Topical Bible: The Evening: Wild Beasts Come Forth In

◄ The Evening: Wild Beasts Come Forth In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the evening is often depicted as a time when the natural world undergoes a transformation, and the activities of both humans and animals shift. One of the notable aspects of the evening, as described in the Scriptures, is the emergence of wild beasts. This phenomenon is mentioned in several passages, highlighting the rhythm of creation and the divine order established by God.

Scriptural References

The primary biblical reference to wild beasts coming forth in the evening is found in Psalm 104:20-21. The psalmist writes: "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" . This passage illustrates the natural order ordained by God, where the evening serves as a time for certain creatures to become active and fulfill their roles within creation.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the emergence of wild beasts in the evening underscores the sovereignty of God over creation. The cycle of day and night is part of the divine design, with each period serving a specific purpose. The evening, with its darkness, provides a cover for nocturnal creatures, allowing them to hunt and seek sustenance. This reflects the wisdom and provision of God, who ensures that all creatures have their needs met according to His perfect plan.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery of wild beasts coming forth in the evening can also be seen as symbolic of the spiritual realities present in the world. Just as the physical darkness of night allows certain creatures to emerge, spiritual darkness can give rise to challenges and trials. However, the believer is reminded of God's constant presence and protection, even in times of darkness. The evening, therefore, becomes a metaphor for trust in God's providence and care.

Practical Implications

For the faithful, the biblical depiction of the evening as a time when wild beasts come forth serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and reliance on God. Just as the natural world follows the rhythms set by the Creator, believers are called to live in harmony with God's will, trusting in His provision and protection. The evening hours can be a time for reflection, prayer, and seeking God's guidance, acknowledging His control over all aspects of life.

In summary, the evening as a time when wild beasts come forth is a vivid illustration of the order and purpose inherent in God's creation. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty, wisdom, and care for all living things, encouraging believers to trust in His unfailing provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 59:6,14
They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:6
Why a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goes out there shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... For late in the evening when I washed his feet in the basin I said in ... Abraham said,
Lord, Lord, hear my voice, and command that wild beasts may come out of ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

The Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp,
... a robber." [427] And late in the evening they came ... with fire, if you despise the
wild beasts, unless you ... to do so, since he had brought the wild-beast sports ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the martyrdom of saint polycarp.htm

Version ii.
... into the house of Abraham on that evening, and found ... So Michael went forth and took
up Abraham in the ... but let wild beasts come out of the desert, and tear them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the testament of abraham/version ii.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... THE EVENING OF THE THIRD DAY IN PASSION-WEEK ... man would ultimately affect the wild
beasts, which, relinquishing ... the domestic animals, gradually come to respect ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... as they beheld the morning and the evening lamb: so ... the fowls of the mountains: and
the wild beasts of the ... but do not imagine that men have come under another ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm

On Genesis.
... Genesis 1:5 And it was evening, and it was morning ... moreover, it was destined that
He should come to life ... dared to assail Him even in the manner of wild beasts. ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... nor that they should be delivered to wild beasts, nor punished ... They had come summoned
for one thing; but they ... my hands (let it be) an evening sacrifice." [1218 ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm

The Story of David
... Every morning and every evening he strode proudly out and ... sheep he had often to defend
them from wild beasts.]. ... of thy heart, for thou hast come down that thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

Of the First Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... St Francis, then, being come to this castle, entered ... men-at-arms, to be their defence
against wild beasts. ... drinking, or sleeping, but when the evening comes we ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the first consideration of.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... produce many little ones, and that wild sheep have ... they find themselves pressed,
act like beasts enraged against man ... But evening, which long ago sent the sun to ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm