Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "night" is often used metaphorically to represent death, darkness, and the absence of God's presence. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where night and darkness frequently serve as metaphors for spiritual death, ignorance, and the judgment of God.Symbolism of Night and Darkness The Bible frequently contrasts light and darkness, with light symbolizing life, truth, and the presence of God, while darkness represents death, falsehood, and separation from God. In the creation narrative, God separates light from darkness, establishing a pattern of order and life (Genesis 1:4-5). This separation underscores the inherent goodness of light and the ominous nature of darkness. Night as a Metaphor for Death The metaphorical use of night to represent death is evident in several passages. In Job 3:4-5, Job curses the day of his birth, wishing for darkness to claim it: "May that day be darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine upon it. May darkness and deep shadow claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm its light." Here, night and darkness are associated with despair and the absence of life. Similarly, in Psalm 88:12, the psalmist questions, "Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?" This rhetorical question highlights the association of darkness with Sheol, the realm of the dead, where God's presence and wonders are not experienced. Night and the Judgment of God Night is also used to depict the judgment of God, where His righteous wrath brings about destruction and death. In Exodus 12:29, the final plague upon Egypt occurs at midnight: "Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well." This event, occurring in the dead of night, signifies the severity and finality of divine judgment. The Hope of Light in the Darkness Despite the association of night with death and judgment, the Bible also offers hope through the promise of light overcoming darkness. In John 1:5, it is declared, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This passage speaks to the triumph of Christ, the Light of the world, over the powers of darkness and death. Furthermore, in Revelation 21:25, the New Jerusalem is described as a place where "there will be no night there," symbolizing the eternal presence of God and the complete eradication of death and darkness. Conclusion The biblical use of night as a metaphor for death serves to illustrate the stark contrast between life in God's presence and the desolation of separation from Him. Through Christ, believers are assured of victory over death, as the light of His resurrection dispels the darkness of the grave. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Strong's Hebrew 2822. choshek -- darkness, obscurity... From chashak; the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness -- dark(-ness), night, obscurity. ... /hebrew/2822.htm - 6k Library Death's Dark and Moonless Night, The Death of Two Brave Warriors Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Paul's Narrow Escape from Death Jesus Predicts, the Rulers Plot For, and Judas Bargains for his ... The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... Death is the Gate of Life How the Soul Amidst These Interior Anguishes Knows not the Love ... Letter x. --On Mystical Death. Resources What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | 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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