Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ASTRONOMY

An ancient science which attempts to discover the laws governing the celestial bodies. It is known that calendars, based upon astronomical observations, were developed by the Egyptians and Mesopotamians as early as the 3rd millennium b.c. Astronomy was ardently studied by the early Babylonians, who blended their astral observations with their polytheism, resulting in astrology. Babylonian ziggurats, such as the tower of Babel, were structures probably used for the observation of the heavenly bodies. Hebrew astronomy was undoubtedly influenced by the Babylonians. However, as a whole the Babylonian astrological practices had little impact upon Israel.

The Hebrew literature does demonstrate some familiarity with astronomical observations. Job 9:9 refers to observations of the constellations. Similarly, the prophets Isaiah (13:10) and Amos (5:8) knew of such constellations.

In Amos 5:26 the prophet recalls Israel’s recalcitrance by following astral deities (probably Saturn and Jupiter). Moreover, a common sin during the Monarchy was the problem of worshipping the host of heaven. While these practices were more the exception than the norm, they do indicate the degree to which astronomy influenced Israelite life.

Astronomical catastrophes were a common feature in Jewish apocalyptic writings as well as in eschatological passages of the Bible. Isa. 13:10 asserts that the day of the Lord would be beckoned by a darkening of the sun, moon, and stars. Joel (2:10; 3:15[MT 4:15]), Mark (13:24-25), 2 Peter (3:10) and Revelation (8:10) likewise claim that celestial calamities would accompany the day of the Lord.

Matthew’s birth narrative includes a visit by the Magi (astrologers from the east) who witnessed an astronomical phenomenon and interpreted this as a sign of a new king. This has often been explained as either a comet, a supernova, or a convergence of planets. Matthew simply explains it as a star and provides no additional detail.

Mark R. Fairchild

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ASTRONOMY

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)