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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 influence 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 12 equal divisions of the year. In addition, astronomers now recognize
a 13th constellation along the ecliptic, the constellation Ophiuchus. An astronomical phenomenon
known as 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.