Topical Bible: The Evening: Man Ceases from Labour In

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The concept of evening as a time when man ceases from labor is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and reflects the natural rhythm established by God in creation. The evening marks the transition from the toil and labor of the day to a period of rest and reflection, aligning with the divine order and purpose.

Creation and the Natural Order

The pattern of work and rest is established in the creation account in Genesis. God Himself sets the precedent by working for six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). The cycle of day and night, with evening as a time of cessation from labor, is part of the created order: "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5). This rhythm underscores the importance of rest and the acknowledgment of human limitations.

The Sabbath Principle

The principle of ceasing from labor in the evening is further emphasized in the observance of the Sabbath. The commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy includes the cessation of work, beginning at sundown on Friday evening (Exodus 20:8-11). This practice not only provides physical rest but also spiritual renewal, as it is a time set apart for worship and reflection on God's provision and sovereignty.

Daily Life and Labor

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, the evening was a natural time to cease labor due to the setting of the sun. Psalm 104:23 reflects this daily rhythm: "Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until evening" . The cessation of work at evening allowed for family gatherings, communal meals, and the opportunity to recount the day's blessings and challenges.

Spiritual Implications

The evening as a time of rest from labor also carries spiritual implications. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate rest found in God. Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28), echoing the restorative purpose of ceasing from labor. The evening thus becomes a metaphor for the peace and rest that believers find in Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Evening Prayers and Reflection

The evening is traditionally a time for prayer and reflection in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The psalmist declares, "Let my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" (Psalm 141:2). This practice of evening prayer underscores the importance of ending the day with gratitude and supplication, entrusting the night to God's care.

Conclusion

The biblical understanding of evening as a time to cease from labor is a profound acknowledgment of the need for rest and reliance on God's provision. It is a time to reflect on the day's work, to give thanks, and to prepare for the new mercies of the coming day. The evening rhythm, established by God, invites believers to find rest in Him, both physically and spiritually.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 2:17
So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:23
Man goes forth to his work and to his labor until the evening.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... On Lord's-day Evening, August 31st, 1890. ... stand you to his word, and say, "Let God
be true, but every man a liar ... Ask him now, before that clock ceases striking. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift
... are retained.' The message of that Easter evening is for ... If a man does not take his
pitcher to the ... remains empty, though the fountain never ceases to spring. ...
/.../the risen lords charge and.htm

Psalm XC.
... 4246] let it pass by;" but "in the evening," it means ... because it has not reached
us, or ceases to exist ... days respecting which it is written, "What man is he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

An Appeal to Sinners
... came to save; and I reassert the subject of last Sabbath evening"that Jesus ... to God;
for his coming to God implies that he ceases to be ... Mark yonder man upon it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/an appeal to sinners.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... Thus then a man who loses his goodness, ceases to be a ... god," [64] nor is it right
for a man to try ... In just divisions of time does the evening star foretell the ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

The Preacher as an Apostle.
... ministers have to add one or two evenings, the evening being the ... The man who has
a large congregation and a little popularity ... His doorbell never ceases ringing ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture viii the preacher as.htm

Our Glorious Transforming
... take much interest in the theme of meditation this evening. ... sinner believes, all
that mountain of sin ceases to be ... When a man is near a neighbour whom he trusts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/our glorious transforming.htm

A Casket of Jewels
... the head teacher's gong, all business ceases, and the ... If a man's greatness consists
in the small number ... Lord!" The reputation of the evening illumination and ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxiii a casket of.htm

Salvation to the Uttermost
... Delivered on Sabbath Evening, June, 8, 1856, by the. ... you have despised his Spirit;
but still he ceases not to ... Spirit shall no more strive with that man; I will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/salvation to the uttermost.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... and the millennium has come, and wrong ceases for ever, and ... The promise standeth
sure, "To that man will I look ... up of the hands as the evening sacrifice." Glad ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm