Solar eclipses have fascinated people for centuries, and they even appear in the Bible! Some view them as signs or omens, but what does Scripture actually say about them? If you’re curious about how the Bible mentions celestial events like solar eclipses and what they mean, let’s explore how these natural phenomena are referenced in Scripture and what significance they might hold.
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What Does The Bible Say About Solar Eclipses
Genesis 1:14-16
“And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.”
In these verses, we see that God created the lights in the sky, including the sun and the moon, to serve as signs and to give light on the earth. Solar eclipses, where the moon blocks the sun, are a natural phenomenon that reminds us of the vastness and power of God’s creation.
As we observe solar eclipses, we can be in awe of God’s handiwork and be reminded of His sovereignty over all things. It is a reminder that we are part of a grand design and should marvel at the intricacies of the universe that God has created.
Exodus 10:21-23
“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or move about for three days.”
Although not explicitly about solar eclipses, these verses describe a supernatural darkness that covered Egypt for three days as a plague. This darkness was so intense that it could be felt, highlighting its unusual and extraordinary nature. Solar eclipses can also bring a temporary darkness and can be seen as a reminder of the power and authority of God over nature.
Just as the darkness in Egypt served as a sign of God’s judgment, a solar eclipse can serve as a sign of God’s presence and power. It can prompt us to reflect on our own lives, seek God’s guidance, and acknowledge His dominion over all creation.
Amos 8:9
“In that day,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.”
In this verse, the prophet Amos prophesies about a future event where the sun will go down at noon and darkened the earth in broad daylight. This verse emphasizes the supernatural and extraordinary nature of such an event, similar to a solar eclipse.
Amos’s prophecy serves as a reminder that God’s power and control extend beyond our human understanding. Solar eclipses can be seen as a natural occurrence that aligns with Amos’s prophecy, demonstrating that even the cosmic elements of the universe are subject to God’s authority and sovereignty.
Joel 2:31
“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”
Joel prophesies about a time when the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and dreadful day of the LORD. This verse depicts extraordinary celestial events that are often associated with the imagery of judgment and the end times.
While solar eclipses do not fulfill the exact details of this prophecy, they serve as a reminder of the apocalyptic themes found in Scripture. Solar eclipses can prompt us to reflect on our own lives, our relationship with God, and the future fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
Matthew 27:45
“From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.”
During Jesus’ crucifixion, darkness came over the land from noon until three in the afternoon. This darkness can be seen as a supernatural occurrence, similar to a solar eclipse, that emphasizes the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus’ sacrifice.
The darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion carries significant spiritual symbolism, representing the moment when the weight of sin and separation from God engulfed the earth. Solar eclipses, with their temporary darkness, can serve as a reminder of the darkness that was broken by Jesus’ sacrificial death and the hope that comes through His resurrection.
Mark 13:24-26
“But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ At that time, people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
In these verses, Jesus speaks about the signs that will accompany His coming and the end times. He mentions the darkening of the sun and the moon not giving its light, which can be associated with the phenomenon of a solar eclipse.
Jesus’ words serve as a reminder of the temporary nature of the celestial bodies and the awe-inspiring events that will unfold during His return. Solar eclipses can point us to the future fulfillment of Christ’s promises and His ultimate triumph over darkness and evil.
Acts 2:20
“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.”
Peter, while preaching to the crowd on the day of Pentecost, references the prophecy of Joel about the sun being turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. This verse aligns with Jesus’ teaching about the signs of His return and the end times.
Solar eclipses can serve as a reminder of the imminent return of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of biblical prophecies. They prompt us to reflect on our readiness for His second coming and to live with a sense of anticipation and faithful obedience.
Revelation 6:12-13
“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.”
In the book of Revelation, John describes the opening of the sixth seal, where cosmic events unfold. The sun turns black, the moon turns blood red, and the stars fall from the sky. While this passage goes beyond a solar eclipse, it portrays extraordinary celestial occurrences that signify the coming judgment.
Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the end times, serving as a reminder of God’s ultimate plan for the world. Solar eclipses can point us to the chapters of Revelation, evoking a sense of awe and anticipation for the fulfillment of God’s purposes in history.
Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
This verse emphasizes the majesty and splendor of God’s creation. The heavens and the skies serve as a testimony to His glory and handiwork. Solar eclipses are a prime example of the wonders and beauty found in the celestial realm, affirming the truth that the universe reflects God’s creativity.
As we gaze at the sky during a solar eclipse, we are invited to meditate on the greatness of God and give Him praise for the magnificence of His creation. It is an opportunity to cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for the intricate and breathtaking universe He has formed.
Psalm 148:3-6
“Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever. He issued a decree that will never pass away.”
This Psalm calls for praise from all elements of creation, including the sun, moon, stars, and heavens. It acknowledges that God created these celestial bodies and established them according to His eternal plan.
As we witness solar eclipses, we can join in the chorus of praise to God for His wondrous creation. They serve as a reminder that all creation is called to declare the glory of the Lord and that the heavens themselves testify to His power and everlasting reign.
Isaiah 13:10
“The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.”
In this verse, Isaiah prophesies about a time when the stars and constellations will not show their light. It speaks of a darkened sun and a moon that does not give its light. This foretells a supernatural obscuration of celestial luminaries similar to the occurrence of a solar eclipse.
Isaiah’s prophecy allows us to reflect on the temporary nature of the created order and the profound events that will unfold in God’s plan. Solar eclipses act as a visual reminder that the predictable rhythms of the cosmos can be disrupted, pointing us to the awe-inspiring ways in which God moves and fulfills His divine purposes.
Jeremiah 10:2
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.’
In this verse, God warns the Israelites not to be afraid or dismayed by signs in the heavens that may cause distress among the nations. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s ultimate sovereignty and not to ascribe undue fear or superstition to celestial events such as solar eclipses.
Solar eclipses can be occasions for reflection and wonder, rather than fear or anxiety. They can deepen our faith in God’s guiding hand and help us maintain a healthy perspective on the cosmic wonders that He has orchestrated.
2 Peter 1:19
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Here, Peter speaks about the reliability of the prophetic message and encourages believers to pay attention to it like a light shining in a dark place. This verse invites us to attentively consider the truths and prophecies found in the Scriptures, leading to a deepening of our faith.
Solar eclipses can serve as a metaphorical representation of the darkness within the world, and the longing for the day to dawn and the morning star to rise. They prompt us to focus on the sure promises of God’s Word and the hope that we have in Christ, even amidst the uncertainties and challenges of life.
Job 9:7
“He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars.”
In this verse, Job acknowledges God’s control over the celestial bodies. He recognizes that God can command the sun not to shine and the stars to be hidden. Solar eclipses serve as a tangible reminder of the power and authority of God, who can control even the luminaries of the sky.
Job’s words inspire us to have a healthy sense of awe and reverence for the Creator of the universe. Solar eclipses can deepen our understanding of God’s sovereignty and His ability to shape and govern the celestial order according to His divine purposes.
Ezekiel 32:7
“When I snuff you out, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light.”
In this passage, Ezekiel speaks of God’s judgment on Egypt, where the covering of the heavens, darkening of stars, and obscuring of the sun and moon are depicted. While not explicitly about solar eclipses, these descriptions convey the disruptive nature of divine judgment.
The imagery of celestial bodies being veiled can evoke contemplation on God’s authority to bring about change in both the physical and spiritual realms. Solar eclipses may serve as a reflection of divine power and a solemn reminder of the consequences of human actions.
Luke 23:44-45
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”
During Jesus’ crucifixion, darkness came over the whole land from about noon until three in the afternoon, coinciding with His death. This supernatural darkness signifies the weight of sin and separation from God that Jesus bore on the cross.
The darkening of the sun during this pivotal moment in history connects solar eclipses with the redemptive work of Christ. As we observe a solar eclipse, we can remember the sacrifice of Jesus and the significance of His death in bridging the gap between humanity and God.
Genesis 9:13-15
“I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you.”
In these verses, God establishes the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with humanity after the flood. It represents God’s faithfulness and serves as a reminder of His promises.
Although not directly related to solar eclipses, the beauty and wonder of the natural world, including solar phenomena, can remind us of God’s faithfulness and love. Solar eclipses can be seen as yet another manifestation of God’s creative power and a testament to His faithfulness in upholding all things in the universe.
1 Chronicles 16:29
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.”
This verse encourages believers to give glory and worship to the Lord, recognizing the splendor of His holiness. Solar eclipses can remind us of God’s majesty and inspire us to worship Him with awe and reverence.
As we witness the spectacle of a solar eclipse, it is an opportunity to pause and offer praise to God for His greatness. It invites us to enter into a posture of worship, acknowledging His glory and the magnificence of His creation.
Job 26:9
“He covers the face of the full moon, spreading his clouds over it.”
Job describes God’s ability to cover the face of the full moon with clouds. Although not explicitly about solar eclipses, this verse speaks to God’s power over celestial bodies and the ability to obscure their luminosity.
Solar eclipses, where the moon eclipses the sun, can be seen as a physical manifestation of God’s ability to control the heavens. They serve as a reminder of His authority over creation and the intricate mechanisms by which He orchestrates natural phenomena.
Psalm 8:3-4
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”
This Psalm expresses the awe and wonder that arises from contemplating God’s creation. As the psalmist reflects on the moon and stars set in place by God, it prompts a sense of humility and amazement at God’s care and attention to humanity.
During a solar eclipse, we can echo the sentiment of this psalm, recognizing our smallness in the vastness of the universe and yet being reassured of God’s deep love and concern for each individual. It invites us to marvel at the intricacies of creation and the privileged position we hold as recipients of God’s grace.
Jeremiah 33:20-21
“This is what the LORD says: ‘If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David my servant—and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me—can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne.”
In these verses, God speaks through Jeremiah, declaring the enduring nature of His covenants. He uses the unchanging patterns of day and night as a witness to the everlasting nature of His promises, specifically the covenant He made with David and the Levitical priesthood.
Solar eclipses, with their temporary dimming of the sun’s light, can remind us of the constancy of God’s faithfulness. They provide a visual representation of the unchanging nature of His covenantal commitments and invite us to trust in His enduring love and promises.