ASTRONOMY in Scripture
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Amos 5:8 “Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion…”
Job 9:9 “Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.”
Job 38:31-32 “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? Or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?”
STARS INFORMATION
Seven Stars – same word in Hebrew as “Pleiades”
Pleiades – 3598 Hebrew = “Kiymah” - a cluster of seven stars – only used three times in scripture. Twice in Job and once in Amos where it had been already translated to “seven stars”
“Seven Sisters” is an open star cluster of at least 250 identified stars. The stars are all about the same age and bound by gravity to each other. They are moving together as part of the constellation Taurus (The Bull).
chambers of the south
researching the word: chambers.
Strongs #2315 Hebrew = “cheder” – an apartment, innermost part
Many believe this as a reference to the southern extent of the earth’s night skyline beyond where is the unknown. Therefore, this would be like saying: stars in the vast unknown region of space
Arcturus – Strongs #5906 Hebrew = “Ash” – the constellation of the Great Bear. Specifically, it relates to its migration through the Heavens
URSA MAJOR – latin name means “Great Bear” - URSA MINOR means “Little Bear”. One of the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy back in 2nd century. He himself would have known of it from earlier astronomers. One of the focal points of centuries of myths.
The seven brightest stars form the “Big Dipper”. In regards to the constellation those stars form the hind quarters and tail of the “Bear”.
Two stars that would form the “cup of the dipper” point to a star at the end of the handle of the “little dipper”. Which is likewise the tail and hindquarters of the “little bear”. That star at end of “little dipper” handle is called POLARIS. The North Star.
Arcturus – the star
There is also a star by this name. It is listed as the 4th brightest as seen from earth. It is a red giant. Part of the constellation called Bootes (The Herdsmen). The name came from Greek meaning “the guardian of the bear”. This was because it was so close to the tail of the “Big Bear” (Ursa Major).
Arcturus with his sons
The star Arcturus would also have appeared as a single star to men. In 1971 a discovery was made of what was called the Arcturus Stream. A group of 53 stars that includes Arcturus is moving together at 275,000 miles per hour. They share motion and appear to be associated.
Many commentators believe this to be a reference to the twelve signs of the zodiac.
Mazzaroth 4216 Two Hebrew words interlinked:
Plural = mazzarah in the sense of distinction: collectively the zodiac
Singular = Mazzalah – as affecting the weather: zodiacal sign
The Mazzaroth has a long history in “jewish belief” as being the zodiac being representative of the 12 tribes of Israel. It is not stated biblically but those that hold to this believe it as a mystery or hidden message from God.
Additional Sources Available
Disclaimer:
These resources have been encountered during the years of researching Biblical topics. The inclusion of these resources on this site is in no way an endorsement or acknowledgement that these sources are accurate in the Biblical or non-Biblical approach taken. These are listed only for purpose of further research on the topic being presented. This site is not responsible for any opinions, views or teachings expressed by the authors of these resources. All attempts are taken to only reference items felt to be of use to the viewers of this document. All items were available publicly or online at the time of inclusion here.
“THE ASTRONOMY OF THE BIBLE” by E. Walter Maunder, 1908, Published: New York by Mitchell Kennerley
Available online Project Gutenberg Ebook
“THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM” by Frederick A. Larson. https://bethlehemstar.com/
Video, DVD and Online presentation, Online Study available.
“THE WITNESS OF THE STARS” by Rev. Ethelbert W. Bullinger, 1893, London, Published by Author
Available online Project Gutenberg Ebook