Topical Bible: The Evening: Called: Even

◄ The Evening: Called: Even ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "even" in the Bible refers to the evening or the latter part of the day, marking the transition from daylight to night. This time of day holds significant importance in biblical narratives and practices, often symbolizing the end of a day's labor and the onset of rest. The concept of evening is deeply embedded in the rhythm of biblical life and worship.

Creation and the Order of Days

The concept of evening is introduced in the creation account in Genesis. The phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5) establishes the biblical understanding of a day beginning with the evening. This sequence is repeated throughout the creation narrative, underscoring the divine order and rhythm established by God.

Evening Sacrifices and Worship

In the Old Testament, the evening was a designated time for sacrifices and offerings. The "evening sacrifice" was an integral part of the daily worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Exodus 29:39-41 describes the offering of a lamb in the evening as part of the continual burnt offering, symbolizing the people's ongoing devotion and reliance on God.

Evening as a Time of Reflection and Prayer

The evening is often depicted as a time for reflection and prayer. In Psalm 141:2, David expresses his desire for his prayer to be set before God as incense, and the lifting up of his hands as the evening sacrifice. This imagery highlights the evening as a sacred time for personal devotion and communion with God.

Significant Events Occurring in the Evening

Several pivotal events in biblical history occur in the evening. For instance, the Passover meal, which commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, was eaten in the evening (Exodus 12:6-8). This timing underscores the evening as a moment of divine intervention and salvation.

In the New Testament, the evening continues to hold spiritual significance. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, took place in the evening (Mark 14:17). This meal, which instituted the practice of Communion, marks a profound moment of fellowship and covenant.

Evening in Parables and Teachings

Jesus often used the concept of evening in His parables and teachings to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, the landowner calls the laborers to receive their wages in the evening (Matthew 20:8). This parable illustrates themes of grace, reward, and the kingdom of heaven.

Symbolism and Eschatological Implications

The evening can also symbolize the end of an era or the closing of an age. In eschatological contexts, the evening may represent the culmination of history and the anticipation of a new dawn. The imagery of evening as a time of watchfulness and readiness is echoed in Jesus' exhortation to be vigilant for His return (Mark 13:35).

In summary, the evening, or "even," is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, rich with spiritual and symbolic meaning. It serves as a time for worship, reflection, and significant events, while also pointing to deeper theological truths about God's order, salvation, and the anticipation of His ultimate purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 28:67
In the morning you shall say, Would God it were even! and at even you shall say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of your heart with which you shall fear, and for the sight of your eyes which you shall see.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ...
... Called by Jesus Christ, Although After the Other Apostles, His ... Because even the book
of Genesis so long ago ... of the churches; but in the evening he would give ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter i introductory the apostle paul.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... than that of the Episcopal or even the Greek and ... have adopted the three great creeds
commonly called the Apostles ... at the daily morning and evening services; the ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

The Church Tested
... and it seemed the natural thing when he was called to fill ... Even the finances did
not suffer ... Hitherto the Tuesday evening succeeding the first Sunday in the year ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/the church tested.htm

Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week-On the Mount of Olives ...
... this we know, that it is the Evening of the ... difficult, and success would imply greater
ability, even as it ... earnest, and hence who should be called to largest ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii evening of the.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... of that day there came darkness, and at the evening time there ... to His disciples:"
I have called you friends, [1085] even as His Father called Abraham My ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

A Lamb was Offered at the Morning and Evening Sacrifice. ...
... the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and a ... other lamb thou shalt offer in the
evening, according to ... to maturity, the Word who is symbolically called a lamb ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/33 a lamb was offered.htm

Interruption of the visions of the Passion by the Appearance of St ...
... in the same manner as a plant which, even if put ... asked her attendant what Sister
Emmerich meant the evening before when she spoke of a child called Joseph ...
/.../chapter xxiv interruption of the.htm

Muhlenberg's Unionism.
... unfeigned love." (439.) "In the evening I was ... he wrote: "Pastor Handschuh was called
upon to ... his autobiography, certainly deserved recognition, even apart from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/muhlenbergs unionism.htm

On the Creation of the World
... Now is manifested the reason of the truth why the fourth day is called the Tetras,
why we fast even to the ninth hour, or even to the evening, or why there ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... Not only were their lives spared"they were not even called upon to "take ... together
the same hymns, though in different languages, the first evening we sailed ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm