Prophecy in the sun, moon and stars

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There is an area of study that is, of recent, getting a lot of attention, that is the using of signs in heaven as prophetic zodiac_thumb.jpgdisplays, pointing to future events. What are these signs and are there any truth therein? Can we determine the future by the movement of stars and planets? Are we to look for signs in heaven to know what is approaching? What does the Scripture teach us in this regard? Could this be part of the strong delusion spoken of in the Scriptures? Y’shua said: “be careful that no one deceives you.”

Why has YHVH created the sun, moon and the stars?

Genesis 1:14–18
14 Then Elohim 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; 15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16Elohim made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. 17 Elohim placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and Elohim saw that it was good.

  • To separate a day from a night, the sun to rule over the day and the moon over the night (Ps 136)
  • For signs
  • For seasons and for days and years

We can see that Abba YHVH has indeed created the sun, moon and stars for lights in the day and night, for signs and for the establishment of a calendar. For the most part, this is easy to understand, except for the signs. How are we to understand this?

˒ot (אוֹת, 226), “sign; mark.” Cognates of this word appear in Aramaic and Arabic. It occurs 78 times in biblical Hebrew and in all periods of the language.
The first occurrence of Ë’ot is in Gen. 1:14. Here it refers to the stars, indicators of the time of day and seasons.
Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vol. 1: Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (229). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.

Let us look at some examples of signs in the heavens given by Abba YHVH.

The rainbow after the flood

YHVH made a covenant with Noah after the flood and gave the rainbow as a sign of this covenant. Take note: this sign was given after the flood to confirm the covenant.

Genesis 9:12–15
12 Elohim said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; 13 I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14 “It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, 15 and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.

The changing of time for Joshua and Hezekiah

In two other passages, we see signs in the heavenly bodies. In both passages, the signs in the sun and moon were given as a confirmation of YHVH’s miraculous deliverance. In both cases the miracle was the altering of time. A sign that no other god was ever able to reproduce.

Joshua 10:13
13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.

2 Kings 20:9–11
9 Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from YHVH, that YHVH will do the thing that He has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps or go back ten steps?” 10 So Hezekiah answered, “It is easy for the shadow to decline ten steps; no, but let the shadow turn backward ten steps.” 11 Isaiah the prophet cried to YHVH, and He brought the shadow on the stairway back ten steps by which it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

The birth of Y’shua

There was a special miraculous sign in heaven when Y’shua was born. When did this star appear?

Matthew 2:1–11
1 Now after Y’shua was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The star appeared at the time of the birth of Y’shua. It confirmed the birth of Y’shua. Furthermore, note that it was prophesied, by Balaam, that a star would come forth from Jacob.

Numbers 24:17
17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.

The “star of Bethlehem” as it is often referred to, is actually only referred to as “His Star” in the Scriptures. We can also see that the star was over the house where He was, indicating that it was some time after His birth (Matt 2:1-2,7-9).

There are several theories as to how the magi could have known of the star and its meaning. Some say it was taught by Daniel to their ancestors, some say Balaam, who uttered the prophecy in Num 24:17, was a chief astrologer. These theories are quite feasible, however, it is not revealed to us through the Scriptures. Another option is that it could have been known, simply because the other cultures also studied the Hebrew writings and were thus aware of this miracle that was to occur and its meaning.

This was not a normal celestial event that took place at the birth of Y’shua Messiah, but a special miracle that was prophesied many years before.

Another purpose for the sun, moon and the stars is:

For His glory

Another purpose for which the heavens, sun, moon and stars were created, was to give glory to Elohim. Have you ever looked up to the sky on a clear night? What do you see and what do you think when you see that? You cannot look at the great expanse and not think about the One, Who created it all. Everything was created to give glory to Him, the Creator.

Psalm 19:1
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of Elohim; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

“David was moved by observing that the heavens, under the dominating influence of the sun, declare the splendor of Elohim’s handiwork. By comparison, he then described the dominating influence of the Law of YHVH which enlightened him. Then he prayed for complete cleansing so that his life would be acceptable to Elohim. The psalm, therefore, surveys both Elohim’s natural revelation and His specific revelation, which prompts a response of self-examination.”
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Ps 18:46–50). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

This said, does Abba YHVH use the sun, moon and stars and the planetary movements to tell us about the future?

A brief history of astrology

For better understanding here is the definitions for astronomy, astrology and divination.

          astronomy

          the study of objects and matter outside the earth’s atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties

astrology \ə-ˈsträ-lə-jē\ noun
[Middle English astrologie, from Middle French, from Latin astrologia, from Greek, from astr- + -logia -logy] 14th century
1 archaic : ASTRONOMY
2 : the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects

divination \ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən\ noun
[Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare] 14th century
1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception
Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies, their movements, positions and phenomena, whereas astrology is applying this information  in the practice that seeks to fortell future events or discover hidden knowledge by interpreting these movements, patterns or phenomena.

This is very important. Whenever you apply astronomical information as prophesy, you are practicing astrology.

We have also included a summary of the history of astrology, not only to show you the origin, but also to show you when it was blended with the Scriptures.

The first reference we found regarding astrology, and astronomy was in the Pseudepigraphical book of Enoch. According to this book, astrology and astronomy among other things were taught to man by fallen angels (Nephilim).

Enoch 8:2–4
2 And there arose much godlessness, and they committed fornication, and they were led astray, and became corrupt in all their ways.
3 Semjâzâ taught enchantments, and root-cuttings, ’Armârôs the resolving of enchantments, Barâqîjâl (taught) astrology, Kôkabêl the constellations, Êzêqêêl the knowledge of the clouds, 〈Araqiêl the signs of the earth, Shamsiêl the signs of the sun〉, and Sariêl the course of the moon. 4 And as men perished, they cried, and their cry went up to heaven …
Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. 2004 (R. H. Charles, Ed.) (Enoch 8:2–4). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc

Astrology’s history shows it’s earliest beginnings in Mesopotamia, now modern day Iraq, in the third millennium BC. Mesopotamia is one of the birthplaces of civilization, and Babylonia is a direct offshoot of Sumerian or Mesopotamian culture. So much importance was placed on astrology that a man’s formal education included the study of the heavens. The Chaldeans studied the celestial movements (astronomy) and made predictions thereon (astrology).

Astrology history was one of two chief means for the priest to figure out the will or intent of the gods. Inspecting the liver of a sacrificial animal for omens was the other.

Through archaeological finds, in ancient Babylon, we see further proof that astrology was not only practiced by the ancient nations, but it formed an integral part of their society.

“Babylonian boundary stones contained the earliest forms of writing called cuneiform. These stones have given us the bulk of our knowledge about Babylonian law, medicine, religion, poetry, astronomy and astrology. It was the job of Babylonian astrology-priest-scientists to scan the sky and the earth to alert the rulers of any possible bad omens.”  1

Astrology was one of the chief means in the ancient world to figure out the will of the gods

“The movements of the Sun, Moon and five planets were regarded as representing the activity of the five gods in question, together with the moon-god Sin and the Sun-god Shamash, in preparing the occurrences on earth. If, therefore, one could correctly read and interpret the activity of these powers, one knew what the gods were aiming to bring about. ” 2
“The constellations of the zodiac are made up of 36 of the brightest stars. The ancient luminaries visualized constellations of these stars taking shape in the sky as a lion (Leo), a scorpion (Scorpio), a goat with a fish tail (Capricorn), and a hippocentaur (Sagittarius). “ 1

Kabbalah or Jewish mysticism was developed during the time in Babylon, based on these pagan teachings.

“The Kabbalah is a system of mysticism which originated in ancient Sumer, thus putting its beginnings in the same remote epoch as the mysteries of Egypt and the Hindu Vedas. Babylon succeeded Sumer, and transmitted the teachings in turn to the Hebrews, along with many other elements of their religion, which are therefore still familiar to us today from the Book of Genesis. The word “Kabbalah” comes from a Hebrew root meaning to receive sacred teachings”. 3
Astrology is an integral part of Kabbalah. It is taught that “Kabbalistic Astrology dates back to a system of wisdom over 5000 years old, based on writings by Abraham the Patriarch. ” 4

The Greeks further developed astrology to where it is today.

The Greeks took the astrology history of the Babylonians and expanded it. They accomplished this through observation, philosophy, mathematics, and a deep inner knowing.
“The Greeks saw the twenty-four hour day as a microcosm of a year. They divided it into “twelve houses” that gave a separate and detailed meaning, which has virtually stayed the same today.
Astrology’s history records show our ancestors believed certain planets ruled each sign. This greatly influenced their characteristics. The moon governs the sign Cancer. The sun affects Leo. Both are the warmest months, and these are the two closest planets and stars.
When Egypt entered the astrology arena, along with the Greeks, they took astrology far beyond its Babylonian beginnings.
Beside the remains of Hermes, the Greek patron deity of medicine, a tablet with this inscription was discovered:

“It is true, without falsehood, certain and very real,
That that which is on high is that which is below,
And that which is below is as that which is on high,
In order that the miracle of Unity may be very perpetual.”

So what does this statement mean? Our ancient ancestors truly believed that what happened in the cosmos in the night sky, happened on the earth below. They reflected each other.
As above…So below.”
Astrology history shows that by Roman times Egypt had evolved as the foremost center for the study of astrology around the third century BC. But Egyptian astrology is actually a combination of Greek and Babylonian beliefs.1

Francis Rolleston ” the Constantine of astrology.”

It was in the nineteenth century that astrology history took a different turn. Astrology was no longer something a person had to “see” an astrologer to get a reading. It was also about this time that a blending of biblical symbolism and the mysticism of regular astrology occurred. In fact Frances Rolleston, the publisher of “Mazzaroth” wrote about the zodiacal references in the Bible. This showed how astrology’s history had penetrated even there.
Karl Anderson, mentioned in his publication “Astrology of the Old Testament”, about the mystical fusion of astrology and Freemasonry. He also linked the zodiac with the Twelve Tribes of Israel. 1

As I said before, Francis Rolleston was instrumental in blending biblical symbolism and the mysticism of regular astrology. She studied Egyptian astrology and applied these teachings to the symbolism found in the Scriptures. Her book “Mazzaroth,” written in 1862, formed the basis of the book “The witness in the stars” by E.W. Bullinger (published in 1893). He used all her research and added his own interpretations to it. His book has formed the basis of many other books and teachings on the subject.

Francis Rolleston and all her followers did exactly what Constantine did in his time. He took pagan beliefs and festivals and “christianized” it; she did the same; she took pagan astrology and “christianized” it. We can therefor refer to her as ” the Constantine of astrology.”

Considering all this, we must ask ourselves: is this something we should be involved in, even tolerate?

The sign of the zodiac was found in various ancient Jewish synagogues

The sign of the zodiac was indeed found in not less than seven Jewish synagogues, in Israel, dating back to the early Talmudic period. You can draw two possible conclusions from that. You can either say that it was a pagan Babylonian influence (maybe Kabbalah), or you can say that they found it to be in perfect order and in line with Scripture. Which one is it?

We found a very well researched article about it, in the Biblical Archaeology Review magazine. It would not do justice to this article to quote pieces of it. Please go to the link and read the article. It has pictures of all the zodiacs found in Israel, and the author’s explanation is interesting. You can read the full article at: http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/synagogue-zodiacs.asp

What does the Scripture teach about astrology in the Scripture?

Deuteronomy 18:10–12
10 “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 “For whoever does these things is detestable to YHVH; and because of these detestable things YHVH your Elohim will drive them out before you.

What are omens? The Hebrew word for omens is “nā∙ḥǎš”

5727 נָחַשׁ (nā∙ḥǎš): v.; ≡ Str 5172; TWOT 1348—1. LN 53.96–53.101 (piel) practice divination, i.e., interpret omens and signs, as a way to learn the will of God, or the gods, known for future contingencies (Ge 30:27; 44:5,15; Lev 19:26; Dt 18:10; 2Ki 17:17; 21:6; 2Ch 33:6+), see also domain LN 27.34–27.47; 2. LN 53.96–53.101 (piel) take something as an omen or sign (1Ki 20:33+)
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

This word “nā∙ḥǎš” is used in a few other passages and always with a negative or “occult” context. Here are the references: Gen 30:27; Gen 44:5; Gen 44:15; Lev 19:26; 2 King 17:17; 2 King 21:5-6; 2 Chron 33:6.

2 Kings 21:5-6 and 2 Chron 33:6 describes what the evil King Manassah did when he ruled over Judah.

Jeremiah 10:2–3
2 Thus says YHVH, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; 3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.

“Israel was not supposed to learn the ways of idolatry practiced by the nations around her, nor was she to be terrified by signs in the sky. These “signs” were most likely unusual occurrences such as eclipses or comets which were thought to be signs of coming events given by the gods.”
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Je 10:1–5). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

There is an earnest warning in Isaiah for us:

Isaiah 44:24–25
24 Thus says YHVH, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, YHVH, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all alone, 25 Causing the omens of boasters to fail, Making fools out of diviners, Causing wise men to draw back And turning their knowledge into foolishness,

Isaiah 47:13–14
13 “You are wearied with your many counsels; Let now the astrologers, Those who prophesy by the stars, Those who predict by the new moons, Stand up and save you from what will come upon you. 14 “Behold, they have become like stubble, Fire burns them; They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame; There will be no coal to warm by Nor a fire to sit before!

How does Abba YHVH reveal His plans to us?

YHVH does have a way that He communicates His plans to us. In His Word He has told us the method that He will use:

Isaiah 46:10–11
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; 11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.

The word “declaring” is “telling.” In verse 11 He said, “truly I have spoken; truly, I will bring it to pass” This refers, in my opinion, to Abba YHVH revealing what He would do, through His prophets. Has Abba YHVH ever used the sun, moon or stars to reveal His plan to mankind?

Amos 3:7–8
7 Surely YHVH Elohim does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets. 8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The YHVH Elohim has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

Going through Scripture, we see that Abba YHVH does indeed declare the end from the beginning, but through His prophets. All of this is recorded in the Scriptures for us. Thus, we need to search the Scriptures and not the sky for His plans.

Daniel and the astrologers

Daniel was trained from a young age in Babylon and excelled and became the chief astrologer in the king’s court. Even so, did Daniel ever use astrology to determine YHVHs will? He of all people would certainly have known how to do that. Let us look at the examples we find in the Scripture.

Daniel 2:27–28
27 Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. 28 “However, there is an Elohim in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.

The Hebrew word “ḥarṭōm” translated here as “magicians”, refers to astrologers.

חַרְטֹם(ḥarṭōm) magician-astrologer. Usage similar to the Hebrew (q.v.). It may be an Egyptian loan word through the Hebrew (cf. KB, Hebrew ḥartōm).
Harris, R. L., Harris, R. L., Archer, G. L., & Waltke, B. K. (1999). Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed.) (1020). Chicago: Moody Press.

King Nebuchadnesar had a dream and asked all his wise men, conjurers, astrologers and diviners for an interpretation. They could not interpret his dream. Daniel the “chief of the astrologers” interpreted his dream, but he did not use astrology to do that. YHVH revealed the dream and interpretation to him in a night vision.

Daniel 2:17–19
17 Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, 18 so that they might request compassion from the Elohim of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the Elohimof heaven;

Daniel 4:7–9
7 “Then the magicians, the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners came in and I related the dream to them, but they could not make its interpretation known to me. 8 “But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream to him, saying, 9 ‘O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, since I know that a spirit of the holy gods is in you and no mystery baffles you, tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, along with its interpretation.

