Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, "night" often symbolizes periods of darkness, both literal and metaphorical, representing times of severe calamity, distress, and divine judgment. The imagery of night is used throughout Scripture to convey the absence of God's light and guidance, highlighting human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention.Old Testament References The concept of night as a time of calamity is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament. In Exodus 10:21-23, the ninth plague that God sends upon Egypt is described as a "thick darkness" that covers the land for three days. This darkness is not merely the absence of light but a tangible manifestation of God's judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart. The Israelites, however, had light in their dwellings, symbolizing God's protection and favor. In the book of Job, night is frequently associated with suffering and despair. Job laments his condition, saying, "When I lie down I think: 'When will I get up?' But the night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn" (Job 7:4). Here, night becomes a metaphor for Job's prolonged suffering and the absence of relief. The prophets also use night to describe times of impending judgment. Isaiah warns of a coming night of distress: "Behold, the day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it" (Isaiah 13:9). The imagery of night underscores the severity and inevitability of God's judgment. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, night continues to symbolize spiritual darkness and the trials faced by believers. Jesus uses the metaphor of night to describe the urgency of His mission: "As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4). Here, night represents the time when opportunities to serve God will cease, urging believers to act while they can. The Apostle Paul frequently contrasts night with day to illustrate the moral and spiritual vigilance required of Christians. In Romans 13:12, he exhorts, "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" . Night, in this context, signifies the present age of sin and temptation, while the coming day represents the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. Symbolism and Theological Implications The recurring theme of night as a season of calamity serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's need for God's light and salvation. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. Yet, it also points to the hope of deliverance and the promise of a new dawn brought about by God's intervention. Throughout Scripture, the transition from night to day symbolizes redemption and the restoration of God's order. The psalmist captures this hope in Psalm 30:5: "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning" . This verse encapsulates the biblical assurance that, despite the darkness of night, God's mercy and deliverance are ever-present, offering hope and renewal to those who trust in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 21:12The watchman said, The morning comes, and also the night: if you will inquire, inquire you: return, come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 5:8 Library The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face. Homilies on the Statues. A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... Preface. An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... 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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