The Astronomy of the Bible

by Edward Walter Maunder

Modern astronomy began a little more than three centuries ago with the invention of the telescope and Galileo's application of it to the study of the heavenly bodies. This new instrument at once revealed to him the mountains on the moon, the satellites of Jupiter, and the spots on the sun, and brought the celestial bodies under observation in a way that no one had dreamed of before. In our view to-day, the planets of the solar system are worlds; we can examine their surfaces and judge wherein they resemble or differ from our earth. To the ancients they were but points of light; to us they are vast bodies that we have been able to measure and to weigh. The telescope has enabled us also to penetrate deep into outer space; we have learnt of other systems besides that of our own sun and its dependents, many of them far more complex; clusters and clouds of stars have been revealed to us, and mysterious nebulæ, which suggest by their forms that they are systems of suns in the making. More lately the invention of the spectroscope has informed us of the very elements which go to the composition of these numberless stars, and we can distinguish those which are in a similar condition to our sun from those differing from him. And photography has recorded for us objects too faint for mere sight to detect, even when aided by the most powerful telescope; too detailed and intricate for the most skilful hand to depict.

Galileo's friend and contemporary, Kepler, laid the foundations of another department of modern astronomy at about the same time. He studied the apparent movements of the planets until they yielded him their secret so far that he was able to express them in three simple laws, laws which, two generations later, Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated to be the outcome of one grand and simple law of universal range, the law of gravitation. Upon this law the marvellous mathematical conquests of astronomy have been based.

All these wonderful results have been attained by the free exercise of men's mental abilities, and it cannot be imagined that God would have intervened to hamper their growth in intellectual power by revealing to men facts and methods which it was within their own ability to discover for themselves. Men's mental powers have developed by their exercise; they would have been stunted had men been led to look to revelation rather than to diligent effort for the satisfaction of their curiosity. We therefore do not find any reference in the Bible to that which modern astronomy has taught us. Yet it may be noted that some expressions, appropriate at any time, have become much more appropriate, much more forcible, in the light of our present-day knowledge.

Genres: Astronomy, Science, Nonfiction, Theology, Reference, Religion

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

(Edward) Walter Maunder (12 April 1851 – 21 March 1928) was a British astronomer best remembered for his study of sunspots and the solar magnetic cycle that led to his identification of the period from 1645 to 1715 that is now known as the Maunder Minimum.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

E. Walter Maunder was an English astronomer best known for his study of sunspots and the solar magnetic cycle. He was leader in the founding of the British Astronomical Association which was open to people of all classes, including women. He was the real deal in astronomy and highly respected in his field.

"The Astronomy of the Bible: An Elementary Commentary on the Astronomical References of Holy Scripture" is a fascinating, if cumbersome study of those portions of the Bible that reference heavenly bodies and meteorological events. He painstakingly and logically evaluates the level of astronomical knowledge of the Hebrews and their neighbors and conquerors with chapters on the Creation, astronomical periods (day, lunar month, year), stars, comets, and meteors, Genesis and the Constellations, the Deluge, Leviathan, the Jubilee year, Joshua's long day, the Dial of Ahaz, and the Star of Bethlehem.

There are a number of illustrations, but, unfortunately, I was unable to view them on my Kindle. I would expect that these would add significantly to understanding Maunder's discourse. This book is a tome and it is very dense. However, if you are interested in astronomy and wonder about some of the references in the Bible, it is well worth the time and effort to read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward) Walter Maunder (12 April 1851 – 21 March 1928) was a British astronomer best remembered for his study of sunspots and the solar magnetic cycle that led to his identification of the period from 1645 to 1715 that is now known as the Maunder Minimum.

This book covers astronomical events mention in Holy Writ such as when the sun stood still for about the length of a day, the dial going backwards at the healing of King Hezekiah, and the Bethlehem star at the birth of our Savior.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very excellent treatise on the history of astronomy, on the one hand, and the knowledge the Hebrews had of astronomy on the other. I found his arguments for and against various interpretations to be very well reasoned and sensible. And wow. Have we just lost SO MUCH in our development of technology and our busy lives - not to mention simple light pollution that blocks many stars from our sight. I really loved reading this book and have learned so much from it.

And yes, he does discuss the three primary astronomical miracles that are found in the Bible. And I appreciate his approach to them as well as his conclusions.