Topical Bible: Night: Designed for Rest

◄ Night: Designed for Rest ►

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Night, as depicted in the Bible, is a divinely ordained period designed for rest and rejuvenation. From the very beginning of creation, God established a rhythm of day and night, each serving its unique purpose. 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 cyclical pattern underscores the natural order God instituted, with night providing a time for rest.

The concept of night as a time for rest is woven throughout Scripture. In Psalm 127:2 , it is written, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved." This verse highlights the futility of excessive labor and the divine gift of sleep, emphasizing that God provides rest to those He loves. The night is thus portrayed as a time when human effort ceases, and trust in God's provision is paramount.

The restorative nature of night is further illustrated in the life of Jesus. In Mark 4:38 , during a storm on the Sea of Galilee, "Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion." Despite the chaos around Him, Jesus exemplified the peace and rest that night can bring, trusting in the Father's care. His ability to rest amidst turmoil serves as a model for believers to find solace and renewal during the night.

Nighttime also serves as a metaphor for spiritual rest and trust in God. In Psalm 4:8 , the psalmist declares, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." This verse reflects the assurance and security found in God's presence, allowing believers to rest without fear. The night becomes a symbol of reliance on God's protection and faithfulness.

Moreover, the Bible acknowledges the challenges and fears that can accompany the night. In Psalm 91:5 , it is written, "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day." This passage reassures believers of God's constant protection, dispelling the anxieties that darkness might bring. The night, while a time for rest, is also a period where trust in God's safeguarding is essential.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of night and day to convey spiritual truths. In Romans 13:12 , he writes, "The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Here, night symbolizes the present age of sin and darkness, while the coming day represents the hope and light of Christ's return. Believers are encouraged to live in anticipation of this new day, even as they rest during the night.

In summary, the Bible presents night as a divinely appointed time for physical rest and spiritual renewal. It is a period when human striving ceases, and trust in God's provision and protection is emphasized. Through the natural cycle of night and day, believers are reminded of God's order, care, and the hope of a new dawn in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:23
Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... and putting them to that use which he never designed them, can ... as your soul wants;
it will be a rest which the ... O come all of ye this night, and you shall find ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only rest for.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... chap.3 and chap.4, the persons for whom it is designed. ... 4. The principal part of
this rest is our nearest enjoyment ... of God, and serve him day and night in his ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... in the Author's mind on that occasion, than meditated or designed. ... From ancient Night,
who nurse the tender thought. ... As misers to their gold, while others rest. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

Genesis iii. 22
... may destroy us; or the deadly marsh air when night comes on ... our present position
is not that for which God designed us, and that to rest satisfied with it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture i genesis iii 22.htm

The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ...
... the gates, in order to prevent any of the rest from going ... body think of doing any
thing in the night, unless it ... be a right thing for him, who designed to grant ...
/.../chapter 2 the surrender of.htm

In Galilee.
... is given in detail in it, is not designed to create ... During the work of the night
he had laid off his ... The rest of the disciples, less impulsive, came more slowly ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... 5 And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took ... few but fundamental:
The Sabbath is a day designed for worship and for rest and is ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

The Fifth vision "On Earth"
... The Structure is designed to call our attention to the solemnity and importance
of ... up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day and night, who worship ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth vision on earth.htm

Kingo, the Hymnwriter
... But since his permanent fame and importance rest upon his achievement ... Thy splendor
and joy are designed for the grave. ... Nor night by the silvery light of the moon ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter four kingo the hymnwriter.htm

Letter Xliii. To Marcella.
... words of the Gospel: "Thou fool, this night thy soul ... 905] The clothing which we buy
is designed not merely ... strewn under foot will invite us to stop and rest. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xliii to marcella.htm