The Hebrew word shemesh (שֶׁמֶשׁ) refers to the sun — the great light that governs the day. The word is also a proper name for sun-deities in surrounding cultures, which is why Israel was forbidden to worship the sun (Deuteronomy 17:3). Yet Scripture celebrates the sun as God's creation and as a metaphor for His glory, righteous rule, and salvation.
The shemesh is one of Scripture's richest natural symbols. God created the sun to govern the day (Genesis 1:16). Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12–13), demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation. Psalm 84:11 declares: 'The LORD God is a sun and shield' — God provides what the sun provides (light, warmth, growth) but without the limitations or danger of the physical sun. Malachi 4:2 prophesies the 'sun of righteousness' rising with healing in its wings — a messianic promise. In Revelation, the New Jerusalem needs no sun, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23).