Stars

Heavenly luminaries other than the sun and moon, often worshipped as gods by pagan nations. Scripture stresses that the stars were created by God, and are subject to him. Stars are often treated as symbols of the generosity of God, and his faithfulness to his promises.

The relationship between God and the stars

God is the creator

Psalm 33:6 See also Genesis 1:16; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 136:7–9, Psalm 148:3–6

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.

The stars demonstrate the power of their maker

Isaiah 40:26 See also Job 9:7–9, Job 38:31–33; Psalm 147:4–5; Isaiah 45:11–12; Amos 5:8

Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Worship of the stars

Prohibited by God

Deuteronomy 4:19 See also Deuteronomy 17:3; 2 Kings 23:4–5

When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars— all the host of heaven— do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.

God's judgment of star worshippers

Jeremiah 8:2 See also Jeremiah 19:12–13; Amos 5:25–27; Zephaniah 1:4–5; Acts 7:42–43

They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.

Examples of star worship

2 Kings 17:16, 2 Kings 21:3–5; 2 Chronicles 33:5; Acts 28:11

Reading the stars

Isaiah 47:13 See also Daniel 2:2–5, Daniel 4:7

You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.

Signs in the stars

Isaiah 34:4 See also Ezekiel 32:7–8; Revelation 6:13

All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.

The star of Bethlehem

Matthew 2:9–10 See also Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:7

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.

The stars illustrating God's promise to Abraham

Genesis 15:5 See also Genesis 22:17; Deuteronomy 10:22; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Nehemiah 9:23; Jeremiah 33:22; Hebrews 11:12

And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Metaphorical references to the stars

A coming ruler

Numbers 24:17

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

The morning star

Revelation 22:16 See also Isaiah 14:12–13; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world