We see this again in the time of King Belshazzar when the hand wrote on the wall. The King called all his astrologers to interpret the writing on the wall, but they could not. Once again, Daniel interpreted it, but not by using astrology, but by revelation from YHVH.

Daniel 5:7–8
7 The king called aloud to bring in the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Any man who can read this inscription and explain its interpretation to me shall be clothed with purple and have a necklace of gold around his neck, and have authority as third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king.

Daniel always studied the Scripture and prayed to YHVH for knowledge, wisdom and guidance. This should, in my opinion, be an example to us.

Daniel 9:2–3
2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of YHVH to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 3 So I gave my attention to YHVH Elohim to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.

If Abba YHVH wanted us to use signs in heaven to know the future, would He not have given us examples in the Scripture? He surely could have used Daniel a “chief of the astrologers” to show us how it was to be done. Daniel read the prophets, prayed and fasted to understand the plans of YHVH regarding the future events. There is not one example in the book of Daniel where Daniel consulted the heavenly host to know YHVH’s will or timing. Who could have been a better example, than Daniel, if it was acceptable to use the stars and moon, sun and planets to know the future? Daniel was always guided by YHVH’s Spirit, not by what he saw in the heavens.

There are other passages in Scripture that describes signs in heaven given by Abba YHVH.

The signs of the coming of Y’shua

Joel 2:30–31
30 “I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns of smoke. 31 “The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of YHVH comes.

Reading this verse, we get the impression that these things are going to take place in a time interval before the day of YHVH comes. Looking at the Hebrew word “pā∙nÄ›(h) “, we get a slightly different point of view. Could it mean “in front of you”? This is mere speculation on my part.

7156 פָּנֶה (pā∙ně(h)): n.masc.; ≡ Str 3942, 6440; TWOT 1782b—
1. LN 8.9–8.69 face, i.e., the front part of the head, including main organs for perception and speech; eyes, mouth, etc. (Nu 12:14);
2. LN 8.9–8.69 mouth, i.e., a part of the face with jaws that open and close (Job 41:6[EB 14]);
3. LN 79.91–79.94 surface, face, i.e., the two dimensional area of an object usually conceived as on top (the surface) of the object (Ge 1:2; 2:6);
4. LN 24.1–24.51 appearance, formally, face, i.e., the form or characteristics of something as seen (Ecc 8:1);
5. LN 85.1–85.31 presence, i.e., the personal existence of something in a particular place or space, that usually interacts with objects around it (Ge 27:30; Ex 33:14);
6. LN 83.33–83.41 in front of, i.e., a spatial position which is located at the anterior or forepart of an object or area (Ex 7:10);
7. LN 67.17–67.64 formerly, before, i.e., pertaining to a point of time earlier in sequence (Ge 27:7; 1Ch 4:40), note: for NIV text in Nu 33:8, see 7084;
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Y’shua’s disciples asked Him what the sign would be when these things are about to take place.

Luke 21:7–9
7 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. 9 “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.”

Luke 21:11
11 and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

Luke 21:25–27
25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

What is the meaning of the Greek word translated as “sign”

33.477 σημεῖον, ου n: an event which is regarded as having some special meaning—‘sign.’ εἰπὲ ἡμῖν … τί τὸ σημεῖον τῆς σῆς παρουσίας ‘tell us … what will be the sign of your coming’ Mt 24:3. In translating σημεῖον in Mt 24:3, it may be necessary in some languages to say ‘tell us what will happen that will show that you are coming’ or ‘tell us what we will see that will make us know that you are coming.’

σημεῖον as an event with special meaning was inevitably an unusual or even miraculous type of occurrence, and in a number of contexts σημεῖον may be rendered as ‘miracle
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (442). New York: United Bible Societies.

Furthermore, note that these are signs FROM heaven, heaven is the source of these miraculous events. ‘heaven is sometimes used as a metaphor for something originating from YHVH.

90.15 ἀπόb (with the genitive): a marker of source of an implied event
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (798). New York: United Bible Societies.

What is described in Luke is unusual or miraculous events taking place in and from heaven, not the normal movement of the planets and stars. Every planet has it’s course and a planets movement in relation to another hardly qualifies as a miraculous event, in my opinion.

People have also interpreted the vision in Revelation 12 as being stars and constellations. Why interpret this passage in this manner, but not the other visions in the Scriptures?

It is undeniable that Abba YHVH gives us signs in heaven, not to predict future, but to confirm that which He has already given us through His prophets. We are not to prophecy by the stars. Isaiah told us what our outcome would be if we do:

Isaiah 47:10–14
10 “You felt secure in your wickedness and said, ‘No one sees me,’ Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; For you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’ 11 “But evil will come on you Which you will not know how to charm away; And disaster will fall on you For which you cannot atone; And destruction about which you do not know Will come on you suddenly. 12 “Stand fast now in your spells And in your many sorceries With which you have labored from your youth; Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you may cause trembling. 13 “You are wearied with your many counsels; Let now the astrologers, Those who prophesy by the stars, Those who predict by the new moons, Stand up and save you from what will come upon you. 14 “Behold, they have become like stubble, Fire burns them; They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame; There will be no coal to warm by Nor a fire to sit before!

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12
9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason Elohim will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

2 Timothy 4:4
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Could this be part of the delusion that will come about in the last days? As Y’shua warned “See to it that no one misleads you.”

References

  1. http://www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/astrology-history.html
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_astrology>
  3. http://www.near-death.com/experiences/judaism05.html
  4. http://www.kabbalahcentres.com/centres/index.php?id=53&lang=eng_sg&city=sydney

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5 responses to “Prophecy in the sun, moon and stars”

  1. Well,…….I disagree with your analysis that the constellations are pagan…

    Psalm 147:4 speaks of YHVH: “He counteth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by [their] names.”

    This prescribes importance to the stars. From the fact that God named the stars we should at least glean that the names have significant meanings.

    Psalm 19:1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork.
    vs2 Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge.
    vs3 There is no speech nor language; Their voice is not heard.
    vs4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
    vs5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run his course.
    vs6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
    vs7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.

    The Glory of God is shown in the knowledge in the stars. Their line (as reading a book), their words has and is going out. Their “words” are further defined here, in scripture. The “circuit” of the Zodiac shows the “course” or path of the bridegroom. It is an amazing testimony that no one may escape. YOU may say “I don’t believe it” but the stars are still there, NOW as a witness against YOU. Did YOU make the stars? Did Satan make the stars? Is YHVH the author of confusion?

    In the book of Job we find the stars and constellations referred to separately but in a single context of the heavenly bodies as created by God
    :
    Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
    vs8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.
    vs9 Which maketh Arcturus (עיש `Ayish), Orion (כסיל Kĕciyl), and Pleiades (כימה Kiymah), and the chambers (חדר cheder) of the south.

    Did YHVH create pagan constellations? God forbid. God created the constellations and they have a set order and they don’t change.

    Job 38:31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
    vs:32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth (מזרה mazzarah) in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus (עיש `Ayish ) with his sons?
    vs:33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

    The stars predate paganism; God created the stars, so the stars are a witness to YHVH’s eternal truth. The constellations will not change (thus they remain as YHVH made them) because YHVH uses them as a proof of his covenants with Israel:

    Jeremiah 31: Jer 31:35 Thus saith Jehovah, who giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar; Jehovah of hosts is his name:
    vs:36 If these ordinances depart from before me, saith Jehovah, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.
    vs:37 Thus saith Jehovah: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith Jehovah.

    It is NOT Francis Rolleston that applied paganism to the stars, but rather satan himself:

    Note what God said satan said:

    Isa 14:13 And thou saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; and I will sit upon the mount of congregation, in the uttermost parts of the north;
    vs:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.

