Topical Encyclopedia The concept of night in the Bible often carries significant spiritual symbolism and serves as a backdrop for divine revelation. Throughout Scripture, God frequently chose the night to reveal His will, communicate with His people, and execute His divine plans. This entry explores various instances where the night served as a critical time for God's interaction with humanity.1. Night as a Time of Divine Revelation The night is often depicted as a time when God reveals His will to His chosen servants. In the Old Testament, God appeared to the patriarchs and prophets during the night, providing guidance and assurance. For instance, in Genesis 15:5, God took Abram outside at night and said, "Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them." This nocturnal encounter was pivotal in establishing God's covenant with Abram. Similarly, in Genesis 28:11-12, Jacob experienced a profound revelation at night. As he lay down to sleep, he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. This vision was accompanied by God's promise to bless Jacob and his descendants. 2. Night as a Time of Dreams and Visions The night is also a time when God communicates through dreams and visions. In the book of Daniel, the prophet received significant revelations during the night. Daniel 7:2 states, "In my vision in the night I looked, and suddenly the four winds of heaven were churning up the Great Sea." These night visions provided Daniel with insights into future events and the unfolding of God's plan for the world. In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, received divine guidance through dreams at night. In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit. 3. Night as a Time of Prayer and Communion with God The night is often depicted as a time for prayer and communion with God. Jesus Himself frequently withdrew to solitary places at night to pray. In Luke 6:12, it is recorded, "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 the night as a time for spiritual reflection and seeking God's will. 4. Night as a Time of Deliverance and Protection God's deliverance and protection are also associated with the night. In Exodus 12:29-30, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt at midnight, leading to the Israelites' liberation from bondage. This event, known as the Passover, marked a significant turning point in the history of God's people. Additionally, in Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight when a violent earthquake shook the prison, leading to their miraculous release. This account highlights God's power to deliver His servants even in the darkest of times. 5. Night as a Symbol of Spiritual Vigilance The night serves as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and readiness. Believers are exhorted to remain watchful and prepared for the Lord's return, which is likened to a thief coming in the night. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." This imagery emphasizes the need for constant spiritual alertness and faithfulness. In summary, the night in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that serves as a time for divine revelation, dreams, prayer, deliverance, and spiritual vigilance. Through various nocturnal encounters, God revealed His will, guided His people, and demonstrated His power and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 31:24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 46:2 Numbers 22:30 Daniel 7:2 Library The Immortal Prayers of the Saints From Jezreel to Horeb The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names. Describes the Hideous Appearance of a Soul in Mortal Sin as ... The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement God. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. "Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ... The God of the Aged Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... Resources Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a “dark night of the soul”? | GotQuestions.org Why do some churches have a Wednesday night service? | 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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