The sun, as described in the Bible, is a central element of God's creation, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. It is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in the natural world and its role in God's divine order.

Creation and Purpose

The sun was created by God on the fourth day of creation, as recorded in Genesis 1:14-19. It is described as one of the "two great lights" made to govern the day, with the moon governing the night. The sun's primary purpose is to separate day from night and to serve as a sign for seasons, days, and years: "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark the seasons and days and years'" (Genesis 1:14).

Symbolism and Imagery

The sun is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent God's glory, righteousness, and faithfulness. In Psalm 19:4-6, the sun is depicted as a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, rejoicing as a strong man to run his course, illustrating the sun's strength and the joy of God's creation: "In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. Like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course, it rises at one end of the heavens and runs its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth" (Psalm 19:4-6).

The sun also symbolizes God's provision and blessing. In Malachi 4:2, the "sun of righteousness" is a metaphor for the coming Messiah, bringing healing and restoration: "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall" (Malachi 4:2).

Judgment and End Times

The sun is also associated with judgment and the end times. In prophetic literature, changes in the sun's appearance often signal divine intervention or impending judgment. For instance, in Joel 2:31, the sun turning to darkness is a sign of the "great and awesome day of the LORD": "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD" (Joel 2:31).

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances involving the sun as part of the signs of the end times: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken’" (Matthew 24:29).

Worship and Idolatry

The Bible also addresses the issue of sun worship, which was prevalent among various ancient cultures. God explicitly forbids the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, emphasizing that they are created entities, not deities. In Deuteronomy 4:19, the Israelites are warned not to be enticed into worshiping these celestial bodies: "And when you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven" (Deuteronomy 4:19).

Eternal Light

In the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, the sun's role is transcended by the presence of God Himself. Revelation 21:23 describes a city that no longer needs the sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates it: "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp" (Revelation 21:23). This imagery underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, where His presence provides eternal light and life.