Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "the evening" holds significant theological and spiritual meaning within the biblical narrative. It is a time often associated with reflection, rest, and the transition from the labors of the day to the peace of the night. The Bible frequently references the evening as a time to acknowledge God's creation, providence, and faithfulness.Biblical References and Symbolism The evening is first mentioned in the creation account in Genesis. "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5). This cyclical pattern of evening and morning underscores the divine order established by God, marking the passage of time and the rhythm of life. In the Psalms, the evening is a time for worship and praise. Psalm 141:2 states, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Here, the evening offering symbolizes a time of devotion and prayer, reflecting a heart turned towards God at the close of the day. Evening Sacrifices and Offerings The evening sacrifice was an integral part of Israelite worship, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Exodus 29:39-41 describes the daily offerings: "Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." This evening sacrifice was a continual reminder of God's covenant with His people and their dependence on Him. The prophet Daniel exemplifies the practice of evening prayer. In Daniel 9:21, he receives a vision during the "time of the evening offering," highlighting the significance of this time for divine revelation and communion with God. Evening as a Time of Reflection and Rest The evening is also a metaphor for the end of life's journey, a time to reflect on one's walk with God. Ecclesiastes 11:6 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." This verse encourages diligence and trust in God's provision throughout all stages of life. In the New Testament, the evening continues to hold spiritual significance. Jesus often withdrew in the evening to pray and seek solitude with the Father, as seen in Mark 1:32-35. This practice underscores the importance of evening as a time for personal reflection and spiritual renewal. Praise and Thanksgiving in the Evening The evening is a fitting time to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness throughout the day. Psalm 92:1-2 declares, "It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night." This passage encourages believers to acknowledge God's steadfast love and faithfulness both at the start and end of each day. In conclusion, the evening, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred time for worship, reflection, and communion with God. It serves as a reminder of His unchanging nature and the continual cycle of His grace and mercy. Through evening prayers, sacrifices, and praises, believers are invited to draw near to God, offering their hearts in gratitude and trust. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 65:8They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at your tokens: you make the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Centuries of Meditations The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China. The Magnificat The Voice of Stern Rebuke 1 Timothy v. 8 The Servant's Triumph Appendix. Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: 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) |