Did the sun turn black, moon turn red, and stars fall?

The phenomenon of the sun turning black, the moon turning red, and stars falling from the sky is a significant topic in biblical prophecy, symbolizing cataclysmic events and divine judgment. Several scriptures refer to these signs, including Matthew 24:29, Revelation 6:12-13, Acts 2:20, and Joel 2:31. Historically, the events that book place on May 19, 1780, and November 13, 1833, have been fulfillments of these prophecies. However, many believe these signs will have a future, ultimate fulfillment before the second coming of Christ. This article explores these scriptures and historical events, drawing from the NKJV, to understand their significance and the implications for the future.

Biblical References to Celestial Signs

a. Matthew 24:29 (NKJV)

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

In this verse, Jesus describes the signs that will precede His second coming. The darkening of the sun, the moon not giving its light, and stars falling from the sky are presented as dramatic, cosmic disturbances signaling the end times.

b. Revelation 6:12-13 (NKJV)

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”

In the Book of Revelation, these signs are associated with the opening of the sixth seal, indicating a period of divine wrath and judgment. The imagery of the sun turning black and the moon turning red like blood emphasizes the severity of these events.

c. Acts 2:20 (NKJV)

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.”

Peter quotes the prophet Joel in his sermon at Pentecost, associating these signs with the coming “day of the Lord.” This suggests that these cosmic signs will herald a significant moment in divine intervention and judgment.

d. Joel 2:31 (NKJV)

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.”

This prophecy in the Book of Joel mirrors the descriptions found in the New Testament, indicating that such signs are integral to the eschatological expectations of both the Old and New Testaments.

Historical Interpretations

Several historical events have been interpreted by some as partial fulfillments of these prophecies, particularly within certain Christian traditions that see these events as signs leading up to the second advent of Christ.

a. May 19, 1780 – The Dark Day

On May 19, 1780, a phenomenon known as the “Dark Day” occurred in New England, where the sky turned unusually dark during the day. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Matthew 24:29. It was not an eclipse.

Description: The darkness was so intense that candles were needed during the day, and the darkness extended into the night, with the moon appearing red when it finally became visible. Timothy Dwight says, “The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. … A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand.” Quoted in Connecticut Historical Collections, compiled by John Warner Barber (2nd ed. New Haven: Durrie & Peck and J.W. Barber, 1836) p. 403.

b. May 19, 1780 – The Moon Turning Red

On May 19, 1780, the moon turned into blood according to the prophecy of Joel 2:31 and Revelation 6:12-1.

Description: The moon became as red as blood on the night of the “dark day,” May 19, 1780. Milo Bostick in Stone’s History of Massachusetts says, “The moon which was at its full, had the appearance of blood.”

c. November 13, 1833 – The Falling of Stars

On November 13, 1833, one of the most spectacular meteor showers in history occurred, known as the Leonid meteor shower. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy of stars falling from the sky.

Description: It was reported that thousands of meteors fell per hour, making it appear as though the stars were falling from the heavens. This event had a profound impact on the religious community, leading many to believe that the end times were imminent. The star shower was so bright that a newspaper could be read on the street. One writer says, “For nearly four hours the sky was literally ablaze.” Peter A. Millman, “The Falling of the Stars,” The Telescope, 7 (May-June, 1940) 57.

Future Fulfillment

While the events of 1780 and 1833 were fulfillments of these prophecies, many Christian scholars and theologians also believe that there will be a future, fulfillment of these signs just before the second coming of Christ.

a. Ongoing Signs and Future Expectations

The Bible suggests that these cosmic disturbances are not just historical events but will also occur in the future as part of God’s final judgment and the ushering in of a new age.

Matthew 24:30 (NKJV): “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

This verse follows the description of the cosmic signs, indicating that these events will immediately precede Christ’s return in glory.

b. Revelation and the Final Judgment

Revelation continues to elaborate on the signs and judgments that will occur before the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Revelation 6:14-17 (NKJV): “Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'”

This passage emphasizes the terrifying and awe-inspiring nature of the events leading up to the final judgment.

Theological Significance

The cosmic signs described in these scriptures serve several theological purposes:

a. Divine Judgment and Warning

These signs act as warnings of impending divine judgment, calling people to repentance and readiness.

Luke 21:25-26 (NKJV): “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”

This passage from Luke highlights the fear and distress that will accompany these signs, underscoring the urgency of heeding God’s warnings.

b. Assurance of God’s Sovereignty

The fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrates God’s control over the cosmos and history, reassuring believers of His ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His promises.

Isaiah 13:10 (NKJV): “For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine.”

This Old Testament prophecy aligns with the New Testament descriptions, reinforcing the continuity of God’s plan across both Testaments.

c. Encouragement for Believers

These signs also serve to encourage believers, reminding them that despite the turmoil, God’s plan is unfolding, and Christ’s return is imminent.

2 Peter 3:10-13 (NKJV): “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Peter’s exhortation encourages believers to live godly lives in anticipation of the new creation promised by God.

Conclusion

The biblical references to the sun turning black, the moon turning red, and stars falling from the sky are profound prophetic signs that signal divine judgment and the approaching day of the Lord. Historical events such as the Dark Day of 1780 and the Leonid Meteor Shower of 1833 have been interpreted by some as fulfillments of these prophecies. However, many scholars and theologians believe that more future, fulfillments are yet to come, preceding the second advent of Christ.

These signs serve multiple theological purposes: they act as warnings of impending judgment, affirm God’s sovereignty, and offer encouragement to believers by reminding them of the certainty of God’s promises and the imminence of Christ’s return. Through passages in Matthew, Revelation, Acts, and Joel, the Bible presents a cohesive narrative that integrates these cosmic signs into the broader framework of eschatological expectation.

In summary, the prophecies of the sun turning black, the moon turning red, and the stars falling are integral to the biblical message of divine judgment and redemption. They underscore the importance of readiness, repentance, and hope, assuring believers that despite the chaos and turmoil, God’s plan is sovereign and His promises are sure.

For more info, check: https://bibleask.org/bible-answers/69-signs-of-the-times/