Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Hebrew understanding of time, the day began with the evening. This concept is rooted in the creation narrative found in the Book of Genesis, where the phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5, BSB) establishes a pattern repeated throughout the creation account. This sequence underscores the biblical principle that the day commences with the evening, followed by the morning.Biblical Foundation The structure of the day beginning with the evening is evident in the Hebrew word "yom," which is used in Genesis to denote a day. The repeated phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning" (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31, BSB) emphasizes the order of time as understood in the biblical context. This pattern reflects the Jewish reckoning of time, where a day starts at sunset and ends at the following sunset. Cultural and Religious Significance The evening-to-evening reckoning of a day is deeply embedded in Jewish tradition and religious practice. This understanding is reflected in the observance of the Sabbath, which begins at sunset on Friday and concludes at sunset on Saturday. Leviticus 23:32 (BSB) instructs, "From evening to evening, you shall celebrate your Sabbath," reinforcing the concept of the day beginning with the evening. This practice is not only a matter of tradition but also a theological statement about the nature of time and creation. By starting the day with the evening, the biblical narrative emphasizes the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing God's creative power bringing order out of chaos. Theological Implications The evening-to-morning sequence has theological implications that extend beyond the mere counting of hours. It reflects the rhythm of creation and redemption, where God brings light into darkness and life into void. This pattern is mirrored in the life of believers, who are called to move from the darkness of sin into the light of salvation through Christ. The New Testament continues this theme, as seen in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12, BSB). The transition from evening to morning symbolizes the hope and renewal found in Christ, who dispels the darkness of sin and death. Practical Observance In practical terms, the evening-to-evening reckoning of a day affects various aspects of Jewish life, including the timing of festivals, fasts, and daily prayers. This understanding is also reflected in the Christian liturgical calendar, where the celebration of certain feasts and vigils begins on the evening before the actual day. The biblical concept of the day beginning with the evening serves as a reminder of the continuity and unity of God's creation. It calls believers to recognize the divine order established from the beginning and to live in harmony with the rhythms of God's time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... The Fourth Day in Passion-Week - Jesus in his Last Sabbatic Rest ... On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... To the Rev. J. Jowett Old Revival Hymns. The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at ... The Worship of the Synagogue Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ... On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... The Anglican Reform Resources Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some churches have a Wednesday night service? | GotQuestions.org On what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.org Evening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Evening: A Season For: Exercise The Evening: A Season For: Meditation The Evening: A Season For: Prayer The Evening: A Season For: Taking Food The Evening: All Defiled Persons Uncleaned Until The Evening: Called: Cool of the Day The Evening: Custom of Sitting at the Gates In The Evening: Divided Into Two, Commencing at 3 O'Clock, and Sunset The Evening: Humiliation often Continued Until The Evening: Man Ceases from Labour In The Evening: Part of the Daily Sacrifice offered In The Evening: Paschal Lamb Killed In The Evening: Stretches out Its Shadows The Evening: The Day Originally Began With The Evening: The Golden Candlestick Lighted In The Evening: The Outgoings of, Praise God The Evening: The Sky Red In, a Token of Fair Weather The Evening: Wild Beasts Come Forth In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |