Revelation Decoder: Sun, Moon, Stars

In this article, we shall develop a thorough understanding of the Bible’s use of these words. This is mostly to be used for reference Bible study material, and to understand the non-literal use of these words throughout the Bible. Afterwards, we will use this knowledge background in approaching those specific elements in the book of Revelation, while also discussing various theories on how man-made, natural, supernatural, or cataclysmic these events may be; along with, if we should take a literal or non-literal interpretation.

I searched through every Bible verse that had the keywords: “sun” and “moon,” and some that were “star.” Some of these may be relevant for our specific purpose and some may not be. Regardless, all the prophecies regarding the sun and moon about judgment are included. It is for the reader to decide which prophecies have happened and which are still future.

Sun, Moon, and Stars in the Old Testament:

Compare Revelation 12:1 with Genesis 37:9-11. In Genesis 37, the sun seems to represent the father, the moon—the mother, and the stars—the rest of the family. Translating this into Revelation 12, we come to understand that “a woman clothed with the sun” means Israel was providentially loved, nurtured, and taken care of by God the Father. The “moon under her feet” could be all the women who have birthed her to where she is now. Or, the glory and favor that she stands upon. Alternatively, it could be Mary who birthed Jesus who descended from Israel. The “crown of twelve stars” on her head represent the twelve patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Israel.

Alternatively, the sun may more simplistically represent the ruling power. The moon, the subordinate power. And the stars, an even lower power. Is it about authority or familial relationship? Can you think of an interpretation that would go with this?

William McDonald says, “The sun, moon and stars depict the glory and dominion which has been promised to her in the coming kingdom, just as they pictured Joseph’s ultimate rule over his father, mother, and brothers” (Believer’s Bible Commentary).

The New Bible Commentary presents a case of Revelation 12 being correlated to pagan stories & mythology and that John is using those stories and imagery to point people to Christ. Constellations may also be relevant here.

John MacArthur connects the moon as possibly an indication of Israel’s exalted status. Or, it may be about God’s covenantal relationship with Israel.

Why I don’t think the woman is the church: this would mean that the crown of twelve stars would represent the twelve apostles. But this does not seem to connect with being “with child,” and the identity of who that child is said to be in the later verses. It is Christ. Israel is in labor with the male child, Christ. So then, how can the twelve stars of the twelve apostles be present and precede the birth of him who would later give birth to the church? The twelve apostles did not give birth to Christ. Israel came first with the patriarchs, then the birth of Jesus, and then the twelve apostles. Also, if the woman is the church, then that means Genesis 37 is completely irrelevant for this passage, which I think is highly improbable.

Continuing with the subject of sun, moon, and stars biblical background in the Old Testament:

Stars can be in reference to people (Gen 26:4; 37:9; Dan 12:3).

Stars can be in reference to angels (Job 38:7; Rev 1:20; 9:1).

The new moons were festivals prescribed by God where trumpets were blown (Num 10:10).

Trumpets were blown on a new moon and a full moon as a feast day for all of Israel (Ps 81:3-5). This might have been to celebrate Passover when Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt.

There is an instance recorded where the sun stood still and continued shining for about 48 hours because Joshua prayed that it would to help Israel win the battle (Josh 10:12-14; Hab 3:11).

There were people who worshipped the sun, moon, and stars (2 Kgs 23:5; Ezek 8:16).

God ordained the moon and the stars (Ps 8:3). “He made the moon for the seasons” (Ps 104:19). In the beginning, God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years” (Gen 1:14). God “commands the sun not to shine, and sets a seal upon the stars” (Job 9:7).

The celestial creation is invoked to praise the Lord and is said to never pass away:

Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all stars of light!
Praise Him, highest heavens,
And the waters that are above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
He has also established them forever and ever;
He has made a decree which will not pass away.
(Psalm 148:3-6)

The offspring of Israel will never pass away. As sure as the fixed order of sun, moon, and stars remain, so also will the nation of Israel remain (Jer 31:35-37; Joel 3:20).

The sun was viewed as responsible for the yield of the crops (Dt 33:14). The sun is viewed as powerful (Jdgs 5:31). God is compared to the sun and a shield, giving grace, glory, and prospering people (Ps 84:11). To do something “under the sun” is to do it openly in the light, without any secrets (2 Sam 12:12).

