Topical Encyclopedia The sun, as described in the Holy Scriptures, is a central element of God's creation, serving both practical and symbolic purposes throughout the biblical narrative. Its creation is detailed in the book of Genesis, where it is established as a fundamental component of the cosmos.Creation of the Sun The sun was created by God on the fourth day of the creation week. Genesis 1:14-19 states: "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 seasons and days and years, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.' And it was so. 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 these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day." In this passage, the "greater light" refers to the sun, which is appointed to govern the day. The sun's creation on the fourth day underscores its role in the divine order, providing light and marking time for humanity. Symbolism and Significance Throughout the Bible, the sun is often used symbolically to represent God's glory, righteousness, and faithfulness. In Psalm 19:4-6 , the sun is depicted as a bridegroom and a champion: "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." The sun's consistent rising and setting are a testament to God's unchanging nature and His provision for creation. It serves as a daily reminder of His sovereignty and the order He established. Warnings Against Sun Worship While the sun is a magnificent part of God's creation, Scripture warns against the worship of the sun, which was a common practice among pagan cultures. Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions: "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." The Bible consistently emphasizes that worship is due to the Creator, not the creation. The sun, though powerful and life-sustaining, is a created entity and not to be revered as a deity. Eschatological References In eschatological contexts, the sun is mentioned in relation to the end times. In Matthew 24:29 , Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances: "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.'" These prophetic declarations highlight the sun's role in God's ultimate plan for the world, serving as a sign of the coming of the Lord and the fulfillment of His divine purposes. Conclusion The sun, as a created entity, is a testament to God's creative power and His intricate design for the universe. It serves both practical and symbolic roles within the biblical narrative, pointing to God's glory and faithfulness while reminding humanity of the proper object of worship. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 1:14-18And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Nave's Topical Index Psalm 74:16 Psalm 136:7 Jeremiah 31:35 Greek 644. aposkiasma -- a shadow ... from 575 , "from" and , "cast shade") -- properly, a created by turning. Typically shadows change according to the changing position of the sun (being short at ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/644.htm - 7k Library Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... The Theory of the Marcosians, that Created Things were Made after ... Chapter xxiii. The Image of Matter in the Sun, after which Man is Formed ... Waiting on God Security of Christians. The Central Sun On Incorporeal and Corporeal Beings. God's Approbation of his Works 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 |
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