Praise Him, All You Shining Stars

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.” - Psalm 19:1-6 CSB

Day after day, night after night, the message of the heavens is clear: their existence is God’s work.

On April 14, 2025, an all-female crew of well-known public figures took an 11-minute flight to space under the direction of Jeff Bezos’ company, Blue Origin. The NS-31 flight mission sparked a lot of controversy due to a perceived lack of regard for the economy, a high level of environmental impact, a faulty hatch door, and much more.

Perhaps what was most interesting was watching the crew’s reactions once they arrived in space. Instead of looking intently at the view, they often looked inward. They looked periodically to the cameras, sharing heartfelt messages to their loved ones.

I am in no way a conspiracy theorist, but I found it strange that these women had a front-row seat to view one of the most breathtaking sceneries that not many can say they’ve seen up close, and instead of looking out, they spent a good portion of their time looking in.

The awe was missing in their reactions. 

We can relate to the Blue Origin crew more than we know. We too are guilty of gazing at creation and seeing ourselves instead of reverencing and praising the one true God who created what it is that we see.

From the heavens, to the angels, to the heavenly armies, to the sun, moon, all the shining stars, the highest heavens, the waters, sea monsters, ocean depths, trees, mountains, hills, lightning, hail, snow, clouds, cattle, birds, kings, princes, judges, and all people of the earth, whether young or old, male or female, glory is due our God.

All of creation joins in at this realization, but we as humans often see ourselves as the exception. Though we were given mouths to praise God and eyes to see the work of his hands, we routinely fail to see his power and divine nature within his creations:

“For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:18-20 CSB

In other words, God’s creations tell us more about him than they do of us.

But the very heart of astrology disagrees with this truth.

It was never God’s intent for us to inquire of celestial bodies. Engaging in astrology is misplaced awe, and it inspires us to inquire of a created thing versus the creator himself.

In a Britannica article written by Robert Andrew Gilbert and David E. Pingree, astrology is defined as “a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. Devotees believe that an understanding of the influence of planets and stars on earthly affairs allows them to both predict and affect the destinies of individuals, groups, and nations.” Gilbert, R. Pingree, D. July 20, 1998. Astrology.Britannica.

Psychic medium, Allison Carmany puts it this way, “Today, astrology isn’t just about predicting the future or deciding if you’re more of a determined Taurus or a spontaneous Sagittarius. It’s about self-discovery and navigating life’s rollercoaster. It’s like a personalized cosmic guidebook, helping us understand ourselves and those around us better, and even giving a nudge in the right direction when we’re faced with life’s big questions.” 

Carmany, A. August 13, 2023. The Cosmic Blueprint: Understanding Astrology. Medium.

But why is there such a draw to astrology? In an article written by Theodora Blanchfield, titled, The Psychology Behind Why We Care About Astrology, she listed four main reasons:

• Stability in the face of uncertainty

• Intolerance for ambiguity

• Sense of control

• Validation for self-concept

She also explained how an interest in astrology typically peaks during tumultuous times. 

But that leads to another question. 

Why is there a peak in astrology during rough times? To answer this, Theodora quoted Dr. Jennifer Freed, psychologist and astrologist: 

“Because so many of the traditional institutions have failed to provide a meaning map for people.”

In other words, many are searching for answers:

• Why am I here? 

• Why did that have to happen? 

• What does my future hold? 

• How is this all connected? 

• Why do I think this way? 

• Is this meant to be? 

• What decision should I make? 

• Who will I be with? 

• What’s next?

• Will my family be okay?

  
  

These are all valid questions, but the source we tap into for answers matters tremendously. One important truth that we must accept, however, is that there are some questions we may never know the answers to. We see this explicitly in the book of Job, one of the most challenging books in the Bible I had to come to terms with.

"There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil."- Job 1:1 CSB

Job was a man who lived for God. He had many possessions God blessed him with, including an estate with thousands of animals. He had a wife, seven sons, and three daughters. He made it a practice to offer burnt offerings on behalf of his children in case they sinned against God. Job loved God, but Satan was convinced that Job only loved him because of his many blessings.

"Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven't you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face." - Job 1:9-11 CSB

The Lord allowed Job to experience tremendous heartbreak and pain, including an infection of painful boils that covered his entire body, the loss of all ten of his children, and the loss of his animals. Many of Job's friends assumed he was experiencing such turmoil because of his own sin. Even Job himself could not make sense of what happened to him and around him.

He had questions.

God provided an answer, but more than likely not in the way Job or even his friends were expecting. Instead of telling Job why he permitted Satan to inflict severe pain and loss, he spent his time asking Job questions, ultimately showing Job's limited knowledge of an infinite God.

"Have you traveled to the sources of the sea or walked in the depths of the oceans? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of deep darkness? Have you comprehended the extend of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this. Where is the road to the home of light? Do you know where darkness lives, so you can lead it back to its border? Are you familiar with the paths to its home?" - Job 38:16-20 CSB

This questioning filled chapters 38-41 where God repeatedly revealed the incomprehensible depth of his own knowledge. He even mentioned his understanding of the constellations. After all, he created them:

"Can you fasten the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? Can you bring out the constellations in their season and lead the Bear and her cubs? - Job 38:32 CSB

After God's questioning, he eventually restored all of Job's fortunes, even doubling them. He even blessed him to have seven sons and three daughters.

From Job, we learn that even when we do not have the answers, or simply do not understand what is happening around us or to us, we can trust God. He understands the inner workings of every single thing at a depth we can't begin to fathom.

We also have to be satisfied with answers that are hard to hear.

But our search for answers can become routinely compromised, often leading us down a wide, well-traveled road of destruction and darkness.

The Origin of Astrology

The origin of astrology traces back to Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC. It further developed into its westernized form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period, which started in approximately 323 BC. 

Astrology in its earliest form was used primarily to make predictions about kings and state. It gave the king justification or an answer to a problem. In an interview conducted by Assyriologist, Megan Lewis, she speaks at length with Dr. M Willis Monroe to inquire more about how the stars impacted daily life in Mesopotamia. Dr. M Willis Monroe is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of New Brunswick. He has dedicated a large portion of his time examining writing systems from the ancient Middle East. 

In his interview with Megan, he spoke about how during the reigns of the kings Esrhaddon and Assurbanipal, “there was an extensive recovery of tablets, scholarly works (including astrology and astronomy), as well as thousands of letters between the king and his court consulting of matters of state which included the results of divination (especially astrology).” Digital Hammurabi. Closer Than You Think: The Stars & Daily Life in Mesopotamia- Interview with Dr. Willis. 1:09:43. April 17, 2021.

Scholars were routinely sent around specific empires to observe the sky and report back what they saw to the respective king. Some reports were short in length, while others were more descriptive. These reports can be found in what is called the Enuma Anu Enlil. The Enuma Anu Enlil consists of approximately 68-70 tablet series of celestial omens. Here is how it is divided:

Moon - (22) Tablets

Sun - (13) tablets

Adad - Weather and Earthquakes (14) tablets

Ishtar - Planets and Stars (19) tablets

In Megan Lewis’ interview with Dr. M.Willis, he presented a few examples of astrological reports that scholars would provide the respective king. These reports are also housed today on the Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus (ORACC):

Below are a few reports:

“On the 14th day the moon and sun were seen together. This night, the moon was surrounded by a halo, and Saturn stood inside the halo with the moon. If on the 14th day the moon and sun are seen together: reliable speech; the land will become happy; the gods will remember Akkad favorably; joy among the troops; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed.” - SAA 8 110

“Twice or thrice we watched for Mars today (but) we did not see (it), it has set. Maybe the king my lord will say as follows: “Is there any (ominous) sign in (the fact) that it set?” (I answer): “There is not.” -  SAA 8 7

Scholars were paid to provide omens to kings. Considering that, it would have been in their best interest to hope for positive omens, as they could have forfeited their livelihood for unfavorable predictions.

God routinely speaks against divination and the practice of omens. One instance is found in Deuteronomy 18:10-11, where God specifically warns the Israelites not to follow the occult practices of the land of Canaan they would soon enter, “No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, cast spells, consult a medium or spiritist, or inquire of the dead.”

The prominent flaw in astrology is that it inspires individuals to consult and inquire of the wrong source. Why would we opt to consult a created thing instead of the one who created it? Consulting both is also wrong. We should not consult both God and his creations. We should only consult him. Consulting both is a form of syncretism.

The Bible speaks of many prophets and kings who inquired of the Lord only. One instance is captured in the book of II Samuel when King David inquired of the Lord regarding the Philistines:

Then David inquired of the LORD: “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD replied to David, “Attack, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you.” - 2 Samuel 5:19 CSB

David was asking of God what the scholars and other kings were asking of the stars. Same inquiry; different source.

Source matters, and Satan knows this all too well. He is the father of lies, and is working overtime for all people to tap into the wrong source, hoping to make us inquire of him instead of inquiring of God.

Astrology is demonic. Divination as a whole is demonic. Divination is essentially tapping into the spiritual realm in an unauthorized way. It is not a coincidence that those who are drawn to astrology are also commonly drawn to mediums, tarot cards, psychics, and Ouija boards, which are various means of accessing the spiritual realm in a way that God does not permit.

Astrology testifies against itself as demonic. This is clearly illustrated in a key text called, The Enuma Elish. 

The Enuma Elish

The Enuma Elish means, “When on High. When Above.” It is an ancient Mesopotamian creation epic that depicts the tale of Marduk, the chief god at the time of the city of Babylon. Babylon was a region that occupied southeastern Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is now modern southern Iraq to the south of Baghdad. The city ultimately fell to the Persians under Cyrus II. As a result, the city is considered desolate.

The Enuma Elish details the creation of the world from the Mesopotamian perspective. It involves an intense battle between various gods, and distinct praise of Marduk. With Marduk seen as the chief god of Babylon, he is said to have created the heavens, including the constellations and the patterns of the stars. He is even said to have established the moon phases and the moon’s relationship with the sun.

In this story, we are introduced to various goddesses and gods, such as Apsu, the god of sweet and fresh water, and the goddess Tia-mat of salty water. Apsu was considered the first before earth and the heavens existed. Apsu and the goddess Tia-met merged their waters together and other gods were created within Apsu & Tia-met by the names of Lah-mu and Lah-amu. From there, Ansar and Kisar were created. Their son Anu begat Nudimmud. These gods were said to have made tremendous noise, causing Tia-mat frustration. However, she wanted to spare their lives. Apsu had other plans, as he became increasingly angry with noise of the gods and the impact it had on his much needed sleep. He wanted to kill the gods, but since the gods came from them, Tia-mat couldn’t fathom killing her own.

The god Ea caught wind of Apsu’s plot, so he took matters into his own hands and killed Apsu. Ea and his wife Damkina would later begat who was considered in their eyes the wisest god, Be-l, also known as Marduk. Tia-mat eventually wanted revenge for Apsu’s death, so she and her sons plotted evil and Tia-mat created other gods. 

Below is how the gods she created are described in the Enuma Elish. Some of their names should sound familiar to you.

The translation of the text below comes from the Mesopotamian Creation Stories by W.G. Lambert:

136 With poison instead of blood she filled their bodies.

137 She clothed the fearful monsters with dread,

138 She loaded them with an aura and made them godlike.

139 (She said,) “Let their onlooker feebly perish,

140 May they constantly leap forward and never retire.”

141 She created the Hydra, the Dragon, the Hairy Hero

142 The Great Demon, the Savage Dog, and the Scorpion-man

143 Fierce demons, the Fish-man and the Bull-man,

144 Carriers of merciless weapons, fearless in the face of battle.

145 Her commands were tremendous, not to be resisted.

146 Altogether she made eleven of that kind.

We later learn in the Enuma Elish that the goddess Tia-met appointed her son, Quingu, as leader of the army of the gods she created:

152 She entrusted to him and set him on a throne,

153 “I have cast the spell for you and exalted you in the host of the gods,

154 I have delivered to you the rule of all the gods.”

Eventually, Marduk destroys Quingu and kills Tia-mat, and out of Tia-mat’s body, he created the heavens and the earth. Not only that, he bound the eleven gods Tia-mat created to his feet. Marduk then created humans from the remains of the gods who enticed Tia-mat to make war. Thus Marduk was highly praised for his work.

