Have you ever pondered about the biblical interpretation of shooting stars? Or questioned the significance of a shooting star within the scriptures?
Other religions and cultures have long viewed shooting stars as signs and symbols of coming events, judgment, or miracles. Others look at shooting stars as symbols of luck and good fortune. Some people get tattoos of them.
There is a lot of talk of stars (and maybe even some shooting stars) in the Bible.
Let’s start by looking at a few different places where the Bible mentions or could refer to shooting stars.
The Star of Bethlehem at the Birth of Jesus
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” …
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:1-2; 9-10
Many believe this Star of Bethlehem could have been a shooting star or comet – which by no means diminishes the fact it was placed by God and used to symbolize the birth of the Christ.
In this case, the special star symbolized a new hope and the ushering in of peace on earth. But it’s worth noting this star wasn’t described as a “shooting star,” but a static star in the night sky. And it’s also worth noting this is one of the only instances, so it would be a stretch to say “stars in the Bible always symbolize hope” as we’ll see in our next scriptures.
Apocalyptic Falling Stars of Matthew 24 and Mark 13
Both Matthew 24 and Mark 13 mention stars falling from heaven.
Mark 13:25 ESV: “And the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”
Matthew 24:29 ESV: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
But neither of them are talking about the shooting stars we might see in the night sky. This is an apocalyptic prophecy. Both are using dramatic pictures to symbolize a coming event. These prophecies probably shouldn’t be taken literally, as they aren’t speaking of shooting stars or comets as we would think of them.
Both are more than likely speaking of the coming destruction of Jerusalem in around 70 AD.
So in this case, the mention of shooting stars in the Bible points to destruction and downfall.
The Star of David
When it comes to the Bible and stars, the Star of David may come to mind. The Star of David is a Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid triangles that form a six-pointed star. It’s often seen in Synagogues and on the Israeli flag.
But it’s worth mentioning that the Star of David isn’t necessarily seen in the Bible. It rose to prominence around the Middle Ages and actually didn’t have any deep seated religious meaning. Over time, it’s been adapted as a key icon and symbol for the Jewish community. It very well could have been one of Jesus’ favorite symbols. Did you know He might have some a favorite color, too?
What Do Shooting Stars Mean in the Bible?
At the end of the day, shooting stars as we think of them probably don’t have any solid or central significance in the Bible. Stars carry great significance and meaning in certain passages, but there’s no clear overarching theme when it comes to shooting stars. The same is true when it comes to looking to butterflies as signs.
And that’s okay! If nothing else, we know that the self-existent God created them.
So one thing that’s certainly true of shooting stars is this: they declare God’s majesty.
Shooting stars are either meteors, comets, or simply space dust hurtling through space fast enough to leave a trail visible to us on earth, millions of miles away. That’s crazy! They should stir in us a sense of awe and wonder that our God is so big. They aren’t meant to tell our futures like tarot cards.
So if nothing else, shooting stars should mean for us that God is a great, mighty, and powerful creator.