The saying “there is nothing new under the sun” means that just about everything has already been done and tried before (Ecc 1:9). Life is repetitious and predictable. As if the sun had eyes, it has seen all of man’s activities since the beginning. Everything that has been seen has “been done under the sun” (Ecc 1:14; 3:16; 4:1, 3; 6:1; 10:5). To do work “under the sun” could mean that it is very laborious work, sweating and under the heat of the day, and it is hard work to live this life (Ecc 2:11, 17-22; 5:18). To live life under the sun is a way to express the vanity of life and its suffering, and the existence of life in general (Ecc 4:7, 15; 5:13; 6:12; 8:9, 15, 17; 9:3, 6, 9, 11, 13). Solomon urges people to get right with God “before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain” (Ecc 12:2).

The sun is said to burn skin (Ss 1:6), and its light is said to be pure and the full moon is beautiful (Ss 6:10).

In the context of a prophecy against Babylon, the Day of the Lord is mentioned (Isa 13:6-16). God says, “For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light.”

Another Day of the Lord prophecy is given (Isa 24:19-23). It describes a great earthquake. The earth shakes like a drunkard because of all the sins people consumed themselves with. The personified drunken transgressor “will fall, never to rise again.” The Lord will punish the hosts of heaven and the kings of the earth. They “will be gathered together like prisoners in the dungeon, and will be confined in prison; and after many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, for the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and His glory will be before His elders” (v. 22-23).

Another prophecy of judgement: “The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day the Lord binds up the fracture of His people and heals the bruise He has inflicted” (Isa 30:26).

Astrologers who prophecy and predict by the constellations and the planets will not be able to save you from the judgement to come (Isa 47:12-14). It is a sin to worship the stars and God is very displeased by it (Dt 4:19; 17:2-5; Jer 8:2-3).

A prophecy about the glorified Zion, the Millennial reign of Christ:

No longer will you have the sun for light by day,
Nor for brightness will the moon give you light;
But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,
And your God for your glory.
Your sun will no longer set,
Nor will your moon wane;
For you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,
And the days of your mourning will be over.
(Isaiah 60:19-20).

In a prophetic judgement against Egypt: the sun, moon, and stars will not give their light, and the clouds will cover the sky in the day that they are destroyed (Ezek 32:7-8).

A prophetic judgement against Israel: “I will make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in broad daylight” (Amos 8:9).

In the day of judgement, there will be an earthquake and “The sun and the moon grow dark and the stars lose their brightness” (Joel 2:10). To put it another way, God says: “I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (v. 30-31).

The likeness of God is described: “His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, and there is the hiding of His power” (Hab 3:4).

The prophetic future of God’s reign of righteousness is compared to the sun with wings which flies across the earth to bring life and healing: “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (Mal 4:2).

Sun, Moon, and Stars in the New Testament:

When Jesus was transfigured, “His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light” (Mt 17:2). In Zacharia’s prophecy, Jesus was called “the Sunrise from on high” who would “shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death” to guide people to the way of peace (Lk 1:78-79). Jesus appeared as a bright light to Saul/Paul, “brighter than the sun” (Acts 26:13). John writes that “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5).

For the sun to rise upon someone is an expression that conveys divine favor, provision, or benevolence (Mt 5:45). Conversely, for the sun to go down on someone, it is correlated with God’s disfavor (Mic 3:6).

When Jesus was crucified from the sixth hour to the ninth hour, “darkness fell over the whole land,” “because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Lk 23:44-45).

The sun scorches (Mt 13:6; Jas 1:11).

Due to the stormy and cloudy weather sailing at sea, Paul said that “neither sun nor stars appeared for many days” (Acts 27:20).

The tribulation will come first, then the day of judgement where “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Mt 24:29; cf. Mk 13:24-27; Lk 21:25-28; Acts 2:19-21). Then Jesus will appear in the sky with dark clouds, power, and the great glory of His presence. If you weren’t sure what the sign of the sun, moon, and stars meant, you will have no doubt what they mean when the sign of the Son of Man appears in the sky.

The Sixth Seal:

“I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places” (Revelation 6:12-14).

This is the same eschatological event that had been prophesied thousands of years before. The sun becomes dark in a way that the earth does not receive or perceive its sunlight. Since something will probably happen to the sun, the moon will be dimmed as well and it will appear red. Stars will fall from the sky (i.e. meteors). The earth will be shaken up so bad by an earthquake that mountains will fall and water will cover the islands. During mid-day, when the sun is supposed to shine the brightest, it suddenly stops shining. In one moment, the sky is blue. The next, it is pitch black, and according to the previous prophecies, you will not be able to see the stars. In this event, the sky will split apart like a scroll. Or, to use more modern vernacular, it will be like someone just changed the channel on the sky or opened some kind of portal to the universe. That is how I imagine it will look like. Along with this, Luke 21:25 tells us that the sea and waves will roar, and it’s going to be so bad and so scary that people will faint from fear, anticipating the things that are going to come upon the earth. People will hide themselves in the mountain caves and bunkers (Rev 6:15-17).

