“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

Eye of God Nebula

Robert Rite (July 4, 2016):  Today we will explore some examples of the divine significance of the cosmos.  Let me premise by stating that there is a big difference between astronomy and astrology.  Astronomy is the study of the heavenly bodies and the universe.  On the other hand, Astrology which includes horoscopes and fortune telling, is clearly forbidden in the Scriptures (Leviticus 19:31; Isaiah 47:13).  It is Satan’s work at influencing man into corrupting the original intent of the divine signs of the zodiac and heavenly bodies.

Ancient prophecies, scriptures and scholars all suggest that the roots of Astronomy may go all the way back to Adam, Seth and Enoch.  The stories associated with the constellations were passed down from one generation to another.

Because of this early indoctrination, the Jews believed that God communicated to them through signs. This is why in Matthew 16:1 – they asked Jesus to show them a sign to prove He was the Messiah. The religious leaders in Jesus time (Pharisees and Sadducees) also asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.

Prior to the written word, God communicated with mankind through the alignment and movement of the stars.

And God said: “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years.” Genesis 1:14

It would make sense that void of the written word in that era, that God would communicate with the ancients through His messenger angel who would explain God’s redemptive plan for mankind which was written in the heavens.  In the creation account, God Himself reveals that the heavenly bodies were created not just for the telling of seasons but for signs.

In Psalm 19:1 we read: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.”

Hand of God Nebula

The redemptive plan of the creator was posted in God’s billboard in the sky, through the naming of the stars and their position within the 12 signs of the zodiac and the constellations.

The heavens therefore are a hieroglyphic of the truth for the benefit of all humanity including the ancient civilizations that existed prior to Moses receiving the word, law and written Scriptures (the Torah).

Although there are at least 88 constellations, I believe the 12 constellations in the zodiac chain are divine constellations where the signs for this age are positioned.  Before you think this is far- fetched, keep in mind that the number 12 is a significant biblical number (i.e. the 12 apostles, the 12 sons of Jacob, the 12 tribes of Israel).  Also, these star constellations were visible to the naked eye for the ancients who did not have the benefit of telescopes.

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.” Rev. 12:1

Similarly in a dream, Joseph who was one of Jacob’s twelve sons dreamed the following in Genesis 37:9 – “Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”

The Hebrews understood the principle that before God made a major move that affected Israel and humanity – that He would render a “sign” in the heavens.

The heavens therefore were and are a hieroglyphic of the truth for the benefit of all humanity including the ancient civilizations that existed prior to Moses receiving the word, law and written Scriptures (the Torah).

So in these passages we get a clear clue that the star groups that comprise the zodiac signs are symbolic of biblical patriarchs, particularly related to God’s redemptive plan through the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

So now that we have established a sound foundation, let’s review just a few heavenly signs.

The Heavens Declare the Birth & Crucifixion of the Messiah!

With the advancements in astronomy and space science, we can now chart the position of the planetary bodies many millenniums back.  More and more, science is actually supporting rather than rebuffing the bible.

Crown of Thorns Nebula

Below  we see the “Crown of Thorns Nebula“.  There is a very bright star in the center of this nebula.  Is it possibly a sign that the Messiah could some day be identified by a crown of thorns?  I believe so.  Of course Jesus wore such a crown to His crucifixion (John 19:1-2).  And that bright star in the middle is another sign that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, being that He is referred to as the light of the world, and also the bright morning star!

Crown of Thorns Nebula

“I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright morning star”
Rev. 22:16

The following are a few astronomical events that took place just before the birth of Jesus, and their associated divine significance according to ancient tradition; make special note to the highlighted words:

1) August 12, 3 BC; June 2 BC; September 2 BC – in 3 separate occasions (and 3 is the number of divinity), the planets Jupiter and Venus aligned, creating the appearance of a very bright star.  From ancient times Jupiter signified kingship, and Messiah, and Venus is a symbol of motherhood and birth. So this is a sign of the imminent “birth of the King“!  Of great significance is that this alignment occurred in the constellation of Leo the Lion, which is the symbol of the Hebrew tribe Judah; and Jesus Christ is the LION (LEO) of the Tribe of Judah!

NOTE: Jupiter’s Hebrew name is “Sedeq,” or “ha zedeck”, which throughout the period of Jesus and the apostles was another term used for “Messiah“.
Also, in the 3 signs above, Jupiter was aligned directly with the constellation Virgo the Virgin (Bethulah); and Christ was born of the Virgin Mary.

2) September, 3 BC; February, 2 BC; May, 2 BC – again, in three separate occasions, Jupiter aligned with the star Regulus. Regulus (King Star) is the brightest star in the constellation of Leo and one of the brightest stars in our galaxy.  It is regarded as a symbol of rulership. Jesus is referred to as “the Bright Morning Star”
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” Revelation 22:16.

NOTE: The star Regulus is referred to as the “King Star“.  Even the Babylonians and Romans referred to Regulus as “King” star.  Of course, Messiah Christ is referred to as the King of Kings!

This article is an excerpt from Robert Rite’s new book “Signs in the Heavens“.  If you want to unlock more of the secrets of the celestial signs, grab your copy of Signs in the Heavens.