Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The concepts of night and day are foundational in the biblical narrative, symbolizing not only the physical division of time but also spiritual and moral dichotomies. From the creation account in Genesis to the eschatological visions in Revelation, night and day serve as metaphors for light and darkness, good and evil, knowledge and ignorance. Creation and Order: The Bible begins with the establishment of night and day as part of God's creative order. In Genesis 1:3-5 , it is written: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." This passage underscores the divine authority in structuring time and the inherent goodness of light. Symbolism and Meaning: Throughout Scripture, day and night carry rich symbolic meanings. Day often represents God's presence, truth, and righteousness. Psalm 118:24 declares, "This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Conversely, night can symbolize danger, sin, and separation from God. In John 11:10 , Jesus states, "But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light." Moral and Spiritual Implications: The moral implications of night and day are evident in the exhortations to live in the light. Ephesians 5:8 instructs, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This call to live in the light is a recurring theme, urging believers to reject the deeds of darkness and embrace the righteousness of Christ. Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts: Prophetically, night and day are used to describe the coming of the Lord and the final judgment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2 , Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." This imagery emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of Christ's return, urging vigilance and readiness. Practical Observations: In practical terms, the division of night and day governs the rhythm of life, work, and rest. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-11 highlights the importance of rest, aligning with the natural order established by God. The cycle of night and day serves as a reminder of God's provision and the need for balance in human life. Conclusion: The biblical portrayal of night and day extends beyond mere temporal markers, offering profound insights into the nature of God, the moral order, and the spiritual journey of believers. Through these cycles, Scripture invites reflection on the divine order and the call to live in the light of God's truth. Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms |