Topical Bible: The Stars: Arcturus

◄ The Stars: Arcturus ►

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Biblical References:

Arcturus is mentioned in the Bible in the context of God's creation and His sovereign control over the universe. The primary reference to Arcturus is found in the Book of Job, a poetic and wisdom literature text that explores themes of suffering, divine justice, and the majesty of God.

· Job 9:9 : "He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south."

· Job 38:32 : "Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?"

In these passages, Arcturus is referred to as "the Bear," which is part of the constellation Ursa Major. The mention of Arcturus in Job highlights the grandeur and complexity of God's creation, emphasizing His omnipotence and the order He established in the cosmos.

Astronomical Context:

Arcturus is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is located in the constellation Boötes. It is a red giant star, approximately 36.7 light-years from Earth. The name "Arcturus" is derived from the Greek word "Arktouros," meaning "Guardian of the Bear," which reflects its position near the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, the mention of Arcturus serves as a testament to God's creative power and His authority over the natural world. The stars, including Arcturus, are seen as part of the divine order established by God. They are not merely celestial bodies but are imbued with purpose and meaning within the biblical narrative.

The reference to Arcturus in Job is part of a larger discourse where God challenges Job to consider the vastness and complexity of creation. By pointing to the stars and constellations, God underscores His wisdom and the limitations of human understanding. This serves to remind believers of the need for humility and trust in God's sovereign plan.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, the stars were often used for navigation and as markers of seasons. The constellations, including those mentioned in the Bible, held significant cultural and agricultural importance. The mention of Arcturus and other celestial bodies in Scripture reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the heavens as a testament to divine craftsmanship.

The awe-inspiring nature of the stars, including Arcturus, has been a source of wonder and inspiration throughout history. In the biblical worldview, the stars are not objects of worship but are instead seen as part of God's magnificent creation, pointing to His glory and majesty.

Conclusion:

The biblical references to Arcturus serve as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the intricate design of the universe. Through the mention of this star, Scripture invites believers to reflect on the greatness of God and the beauty of His creation, encouraging a posture of reverence and awe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 9:9
Which makes Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 38:32
Can you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or can you guide Arcturus with his sons?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

One of Paul's Prayers
... Let us then also, my brethren, as often as we lift our eyes and look up at the sun
and the moon and the stars,"at Arcturus, and the bands of Orion, and the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

God is Known by his Works.
... and heralding the approach of the perfect luminary; and the constellation of Pleiades,
and Orion, and Arcturus, and the orbit of the other stars that circle ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter vi god is known by.htm

A Refutation on the Ground of the Constitution of the Universe.
... And as certainly neither would Arcturus, resplendent as he is, ever boast his having
the ... and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/iii a refutation on the.htm

The Arians are Condemned by the Holy Spirit through the Mouth of ...
... watches Arcturus continues, what sort of a rising of Orion he will discover, but
he knows nothing of the connection of the Vergili?? and of the other stars, or ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi the arians are.htm

To Cledonius the Priest against Apollinarius. (Ep. Ci. )
... ravens call upon God, [4713] to indicate the whole feathered race; or Pleiades,
Hesperus, and Arcturus [4714] are mentioned, instead of all the Stars and His ...
/.../select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/to cledonius the priest against.htm

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... He looseth the bands of Orion; he bindeth the sweet influences of the Pleiades,
and binds Arcturus with his suns. He made all those stars that shine in heaven. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm

It is Somewhat the Same Argument which You Use against the Pope ...
... them; and then as to the course of the sun, the waxing and waning of the moon, the
character and movements of the stars. ... Arcturus' rainy Hyads, and the Bears: ...
/.../24 it is somewhat the.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... throne whence Thou turnest the swiftly rolling sky, and bindest the stars to keep ...
the dog-star's heat makes ripe the ears of corn whose seed Arcturus watched. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... If any man knows not that the star Arcturus [60] has his course nearest the ... night,
when Phoebe thus lays bare all the varying bands of the stars, which she had ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

The Beginning, Increase, and End of the Divine Life
... more and more unto the perfect day." As the coming forth of stars at even ... not a star,
because it did not shine as brightly as Sirius or Arcturus, how foolish ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the beginning increase and end.htm