Journal: Journal of Transformative Learning and Leadership
Volume: JTLL 01:2 (Spring 2024)
Article: The Constellations Of Job: Insights Into The Superiority Of God Over The Gods Of Sumeria
Author: Mark Perkins

The Constellations Of Job: Insights Into The Superiority Of God Over The Gods Of Sumeria

Mark Perkins

Introduction

Both Job 9:9 and Job 38:31–32 describe God as the Creator of the constellations. Yet a closer examination shows several distinctions between the two as to the speaker, the names of the constellations, and even purpose for the description. The similarities between the two passages seem to indicate that they are related, while their differences may indicate why. In this study we will examine the two in the broader context of the book of Job and ancient Sumerian astronomy and religion. Along the way we will observe the difference between the general and special revelation of God, and ultimately be encouraged to greater worship of our Creator from both passages.

The Purpose For The Lights

Before examining the passages on constellations, it will be useful to review Scriptural knowledge on the stars. The first mention of the stars and other heavenly bodies is found in Genesis 1:14–15 “14 Then 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; 15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so.” We see that the writer of Genesis gives three reasons for the creation of the lights in the

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heavens: First, to separate day and night; second, to mark the passage of time and the repetition of seasons; and third, they are there to give light itself on the earth. From the rhythms of daily life to the span of generations, the heavenly lights regulate and enable our function on God’s earth. However, in the future Day of the Lord, God will withdraw the stars and their constellations to discipline mankind:

Isaiah 13:9–11: 9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. 10 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. 11 I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

There is a fourth great...