Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, night often symbolizes a time of weariness and distress, particularly for those who are afflicted. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where night is depicted as a period of trial and suffering, reflecting the broader human experience of enduring hardship and seeking divine intervention.Job's Lamentation The Book of Job offers a poignant illustration of night as a time of weariness for the afflicted. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), experiences profound suffering and loss. In his lament, Job expresses the burdensome nature of night: "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 ongoing anguish, a time when his physical and emotional pain is most acute. David's Pleas in the Psalms King David, too, frequently associates night with distress in the Psalms. In Psalm 6, David cries out to the Lord in his suffering: "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears" (Psalm 6:6). The night hours amplify David's sense of isolation and sorrow, driving him to seek solace in God's presence. Similarly, in Psalm 77, Asaph reflects on his troubled spirit during the night: "You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak" (Psalm 77:4). The night becomes a time of introspection and fervent prayer, as the psalmist wrestles with his afflictions. Prophetic Imagery The prophets also utilize the imagery of night to convey the struggles of the afflicted. In Isaiah, the prophet speaks of a people walking in darkness, longing for the light of deliverance: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). This passage not only highlights the weariness of night but also the hope of divine intervention and redemption. New Testament Reflections In the New Testament, night continues to represent a time of trial and spiritual struggle. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, acknowledges the weariness of the present age, urging believers to remain vigilant: "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" (Romans 13:12). Here, night symbolizes the moral and spiritual challenges faced by believers, who are called to persevere in faith. Christ's Agony in Gethsemane The Gospels recount the night of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, a profound moment of weariness and affliction. As Jesus prays, He is deeply troubled, saying to His disciples, "My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me" (Matthew 26:38). The night becomes a backdrop for Christ's intense spiritual battle, underscoring the depth of His suffering and His submission to the Father's will. Throughout the biblical text, night serves as a powerful symbol of the weariness experienced by the afflicted. It is a time when human frailty is most evident, yet it also provides an opportunity for seeking God's presence and deliverance. The Scriptures consistently portray night as both a period of trial and a precursor to the hope and renewal found in the light of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 7:3,4So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts xx. 17-21 Blessed Adversity. Harvest Joy Of Certain Outward Temptations and Appearances of Satan. Of the ... The Mission of Little Children "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) The Sorrowful Man's Question From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey. 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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