Topical Encyclopedia An eclipse, a natural astronomical event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the phenomenon can be related to various biblical themes and events, particularly those involving signs in the heavens and divine intervention.Biblical Context and Symbolism In the Bible, celestial events often serve as signs from God, marking significant events or conveying divine messages. While the term "eclipse" is not used, the Bible frequently references the sun and moon in contexts that could imply such occurrences. For instance, in the prophetic literature, celestial disturbances are often associated with the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and revelation. Old Testament References 1. Joel 2:31 : "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." This passage, part of a larger prophecy concerning the outpouring of the Spirit and the coming judgment, suggests a dramatic alteration in the natural order, which could be interpreted as an eclipse or similar celestial event. 2. Amos 8:9 : "And in that day, declares the Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight." This prophecy against Israel speaks of a supernatural darkening of the sun, reminiscent of an eclipse, as a sign of impending judgment. New Testament References 1. Matthew 24:29 : "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’" Jesus speaks of cosmic signs preceding His return, which could include eclipses as part of the apocalyptic imagery. 2. Acts 2:20 : Quoting Joel, Peter reiterates the prophecy during his sermon at Pentecost: "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord." Historical and Cultural Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, eclipses were often viewed with fear and awe, seen as omens or messages from the divine. The Israelites, living among such cultures, would have been familiar with these interpretations. While the Bible does not explicitly describe eclipses, the language of darkened skies and celestial signs would resonate with contemporary understandings of these events as significant and portentous. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, eclipses and similar celestial phenomena underscore God's sovereignty over creation. They serve as reminders of His power to alter the natural order and communicate with humanity through extraordinary means. The Bible's use of cosmic imagery to describe divine intervention highlights the belief in a God who is actively involved in the world and its history. Conclusion While the Bible does not specifically mention eclipses, the concept aligns with the broader biblical theme of God using signs in the heavens to convey His purposes. These events, whether literal or symbolic, point to the majesty and authority of God over all creation. Easton's Bible Dictionary Of the sun alluded to in Amos 8:9; Micah 3:6; Zechariah 14:6; Joel 2:10. Eclipses were regarded as tokens of God's anger (Joel 3:15; Job 9:7). The darkness at the crucifixion has been ascribed to an eclipse (Matthew 27:45); but on the other hand it is argued that the great intensity of darkness caused by an eclipse never lasts for more than six minutes, and this darkness lasted for three hours. Moreover, at the time of the Passover the moon was full, and therefore there could not be an eclipse of the sun, which is caused by an interposition of the moon between the sun and the earth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An obstruction of the light of the sun, moon, or other luminous body, by the intervention of some other body, either between it and the eye, or between the luminous body and that illuminated by it. A lunar eclipse is caused by the moon passing through the earth's shadow; a solar eclipse, by the moon coming between the sun and the observer. A satellite is eclipsed by entering the shadow of its primary. The obscuration of a planet or star by the moon or a planet, though of the nature of an eclipse, is called an occultation. The eclipse of a small portion of the sun by Mercury or Venus is called a transit of the planet.2. (n.) The loss, usually temporary or partial, of light, brilliancy, luster, honor, consciousness, etc.; obscuration; gloom; darkness. 3. (v. t.) To cause the obscuration of; to darken or hide; -- said of a heavenly body; as, the moon eclipses the sun. 4. (v. t.) To obscure, darken, or extinguish the beauty, luster, honor, etc., of; to sully; to cloud; to throw into the shade by surpassing. 5. (v. i.) To suffer an eclipse. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ECLIPSEe-klips'. Strong's Hebrew 3650. kimrir -- darkness, gloominess... blackness. Redupl. From kamar; obscuration (as if from shrinkage of light, ie An eclipse (only in plural) -- blackness. see HEBREW kamar. 3649, 3650. ... /hebrew/3650.htm - 6k Library The Solar Eclipse The Eclipse On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776 Eclipse of the Sun. The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament Fragment xviii. On the Circumstances Connected with Our Saviour's ... Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Work Miracles in the ... What Manner of Life and Death the Roman Kings Had. Christ's Priestly Office The Death of Jesus Thesaurus Eclipse... Eclipses were regarded as tokens of God's anger (Joel 3:15; Job 9:7). The darkness at the crucifixion has been ascribed to an eclipse (Matthew 27:45); but on ... /e/eclipse.htm - 8k Chronology Astrology Ecstasy (3 Occurrences) Astronomy Observe (216 Occurrences) Immersion Emerge (2 Occurrences) Extinguish (6 Occurrences) Echoes (1 Occurrence) Resources Is an eclipse a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWill the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that the sun stood still? | GotQuestions.org Eclipse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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