Topical Bible: Theft: The Wicked: Commit, Under Shelter of the Night

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The act of theft, particularly when committed under the cover of darkness, is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the sinful nature and moral decay of the wicked. The Scriptures often associate nighttime with evil deeds, as it provides a veil for those who wish to conceal their iniquities. This entry explores the biblical perspective on theft committed under the shelter of the night, drawing from various passages that highlight the spiritual and moral implications of such actions.

Biblical References:

1. Job 24:14-16 : "When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight, thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ and he keeps his face concealed. In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light."

In this passage, Job describes the behavior of the wicked, who exploit the darkness to carry out their evil deeds. The imagery of the thief operating at night underscores the deliberate and premeditated nature of their actions. The wicked believe that the cover of night will hide their sins from both human and divine eyes, revealing their disregard for God's omniscience.

2. John 3:19-20 : "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."

Here, the Gospel of John contrasts the Light of Christ with the darkness preferred by those who commit evil. The preference for darkness is symbolic of a deeper spiritual condition—an aversion to truth and righteousness. The wicked choose the night to hide their thefts, reflecting their rejection of the Light that exposes sin.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 : "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a thief in the night to describe the sudden and unexpected nature of the Lord's return. This imagery serves as a warning to the wicked, who live in complacency and false security, believing that their deeds will remain hidden. The suddenness of divine judgment parallels the stealth of a thief, emphasizing the futility of relying on darkness to conceal sin.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

Theft committed under the shelter of the night is emblematic of a broader spiritual malaise. It reflects a heart that is estranged from God, seeking to fulfill selfish desires at the expense of others. The Bible consistently portrays such actions as contrary to the will of God, who calls His people to live in the light of His truth and righteousness.

The wicked's reliance on darkness to hide their thefts is ultimately futile, as Scripture affirms that nothing is hidden from God's sight. Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This serves as a sobering reminder that all deeds, whether done in daylight or darkness, are subject to divine scrutiny and judgment.

In summary, theft under the cover of night is a manifestation of the wicked's rebellion against God. It is a testament to their love for darkness over light, a choice that leads to spiritual blindness and eventual judgment. The Bible calls believers to reject such deeds and to walk in the light, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God in all their actions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 24:14
The murderer rising with the light kills the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obadiah 1:5
If thieves came to you, if robbers by night, (how are you cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some grapes?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Turn or Burn
... Lord, I repent," and in a little while commit the same ... awarding the same need of
praise to the wicked and to ... happy garden on account of a little theft, as man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... that also that will help their patients to commit themselves to ... to ask God forgiveness
for all her wicked life ... thief, and says, Lord, my sin of theft, I thought ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ... you, to receive you into
our house this night, let us ... would have it; for when I was under the fears ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... School of Alexandria, especially under the leadership ... not only repudiate, but commit
promiscuous adultery ... and fellow-champion of these wicked tenets.{HORIZONTAL ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

part i
... and not from your heart, you will not fall asleep (if you pray at night) until you ...
Let us, therefore, firmly believe that under the form of bread and wine we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm