Rising early is a habit that many significant figures throughout history have embraced. Whether it’s to seize the quiet moments of dawn, to embark on essential tasks, or to dedicate time for personal reflection, waking up early sets a powerful tone for the rest of the day. Even the most minor step forward, taken in the early hours, can set the stage for significant progress. Let the examples from historical and biblical figures inspire you:

• Genesis 21:14, So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. (Regarding the monumental occasion of Abraham sending away Hagar and Ishmael) 

• Genesis 22:3, So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. (When God tested Abraham’s faith concerning Isaac)  

• Genesis 28:18, Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. (After Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending on it)

• Exodus 24:4, And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. (When the children of Israel affirmed their covenant with the LORD) 

• Exodus 34:4, So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone. (When Moses made two new tablets and presented himself to God on Mount Sinai)

• Joshua 3:1, Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. (As Joshua set out to cross the Jordan River and to invade & conquer the land of Canaan)

• Joshua 6:12, And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. (In preparation for Joshua, the priests, and the men of war to march around the city of Jericho)

• Joshua 7:16, So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken. (To investigate/discover where sin was being committed/hidden from within the camp)

• Judges 6:38, And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. (When Gideon sought assurances from God)

• 1 Samuel 15:12, So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” (When Samuel confronted Saul for transgressing the LORD’s command)

• 1 Samuel 17:20, So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. (The day on which David slew Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior)

• 2 Chronicles 29:20, Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord. (When Hezekiah brought about spiritual reforms in the southern kingdom of Judah)

• Mark 1:35, Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Jesus started the morning in communion with the Father before preaching throughout Galilee and casting out demons)

Some individuals are naturally more inclined to be “morning people” than others. While I don’t intend to insist that everyone should rise earlier, there is value in waking up early, particularly when facing significant responsibilities or tasks. Notably, figures such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Gideon, Hezekiah, and Jesus made the most of the early hours. It’s interesting to observe that these leaders from different times all recognized the benefits of a head start on their days. Regardless of personal preferences and routines, it’s worth considering the advantages of rising early!