued Until Sunrise ►

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In the biblical context, the concept of night extending until sunrise is significant both literally and symbolically. The night is often depicted as a time of darkness, danger, and uncertainty, contrasting with the light and clarity of day. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where night serves as a backdrop for divine intervention, spiritual reflection, and the anticipation of God's deliverance.

Literal Understanding

The literal understanding of night continuing until sunrise is evident in the natural order established by God. Genesis 1:5 states, "God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." This passage underscores the cyclical nature of time as ordained by God, with night giving way to the dawn of a new day.

In the narrative of the Exodus, the Israelites experienced a night of divine protection that lasted until sunrise. Exodus 14:20 describes how the pillar of cloud provided light to the Israelites while casting darkness upon the Egyptians, allowing the Israelites to cross the Red Sea safely: "It came between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night, the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other; so neither went near the other all night long."

Symbolic Significance

Night often symbolizes a period of trial or waiting for God's intervention. Psalm 30:5 captures this sentiment: "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning." Here, the night represents a temporary period of suffering or divine discipline, with the promise of joy and restoration at sunrise.

In the New Testament, the night is also associated with spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return. Jesus warns His disciples in Mark 13:35-37, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!"

Night as a Time of Prayer and Revelation

The night is frequently depicted as a time for prayer and divine revelation. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray during the night, as seen in Luke 6:12: "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God." This practice underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and strength during times of darkness.

The Apostle Paul also experienced divine revelation during the night. In Acts 16:9, Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which leads to the spread of the Gospel in Europe: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'"

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of night continuing until sunrise serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's journey through periods of darkness, awaiting the dawn of God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises. The Scriptures encourage believers to remain vigilant, prayerful, and hopeful, trusting that the night will give way to the light of God's presence and the joy of a new day.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:22
The sun rises, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 28:1
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 16:2
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Night
... to come to pass, night nor day shall I rest until I have ... Since the tenth night I
left thee I have been in prison ... "Once I forbore," he continued, the persuasive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiv night.htm

The Eve of the Resurrection.
... He left Jerusalem that same night, and fled to ... his native place, where he remained
until he thought he ... Nicodemus answered firmly, and continued to affirm the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lx the eve of.htm

Journey to Evora
... He continued in company and discourse until we arrived at ... I passed the night with
great comfort in a clean bed, remote from all those noises in general so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/journey to evora.htm

The Coming of the Pharaoh
... continued, "My nosegay of beauties drooped last night when they ... "And," he continued
oracularly, "there ... one boat would take another in tow until the occupants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiii the coming of.htm

The Prophet Nehemiah
... without ceasing." He began the work in prayer, continued in prayer ... Let's go in and
stay for the night.". ... his associates began at sunrise and worked until it grew ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iv the prophet nehemiah.htm

The Tomb of the Pharaoh
... open and a light burned by night within the ... "Until such time as stronger proof of
thy misdeeds may be brought against thee," the scribe continued. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiii the tomb of.htm

Guards are Placed Around the Tomb of Jesus.
... Late on Friday night, I saw Caiphas and some ... They continued their deliberations quite
into the morning, and ... command the sepulchre to be guarded until the third ...
/.../chapter lvii guards are placed.htm

Chapter xxxii
... too, Jacob had fought through his contests until he had ... the evangelist remarks:
"and it was night" (John 13 ... as to whether the infirmity continued long thereafter ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

At the Well
... Slowly his eyes fell until they were directed thoughtfully ... an opportunity for Joshua's
escape, he continued at once: ... were not summoned in the night, for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... he lived respected and beloved as a useful minister until his death ... of those that
were convinced of sin that they continued in prayer all night, and till ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm