Topical Bible: The Stars: God: Set, in the Firmament of Heaven

◄ The Stars: God: Set, in the Firmament of Heaven ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The stars, as described in the Holy Scriptures, are celestial bodies created by God and set in the firmament of heaven to serve specific purposes. The account of their creation is found in the Book of Genesis, where God establishes the stars as part of His divine order in the universe.

Creation and Purpose

In Genesis 1:14-18 , the Bible states: "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.' And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and He made the stars as well. God set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good."

This passage highlights the stars' role in marking time and seasons, serving as signs, and providing light. The stars, along with the sun and moon, are integral to the divine order established by God, reflecting His sovereignty and meticulous design.

The Stars as a Testament to God's Majesty

The stars are frequently mentioned in Scripture as a testament to God's majesty and power. In Psalm 19:1 , it is written: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The vastness and beauty of the starry heavens are seen as a reflection of God's infinite wisdom and creative power.

Furthermore, in Isaiah 40:26 , the prophet calls upon the people to lift their eyes and behold the stars: "Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out the starry host by number, calling each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." This passage emphasizes God's intimate knowledge and control over the stars, each of which is known and named by Him.

Stars in Biblical Symbolism

Stars also hold symbolic significance in the Bible. They are often used metaphorically to represent numerous descendants, as seen in God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5 : "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.'" This promise underscores the vastness of God's blessings and the fulfillment of His covenant.

In the New Testament, stars are associated with divine guidance and revelation. The star of Bethlehem, as described in Matthew 2:2 , led the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus: "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." This star signifies the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Stars in Eschatological Context

In eschatological passages, stars are often depicted as part of the cosmic signs accompanying the end times. In Matthew 24:29 , Jesus speaks of the signs of His coming: "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.'" Such imagery conveys the dramatic transformation of the created order as God brings history to its consummation.

Conclusion

The stars, as set in the firmament of heaven by God, serve as a profound testament to His creative power, divine order, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through their creation, symbolism, and eschatological significance, the stars continue to reflect the glory and majesty of the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:17
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Six Days' Work Described.
... the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made
the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xi the six days work.htm

Concerning the Heaven.
... these words of David, the singer of God, Who stretchest ... also because when the sun,
moon, and stars set they make ... first heaven which is above the firmament [1695 ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vi concerning the heaven.htm

Whether the Firmament was Made on the Second Day?
... not that in which the stars are set, but the ... day was spherical in form and without
stars, the same ... an equivocal sense, it is expressly said that "God called the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the firmament was made.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Absurdity of ...
... the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made
the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven, to give ...
/.../chapter xvii introduction to proverbs viii.htm

What, Seemingly, we are to Understand by the Words, "God Divided ...
... lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night:
the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven, to give ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 what seemingly we are.htm

Of the Particular Works of God, More Especially of Man.
... Chapter XXXII."Of the Particular Works of God, More Especially of ... to serve the day,
the moon and the stars to cheer ... on account of which he was set over all ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxii of the particular works.htm

Whether There are Waters Above the Firmament?
... is our business here to inquire how God has constituted ... through the rising and setting
of the stars, and their ... the first opinion these waters are set there to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are waters above.htm

Questions Concerning the Origin of Evil in Regard to God, Who ...
... And I set in order before the view of my spirit ... discern in it, such as earth, sea,
air, stars, trees, living ... And I said, Behold God, and behold what God hath ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter v questions concerning the origin.htm

But what is This, and what Kind of Mystery? Behold...
... of heaven, nor the lights, nor the stars, nor the ... one only way, In the Beginning
God created heaven ... trees bearing fruit; and to spiritual gifts set forth for ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxiv but what is.htm

Invention of the Lyre; Allegorizing the Appearance and Position of ...
... are two hebdomads, composed of seven stars, images of ... of the second creation"that
formed according to God. ... then, Cynosura, the second creation, is set in the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xlviii invention of the lyre.htm