The Stars and the Morning Star
Scripture’s mention of stars has a variety of meanings and interpretations. Sometimes it means the literal collection of plasma in the sky (Gen. 1:16), and other times it may be a reference to spiritual beings, or even Jesus Himself. This article will take a look at what Scripture means when it speaks of stars.
Planets
Planets are referred to as stars in Scripture. This is found in Job 38:7, when God corrects Job and calls him to task. He asked:
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. 5 Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? 6 What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone 7 as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? ~Job 38:4-7 (NLT)
The “morning stars” spoken of here are planets, as in ancient times Venus was referred to as “the morning star.” Jesus, however, is the true morning star (see below).
Satan
Satan is a created spirit being, just as angels are. He is also referred to as a morning star. This interpretation comes from Isaiah 14:12-17, which reads:
12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13 For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. ~Isaiah 14:12-15 (NLT)
This excerpt is from a prophecy of Isaiah against the king of Babylon. However, many Bible interpreters connect it to the fall of Satan.
The KJV and NKJV translation of “morning star” as “Lucifer, son of the morning” also contributes to this interpretation [2]. (Jesus also stated that He saw Satan fall as lightning in Luke 10:18.)
In its context, however, Isaiah 14:12-17 is referring to a human ruler, not a spiritual one [3]. His physical body is referred to in verses 19-20, and the mention of his burial and maggots in verse 11 point to physical decay.
Jesus
Scripture refers to Jesus as both a star and the Morning Star. Jesus as “a star” is read in Balaam’s future prophecy of Israel. In it he saw “a star from Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Humanly, Jesus is a star from Jacob because He was physically born as an Israelite, from the tribe of Judah. 2 Peter 1:19 and Rev. 22:16 refers to Jesus as the Morning Star. This is because He is Messiah, the One the Old Testament prophets spoke of (Mal. 4:2). He is also referred to as “the rising Sun” or “the morning light” is Luke 1:78. This interpretation is that Jesus is the beginning of a new day or era, which is the New Covenant.
People
Lastly, people can also be referred to as stars. This interpretation is linked to Joseph’s dream (he also had the gift of dream interpretation), as he saw the Sun, moon, and eleven stars bow to him (Gen. 37:9). The eleven stars are his eleven brothers, the then future heads of the tribes of Israel. Furthermore, Jude 13 refers to false teachers as wandering stars. In addition, Old Testament Jewish tradition taught that the suffering saints would be made like stars (angels) to shine forever when they were raised from the dead [6].
REFERENCES
[1] Robert Henry Charles, ed., Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament, vol. 2 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913), 446.
[2] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).
[3] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Biblical Studies Press, 2006), Is 14:13.
[4] Tremper Longman III, Peter Enns, and Mark Strauss, eds., The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013), 1175.
[5] E. W. Maunder, “Astrology,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 299.
[6] G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999), 268.