Topical Bible: The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God

◄ The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The sun, a central and magnificent creation of God, is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible as a symbol of His power, majesty, and faithfulness. It serves not only as a physical source of light and life but also as a spiritual metaphor for God's glory and righteousness.

Creation and Purpose

The sun was created by God on the fourth day of creation, as recorded in Genesis 1:16: "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." The sun's primary purpose is to govern the day, providing light and warmth essential for life on Earth. Its regular rising and setting are a testament to God's order and reliability in creation.

Symbol of God's Glory and Righteousness

The sun is often used in Scripture to symbolize God's glory and righteousness. Psalm 19:1-6 beautifully illustrates this, stating, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. ... In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course." Here, the sun is depicted as a powerful and joyful entity, reflecting the splendor of its Creator.

A Witness to God's Faithfulness

The sun's consistent presence is a reminder of God's faithfulness. In Jeremiah 31:35, the Lord declares, "He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name." The sun's daily journey across the sky is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His covenant with creation.

Metaphor for Spiritual Enlightenment

The sun also serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the coming of the Messiah. Malachi 4:2 prophesies, "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." This passage anticipates the coming of Christ, who brings spiritual light and healing to a darkened world.

A Call to Praise

The sun's role in creation calls all of nature to praise God. Psalm 113:3 exhorts, "From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the LORD be praised." The sun's journey from east to west is a daily reminder for believers to continually offer praise to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness.

Eternal Light

In the eschatological vision of the new creation, the sun's role is transcended by the direct presence of God. Revelation 21:23 reveals, "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." In the eternal state, God's glory will illuminate all, rendering the sun's light unnecessary.

In summary, the sun is a profound testament to God's creative power, faithfulness, and glory. It serves as a daily reminder of His presence and a call to worship, pointing ultimately to the eternal light found in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 148:3
Praise you him, sun and moon: praise him, all you stars of light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O ...
... as to foretell the eclipses of the sun and moon ... the fair beauty of the world, and
praise its Creator's ... being understood by the things that are made, even His ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xviii again on the.htm

That the Ancient Sacrifice Should be Made Void, and a New one ...
... That the ancient sacrifice should be made void, and ... same Psalm, moreover: "The sacrifice
of praise shall glorify ... Because from the rising of the sun, even unto ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/16 that the ancient sacrifice.htm

Psalm CXLVIII.
... Him, all His powers" (ver.2). "Praise Him, sun and moon ... after their own manner of
rejoicing both praise and glorify ... not they really, but He who made them; thus ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlviii.htm

God's Works of Providence
... made this creature man to show forth that praise and that ... Certainly, this is the
employment we were made for, to ... Yet at his decree and command the sun is dark ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xx gods works of.htm

So Also were Sacrifices and Oblations.
... called the earth, from the rising of the sun unto the ... to Him His saints; those that
have made a covenant ... Offer unto God the sacrifice of praise, and pay thy ...
/.../chapter xxii so also were sacrifices.htm

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... to the stones and woods and seas and sun and moon ... God's praises are written; and
man is made a creature ... a man, what should I do, but praise God without ceasing? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... is no other sun for our sky than your sun in the ... of good but the ever-blessed God,
who has made himself known ... Praise is no more a burden to a true heart than ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... He dwells within his tabernacle of praise, adored and ... he was opposed, but the opposition
only made him triumph the ... When our Lord arose like the sun, the clouds ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... it is not a little to the praise of these ... is sufficient for thee, for my power is
made perfect in ... early documents and modern critics give sun episkopois, "with ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary.
... have come hither, that you have thus made haste to ... heaven and prayed, saying: I adore,
and praise, and glorify ... when the voice was heard, that the sun and the ...
/.../unknown/revelation of john/the book of john concerning.htm