Topical Encyclopedia Night, as referenced in the Holy Scriptures, is a fundamental aspect of the created order, established by God during the creation narrative. The concept of night is introduced in the opening chapter of Genesis, where God delineates the cycle of day and night as part of His divine design for the universe.Creation of Night In Genesis 1:3-5 , the Scripture records, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." Here, night is identified as the period of darkness, distinct from the light of day, and is integral to the rhythm of creation. Symbolism and Significance Throughout the Bible, night often symbolizes a time of rest, reflection, and sometimes, spiritual testing. It is during the night that God frequently communicates with His people through dreams and visions, as seen in the lives of Jacob (Genesis 28:11-15) and Daniel (Daniel 7:2). Night can also represent a period of trial or adversity, as in the case of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, where the final plague struck at midnight (Exodus 12:29). Night in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature The Psalms frequently mention night as a time for meditation and seeking God's presence. Psalm 63:6 states, "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night." This verse highlights the practice of turning one's thoughts to God during the quiet and solitude of night. Similarly, in Psalm 119:148 , the psalmist declares, "My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word." Night in the New Testament In the New Testament, night continues to hold spiritual significance. Jesus often withdrew to pray during the night, as seen in Luke 6:12 : "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God." The night of Jesus' betrayal, known as the Last Supper, marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, emphasizing the gravity and solemnity associated with night. Eschatological Implications Night also carries eschatological implications, symbolizing the present age of spiritual darkness that will ultimately give way to the eternal day of God's kingdom. In Romans 13:12 , Paul exhorts believers, "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." This passage encourages Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's return, when the darkness of night will be dispelled by the light of His glory. Conclusion Night, as first called by God, is a multifaceted concept within the biblical narrative. It serves as a backdrop for divine encounters, a metaphor for spiritual realities, and a reminder of the hope that believers have in the coming of the eternal day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Beginning of Things. Away Back in the Beginning of Things God ... Two visitors by Night Of the First Covenant. Remarks on the Creation of the World. Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple The Six Days' Work Described. A Night to be Remembered Basil -- the Creation of the World The Life of Paulus the First Hermit. 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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