The term "forenoon" refers to the period of time between sunrise and noon. In biblical times, the day was often divided into segments, and the forenoon would correspond to the early part of the day, typically associated with the third hour of the day, which is around 9 a.m. in modern terms. This time of day held particular significance in various biblical narratives and practices.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Daily Activities and Worship: The forenoon was a time when daily activities commenced, including work in the fields, markets, and homes. It was also a time for prayer and worship. In Acts 2:15, Peter addresses the crowd on the day of Pentecost, saying, "These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!" . This indicates that the forenoon was a time of sobriety and devotion.

2. Sacrificial Offerings: In the Old Testament, the forenoon was significant for the timing of certain offerings. The morning sacrifice, part of the daily burnt offerings, was conducted during this time. Exodus 29:39 states, "Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight" . This morning sacrifice was a daily act of worship and atonement for the people of Israel.

3. Miracles and Teachings of Jesus: The Gospels record several instances where Jesus performed miracles or taught during the forenoon. For example, in Mark 1:35, it is noted, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray" . This highlights the importance of the forenoon as a time for spiritual preparation and communion with God.

4. Symbolism of Light: The forenoon, being the time when the sun rises higher in the sky, symbolizes the increasing light and revelation of God’s truth. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" . The forenoon, therefore, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

5. Prophetic Visions: The forenoon is also a time associated with prophetic visions and divine encounters. In Acts 10:9, Peter receives a vision while praying on the rooftop around the sixth hour, which is close to the forenoon. This vision leads to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church, marking a significant expansion of the Gospel.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the forenoon was a practical time for labor and travel due to the cooler temperatures before the midday heat. This practical aspect is reflected in various biblical narratives where journeys and significant events occur during this time. The division of the day into hours, as seen in the New Testament, reflects the Roman influence on Jewish timekeeping practices.

Overall, the forenoon in biblical times was a period rich with spiritual and practical significance, serving as a time for worship, work, and divine encounters.(n.) The early part of the day, from morning to meridian, or noon.1338. bithron -- forenoon
... 1337, 1338. bithron. 1339 . forenoon. Transliteration: bithron Phonetic
Spelling: (bith-rone') Short Definition: morning. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/1338.htm - 6k

The Bread and Water of Life
... "Forenoon, and afternoon, and night!"Forenoon, And afternoon, and
night!"Forenoon, and"what? The empty song repeats itself. No more? ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xi the bread and water.htm

Living Broad Lives in Narrow Alleys.
... "Forenoon, afternoon, and night, Forenoon, afternoon, and night, Forenoon, afternoon,
and what? no more? The empty song repeats itself. Yea, that is life. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/living broad lives in narrow.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... the Synagogue-service at which Christ preached as that of an ordinary Sabbath, and
the arrival of the multitude as having taken place on Friday in the forenoon ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

One of Paul's Thanksgivings
... hours made such an impression on the dying thief that the whole impossible work
of the text was gathered up, and completed, in that great sinner than forenoon. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiii one of pauls thanksgivings.htm

Blessed Henry Suso's Preface to his Book
... etc., he had reclined himself one forenoon on his chair, and that in a bright sleep
he saw clearly, in a vision, how two culpable persons sat before him, and ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/blessed henry susos preface to.htm

Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ...
... The service on the Lord's Day morning or forenoon in the Mission chapel has been
steadily kept on till this time, has been generally well attended, and has been ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xix visit to cities.htm

The Lack of Prayer
... At our last Wellington Convention for the Deepening of the Spiritual Life, in April,
the forenoon meetings were devoted to prayer and intercession. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter i the lack of.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... The two Assemblies met separately in the forenoon of Oct.2. for 'services of
thanksgiving and dedication,' and at 10.20 the members, passing out from their own ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

The Lives of Messrs. John Kid and John King.
... Accordingly, the same day the king's act of indemnity was published in the forenoon,
and, to grace the solemnity, the two noble martyrs (who were denied a ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the lives of messrs john.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.
... When he was about to depart from that parish, he lectured upon Acts 20.from the
seventh verse to the end, and preached in the forenoon from these words in the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 2.htm

Forenoon (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The early part of the day, from morning to meridian,
or noon. Multi-Version Concordance Forenoon (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/forenoon.htm - 6k

Foremost (14 Occurrences)

/f/foremost.htm - 10k

Foreordain

/f/foreordain.htm - 9k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... Thus much may be said in answer: The ariston (English Versions "dinner") was a meal
usually taken about the middle of the forenoon, with variations of earlier ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Forenoon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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