Topical Encyclopedia The concept of night in the Bible often carries significant spiritual symbolism and is frequently depicted as a time when God visits His people, offering guidance, revelation, and comfort. Throughout the Scriptures, the night is portrayed not only as a time of physical darkness but also as a period when divine encounters occur, emphasizing God's omnipresence and His willingness to engage with humanity at all times.Divine Encounters at Night 1. Jacob's Dream at Bethel: One of the most notable instances of God visiting His people at night is found in the account of Jacob. As Jacob fled from his brother Esau, he stopped to rest at Bethel. During the night, he had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. The LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac" (Genesis 28:13). This nocturnal vision reaffirmed God's covenant with Jacob and assured him of divine protection and blessing. 2. Samuel's Calling: The young Samuel experienced God's call during the night while serving in the temple under Eli. The LORD called Samuel three times before Eli realized that it was God speaking to the boy. "Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:10). This nighttime encounter marked the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry. 3. Gideon's Assurance: In the book of Judges, Gideon sought confirmation from God regarding his mission to save Israel from the Midianites. God provided assurance through a miraculous sign involving a fleece, which occurred during the night. "That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground" (Judges 6:40). This nocturnal sign strengthened Gideon's faith and resolve. 4. Paul's Vision: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul received guidance from God during the night. While in Troas, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us'" (Acts 16:9). This vision led to the spread of the Gospel into Europe. Night as a Time of Revelation and Comfort The night is often depicted as a time when God reveals His plans and provides comfort to His people. In Psalm 16:7, the psalmist declares, "I will bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me" . This verse highlights the belief that God imparts wisdom and guidance during the quiet and stillness of the night. Furthermore, the night is a time when God's protection is assured. Psalm 91:5-6 states, "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon" . These verses emphasize God's safeguarding presence, dispelling fear and providing peace. Symbolism of Night in Scripture In addition to being a time of divine visitation, the night symbolizes various spiritual truths. It can represent a period of waiting and anticipation, as seen in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where the bridegroom's arrival at midnight signifies the unexpected return of Christ. Night also serves as a metaphor for spiritual darkness and the need for the light of Christ. Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). This statement underscores the transformative power of Christ's presence, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. Throughout the Bible, the night is a profound backdrop for God's interaction with His people, illustrating His constant vigilance and readiness to communicate, guide, and protect. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 3:5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 17:3 Library Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish. Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God. The Harbinger Pious Little Peter. Christian Conversation The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce. A Call to Prayer and Testimony Holy Song from Happy Saints The Shepherd among his Flock Modern Examples of Prayer 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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