Topical Bible: The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of

◄ The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Jewish tradition, the day was reckoned from evening to evening, as outlined in the creation account in Genesis: "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5). However, the practical activities and daily routines of the Jewish people often began with the rising of the sun. This practice is evident in various scriptural references and Jewish customs.

The significance of the sun in marking the beginning of daily activities is seen in the Psalms, where the psalmist declares, "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). This verse underscores the idea that the daily cycle of worship and work begins with the dawn.

In the context of daily life, the rising of the sun marked the time for various activities, including labor and worship. The book of Proverbs highlights the industriousness associated with the morning: "She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants" (Proverbs 31:15). This passage reflects the early start to the day that was customary in Jewish households.

The Gospels also provide insight into the Jewish practice of beginning the day with the sunrise. In Mark 1:35, it is noted that Jesus rose "very early in the morning, while it was still dark," to pray. This indicates that the early morning hours, coinciding with the rising sun, were considered an appropriate time for spiritual devotion.

Furthermore, the Jewish sacrificial system included offerings that were to be made in the morning. The daily burnt offering, as described in Exodus 29:38-39, was to be presented "in the morning" and "at twilight," framing the day with acts of worship and dedication to God.

The sun's rising also held eschatological significance, symbolizing the hope and renewal associated with God's promises. Malachi 4:2 speaks of the "sun of righteousness" rising with healing, a metaphor for the anticipated coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel.

In summary, while the Jewish day was officially counted from evening to evening, the practical commencement of daily activities and worship was closely tied to the rising of the sun. This practice is woven throughout the fabric of Jewish life and scripture, reflecting both the natural order and the spiritual rhythms of the community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:23,24,27,28
The sun was risen on the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 9:33
And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and set on the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ...
... writer, their psalmody, with which they commenced their religious services ... before
the rising of the sun, to "sing ... says he, "permitted to the Jews, as sacrifice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the worship of.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... resolves to subdue Egypt first."The Jews."The Egyptians ... they supposed that the burning
sun made the ... his wishes, and the armies commenced their march for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

First Commandment
... Since then the Jews have never turned to other gods ... He is in the air, the water,
the sun, the stars."; the ... went into a man's house, and when I commenced to talk ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/first commandment.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... Astarte, of the ancient Syrian god of the sun, and even ... 10] The practice commenced
innocently enough. ... the successor of Pilate, restored to the Jews the custody ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... 1. As usually, the day commenced [5106] with teaching in the ... that the rejection of
Christ by the Jews was not an ... God had sent Him as as the Sun of Righteousness ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... The action, commenced in verse 5, is suspended so that ... we are asked to believe, is
the "sun of righteousness ... xi.) the Jews are again in remembrance for the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... to fifty-six dirty families of Jews, tramps, vagabonds ... the Counts of Isenberg, and
thus commenced that romantic ... in your sight, and now the rising sun from on ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

Blair -- the Hour and the Event of all Time
... The "sun of righteousness" rose; and, together with the dawn ... be reduced to ashes,
and the Jews be vagabonds ... These were the triumphs which commenced at this hour ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/blair the hour and.htm

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
... in the whole course of that Galilean Ministry, which commenced after His ... [3224] For
the Jews reckoned two ... may be said to have begun when the sun declined, and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxix the miraculous feeding.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... said, what can these feeble Jews do, pretending to ... balance, hath not its equal under
the sun. ... contempt: when instantaneously the apostles commenced orators and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm