Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Sun

(Heb.shemesh), first mentioned along with the moon as the two great luminaries of heaven (Gen. 1:14-18). By their motions and influence they were intended to mark and divide times and seasons. The worship of the sun was one of the oldest forms of false religion (Job 31:26, 27), and was common among the Egyptians and Chaldeans and other pagan nations. The Jews were warned against this form of idolatry (Dt. 4:19, 17:3; comp. 2 Ki. 23:11; Jer. 19:13).