The sun, referred to as the "greater light" in the Bible, holds significant importance both as a physical entity and a symbol within the scriptural narrative. Its creation and purpose are outlined in the Book of Genesis, where it is established as a central component of God's creation.

Creation and Purpose

In the account of creation found in Genesis, the sun is described as the "greater light" created by God to govern the day. Genesis 1:16 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." This passage underscores the sun's primary role in the divine order as the dominant celestial body responsible for illuminating the earth during the daytime.

The sun's creation on the fourth day, as described in Genesis 1:14-19, emphasizes its function in marking time and seasons. Genesis 1:14 declares, "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years.'" The sun, therefore, is integral to the measurement of time and the establishment of the natural order.

Symbolism and Significance

Throughout the Bible, the sun is often used symbolically to represent God's glory, power, and faithfulness. In Psalm 19:4-6 , the sun is depicted as a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, rejoicing as a strong man to run his course. This imagery highlights the sun's strength and the joy it brings as it traverses the sky, reflecting the majesty of God's creation.

The sun also serves as a metaphor for God's enduring presence and righteousness. Malachi 4:2 proclaims, "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 symbolizes the coming of divine justice and healing, offering hope and restoration to the faithful.

Warnings Against Worship

While the sun is acknowledged as a magnificent part of God's creation, the Bible also warns against the worship of the sun as a deity. In Deuteronomy 4:19 , the Israelites are cautioned, "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 admonition underscores the importance of recognizing the sun as a creation of God, not an object of worship.

Eschatological References

In eschatological contexts, the sun is mentioned in relation to the end times and the return of Christ. In Matthew 24:29 , Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances preceding His second coming: "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.'" Such imagery conveys the dramatic changes that will accompany the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The sun, as the "greater light," thus serves multiple roles within the biblical narrative. It is a testament to God's creative power, a symbol of His righteousness and faithfulness, and a reminder of the natural order established by the Creator.Genesis 1:16
And 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

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... of light from the air that God called darkness: and ... in the heaven over the earth
but the sun conceals both the stars and the moon by the greater brilliance of ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

Christ as Light; How He, and How his Disciples are the Light of ...
... And as when the sun is shining the moon and the ... that they have no need even of the
greater powers when ... everything that is not true can correctly be called false ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 christ as light how.htm

'A Greater than Solomon'
... by self-indulgence, is Jesus, 'the Sun of righteousness ... is the 'wisdom' which was
traditionally called the 'wisdom ... Jesus is greater, as the light is more than ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a greater than solomon.htm

How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ...
... Or, as another edition has it, The greater light to begin ... of His Passion, He wished
this to be called the Lord's day ... equinox, to the end, that the sun may first ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxi how the abbot.htm

"But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have ...
... in the Lord, this is that we are called unto, to ... the splendour, which is the second
light of the sun. ... upon God." Truly, there could be no greater evidence of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiv but if we.htm

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
... speculative faculty, or the understanding, strictly so called, or as ... the earth, when
the light of the sun is cast upon them, is under greater advantage to ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/edwards spiritual light.htm

Innocent the Third (Ad 1198-1216)
... that, as the lesser light (the moon) borrows of the greater light (the sun), so
the royal ... and in England, Innocent made use of what was called an interdict ...
/.../chapter xiii innocent the third.htm

Concerning the Same.
... of the rational and the wise, He is called both reason ... the holy than the unholy:
for they have greater part in Him ... So then, sun and light will be more apt names ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xii concerning the same.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... not subject to changes and alterations, therefore called immutable ... But yet, as to
us, it hath greater glory and ... of light and knowledge, like the sun, from whom ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm

Heralds of the Morning.
... be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight ... previous to their fulfilment:
"The sun shall be ... light already given, will receive greater light; to that ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /17 heralds of the morning.htm

How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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