Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Star" as applied to Christ is a rich and evocative symbol found within the biblical narrative, encapsulating His divine nature, guidance, and the fulfillment of prophecy. This title is primarily derived from two key scriptural references that highlight Christ's role and identity.
1.
Prophetic Fulfillment: The imagery of the star is first introduced in the Old Testament in the prophecy of Balaam. In
Numbers 24:17 , Balaam declares, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel." This prophecy is understood to foretell the coming of a ruler from Israel, a messianic figure who would bring light and leadership to the people. The "star" here symbolizes a future hope and the emergence of a divinely appointed leader, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ.
2.
The Star of Bethlehem: In the New Testament, the star is prominently featured in the account of the Magi, who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews.
Matthew 2:2 records the Magi asking, "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." The star serves as a divine sign, guiding the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus, thus affirming His identity as the promised Messiah and King.
3.
The Morning Star: In the book of Revelation, Christ is directly referred to as the "Morning Star."
Revelation 22:16 states, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star." This title emphasizes Christ's preeminence and His role as the harbinger of a new dawn, bringing light and hope to a darkened world. The morning star, often associated with the planet Venus, appears just before dawn, symbolizing the promise of a new day and the ultimate victory of light over darkness.
4.
Symbol of Guidance and Hope: The star as a title for Christ also conveys His role as a guide and source of hope for believers. Just as the star led the Magi to Jesus, Christ leads His followers through the complexities of life, offering direction and purpose. The star signifies His divine guidance and the assurance of His presence with His people.
In summary, the title "Star" as applied to Christ encapsulates His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, His divine guidance, and His role as the bringer of hope and light to the world. Through this imagery, believers are reminded of Christ's sovereignty, His guiding presence, and the promise of His eternal kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 24:17I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... a distinction of power from the different names given to ... make a difference of Person
owing to variety of titles. You cannot say: Christ was born of Mary, but ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm
Son of the Morning
... has been commonly regarded as one of the names of Satan ... we learn that this is one
of the titles of the God ... The "Morning Star" speaks of Christ coming to usher in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/15 son of the morning.htm
The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... Not only do the Scriptures point a complete contrast between Christ and the
Anti-christ in their several names and titles but the same is true in ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm
The Angel of the Bottomless Pit
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 25 ... Other names of the Antichrist which the student
may look up are ... comparisons and contrasts between him and the Christ of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/25 the angel of the.htm
Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... the morning star, is to receive Christ, who testifieth ... dwell on the earth shall wonder,
whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm
Section 26-36. That the Son is the Co-Existing Word
... fruits and blended with it, therefore the other titles also have ... even the body by
the name of Christ, as in ... writers, but that they but give various names to the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 26-36 that the son.htm
A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... Only here, as I have said, you glorify your errors also, with names and titles that
are ... of the law, 'but the righteousness of God in Christ' (2 Corinthians ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm
Why Does the New Testament Contain Four Gospels and not one Only?
... concerning trustworthy knowledge of the person of Christ and of ... be combined into
one; for then the names would have ... have been taken that in the titles St Mark ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 3 why does the.htm
The Fifth Theological Oration.
... I tremble when I think of the abundance of the titles, and how many Names they outrage ...
He is called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Mind of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the fifth theological oration.htm
Resources
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