In the biblical context, the sun holds significant symbolic and practical importance. For the ancient Israelites, the sun was not only a source of light and life but also a means of orientation and timekeeping. The setting of the sun, in particular, was a natural phenomenon that marked the end of the day and the beginning of the evening, which held various religious and cultural implications.

Orientation and Symbolism

In the Hebrew mindset, directions were often expressed in relation to the sun's movement. The west, in particular, was commonly associated with the setting of the sun. This association is evident in the Hebrew language itself, where the word for west, "ma'arav," is derived from the root meaning "to set" or "to go down," reflecting the sun's daily journey across the sky.

The setting of the sun was a powerful symbol of transition and closure. It marked the end of the workday and the beginning of the evening, a time for rest and reflection. In a spiritual sense, the west, as the direction of the setting sun, could symbolize the end of life or the completion of a journey.

Biblical References

The Bible contains numerous references to the sun and its setting, often using it as a metaphor for divine actions or human experiences. For example, in Psalm 50:1 , it is written, "The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting." This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over the entire earth, from east to west, using the sun's path as a metaphor for His omnipresence.

In the context of the Israelites' daily life, the setting of the sun was significant for marking the beginning of the Sabbath. According to Levitical law, the Sabbath was to be observed from evening to evening, as stated in Leviticus 23:32 : "It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening, you are to keep your Sabbath."

Cultural and Religious Practices

The setting of the sun also played a role in the Israelites' religious practices. The evening sacrifice, for instance, was an important ritual that took place as the sun was setting. This daily offering, described in Exodus 29:39 , was a time for the community to come together in worship and reflection, acknowledging God's provision and seeking His favor.

Moreover, the setting of the sun marked the beginning of a new day in the Jewish calendar. This understanding of time, where the day begins at sunset, is rooted in the creation narrative of Genesis 1, where "there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5). This cyclical view of time underscores the rhythm of work and rest ordained by God.

Conclusion

The setting of the sun, as expressed by the Jews, was more than a mere astronomical event; it was a profound symbol woven into the fabric of their daily lives, religious observances, and spiritual understanding. Through the setting sun, the Israelites were reminded of the natural order established by God, the importance of rest and reflection, and the hope of a new beginning with each passing day.Joshua 1:4
From the wilderness and this Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John Chapter ii. 11-Jan
... For if the east, west, north, and south are expressed in Greek ... When the Jews came
to him to be baptized, that they ... who is in heaven; who maketh His sun to rise ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ix john chapter ii.htm

Psalm CVII.
... Let them be expressed exactly who they are, for whom this Psalm ... 4888] For thou seekest
a sacrifice among the Jews; thou hast ... "From the rising of the sun to the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvii.htm

Importance of the Anniversaries Connected with the Years 1894-1897 ...
... aware that among the many views expressed incidentally in ... to the west, nearer to
the setting sun than even ... his final speech to the desperate Jews:""Pray what ...
/.../lecture i importance of the.htm

Authorities in Support of the Council. Theognostus; Dionysius of ...
... to father; but ye, O modern Jews and disciples ... assert this, the blessed Fathers so
expressed themselves while ... that the language used concerning the sun and its ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vi authorities in support of.htm

Chapter i.
... of gold on rolls [32] composed of skins (sun . ... of the Aristeas-letter were first
expressed by Ludovicus ... consisting exclusively or chiefly of Palestinian Jews. ...
/.../an introduction to the old testament in greek additional notes/chapter i.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... it is embodied in systems of religion and expressed in modes of ... God," in order to
honor the day of the sun. ... received and observed, not only by the Jews, but by ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... may know from the rising of the sun, and from ... fifty thousand strong, from among the
Jews in the ... did they know how much their expressed dissatisfaction would ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

An American Reformer.
... or the terms in which they were expressed were defined ... or 490 years, especially allotted
to the Jews, ended, as ... God's word, as mist before the rays of the sun. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... or the terms in which they were expressed were defined ... or 490 years, especially allotted
to the Jews, ended, as ... God's word, as mist before the rays of the sun. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... in red, He had spoken of that other sun-setting, with the ... more than Man - and hence
both the expressed desire, and ... The Jews who heard it, so far understood Him ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.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

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus