- Dec 20, 2019
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Throughout history, humanity has shown a reoccurring fascination with astrology. In our modern world, many seek out astrology consultants to gain wisdom, reason, and purpose. Interestingly, similar practices were already taking place in ancient Babylon. We can see this throughout the Old Testament.
Today, various perspectives on astrology circulate widely. Some explore how the stars might fit into God’s redemptive plan. Others focus on tracking the constellations and their purpose. Still, many use astrology as a form of guidance for their future. So, to prevent getting caught up in the chaos of varying beliefs, we need to look towards what the Bible has to say to find clarity and truth.
The Bible does reference stars, constellations, the moon, the sun, and the heavens. As we go deeper, we find a strong biblical warning against astrology as a form of divination, something God calls sinful. Leviticus 19:26 says, “You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.” 1 Samuel 15:23 states rebellion is “like the sin of divination.”
When the Israelites were entering the Promise Land, God clearly instructed them not to imitate the surrounding nations. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or a charmer or a medium…for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
Astrology is the belief that the positions and movements of the sun, planets, moon, and stars can influence human affairs and Earthly events. In Hebrew, astrology can translate to “diving the heavens.” To practice divination is to seek hidden knowledge through supernatural means. This can be in the form of palm reading, star chats, tarot cards, fortune telling, witchcraft, spell-casting, and more. Many pursue these practices in an attempt to gain wisdom and direction. But, this directly opposes Scripture informing us that true wisdom comes straight from the Lord. The world offers temporary substitutes for God’s truth, drawing people away from the Word and convincing them that fulfillment can be found somewhere else.
The world states that astrology impacts our destiny. It persuades many to follow astrology like a religion or a way of living. The Bible tells us to not make idols out of anything, but to submit fully to the will of the Lord. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me…”
Some use astrological signs to justify personality traits, behaviors, or life decisions, basing much of their identity on star alignments. Others in the world try to tie biblical imagery like the Lion of Judah to constellations such as Leo. But, the Bible does not specify this and does not reference any hidden meaning about the stars. Although the Bible doesn’t give a direct explanation for the stars, God still created them for a purpose.
The Bible starts in Genesis by affirming that God created the stars with purpose. Genesis 1:14 says, “And God 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 season, and for days and years.’” He then goes on to make promises to Abraham, counting the stars as His offspring. Genesis 15:5 states, “And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” The stars remind us of the Lord’s promises and faithfulness!
In the book of Job, we see that God is the maker of the constellations. Job 9:9 states, “He is the maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.”
In the book of Daniel, we see astrologers try but fail to interpret the King’s dreams. Daniel 2:27 says, “Daniel answered the king and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked.’” God later revealed this mystery through Daniel. True wisdom comes from the Lord!
Isaiah 8:19 says, “And when they say to you. ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?’” We should be turning to the Lord for direction. Why would we not seek the Lord instead of mediums and spirits? There is no reason to seek the dead when the living God speaks through His living Word.
Isaiah 47:13-14 states, “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by.” God challenged the sorcerers of Babylon to save the people from His judgment. The sorcerers could not save them, revealing their lack of spiritual power. If we do not look to the Lord for saving, we will not find deliverance.
Deuteronomy 4:19 says, “And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars- all the heavenly array- do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.” This shows God’s direction and His wisdom. He instructs us not to bow down to anything other than Him. The passage goes on to say “But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are.” We need to live faithfully in the inheritance the Lord has given us!
God designed the entire cosmos and all of creation to declare His glory. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” God created the stars; the heavens are his handiwork. He is the one who brings them forth, each in their season. The Bible says that the stars, moon, and planets were given for timekeeping and navigation- not divination. When we look to the stars, our gaze should lead us to awe and worship of the One who made them- not to false systems of guidance. Astrology diverts glory from God and places it on creation.
We encourage you to turn to prayer when faced with questions about spiritual practices like astrology. God is full of wisdom and desires to give you the knowledge! Let scripture be your compass. Stand firm in His promises, especially in times of confusion or spiritual searching. The world will offer many voices, but only one is Truth.
