Topical Encyclopedia
The term "to-night" refers to the period of time extending from the evening until the following morning. In biblical contexts, the concept of night often carries significant spiritual and symbolic meanings. The Bible frequently contrasts night with day, using it to symbolize darkness, uncertainty, and sometimes evil, while day represents light, clarity, and righteousness.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 1:5 : "God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." This verse establishes the creation of night as part of God's orderly design, marking the division between light and darkness.
2.
Exodus 12:12 : "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD." The night of the Passover is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing deliverance and divine judgment.
3.
Psalm 30:5 : "For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning." This verse uses the imagery of night to represent temporary sorrow, with the promise of joy and renewal with the coming of morning.
4.
John 9:4 : "While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work." Jesus uses the metaphor of night to emphasize the urgency of doing God's work while there is still opportunity, as night signifies a time when work ceases.
5.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 : "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." The unexpected nature of the Lord's return is likened to a thief coming at night, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness among believers.
Symbolism and Themes:·
Darkness and Light: Night often symbolizes spiritual darkness or ignorance, while day represents enlightenment and truth. This duality is evident throughout Scripture, where believers are called to be "children of the light" (
Ephesians 5:8).
·
Judgment and Deliverance: Night is frequently associated with divine judgment, as seen in the Passover and the parable of the ten virgins (
Matthew 25:1-13). It also represents a time of deliverance, as God often acts decisively during the night.
·
Rest and Reflection: Night provides a time for rest and reflection, as seen in the practice of evening prayers and the psalmist's meditation on God's word during the night watches (
Psalm 119:148).
·
Spiritual Warfare: The night is sometimes depicted as a time of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be vigilant and armored against the forces of darkness (
Ephesians 6:12-13).
In summary, the concept of "to-night" in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of judgment, deliverance, vigilance, and the contrast between darkness and light. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and His call for believers to live in readiness and faithfulness.
Strong's Hebrew
3915. layil -- night... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition night NASB Word Usage midnight*
(6), night (200), nights (14), nocturnal (1), overnight* (2),
tonight (10).
...Library
The Stranger at the Door. LM
... LM. Why Not Be SavedTo-Night? (430)... Thou would'st be saved, why notto-night? 3
Our God in pity lingers still; And wilt thou thus his love requite?...
Chapter ten
... in return. It would be difficult to know what was most powerful in the
impulse that had moved him to speak to hertonight. He had...
"Two Missing" --"Go Ye. "
... Away by, Collie, and get them." Without moving she looked up into his face, as though
she would say, "You wouldn't send me out againto-night?"it's been a...
A Mob at Wednesbury
... with might and main, "The gentleman is an honest gentleman, and we will spill our
blood in his defense." I asked, "Shall we go to the justicetonight, or in...
An Unheeded Warning
... "I had not attended the church for years untilto-night, but being a visitor in
C. and hearing that you were from the East and a Presbyterian I determined to go...
What Self Deserves
... the heart. Especially do we loatheto"night those sins which we excused
at the time (which we did excuse afterwards). because...
Chapter eight
... But I came to ask if you could not come downtonight and preach. I am suffering
from a severe cold.... I'm sure the Spirit will give you powertonight."....
The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out...
... If, beloved, you knew that at"say ten o'clockto-night"you would be led away to... to
die upon a cross, do you think that you could singtonight, after your...
Evening Prayers.
... Amen. 27. Watch o'er a little childto-night, Blest Savior from above, And keep
me till the morning light Within Thine arms of love. Amen. 28....
My Readers Will not Wonder That, after This, I did My Very Best to...
... "I'm going up to look at the moonto-night," he added, without heeding her remark....
"I'm coming," he returned. "I've got all the moon I wantto-night."....
Thesaurus
Tonight (23 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Tonight (23 Occurrences).
... Luke 12:20 "But God said
to him,'You foolish one,
tonight your soul is required of you.
...To-night (15 Occurrences)
To-night.Tonight,To-night. Tonsures . Multi-Version ConcordanceTo-night
(15 Occurrences)....Tonight,To-night. Tonsures . Reference Bible.
Love-fruits (3 Occurrences)
... and now would you take my son's love-fruits? Then Rachel said, You may have
himtonight in exchange for your son's love-fruits. (BBE)....
Girl's (12 Occurrences)
... they had food and drink, the two of them together; and the girl's father said to
the man, If it is your pleasure, take your rest heretonight, and let your...
Scattered (122 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because
of metonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep...
Written (323 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because
of metonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep...
Stumble (89 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because
of metonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep...
Lodge (64 Occurrences)
... you, and lay them down in the lodging place, where you will lodgetonight.'" (WEB
KJV JPS... Ruth 3:13 Lodgetonight, and it hath been in the morning, if he doth...
Strike (168 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because
of metonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep...
Shepherd (76 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because
of metonight, for it is written,'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep...
Resources
Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a “dark night of the soul”? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some churches have a Wednesday night service? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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