The Bible and the Zodiac by David Rives

The Genesis account tells us that the lights in the heavens are to be for signs and for seasons, for days and years.

In this issue we will explore the association of the Biblical word Mazzaroth with the modern-day Zodiac.

The meaning of the Hebrew word translated ‘Mazzaroth’ as found in the book of Job is a subject of debate. Some Biblical scholars believe that Mazzaroth is actually a reference to the divisions of the constellations along the celestial sphere.

They believe that the Mazzaroth was originally given as a prophetic guide to the coming of Messiah, a story spelled out in the heavens that was later corrupted by the interpretations of astrologers, those who believe that the alignment of celestial bodies actually influence human destiny.

The Babylonians divided the circle of constellations into 12 equal parts, corresponding with the month of the year. Ptolemy, a 2nd century Greek astronomer, described those divisions by their Latin names, the first month, being "Aries, the Ram". The second, "Taurus, the Bull", and so on. The term Zodiac actually means "Circle of Animals".

It is very important to consider however that the constellations vary in size. They do not accurately represent 12 equal divisions of the year. In addition, astronomers now recognize a 13th constellation along the ecliptic, the constellation Ophiucus. An astronomical phenomenon known as progression of the equinox, proves the predictions of astrologers to be without basis. Due to progression since Babylonian times, the sign of Aries is actually within the constellation Pisces.

In ancient times, celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon and stars were central figures of the Zodiac. They were considered to be gods and goddesses, and based on the Zodiac, the movements of the heavens have become a means of divination.

Scripture informs us that they worshipped the created more than the Creator. In the book of Kings, we find that King Josiah ordered that those who worshipped and burned incense to Baal, the sun, the moon, Mazzaloth, and all the host of heaven, be put to death.

Much can be learned about the significance of lights in the heavens from the Hebrew lunisolar calendar. The beginning of months is determined by the observation of the moon with the "feasts of the LORD" based on that timing. Days and Years are calculated by the position of the sun. Today our present day calendar does not coincide with the timing prescribed on the Bible. It is a solar calendar adopted by Pope Gregory in 1582, with many months named after pagan gods, the very same gods acknowledged by astrologers in their use of the Zodiac.

Conclusion…

Much is to be learned by the study of the heavens. Care should be taken, however, to stay away from the worldly use of astrology as established by the Babylonians.

In the book of Revelation, we find that the institutions of Babylon will one day fall.

We should look to the Bible for answers, and not to astrologers.

The Creator of the heavens is to be worshipped, and not the heavens themselves.

David Rives

About the Author David Rives is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Biblically based astronomy. He lectures nationally on the majesty of our Creator, and how the "Heavens Declare the Glory of God".

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