Bible Dictionary

Sun.

SUN. The Hebrews, according to the latest researches, gave the sun a name whose root means "to run," because it was, as they regarded it, the greatest heavenly wanderer. The Psalmist compares him to …

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)

SUN. The Hebrews, according to the latest researches, gave the sun a name whose root means "to run," because it was, as they regarded it, the greatest heavenly wanderer. The Psalmist compares him to a bridegroom coming out of his chamber as a strong man to run a race. Ps 19:5. T. Manasseh introduced it in its purest form - as it existed among the Assyrians - into Judah. 2 Kgs 21:3, 2 Kgs 21:5. He and his successor, Anion, dedicated horses and chariots to the sun. and burned incense to it on the housetops. 2 Kgs 23:5, 2 Kgs 23:11.

The worship the Israelites met with in Egypt at On, the Baal and Moloch worship in Palestine, were all derived from the sun-worship.