Topical Encyclopedia
The sun and moon hold significant places in the biblical narrative, serving as both physical entities and symbols with theological implications. They are mentioned frequently throughout Scripture, often in the context of creation, timekeeping, and divine authority.
Creation and OrderIn the Genesis account of creation, the sun and moon are established by God as the "greater light" and "lesser light" to govern the day and night, respectively.
Genesis 1:16-18 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good." This passage underscores the role of the sun and moon in maintaining the order of creation and their function as timekeepers.
Signs and SeasonsThe sun and moon are also described as markers for signs, seasons, days, and years.
Genesis 1:14 notes, "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years.'" This establishes their role in the divine calendar, marking sacred times and festivals, as seen in the Jewish calendar, which is lunar-based.
Symbolism and ProphecyThroughout the Bible, the sun and moon are used symbolically to convey messages of judgment, hope, and divine intervention. In prophetic literature, they often signify cosmic disturbances associated with the Day of the Lord. For instance,
Joel 2:31 declares, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD." Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus speaks of signs in the sun, moon, and stars as precursors to His return (
Luke 21:25).
Divine Authority and WorshipThe sun and moon are also reminders of God's sovereignty over creation.
Psalm 19:1-6 poetically describes the sun's course as a testament to God's glory: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands... In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, like a bridegroom emerging from his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course." This passage highlights the sun's role in reflecting God's majesty and order.
The Bible explicitly warns against the worship of the sun and moon, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions, "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." This prohibition underscores the distinction between the Creator and His creation, emphasizing that worship is due to God alone.
Eschatological FulfillmentIn eschatological visions, the sun and moon are depicted as undergoing transformation in the new creation.
Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp." This imagery points to a future where God's presence provides eternal light, rendering the sun and moon unnecessary.
The sun and moon, therefore, serve as enduring symbols of God's creative power, His control over time and history, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
