Topical Bible: The Sun: (No More Going Down) of Perpetual Blessedness

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The imagery of the sun in Scripture often symbolizes God's provision, presence, and the promise of eternal light and life. In the biblical narrative, the sun serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine light that dispels darkness and brings life to creation. This symbolism reaches its culmination in the prophetic vision of a time when the sun will no longer set, representing a state of perpetual blessedness and divine presence.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Creation and Sustenance: The sun is first mentioned in Genesis 1:16, where God creates the "greater light to govern the day." This establishes the sun as a fundamental part of God's creation, providing light and sustaining life on earth. The sun's regular rising and setting are a testament to God's faithfulness and order in creation.

2. Symbol of God's Favor: In the Old Testament, the sun is often associated with God's favor and blessing. For instance, in Psalm 84:11, it is written, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Here, the sun symbolizes God's protective and benevolent nature.

3. Prophetic Vision of Eternal Light: The concept of the sun never going down is vividly portrayed in the prophetic literature. Isaiah 60:19-20 declares, "No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease." This passage envisions a future where God's presence is so pervasive that the natural sun is no longer needed, symbolizing eternal joy and the end of suffering.

4. Fulfillment in the New Creation: The theme of perpetual light finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation. Revelation 21:23 states, "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 vision of the New Jerusalem underscores the complete and eternal presence of God, where His glory provides all the light needed.

Theological Implications

The imagery of the sun never going down is rich with theological significance. It points to the hope of eternal life and the ultimate restoration of creation. In this state of perpetual blessedness, believers anticipate a time when God's presence will be fully realized, and all creation will be bathed in His eternal light. This vision encourages believers to live in the light of God's promises, looking forward to the day when sorrow and darkness will be no more.

Conclusion

The biblical motif of the sun never setting serves as a profound reminder of God's eternal presence and the hope of a future where His light will illuminate all things. It is a promise of perpetual blessedness, where the faithful will dwell in the unending light of God's glory. This vision calls believers to trust in God's promises and to live in anticipation of the day when His light will shine forever, dispelling all darkness and sorrow.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 60:20
Your sun shall no more go down; neither shall your moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Bliss of the Glorified
... and because the Saviour suffered, therefore we suffer it no more. ... No sun lights on
them, nor any heat, because the ... he begins to know he is going down the long ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the bliss of the glorified.htm

Blessedness and Praise
... the heavens and sweet incense, from grateful hearts, going up in ... a rent in the clouds
reveals the sun, and it ... hard not to disbelieve, will be no more a truth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessedness and praise.htm

Heavenly Rest
... that God's mercy is clean gone for ever, and that he will not be mindful of him
any more. ... Brighter than the noonday-sun. ... Yes, there is no persecution there. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm

The True Christian's Blessedness
... the chariot of the church progress more mightily; they ... eye and joyous countenance,
ere the sun doth set ... cries a third; "a downright lie." "No," says another ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the true christians blessedness.htm

Seeking Jesus
... One sun dims all the stars; and the 'one entire and ... fullness is poured into a human
heart, the more is that ... and in the nature of ourselves, there is no end to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/seeking jesus.htm

Love
... burn in love, it is a sign the Sun of Righteousness ... thee, it is my grief I can love
thee no more; surely this ... When the fire is going out, you throw on fuel; so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 2 love.htm

What Men Find Beneath the Wings of God
... Where are you going to get that? ... It fades there between its banks, and is no more. ...
God is 'the Father of lights.' The sun and all the stars are only lights ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/what men find beneath the.htm

Simon the Cyrenian
... is called Niger' (that is, black, the hot African sun having tanned ... was fixed, and
saw all that transpired there, no wonder if, at last, after more or less ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/simon the cyrenian.htm

Ittai of Gath
... You go back and "worship the rising sun." Absalom will ... Prosaic, commonplace people
as we are, with no great field ... He that loveth father or mother more than Me ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/ittai of gath.htm

Grieving the Spirit
... saw the city sparkling in the rays of the morning sun. ... let us put it into still plainer
and more modern English ... if he sees that his child makes no account of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/grieving the spirit.htm