This event I have described lines up with solar events like: solar flares, Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), geomagnetic storms, and a solar micronova. Essentially, this means that there will be a massive amount of plasma and space junk bursting out from the sun which will block the sunlight. A magnetic pole reversal of the earth may also explain the crazy waves and earthquake as the earth shifts approximately 90 degrees. See SpaceWeatherNews on YouTube for more on this theory. Here is a short video on the pole shift. Note: I do not think the event will be as severe as some of those videos might suggest. We at least know that in the trumpet judgements, the judgements will be tempered, affecting one-third of the earth (Rev 8).

Another theory of the day of judgement is that it will be significantly less cataclysmic. That is, less destruction and less intense. Some people may point to a blood moon event, which is just a total lunar eclipse, and has happen many times in the past. It’s when the sun, earth, and moon are perfectly aligned. This means the earth is blocking the sun from the moon so that the moon does not receive direct sunlight but it still receives light from the bending atmosphere of the earth, which allows the red-light wavelength to reach the moon and reflect it back. Then for the sun going black, there is a total solar eclipse, which is when the moon is directly between the earth and sun. This happens about every year but it only happens in selective spots on the earth which are in the path of totality. Throughout most of the earth that is facing the sun, it will still be decently bright, and it will appear as a partial eclipse instead. However, this theory does not explain the cataclysmic events, and neither does it explain all the prophecies about the stars not shinning forth their light while at the same time, the sky splits apart like a scroll to space.

Later on, during the seventh seal and fourth trumpet, “a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way” (Rev 8:12).

During the Millennial kingdom, there will be no temple within the new Jerusalem, “for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed” (Rev 21:22-25).

The implication here seems to be that the sun will no longer exist because the Lamb will be the light. However, I do not agree with that interpretation, because it only says that the sun is not needed because Jesus illumines the city. It does not say that the sun does not exist. Furthermore, the place that is illumined where there will be no night is the new Jerusalem. Other cities or nations within the world are not said to have this. Though it is true that “the nations will walk by its light,” this does not mean that the other nations will have the equivalent 24-hour daytime light that the new Jerusalem will have. Also, keep in mind that the earth is a globe. During the Millennial reign of Christ, there will still be evildoers, but none of them will ever be able to enter into the New Jerusalem (v. 27). Right? Because “outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying” (Rev 22:15). And the outside of the kingdom of God is described as “the outer darkness” (Mt 8:12). Additionally, we are told that the sun, moon, and stars will not pass away (Gen 8:22; Ps 89:35-37; 148:3-6; Jer 31:35-37; Joel 3:20).

After the Millennial reign of Christ, “there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.” Jesus will illumine the world and we ourselves with the presence of God within us, will illumine like Jesus, testifying to what Michael the archangel told Daniel, “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan 12:3; cf. 10:6; Mt 13:43; 17:2; 28:3; 1 Cor 15; 1 Jn 3:2; 2 Pet 1:4).

The fact that there will no longer be any night does not mean that there will be a change in the sun, moon, or stars. It simply means that everyone on earth will be sufficiently illuminated so that their light radiates everywhere, and that is why there will no longer be any night. Again, to not need the sun, does not mean that the sun does not still exist. However, in the heaven and the new earth, it has been prophesied that the heat of the sun will not beat down on us anymore (Rev 7:16; Isa 49:10). This could mean many things, like the new earth having a better atmosphere to protect against the sun, us having better bodies to resists the elements, or the sun changing in some way for the better. Alternatively, the main focus may be more symbolic to communicate that life will not be grueling or hard work anymore.

What about a super-symbolic interpretation of the New Jerusalem and Millennial kingdom of God? I would reject it. Because, considering that the New Jerusalem is spoken about in the context of the new heaven and new earth (renewed/renovated, since it will be purged and refined with fire and natural disasters), we are indeed thinking here about a physical earth which is an earth that cannot be a reality in our present reality. Proof: death is still a present reality with mourning, suffering, and pain (see 21:4). There are also many details about the looks of the new Jerusalem and all its measurements, which would seem to be quite a redundancy if none of that were actually going to be real. So, I do not think that this is just talking about heaven as if it were only some spiritual reality now in the present living within our souls. Heaven will be a future physical place, even as Jesus’ glorified body was physical. While there are certainly symbolic elements with chapter 21, they certainly do not overshadow the physical elements.

Synthesizing other elements:

God’s wrath, judgement, and disfavor can sometimes be expressed through dark cloudy skies, blood moons, eclipses, or other strange or abnormal or disastrous earthly or celestial phenomena. All of which, are capable of blocking light. Prophecies about God’s coming judgement as it relates to the sun, moon, and stars may mostly be in reference to a still yet future day. However, some of those prophecies or recorded events may have occurred at another past time.