James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
The Lord hears your prayers, sees your uncertainties, and longs to lead you by His Spirit. Trust in Him- not the stars- for direction, identity, and hope.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Astrology? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
Today, various perspectives on astrology circulate widely. Some explore how the stars might fit into God’s redemptive plan. Others focus on tracking the constellations and their purpose. Still, many use astrology as a form of guidance for their future. So, to prevent getting caught up in the chaos of varying beliefs, we need to look towards what the Bible has to say to find clarity and truth.
The Bible does reference stars, constellations, the moon, the sun, and the heavens. As we go deeper, we find a strong biblical warning against astrology as a form of divination, something God calls sinful. Leviticus 19:26 says, “You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.” 1 Samuel 15:23 states rebellion is “like the sin of divination.”
When the Israelites were entering the Promise Land, God clearly instructed them not to imitate the surrounding nations. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or a charmer or a medium…for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
What is Astrology?
Astrology is the belief that the positions and movements of the sun, planets, moon, and stars can influence human affairs and Earthly events. In Hebrew, astrology can translate to “diving the heavens.” To practice divination is to seek hidden knowledge through supernatural means. This can be in the form of palm reading, star chats, tarot cards, fortune telling, witchcraft, spell-casting, and more. Many pursue these practices in an attempt to gain wisdom and direction. But, this directly opposes Scripture informing us that true wisdom comes straight from the Lord. The world offers temporary substitutes for God’s truth, drawing people away from the Word and convincing them that fulfillment can be found somewhere else.
What Does the World Say About Astrology?
The world states that astrology impacts our destiny. It persuades many to follow astrology like a religion or a way of living. The Bible tells us to not make idols out of anything, but to submit fully to the will of the Lord. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me…”
Some use astrological signs to justify personality traits, behaviors, or life decisions, basing much of their identity on star alignments. Others in the world try to tie biblical imagery like the Lion of Judah to constellations such as Leo. But, the Bible does not specify this and does not reference any hidden meaning about the stars. Although the Bible doesn’t give a direct explanation for the stars, God still created them for a purpose.
What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?
The Bible starts in Genesis by affirming that God created the stars with purpose. Genesis 1:14 says, “And God 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 season, and for days and years.’” He then goes on to make promises to Abraham, counting the stars as His offspring. Genesis 15:5 states, “And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” The stars remind us of the Lord’s promises and faithfulness!
In the book of Job, we see that God is the maker of the constellations. Job 9:9 states, “He is the maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.”
In the book of Daniel, we see astrologers try but fail to interpret the King’s dreams. Daniel 2:27 says, “Daniel answered the king and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked.’” God later revealed this mystery through Daniel. True wisdom comes from the Lord!
Isaiah 8:19 says, “And when they say to you. ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?’” We should be turning to the Lord for direction. Why would we not seek the Lord instead of mediums and spirits? There is no reason to seek the dead when the living God speaks through His living Word.
Isaiah 47:13-14 states, “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by.” God challenged the sorcerers of Babylon to save the people from His judgment. The sorcerers could not save them, revealing their lack of spiritual power. If we do not look to the Lord for saving, we will not find deliverance.
Deuteronomy 4:19 says, “And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars- all the heavenly array- do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.” This shows God’s direction and His wisdom. He instructs us not to bow down to anything other than Him. The passage goes on to say “But as for you, the Lord took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are.” We need to live faithfully in the inheritance the Lord has given us!
What is the Purpose of the Stars?
God designed the entire cosmos and all of creation to declare His glory. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” God created the stars; the heavens are his handiwork. He is the one who brings them forth, each in their season. The Bible says that the stars, moon, and planets were given for timekeeping and navigation- not divination. When we look to the stars, our gaze should lead us to awe and worship of the One who made them- not to false systems of guidance. Astrology diverts glory from God and places it on creation.
Challenge For You:
We encourage you to turn to prayer when faced with questions about spiritual practices like astrology. God is full of wisdom and desires to give you the knowledge! Let scripture be your compass. Stand firm in His promises, especially in times of confusion or spiritual searching. The world will offer many voices, but only one is Truth.
James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
The Lord hears your prayers, sees your uncertainties, and longs to lead you by His Spirit. Trust in Him- not the stars- for direction, identity, and hope.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Astrology? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
