Topical Bible: The Stars: Called: Stars of Light

◄ The Stars: Called: Stars of Light ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The stars, often referred to as the "stars of light," hold a significant place in biblical literature, symbolizing both the majesty of God's creation and His divine order. The term "stars of light" is a poetic expression found in the Psalms, highlighting the brilliance and beauty of these celestial bodies.

Biblical References:

1. Creation and Order:
The stars are first mentioned in the creation narrative, where God sets them in the expanse of the sky to serve as signs, seasons, days, and years. Genesis 1:16 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars." This passage underscores the stars' role in the divine order of creation, serving as markers of time and seasons.

2. Stars of Light:
The phrase "stars of light" is found in Psalm 148:3 , which calls upon the celestial bodies to praise the Lord: "Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light." This verse emphasizes the stars' role in glorifying God, reflecting His splendor and majesty.

3. Symbol of God's Promise:
The stars are also a symbol of God's promise and faithfulness. In Genesis 15:5 , God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars: "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 imagery conveys the vastness and certainty of God's covenant with Abraham.

4. Guidance and Revelation:
The stars have been used as instruments of guidance and revelation. The Magi, or wise men, followed a star to find the newborn Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:2 : "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 event highlights the stars' role in divine revelation and guidance.

5. Symbol of Righteousness:
In the prophetic literature, stars often symbolize righteousness and divine favor. Daniel 12:3 states, "Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Here, stars represent the eternal reward and glory of the righteous.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the stars of light serve as a testament to God's creative power and sovereignty. They are a constant reminder of His presence and the order He has established in the universe. The stars' beauty and constancy inspire awe and worship, directing believers' hearts toward the Creator.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, stars were often associated with deities and were objects of worship. However, the biblical narrative distinguishes itself by presenting the stars as creations of the one true God, who alone is worthy of worship. This distinction underscores the monotheistic foundation of the biblical worldview.

Conclusion:

The stars of light, as depicted in the Bible, are more than mere celestial objects; they are symbols of God's glory, faithfulness, and the divine order of creation. Through their brilliance and constancy, they call all creation to worship the Creator, reflecting His eternal nature and the hope of His promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 148:3
Praise you him, sun and moon: praise him, all you stars of light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... an extra day is completed, which is called bis-sextile ... a half day, when it is completely
void of light. ... is evident that both sun and moon and stars are compound ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men.
... dumb and deaf demon, but the great light in heaven ... as this impure spirit, producing
what is called lunacy, observes ... phases of the rest of the stars; so that ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 influence of the moon.htm

The Dragon, the Devil; the Stars Struck from Heaven by the Tail of ...
... the seat of their soul in heaven, and to come near to the stars as children of light. ...
Whence also they are called the third part of the stars, as having ...
/.../chapter x the dragon the devil.htm

In the Birth of the Son Light Dawned, --And Darkness Fled from the ...
... should come and exult"in the great Light that has ... 6. One envoy from among the
stars"the firmament sent ... Great Assyria when she perceived it"called to the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv in the birth.htm

Christ as Light; How He, and How his Disciples are the Light of ...
... the sun is shining the moon and the stars lose their ... everything that is not true
can correctly be called false. Now I ask whether the light of the world is the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 christ as light how.htm

Introduction
... Ministers are called stars. ... our Lord Christ has set them a pattern in the text: Seeing
the multitude, he went up into the mountain.' Here was a light set upon ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

The Fourth Trumpet.
... part of the night." Where the diurnal light, which is that of the sun, is called
by the name of day, and the nocturnal light of the moon and stars, by that of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the fourth trumpet.htm

The Woman who Brings Forth, to whom the Dragon is Opposed, the ...
... the sun, and crowned with twelve stars, and having ... to the aspect of their subjects,
have called sometimes Jerusalem ... power which is desired to give light in the ...
/.../chapter v the woman who brings.htm

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
... They would eclipse those that bring the truth, like black vapours that darken the
light of heaven; they ... Jude 6.. They are called, morning stars,' Job 38 ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/1 a preliminary discourse to.htm

On Incorporeal and Corporeal Beings.
... light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night, and the stars also,"
[2053 ... be the case with those living beings which are called heavenly. ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter vii on incorporeal and corporeal.htm