Topical Encyclopedia The sun holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as a creation of God, appointed to govern the day. Its role is established in the opening chapter of Genesis, where God sets the celestial bodies in place. Genesis 1:16-18 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule 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."The sun's primary function, as described in Scripture, is to provide light and to mark the passage of time. It is a symbol of God's order and provision, ensuring the regularity of day and night. Psalm 19:4-6 poetically describes the sun's course: "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." Throughout the Bible, the sun is also used metaphorically to describe God's glory and righteousness. Malachi 4:2 speaks of the "sun of righteousness" rising with healing in its wings, a prophetic image of divine intervention and restoration. Similarly, the sun's brightness and constancy are often likened to God's enduring faithfulness and justice. The sun's role as a timekeeper is further emphasized in the context of biblical feasts and Sabbaths, which are often determined by the solar and lunar cycles. The sun's rising and setting demarcate the boundaries of the day, as seen in passages like Psalm 113:3 : "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised." While the sun is a powerful and essential part of creation, Scripture consistently warns against its worship. Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions, "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." This underscores the biblical principle that the sun, like all creation, is to point humanity toward the Creator, not to become an object of idolatry. In the eschatological vision of the new creation, the sun's role is transformed. Revelation 21:23 reveals, "And 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 highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence, where His glory surpasses the need for the sun's light. In summary, the sun in the Bible is a testament to God's creative power, order, and provision. It serves as a daily reminder of His faithfulness and a symbol of His righteousness, while also pointing forward to the ultimate revelation of His glory in the new creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 136:8 Jeremiah 31:35 Library Man's Working Day Chastity the Chief Ornament of the True Tabernacle; Seven Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. Third Day. Devotedness to God. God's Approbation of his Works The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA Now Whereas we Said that the Eastern Churches, in their Delivery ... The Meaning Music (Christmas Day. ) On the Creation of the World Resources How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that there is nothing new under the sun? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Shulammite had dark skin (Song of Solomon 1:6)? | GotQuestions.org Sun: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sun: Kings of Judah Dedicate Horses To Sun: Miracles Concerning: Darkening of Sun: Shadow of Went Back on the Sun-Dial of Ahaz Tanning: General Scriptures Concerning The Sun of the Glory of Christ The Sun: (Before or in Sight of) of Public Ignominy The Sun: (Darkened) of Severe Calamities The Sun: (Going Down at Noon) of Premature Destruction The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints The Sun: (Its Clearness) of the Purity of the Church The Sun: (Its Power) of the Triumph of Saints The Sun: (No More Going Down) of Perpetual Blessedness The Sun: Called the Greater Light The Sun: Clearness of Its Light Alluded To The Sun: Compared to a Bridegroom Coming Forth from his Chamber The Sun: Compared to a Strong Man Rejoicing to Run a Race The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth The Sun: God: Appointed to Divide Seasons The Sun: God: Appointed to Rule the Day The Sun: God: Causes to Know Its Time of Setting The Sun: God: Causes, to Rise Both on Evil and Good The Sun: God: Exercises Sovereign Power Over The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament The Sun: Indicates the Hours of the Day by the Shadow on the Dial The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Shadow Put Back on the Dial The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still for a Whole Day in the Valley of Ajalon The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Evening With the Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Consecrated Chariots and Horses, As Symbols of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the East by Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the West by Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the Whole Earth By, from Rising of, to Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Forbidden to Worship The Sun: The Jews: Made Images of The Sun: The Power and Brilliancy of Its Rising Alluded To The Sun: The Rays of Change the Colour of the Skin The Sun: The Rays of Frequently Destructive to Human Life The Sun: The Rays of Pleasant to Man The Sun: The Rays of Produce and Ripen Fruits The Sun: The Rays of Soften and Melt some Substances The Sun: The Rays of Wither and Burn up the Herbs of the Field The Sun: Worshippers of, Turned Their Faces Towards the East 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) |
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