EARLY

ur'-li (orthros, and related words; proi): The word generally refers to the day, and means the hour of dawn or soon after (Genesis 19:2; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Hosea 6:4; Luke 24:22). Sometimes it refers to the beginning of the season, e.g. the early rain (Psalms 84:6; James 5:7; see RAIN ). It may also have the sense of "speedily" (Psalms 46:5). The early morning is frequently commended as the hour for prayer. See examples of Jesus (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2); also Abraham (Genesis 19:27), Jacob (Genesis 28:18), Gideon (Judges 6:38), Samuel (1 Samuel 15:12), David (1 Samuel 17:20).

G. H. Gerberding

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.