Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Jewish tradition, the setting of the sun marked the beginning of a new day. This practice is rooted in the creation account found in the Book of Genesis, where it is written, "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5). The sequence of evening followed by morning establishes the biblical pattern for a day, which the Jewish people adhered to throughout their history.The significance of the sun setting as the commencement of the evening is evident in various aspects of Jewish life and religious observance. The Sabbath, for instance, begins at sunset on Friday and concludes at sunset on Saturday. This is based on the commandment to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8), which the Jews observe from evening to evening, as instructed in Leviticus 23:32: "From evening to evening, you shall keep your Sabbath" . The setting of the sun also played a crucial role in the observance of other Jewish festivals and holy days. For example, the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is observed from the evening of the ninth day of the seventh month until the following evening, as stated in Leviticus 23:27-32. This pattern underscores the importance of the evening as the starting point for sacred times. In daily life, the setting of the sun marked the transition from one day to the next, influencing various aspects of Jewish culture and law. The evening was a time for the recitation of prayers, such as the Shema, which is traditionally recited twice daily, once in the evening and once in the morning, as derived from Deuteronomy 6:7: "And you shall recite them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" . The Jewish understanding of the day beginning at sunset is also reflected in the New Testament. In the Gospels, we see references to the evening marking the end of one day and the beginning of another. For instance, in Mark 1:32, it is noted, "That evening, after sunset, they brought to Him all who were sick and demon-possessed" , indicating the transition to a new day. This practice of commencing the evening with the setting of the sun is a testament to the Jewish people's adherence to the biblical order of creation and their commitment to observing God's commandments as outlined in the Scriptures. The setting of the sun, therefore, holds both practical and spiritual significance in the Jewish tradition, serving as a daily reminder of God's sovereignty over time and creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 28:11And he lighted on a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 24:13 Mark 1:32 Library Blair -- the Hour and the Event of all Time At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... Psalm CIV. An American Reformer Crucified, Dead, and Buried. ' The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sun: Kings of Judah Dedicate Horses To Sun: Miracles Concerning: Darkening of Sun: Shadow of Went Back on the Sun-Dial of Ahaz Tanning: General Scriptures Concerning The Sun of the Glory of Christ The Sun: (Before or in Sight of) of Public Ignominy The Sun: (Darkened) of Severe Calamities The Sun: (Going Down at Noon) of Premature Destruction The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints The Sun: (Its Clearness) of the Purity of the Church The Sun: (Its Power) of the Triumph of Saints The Sun: (No More Going Down) of Perpetual Blessedness The Sun: Called the Greater Light The Sun: Clearness of Its Light Alluded To The Sun: Compared to a Bridegroom Coming Forth from his Chamber The Sun: Compared to a Strong Man Rejoicing to Run a Race The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth The Sun: God: Appointed to Divide Seasons The Sun: God: Appointed to Rule the Day The Sun: God: Causes to Know Its Time of Setting The Sun: God: Causes, to Rise Both on Evil and Good The Sun: God: Exercises Sovereign Power Over The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament The Sun: Indicates the Hours of the Day by the Shadow on the Dial The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Shadow Put Back on the Dial The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still for a Whole Day in the Valley of Ajalon The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Evening With the Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Consecrated Chariots and Horses, As Symbols of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the East by Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the West by Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the Whole Earth By, from Rising of, to Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Forbidden to Worship The Sun: The Jews: Made Images of The Sun: The Power and Brilliancy of Its Rising Alluded To The Sun: The Rays of Change the Colour of the Skin The Sun: The Rays of Frequently Destructive to Human Life The Sun: The Rays of Pleasant to Man The Sun: The Rays of Produce and Ripen Fruits The Sun: The Rays of Soften and Melt some Substances The Sun: The Rays of Wither and Burn up the Herbs of the Field The Sun: Worshippers of, Turned Their Faces Towards the East Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |