Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, night is often portrayed as a time unsuitable for labor, a period designated for rest and reflection rather than work. This understanding is rooted in the natural order established by God, where the cycle of day and night serves distinct purposes.The creation narrative in Genesis sets the foundation for this understanding. 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." Here, the separation of light and darkness establishes a rhythm of work and rest, with daylight being the primary time for labor. The book of Psalms further emphasizes the unsuitability of night for work. Psalm 104:20-23 illustrates this by stating, "You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the beasts of the forest prowl. The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they withdraw; they lie down in their dens. Man goes out to his work and to his labor until evening." This passage highlights the natural order where humans work during the day and rest at night, contrasting human activity with the nocturnal habits of animals. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself acknowledges the limitations of night for work. In John 9:4 , He declares, "While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work." This statement underscores the urgency of performing God's work during the day, as night imposes restrictions on labor. The Apostle Paul also alludes to the symbolic nature of night as a time of inactivity and potential danger. In 1 Thessalonians 5:7 , he writes, "For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night." Here, night is associated with sleep and behaviors that are contrary to the vigilance required of believers. The practical implications of night being unsuitable for labor are evident in the agrarian society of biblical times. Without modern lighting, night naturally limited the ability to perform tasks that required visibility and safety. This is reflected in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where labor is conducted during the day (Matthew 20:1-16). In summary, the biblical portrayal of night as unsuitable for labor is consistent with the divine order and the practical realities of ancient life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and the distinction between the times appointed for work and those for reflection and renewal. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Commandments to Men. Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ... Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce. The Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who ... How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ... Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ... The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich The Oration on Holy Baptism. 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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