Topical Encyclopedia The concept of evening in the Bible is rich with symbolism and meaning, often representing transition, reflection, and the passage of time. The phrase "stretches out its shadows" evokes the imagery of the sun setting and the lengthening of shadows, a time when the day gives way to night. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to convey both literal and metaphorical truths.Biblical References The evening is first mentioned in the creation account in Genesis. 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, evening marks the transition from light to darkness, establishing the rhythm of time ordained by God. In the poetic literature of the Old Testament, evening often symbolizes the end of a period or the approach of rest. Psalm 104:19-23 illustrates this transition: "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set. 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." Here, evening is a time when the natural order shifts, and creatures of the night emerge. The prophets also use the imagery of evening to convey messages of judgment and hope. In Jeremiah 6:4 , the prophet warns of impending doom: "Prepare for battle against her; rise up, let us attack at noon. Woe to us, for the day is waning; the evening shadows are lengthening." The lengthening shadows signify the urgency and inevitability of God's judgment. Symbolism and Themes Evening in the Bible often symbolizes the end of an era or the closing of a chapter. It is a time for reflection on the day's labors and the anticipation of rest. In Ecclesiastes 11:6 , the Preacher advises, "Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper." Here, evening represents the culmination of effort and the uncertainty of outcomes, encouraging diligence and perseverance. The evening also holds eschatological significance. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of evening to teach about readiness and vigilance. In the parable of the ten virgins, Matthew 25:6 states, "At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’" The evening setting underscores the need for preparedness for the coming of the Kingdom. Cultural and Liturgical Context In Jewish tradition, the evening marks the beginning of a new day, as observed in the practice of Sabbath, which begins at sundown on Friday. This understanding of time reflects the biblical creation account, where evening precedes morning. In Christian liturgy, evening prayers and vespers are times for reflection and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's provision throughout the day and seeking His peace for the night. The evening is a time to meditate on God's faithfulness and to entrust the coming hours to His care. Conclusion The evening, with its lengthening shadows, serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture, reminding believers of the transient nature of life, the importance of readiness, and the hope of rest in God's eternal presence. Through the imagery of evening, the Bible calls individuals to reflect on their spiritual journey and to remain vigilant in their faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:4Prepare you war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe to us! for the day goes away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'A Greater than Solomon' Caleb --A Green Old Age Looking to the Hills The Lessons of the Street. The Ecstasy of Saint Monnica Blessedness and Praise Watching for the King Hymns, Festival and Occasional. The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ... Resources What is a morning prayer? What is an evening prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is a day measured from evening to morning in Genesis 1? | GotQuestions.org Why did the time period of being unclean end in the evening? | GotQuestions.org Evening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Evening: A Season For: Exercise The Evening: A Season For: Meditation The Evening: A Season For: Prayer The Evening: A Season For: Taking Food The Evening: All Defiled Persons Uncleaned Until The Evening: Called: Cool of the Day The Evening: Custom of Sitting at the Gates In The Evening: Divided Into Two, Commencing at 3 O'Clock, and Sunset The Evening: Humiliation often Continued Until The Evening: Man Ceases from Labour In The Evening: Part of the Daily Sacrifice offered In The Evening: Paschal Lamb Killed In The Evening: Stretches out Its Shadows The Evening: The Day Originally Began With The Evening: The Golden Candlestick Lighted In The Evening: The Outgoings of, Praise God The Evening: The Sky Red In, a Token of Fair Weather The Evening: Wild Beasts Come Forth In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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