David Rives
Is astrology in the Bible?
The Genesis account tells us that the lights in the heavens are to be for signs, not to be confused with the astrology condemned by the Bible, as pagan in nature. Did the constellations that are now presented as mythological objects originally have a purer, biblical meaning?
In the book of Job, God asks:
Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
The meaning of the Hebrew word translated “Mazzaroth” is a subject of debate. Some biblical scholars believe that Mazzaroth is actually a reference to the divisions of the constellations along the celestial sphere.
It has been proposed that the Mazzaroth was originally given as a prophetic guide to the coming of Messiah, a story spelled out in the heavens that was later corrupted by the interpretations of astrologers, those who believe that the alignment of celestial bodies actually influences human destiny.
The Babylonians divided the circle of constellations into 12 equal parts, corresponding with the month of the year. Ptolemy, a 2nd-century Greek astronomer, described those divisions by their Latin names. The term Zodiac actually means “Circle of Animals”.
It is very important to consider however that the constellations vary in size. They don’t accurately represent twelve equal divisions of the year. In addition, astronomers now recognize a thirteenth constellation along the ecliptic, the constellation Ophiuchus. An astronomical phenomenon known as the precession of the equinox, proves the predictions of astrologers to be without basis. Due to precession since Babylonian times, the sign of Aries is actually within the constellation Pisces.
In ancient times, celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars were central figures of the Zodiac. They were considered to be gods and goddesses and based on the Zodiac, the movements of the heavens had become a means of divination.
Scripture informs us that they worshipped the created more than the Creator. In the book of Kings, we find that King Josiah ordered that those who worshipped and burned incense to Baal, the sun, the moon, Mazzaloth, and all the host of heaven, be put to death.
Much is to be learned by the study of the heavens. Care should be taken, however, to stay away from the worldly use of astrology as established by the Babylonians. In the book of Revelation, we find that the institutions of Babylon will one day fall.
The Creator of the heavens is to be worshipped, and not the heavens themselves.
Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7
I’m David Rives –
Truly – The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.
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