Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "The Sun of God's Favour" is a metaphorical expression that captures the essence of divine blessing, guidance, and benevolence as depicted in the Holy Scriptures. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical texts, where the sun often symbolizes God's presence, righteousness, and the illumination of His truth.Biblical Imagery and Symbolism The sun is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of God's glory and righteousness. In Psalm 84:11 , it is written, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Here, the sun represents God's protective and nurturing nature, providing light and warmth to His people. In Malachi 4:2 , the prophet speaks of the "sun of righteousness" with healing in its wings, a prophetic reference to the coming Messiah, who brings restoration and divine favor to those who fear God's name. This passage highlights the transformative power of God's favor, likening it to the life-giving and healing properties of the sun. Divine Favor and Guidance The sun's role as a guide and source of life is mirrored in the way God's favor is described throughout the Bible. In Numbers 6:24-26 , the Aaronic blessing invokes God's favor: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." The imagery of God's face shining upon His people parallels the sun's illumination, signifying divine approval and guidance. The sun's daily rising and setting also serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and constancy. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Just as the sun rises each day, God's mercies and favor are renewed continually for His people. Righteousness and Justice The sun's association with righteousness and justice is evident in passages such as Psalm 37:6 : "He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun." This verse emphasizes the clarity and visibility of God's righteous acts, akin to the brightness of the sun at its zenith. Furthermore, the sun's impartiality in shining on both the righteous and the wicked is a reflection of God's just nature. Matthew 5:45 states, "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." This passage underscores the universality of God's favor and the call for His followers to emulate His impartial love. Eschatological Significance In eschatological contexts, the sun is often associated with the ultimate revelation of God's glory and the establishment of His kingdom. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, stating, "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp." Here, the sun's role is transcended by the direct presence of God's glory, signifying the fulfillment of His favor and the consummation of His divine plan. The imagery of the sun in biblical literature serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the multifaceted nature of God's favor. It encompasses His guidance, righteousness, justice, and the promise of eternal light in His presence. Through the sun, believers are reminded of the constancy and warmth of God's love and the assurance of His benevolent care. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library But Having Asserted that Our Religion is Supported by the Writings ... Justification Religion Pleasant to the Religious. Israel the Beloved The Solar Eclipse The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne Joy God's Offspring "Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. " Full Redemption Resources Will the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | 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) |
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