5534 sleep, spiritual

Scripture often uses sleep as an image of spiritual laziness or a lack of alertness towards God.

Sleep as an image of spiritual laziness

Lack of watchfulness Isa 56:10 See also Mt 24:43-44 pp Lk 12:39-40; Mk 13:35-36

Spiritual dullness Ac 28:25-27 See also Isa 6:9-10; Pr 23:34-35 As a result of God’s judgment: Ro 11:8; Isa 29:10

God’s call to awake from sleep

The need to arise Ro 13:11-12 See also Isa 51:17; Isa 52:1; Isa 60:1; Eph 5:14; Rev 3:2

The command to be alert Rev 16:15 See also Mt 26:41; Mk 13:32-34; Lk 12:35; Eph 6:18; 1Th 5:6-8; 1Pe 5:8

The plea for revival Ps 80:18; Ps 85:6

The image of God awaking from sleep

From his past judgments Ps 78:65

Prayers for God to rise up against his enemies Ps 7:6 See also Ps 35:23; Ps 44:23-24; Ps 73:20; Ps 80:1-2; Isa 51:9

The contrast between God who never sleeps and false gods

Ps 121:3-4 See also 1Ki 18:27; Hab 2:19

See also