And he continued to be praised, as it is important to note that Marduk was not seen as a mythical character to Babylonians. In fact, the Esagila was a temple created specifically for Marduk. The temple was elaborate:

“It measured 660 feet (200 m) on its longest side, and its three vast courtyards were surrounded by intricate chambers. The whole complex reflects centuries of building and rebuilding by the Babylonian kings, especially Nebuchadnezzar II.”

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. "Esagila". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Nov. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Esagila. Accessed 5 October 2025.

The Enuma Elish was also routinely recited during Akitu, which was the Babylonian festival that marked the new year.

In a quote from Joshua Mark, co-founder and Content Director of World History Encyclopedia, Marduk was highly esteemed:“From a regional agricultural deity, Marduk became the most important and powerful God of the Babylonian Pantheon, attaining a level of worship bordering on monotheism.”

Marduk was central to Babylonian culture.

The people worshipped him. 

But Marduk was a false god in the sense that he was not and is not the one true God. He was a worthless idol. A god of 50 names, depicted holding a spade as a symbol of fertility and vegetation. His sacred animals were horses, dogs, and a dragon, while his star was said to be Jupiter. 

It is important to note that the Bible mentions Marduk numerous times. One instance is found in the book of Jeremiah, “This is the word the LORD spoke about Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through the prophet Jeremiah: Announce to the nations; proclaim and raise up a signal flag, proclaim, and hide nothing. Say, “Babylon is captured Bel is put to shame. Marduk is terrified. Her idols are put to shame; her false gods, devastated. For a nation from the north will attack her, it will make her land desolate. No one will be living in it - both people and animals will escape. - Jeremiah 50:1-3 CSB

Marduk pales in comparison to the one, true, and living God. Really, there is no comparison:

“With whom will you compare God? What likeness will you set up for comparison with him? An idol? - something that a smelter casts and a metal worker plates with gold and makes silver chains for? To whom will you compare me, or who is my equal? Asks the Holy One. Look up and see! Who created these? He brings out the stars by number, he calls all of them by name. Because of his great power and strength, not one of them is missing.” - Isaiah 40:18-19 &26 CSB

The Evolution of Astrology

Astrology began to expand from primarily providing kings with omens, to the evolution of the zodiac wheel composed of 12 zodiac signs. Then and now, people and not just kings, could receive daily advice, insight on interpersonal issues, omen material, and much more.

It is important to note that as zodiac signs have evolved, a pantheon of Greek and Roman gods have been assigned to them, such as Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Aprhodite, Demeter, Hera, and countless more.

By claiming an astrological sign, you are coming into agreement with any false god that is associated with it.

For each astrological sign, have you ever wondered where the preset personality traits come from? This is defined in the Tetrabiblos, written by the Alexandrian scholar, Claudius Ptolemy. This text provides an overview of foundational astrological principles, how to interpret astrological charts, as well as the connection between astrology and natural happenings. Through his studies, Claudius Ptolemy assigned qualities and traits to each sign of the zodiac.

While his work has been highly circulated, astrology itself is considered a pseudo-science. It has not been proven true. Instead, it is supported by predictions. Predictions can be factual, but they are governed by probability. Predictions are based on observations, but not a true knowing.

By claiming an astrological sign, you are also coming into agreement with the Tetrabiblos. In fact, it technically is your Bible, along with the Enuma Elish.

This is just a taste of Westernized astrology. We haven't even covered other sects of astrology, modalities, birth charts, animals, and the other depths of the belief system.

God As Creator

Since God is the ultimate creator, he has the ultimate say in also assigning and attaching purpose and meaning, not us, or any other scholar. The book of Genesis gives us just a glimpse of God’s genius in speaking the entire universe of time, space, and matter into existence, including the sun, moon, and all the shining stars. 

“Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years. They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule over the day and the lesser light to rule over the night - as well as the stars. God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, to rule the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. - Genesis 1:14-18 CSB

Having been made, creations are subject to their creator, and the greater and lesser lights are no exception. 

God’s design for these lights are clear.

When we inquire of the stars, we are inquiring of creations that actually fall in line and praise God every single day:

"Praise him, sun, moon; praise him, all you shining stars." - Psalm 148:3 CSB

We are called to do the same.

Inquire of God, not his creations.

Related Song: So Will I (100 Billion X) - Hillsong Worship