Topical Bible: The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament

◄ The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament ►

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The sun holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as a creation of God, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. According to the Genesis account, the sun was created by God to govern the day and to serve as a sign for seasons, days, and years. It is a testament to God's order and provision in the universe.

Creation of the Sun

The sun was created 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 govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them 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."

This passage highlights the sun's role in the divine order, emphasizing its purpose in marking time and providing light. The sun, along with the moon and stars, was placed in the firmament by God, underscoring His sovereignty over creation.

Symbolism and Significance

Throughout Scripture, the sun is often used symbolically to represent God's glory, righteousness, and faithfulness. In Psalm 19:4-6 , the sun is described 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 metaphor for God's unchanging nature and His steadfast love. Malachi 4:2 uses the sun as a symbol of healing and righteousness: "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."

Warnings Against Sun Worship

While the sun is a magnificent part of God's creation, Scripture warns against the worship of the sun as a deity. 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 Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the pagan practices of surrounding nations, which often included sun worship. In Ezekiel 8:16 , the prophet describes a vision of idolatry in the temple: "So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun."

The Sun in Eschatological Context

In eschatological passages, the sun is often mentioned in the context of God's final judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In Matthew 24:29 , Jesus speaks of the sun's darkening as a sign of the end times: "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.'"

Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, where the sun is no longer needed: "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 signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence, where His glory surpasses the need for the sun's light.

In summary, the sun is a vital element of God's creation, serving as a physical source of light and a powerful symbol of His divine attributes. It is a reminder of God's order, faithfulness, and the ultimate hope of His eternal kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:17
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Waters.
... Now for what reason was it that God placed water above the firmament? It was because
of the intense burning heat of the sun and ether [1744] . ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter ix concerning the waters.htm

Whether the Firmament was Made on the Second Day?
... the contrary, It is written (Gn.1:6): "God said: let ... the ridicule of unbelievers,
and obstacles be placed to their ... iv), the light of the sun was without form ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the firmament was made.htm

The Constitution of the World and the Disposition of The
... and a wind moved upon its surface, God commanded that ... He also placed a crystalline
[firmament] round it, and put it ... he adorned the heaven with the sun, the moon ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the constitution of.htm

On the Firmament.
... which they represent to us as placed in connection ... and say that moisture cannot be
lessened by the sun. ... 8. "And God called the firmament heaven." [1502] The ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iii on the firmament.htm

Of the Lights and Stars of Heaven --Of Day and Night, Ver. 14
... the darkness, but Thy spiritual children also, placed and ranked ... eye be enabled to
look upon the Sun, [1314] let ... these things with us, our All-wise God, in Thy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xviii of the lights and.htm

Of God and his Attributes.
... than on that infinite distance which is placed between them ... I myself bore amidst
the immensity of God's works. Were the sun, which enlightens this part of the ...
/.../sect i of god and.htm

The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries ...
... who has nothing in common with evil, placed the firmament ... For even as the creatures
of God [1653] here cannot take in the rays of the sun with uninjured ...
/.../24 the judges said tell.htm

God's People Delivered.
... come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of ... His glory, and to see
the honor placed upon the ... clouds still cover the sky; yet the sun now and ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin.
... we, that have in thee, next to God, placed our trust ... of the event) that is resplendent
as a sun and shineth with light through the grace of God's Spirit ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ii the service common.htm

God's People Delivered
... come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of ... in His glory and to
see the honor placed upon the ... clouds still cover the sky; yet the sun now and ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm