4284 sun

Created as a source of light and heat and an indicator of time and direction. The sun is also used as a metaphor for the splendour and light of God himself and the righteousness of his people.

Natural functions of the sun

A source of light Ge 1:16-18 See also Ps 136:7-8

A marker of time Ge 1:14 See also Ge 29:7; Ex 22:26; Jdg 9:33; 1Sa 11:9

An indicator of direction Nu 21:11 See also Ex 27:13; Dt 11:30; Jos 19:12; Ps 113:3; Isa 45:6

A blessing, necessary for life Ecc 11:7 See also Dt 33:13-14; Job 8:16; Mt 5:45

The scorching heat causing discomfort and harm Jnh 4:8 See also Ps 121:6; Isa 49:10; Mt 13:6; Jas 1:11; Rev 7:16

Worship of the sun

Forbidden to God’s people Dt 4:19 See also Dt 17:2-5; Job 31:26-28

Practised in Israel and Egypt Eze 8:16 See also 2Ki 23:5,11; Jer 8:1-2; Jer 43:13

Sunlight and God’s judgment

Joel 2:31; Mt 24:29-30 pp Mk 13:24 pp Lk 21:25-26 See also Ex 10:21-23; Isa 13:9-10; Jer 4:28; Eze 32:7-8; Joel 3:14-15; Am 5:20; Mt 27:45 pp Mk 15:33 pp Lk 23:44 the crucifixion; Ac 2:20; Rev 6:12-17

God and the sun

God as creator and controller Job 9:7; Ps 74:16 See also Jos 10:12-13; 2Ki 20:8-11; Ps 19:1-6; Ps 148:3,5; Isa 38:8; Jer 31:35-36; Hab 3:11

God likened to the sun Lk 1:78-79 See also Ps 84:11; Isa 9:2; Hab 3:4; Mal 4:2; Mt 17:2; 2Co 4:6; Rev 1:16

God’s glory outshines the sun Rev 21:23 See also Isa 24:23; Isa 60:19-20; Ac 26:13; Rev 22:5

Metaphorical allusions to the sun

In Paul’s conversion experience Ac 26:13

As righteousness Ps 37:6; Mt 13:43 See also 2Sa 23:3-4; Pr 4:18; Isa 58:8,10; Isa 62:1; Da 12:3

As constancy and dependability Hos 6:3 See also Ps 72:5,17; Ps 89:36

The setting sun signifying a premature end Jer 15:9; Am 8:9; Mic 3:6

Miracles and signs concerning the sun

See also