Topical Bible: The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth

◄ The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The sun, as described in the Bible, is a central element of God's creation, serving as a source of light and heat for the earth. Its role is both functional and symbolic, representing God's provision and the order of creation.

Creation and Purpose

The sun was created by God on the fourth day of creation, as recorded in Genesis 1:16-18 : "God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good." Here, the sun is established as the "greater light," tasked with governing the day and providing light to the earth.

Symbol of God's Provision

The sun is often used in Scripture as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. In Psalm 19:4-6 , the psalmist extols the sun's role in 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." This passage highlights the sun's consistent and life-giving presence, reflecting God's sustaining power.

Source of Light and Heat

The sun's ability to diffuse light and heat is a testament to its design and purpose. Ecclesiastes 11:7 states, "Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun." The sun's light is described as sweet, emphasizing its pleasant and essential nature. Furthermore, the sun's heat is a critical component of life on earth, enabling growth and sustaining ecosystems.

Metaphor for Righteousness and Judgment

In addition to its physical properties, the sun serves as a metaphor for righteousness and divine judgment. Malachi 4:2 declares, "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." Here, the "sun of righteousness" symbolizes the coming of God's justice and healing.

Eternal Light

The sun also points to the eternal light of God's presence. In Revelation 21:23 , the New Jerusalem is described: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb." This passage indicates that while the sun is a temporary provision for the current creation, God's glory will ultimately be the eternal source of light.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the sun is a powerful symbol of God's creative authority, provision, and the natural order. Its role in diffusing light and heat to all the earth underscores the intricate design and sustaining power of the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 19:6
His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit to the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Other Hand, the Sacred Doctrine Teaches that He who is the ...
... antagonist principles, as moisture and dryness, cold and heat, yet blended ... the spiritual
world: in the one the same sun diffuses his light throughout this ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xii on the other.htm

Of the Creation 0F Man
... of God shining in the heavens, in sun, moon, and ... power in the soul, by which it diffuses
itself towards ... interposed and eclipsed it, and from the light of God's ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xix of the creation.htm

Genesis.
... And over the whole fields diffuses herds. ... By chance, beneath. The sun's now setting
light, they recognise. ... And heaven's sun and stars, o'ergave them me!". ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/3 genesis.htm

On the Firmament.
... ground and say that moisture cannot be lessened by the sun. ... pressure of the wind,
this aerial moisture diffuses itself in vaporous and light clouds; then ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iii on the firmament.htm

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
... knowledge, and dazzled by excess of light and love ... work, and the nourishment he takes
diffuses itself through ... cleared of all weeds, the glorious sun shineth yet ...
/.../ix sermon for septuagesima sunday.htm

Defence of the Council's Phrases, "From the Essence," and "One in ...
... to God as fire kindled from the heat of the ... in the other, and the radiance is in
the sun, so that ... meaning by radiance the light which a light diffuses by means ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter v defence of the councils.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... Being once distilled into the lump, it diffuses itself through the whole, such a
strange ... The light of a good Christian is like the light of the sun, of a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State.
... are in being: we can set the sun and stars ... ambition; for besides the secret refreshment
it diffuses through my ... is placed in the most engaging light, and modest ...
/.../sect x immortality of the.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... round that globe, keeping pace with the sun, so that ... must search the matter in hand
by its light. ... with all their subtle minuteness, but diffuses herself along ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

part ii
... "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the ... Because our soul was created
for heavenly light, and was originally all light, all radiance; thus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm