In biblical times, it was customary for travelers to begin their journeys early in the morning. This practice is evident throughout various narratives in the Scriptures, reflecting both practical and cultural reasons for such timing. The early start allowed travelers to take advantage of the cooler morning hours, avoiding the intense heat of the midday sun, and provided ample daylight for their journey.

Biblical Instances:

1. Abraham's Servant: In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, sets out on his journey early. Genesis 24:54-56 states, "Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, 'Send me on my way to my master.' But her brother and her mother replied, 'Let the girl remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.' But he said to them, 'Do not delay me, now that the LORD has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.'"

2. Jacob: In Genesis 28:18 , Jacob rises early in the morning after his dream at Bethel, setting up a pillar and making a vow to God. This act of rising early signifies the beginning of his journey with renewed purpose and divine assurance.

3. Moses: In Exodus 24:4 , Moses rises early in the morning to build an altar at the foot of Mount Sinai, preparing for the covenant ceremony with the Israelites. This early start underscores the importance and solemnity of the occasion.

4. Joshua: Joshua 3:1 records, "Early the next morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over." Joshua's early departure highlights his leadership and readiness to lead the people into the Promised Land.

5. David: In 1 Samuel 17:20 , David rises early in the morning to take provisions to his brothers in the battlefield, where he would later confront Goliath. This early start is indicative of his diligence and obedience to his father's instructions.

6. Jesus: The Gospels also reflect this practice. In Mark 1:35 , it is noted, "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." Jesus' early rising for prayer and solitude exemplifies the importance of beginning the day with spiritual focus and communion with the Father.

Cultural and Practical Considerations:

The practice of commencing journeys early in the morning was influenced by several factors:

· Climate: The harsh climate of the Near East made early travel preferable to avoid the oppressive heat of the day.
· Safety: Traveling during daylight hours reduced the risk of encountering bandits or wild animals, which were more active at night.
· Time Management: Starting early maximized the use of daylight, allowing travelers to cover more distance and reach their destinations or next resting place before nightfall.

Spiritual Implications:

From a spiritual perspective, the practice of rising early for travel or significant tasks often symbolizes readiness, diligence, and a proactive approach to fulfilling God's will. It reflects a heart attuned to divine guidance and a commitment to pursuing one's God-given mission with vigor and dedication. The biblical accounts of early rising serve as a metaphor for spiritual alertness and the prioritization of God's purposes in the believer's life.Judges 19:5
And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said to his son in law, Comfort your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... told us that some travellers like ourselves ... again left Nismes, and commenced their
journey towards Switzerland ... doctrines which have so generally prevailed, and ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... The travellers were now on the Steppes; they found ... It commenced in the usual manner,
with singing; after ... the little company; but the people generally in the ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... were in the steerage among the children; commenced packing of ... were attracting the
notice of fellow-travellers, as some forty to fifty are generally in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my pilgrimage ... those by-paths are
most beaten, most travellers go those ... do they use to cast up their eyes too ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Carey's Family and Friends
... much afflicted, a pleasing cheerfulness generally pervaded her ... Mr. Brown commenced
with a hymn and prayer ... Robert Hall, with such travellers and administrators ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter viii careys family and.htm

The Gentle Boy
... which stood by the great Bible, commenced his discourse. ... man, though his fanaticism
had generally all the ... a natural association, to homeless travellers on such ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Travellers arriving in Egypt at that period must have ... which they are found is generally
some costly ... of their explorations, or of their early establishments in ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

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