    2 Cor. 11:14 And no marvel, for the Satan is-transfiguring-himself into (an) angel of-light.

    Regarding satan changing the truth of the zodiac to the lie of idolatry, this corruption began in the Garden of Eden;
    Romans 1: v18 For wrath of-God is-being-uncovered on all impiety and unrighteousness of-MEN, the (ones) holding-fast the truth in unrighteousness,
    v19 For-the-reason-that the-thing known of-the God is manifest among them; for the God manifested (it) to-them.
    v20 For the invisible-things of-him from creation of (a) world being-understood by-the things-made (are)-being-seen-clearly, both his constant power and divinity, with-reference-to their being without-defense,
    v21 For-the-reason-that having-come-to-know the God they-glorified (him) not as God or gave-thanks, BUT they-were-aimless in their deliberations, and their heart without-understanding was-made-dark.
    v22 Alleging to-be wise (ones) they-were-made-stupid,
    v23 And they-changed the glory of-the imperishable God with (a) similitude of-(an)-image of-perishable MAN and of flying-things and of-four-footed-things and of-reptiles;
    v24 On-this-account the God gave them over with the desires of-their hearts with-reference-to uncleanness, their bodies to-be-being-dishonored among them.
    v25 They-who exchanged the truth of-the God with the lie, and they-venerated and they-served the creation beside the (one) having-created, who is blessed with-reference-to the ages; amen.

    Since creation God revealed his truth to man via the heavens (vs19). Man holds fast to a lie (vs18). God’s divinity is shown and was known from the start (vs20) Man rejected God, and he make their heart dark. They became stupid (vs 21-22). Man exchanged the truth of the God in the constellations with a lie (vs23-25). Note vs23 says they changed the glory of the God. Ps. 19:1 says the heavens declare God’s glory, so they changed what the heavenly things mean. Certainly they did not even reduce the glory of God. Think on this, and think on what you are saying in your article. Are the constellations corrupt because man corrupted their meaning? Can man corrupt God? No.

    So how do we distinguish the holy from the profane? How do you differentiate between the true Zodiac and the pagan?
    Generally: The pagan view is satan’s “view”; all segments are 30 degrees each, it circles anti clockwise as if seen from “above” – that is as see from where satan falsely “places” himself. God’s Zodiac is viewed as you would from the earth (they are for signs for us) and it “runs” clockwise, the segments are not equal nor easily indicated and the constellations overlap.

    Regarding the pagan astrologers, God told Israel not to learn their ways -AND- be not dismayed at the signs of heaven:
    Jer.10:2 thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them.

    NOT being dismayed means don’t run away from what God has made just because we don’t understand it. If you understand what the constellations signify, there is nothing to be dismayed about.

    God says to declare his Glory to the nations Ps.19:1 says his glory is declared by the heavens, so by declaring the truth of the heavens, we declare YHVH’s glory:
    Psa 96:3 Declare his glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples.
    vs:4 For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
    vs:5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols; But Jehovah made the heavens.

    The Septuagint translation reads: “For all the gods of the heathen are devils”. Yes, mythology was real; these “gods” were fallen angels or nephilim or their spirits, but that does not negate the truth and glory of YHVH that he has created in the constellations.

    These things are interesting, however, knowledge and understanding of the constellations is not necessarily salvation points. At a minimum great caution should be used when studying these things, as they are at times “meaty” We have the scriptures. Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is YHVH (Phil.2:9-11) and our trust in Him (Jn.3:16) removes our sin (Romans 3:24-25) and brings us into ONE in Messiah (Eph.5:30-32) who is ONE with the Father (Jn 10:30) Praise God for his works and his grace!

  2. Greetings,
    In the Hebrew Mazzaroth, is there a depiction or a prophecy concerning “The Queen in Gold of Ophir” as referenced in Psalm 45:9,10,11? (I’m speaking of The Queen in Gold of Ophir, not the church)

    Regards,
    Clyde

    1. Clyde, we are not familiar with the details of the Hebrew Mazzaroth. We chose not to get involved with this topic.

  3. […] One of these is the theory of the blood moons being an omen. Our first concern with this is that we are instructed in scripture, not to interpret omens. We have written about this practice previously, you can go to the article by clicking on the link […]

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