The sun may be used symbolically to communicate life, light, or favor. Or, it may be more literal. Or, it could be both. The imagery of prophetic literature can communicate many ideas. The sun is often used as a representation of God because God is light and He is the Father of all lights who created all things and by which all things exist and have their being.

God has made the sun, moon, and stars to be for signs and seasons. This means that understanding and looking at the constellations may be a relevant factor for interpreting future prophecies. For example, Revelation 12:1 says “a great sign appeared in heaven,” which may be a hint for the reader to go search out what this means as it relates to celestial events.

It is very important to look at the context of a passage and look for all the evidence for or against a symbolic or literal interpretation. For example, because of the context and the prophecies about this particular event, I interpret Revelation 6:13 about the stars falling to the earth as literal stars (meteors). Or, they may at least appear like meteors. Like, they could be satellites burning up in the atmosphere or ballistic missiles. But I would not interpret this symbolically to mean that the stars are the devil’s angels falling to the earth.

However, in Revelation 12:4, the context is very apparent that we’re not thinking literally here about red dragons, seven heads, and ten horns. Therefore, a symbolic interpretation would be primary. We should input the value of a symbolic interpretation first to see if that fits before resorting to a literal interpretation. So, when the red dragon sweeps away a third of the stars and throws them to the earth, I’m not connecting that verse to Revelation 6:13. Instead, I see it as the rebellious fallen angels that God evicts from heaven. Now, could they be the same event and both interpretations be true? Theoretically it could be possible. But I would be disinclined to believe it without sufficient evidence. The specific timing of these events would also have to be established to see if they line up or not, and that may prove difficult.

Performing signs in the heavens:

Revelation 13:13 speaks of the beast which comes up out of the earth, who is also the false prophet, and it says, “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men.” I will not discuss the interpretation of the personal or nonpersonal nature of this beast here, but I would like to explain what some of the theories are for the signs of fire which comes down from heaven.

It could be a person behind this who does miracles, to try and deceive people and convince people that his god is real because he can do these supernatural wonders in the sky. That’s one theory.

Or, it could be a person or nation launching nuclear or ballistic missiles in a show of power (maybe that is what John saw in his vision and he is explaining it in a way that can be understood. Or at least, in the way he understood it at the time). Perhaps the false prophet/beast takes out a nation that is a threat to the world, or who is an enemy of their empire or religion. Think of Islam. They glorify war, they glorify Jihad. According to the Quran, they must take out all the infidels. Perhaps the first and second beast are a combination of Islamic countries from a previous empire, and that is why it is said the beast came back to life.

There is also various debate on the word “fire” and “smoke” in places like Revelation 8-11 along with the destruction of Babylon the great in Revelation 17:16; 18:8. Some attribute these judgements to God Himself, that God supernaturally and directly destroys the world with fire from heaven and earth. Think: the sun, stars falling to the earth, volcanoes, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the plagues of Egypt. Others see this as a less than supernatural destruction like nation destroying nation with nuclear missiles and war machines like aircraft, tanks, and rocket launchers. There is some precedence for this considering that in the past when God was bringing judgement upon the nations, He used Babylon to do it. He even called Babylon “My servant” because it was being used to bring forth God’s wrath on the nations as His instrument (Jer 25:9). Yet, even though Babylon was the instrument of destruction, the language of the Old Testament of God saying, “I’m going to do this to bring judgement upon you” and “I brought that destruction upon you” almost sounds like God directly did it. However, He did not. Babylon did. In a similar way, we should keep an open mind when reading the book of Revelation and consider this possibility that at least some things may be a human-to-human and nation-to-nation kind of destruction. Though, providentially orchestrated by God for that specific time to bring judgement.

However, at least two things are for certain:

When the day of judgement comes, the sign of the Son of Man will appear with the clouds and every eye shall see Him. And as Jesus said when He ascended into heaven, that the way He left will be similar to the way He returns. It will be physically visible and supernatural and in the splendor of His glory.

Secondly, a worldwide nuclear winter ice-age which will destroy the four seasons on earth is not something that is going to happen. So, either there are some nuclear missiles involved but the theory of nuclear winter is incorrect. Or, nuclear missiles will not happen or will not happen so severely like people fear about for World War III end of the world scenario coming. Here’s why: After the flood, God promised that He would never again destroy every living thing as He had done. He said:

While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease.
(Genesis 8:22)

How natural, supernatural, or man-made do you think the tribulation and day of judgement will be?

Bible quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995) by the Lockman Foundation.