Stargazers
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Definition and Context: In biblical terms, "stargazers" refers to individuals who study the stars and celestial bodies, often for the purpose of divination or predicting future events. This practice is closely associated with astrology, which is distinct from astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects. The Bible addresses stargazing primarily in the context of pagan practices and warns against its use for guidance or decision-making.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 47:13: The prophet Isaiah speaks against the Babylonians, who were known for their astrological practices. He challenges their reliance on stargazers, saying, "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them stand up and save you—those who divide the heavens and gaze at the stars, who predict the new moons—save you from what is coming upon you." . This passage highlights the futility of seeking guidance from stargazers instead of relying on God.

2. Deuteronomy 18:10-12: The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids various forms of divination, including astrology. "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD." . This prohibition underscores the importance of seeking God's will rather than relying on human interpretations of celestial phenomena.

3. Daniel 2:27-28: In the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel distinguishes the wisdom of God from the practices of the Babylonian magicians and astrologers. "Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.'" . Daniel's reliance on divine revelation rather than astrology serves as a model for seeking God's guidance.

Historical and Cultural Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, astrology was a common practice. The Babylonians, in particular, were renowned for their astrological knowledge and developed complex systems to interpret the movements of stars and planets. This practice was often intertwined with their religious beliefs and was used to make decisions about everything from agriculture to warfare.

Theological Implications: From a biblical perspective, reliance on stargazers and astrology is seen as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in creation rather than the Creator. The Bible consistently emphasizes that God alone is sovereign over the universe and that He alone knows the future. Seeking guidance from stargazers is viewed as a rejection of God's authority and wisdom.

Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of godly individuals rather than turning to astrology or other forms of divination. The Bible calls for a trust in God's providence and a reliance on His revealed Word for direction in life.

Conclusion: The biblical stance on stargazers is clear: while the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), they are not to be used as tools for divination. Instead, believers are to look to God, who created the stars, for guidance and understanding.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Isaiah 47:13), those who pretend to tell what will occur by looking upon the stars. The Chaldean astrologers "divined by the rising and setting, the motions, aspects, colour, degree of light, etc., of the stars."
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
STARGAZERS

star'-gaz-erz.

See ASTROLOGY, 5.

Library

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... which it could be shown without doubt that what had been truly foretold by those
consulted came from accident or chance, and not from the art of the stargazers ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... If so be thou mayest prevail. "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels.
Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators,. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... Give no more heed, pray, to astrologers; for of these the divine Scripture saith,
Let the stargazers of the heaven stand up and save thee, and what follows ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iv on the ten.htm

Thesaurus
Stargazers (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. STARGAZERS. star'-gaz-erz. See ASTROLOGY,
5. Multi-Version Concordance Stargazers (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/stargazers.htm - 7k

Prognosticators (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you ...
/p/prognosticators.htm - 7k

Counsels (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you ...
/c/counsels.htm - 12k

Astrology
... TO FORECAST THE FUTURE 1. Methods of Soothsaying 2. Divination 3. Looking in the
Liver 4. The Astrologers, or Dividers of the Heavens 5. The Stargazers, or See ...
/a/astrology.htm - 38k

Astrologers (9 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you ...
/a/astrologers.htm - 9k

Stares (1 Occurrence)

/s/stares.htm - 6k

Star-gazers (1 Occurrence)
Star-gazers. Stargazers, Star-gazers. Star-god . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV WBS). Stargazers, Star-gazers. Star-god . Reference Bible.
/s/star-gazers.htm - 6k

Wearied (36 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you ...
/w/wearied.htm - 17k

Gaze (46 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you ...
/g/gaze.htm - 19k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels; let now the astrologers,
the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

Resources
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Concordance
Stargazers (1 Occurrence)

Isaiah 47:13
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.
(WEB KJV JPS NIV)

Subtopics

Stargazers

Related Terms

Star-gazers (1 Occurrence)

Astrology

Prognosticators (1 Occurrence)

Counsels (22 Occurrences)

Astrologers (9 Occurrences)

Stares (1 Occurrence)

Star-god (1 Occurrence)

Wearied (36 Occurrences)

Gaze (46 Occurrences)

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)

Monthly (11 Occurrences)

Stares
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