Topical Bible: The Evening: Called: Cool of the Day

◄ The Evening: Called: Cool of the Day ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "cool of the day" is a phrase found in the early chapters of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 3:8, which describes a time of day associated with the evening. This period is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a moment of divine-human interaction and the unfolding of pivotal events in the history of humanity.

Biblical Context

In Genesis 3:8 , the Scripture states: "Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." This passage occurs immediately after Adam and Eve have eaten from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, an act of disobedience that leads to the Fall.

The "cool of the day" is understood to be a time when the temperature begins to drop, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. In the context of the ancient Near East, this would be a time when the heat of the day subsides, making it a more comfortable time for walking and fellowship. The phrase suggests a habitual practice of God communing with Adam and Eve during this time, indicating a personal and relational aspect of God's interaction with humanity.

Theological Significance

The "cool of the day" holds theological importance as it underscores the intimate relationship between God and the first humans before the Fall. It implies a setting of peace and fellowship, where God and humanity could engage in direct communication. This time of day, therefore, symbolizes the harmony and unbroken fellowship that existed between the Creator and His creation.

The narrative shift that occurs during this time is profound. The "cool of the day" becomes the backdrop for the first instance of human guilt and shame, as Adam and Eve hide from God. This act of hiding signifies the rupture in the relationship between God and humanity due to sin. The evening, once a time of communion, becomes a moment of confrontation and the beginning of the consequences of disobedience.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the evening was often a time for reflection and rest after the day's labor. It was a time when families would gather, and communities would come together. The biblical portrayal of God walking in the garden during the "cool of the day" aligns with this cultural understanding, presenting God as a personal and relational being who desires fellowship with His creation.

The imagery of God walking in the garden also reflects the anthropomorphic language used in Scripture to convey divine actions in human terms. This language helps readers understand the closeness and accessibility of God, who is not distant or detached but actively involved in the lives of His people.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the "cool of the day" serves as a reminder of the original intent of creation—a harmonious relationship with God. It calls Christians to seek restoration of that fellowship through faith in Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God. The evening, as a time of reflection and communion, invites believers to draw near to God, acknowledging their need for His presence and guidance in their lives.

The narrative of the "cool of the day" also emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on the relationship between God and humanity. It encourages believers to live in obedience to God's commands, recognizing the importance of maintaining a close and unbroken fellowship with the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:8
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seed of the Woman, and the Seed of the Serpent
... other than the devil; from hence, perhaps, called the old ... the trees of the garden,
in the cool of the ... an especial manner, and offer up an evening sacrifice of ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the seed of the woman.htm

Light at Evening Time
... then it is that a sweet spring of cool consolation bubbles ... know you find, my dear
friends, that at evening time it ... You were called by grace when you were young ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/light at evening time.htm

Personalia
... came to Miss Dickinson's lecture, he called the board ... That evening at the prayer
meeting no one expected ... The same cool, imperturbable bearing so often manifest ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/personalia.htm

All the Day Long
... Beware of ill company in the evening! ... In a moment, suddenly, we may be called away:
let every ... Be not under excitement generous, and in cool blood mean as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

The First Year --Society and Climate.
... strength, raising clouds of dust, and lulls towards evening. This wind is cool and
bracing in the cold ... These machines are appropriately called "Thermantidotes ...
/.../chapter vi the first yearsociety.htm

A Solemn Embassy
... On Lord's-day Evening, 26th February, 1871. ... where your sins shall be published, and
you shall be called to account ... you now as he did to Adam in the cool of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a solemn embassy.htm

On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ...
... from the circle of disciples on that Easter-Evening one of ... and John, and Peter and
Andrew were called to be ... and under the rosy glow above the cool shadows were ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii on the third.htm

Index of First Lines.
... Saviour on the cross, 231 Behold the western evening light, 544 ... 591 Brother, though
from yonder sky, 576 By cool Siloam's shady rill, 739 Called by the ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/index of first lines.htm

Whether God the Trinity Indiscriminately Appeared to the Fathers ...
... to the first man, and Himself was walking in the garden in the cool of the evening,
and if ... But since it is found that God the Father also is called Lord in ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 10whether god the trinity.htm

Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year
... God walked in the garden in the cool of the ... by eternal election, redeemed by precious
blood, called out by ... morning prayer, or step out every evening to worship ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jehovah-shammah a glorious name for.htm