Andromeda DavisThe Bible refers to positions of the stars and bodies in the cosmos for signs. There are numerous mentions of astrology and astronomy in the Bible, and even Jesus made reference to it. It was the appearance of a “wandering star” in the heavens that led the wise men (Magi) to the newborn baby Jesus.
God placed signs in the heavens
In the very beginning of the Bible, we are told that God placed signs in the heavens.
“And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,”
– Genesis 1:14
Throughout history, mankind has used these signs for navigation, as well as, the planting and harvesting of crops and more.
Instructions for astrological signs
In the Old Testament of the Bible, God instructed to use heavenly signs to mark the beginning of a festival and celebration.
“Sound the ram’s horn at the new Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;”
– Psalm 81:3
In the Jewish tradition, there was a blowing of trumpets on the first day of the seventh month, and some scholars associate this verse with that occasion, while others associate it with a Passover Psalm.
The origins of astrology
In the Bible, God speaks to the people of ancient Babylon (present-day Iraq), whose pagan practices involved astrology. Archaeologists in the Middle East recovered cuneiform tablets that confirm this. They have excavated horoscope charts that go back to the 5th century BC and earlier.
The Bible tells us in the second chapter of Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, used “enchanters, magicians, or astrologers” to predict the future.
The Magi were astrologers
In the Bible, in the book of Matthew chapter 2, we are told the story of the three wise men, also called Magi. It is part of the story of the birth of Jesus. These Magi, who had come from the East were, in fact, astrologers. They had seen a star appear in the heavens that they connected to the birth of the “King of the Jews” or Messiah (Jesus).
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise mena from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it roseb and have come to worship him.”
– Matthew 2:1-2
King Herod summoned them to learn from them the exact time that the star had appeared. Because they were astrologers, they were aware of it. King Herod sent them to search for this child. They followed the star which came to rest over where Jesus was with his mother in a manger, where he had been born.
“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”
– Matthew 2:9-10
God named every entity in the sky
According to the Bible, every star and celestial body in the universe has a name and purpose.
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”
– Psalm 147:4
“Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”
– Isaiah 40:26
Christ’s astrological message about his return
While speaking about the end times and when He will return to earth, Jesus Christ said there will be signs in the heavens:
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,”
– Luke 21:25
Now whether this has to do with astrology or astronomy – is up for debate. But nonetheless, these signs, according to Jesus, will be apparent to both astrologers and astronomers alike.
Shea Lee
