Star of Bethlehem found?

[liafailrock]

The crux of the article is that Astronomers used ancient Chinese records dated around the time of Christ's birth to suspect a black hole in Cygnus the Swan, an already known black hole (X-1 Cygnus) described as about 25 degrees north on the meridian Altair is on, was indeed the star. The declination of X-1 Cygnus is about 35 degrees, whereas Israel is closer to 32, so this bothers me a tad. Nevertheless, Cygnus is a hotbed of stellar activity and there's an expected nova to take place 2022 with a 100,000 fold increase in brightness. It will be comparable in brightness to the other stars in the constellation.

For years I also suspected that there also could have been a nova in Coma Berenices (the infant) next to Virgo. (c.f. Isaiah 7:14; Revelation 12:1 as an astronomical position) The declination is such that it could have passed directly over Israel. Keep in mind when the wise men came Jesus was already a child living in a house. So depending on exactly where Jesus was changes the coordinates somewhat. And just for the record, I'm not against a supernatural star, either, although the sun, moon and stars are clockwork created by God for times and seasons that it would puzzle me why he would use them for such times just to create something out of the ordinary to do the same function. With that, here's the article:

Star of Bethlehem FOUND? Astronomers make astonishing discovery just DAYS before Christmas

 

[Calminian]

The Biblical word for star is usually best translated luminary. It doesn't refer to stars in the modern vernacular, per se, but to any luminary in the sky (stars, planets, meteorites, etc.). In the case of the star of Bethlehem, the Text speaks of a luminary that moves and stops, and therefore is much more likely to be referring to something in our atmosphere. Could have been an illuminated angel, or another type of supernatural light.

 

[liafailrock]

The Biblical word for star is usually best translated luminary. It doesn't refer to stars in the modern vernacular, per se, but to any luminary in the sky (stars, planets, meteorites, etc.). In the case of the star of Bethlehem, the Text speaks of a luminary that moves and stops, and therefore is much more likely to be referring to something in our atmosphere. Could have been an illuminated angel, or another type of supernatural light.

And along that line, I am wondering if there was a celestial event that made the wise men put their antennas up so to speak, and then guided specifically by the supernatural light? The text implies it was the same star, but.... God can make then think that.

 

[Calminian]

I'd have to go back and review the account. I suppose it could be a possibility.

 

[Aaron]

The Biblical word for star is usually best translated luminary. It doesn't refer to stars in the modern vernacular, per se, but to any luminary in the sky (stars, planets, meteorites, etc.). In the case of the star of Bethlehem, the Text speaks of a luminary that moves and stops, and therefore is much more likely to be referring to something in our atmosphere. Could have been an illuminated angel, or another type of supernatural light.

I find that when the Scriptures mean angel or glow, they say angel or glow.

I think the Magi saw a heavenly body and interpreted it according to their astrological system, the knowledge of which has been lost—not modern, pagan astrology.

 

[Calminian]

I find that when the Scriptures mean angel or glow, they say angel or glow.

I think the Magi saw a heavenly body and interpreted it according to their astrological system, the knowledge of which has been lost—not modern, pagan astrology.

I think you missed the point though. A "heavenly body" as you term it, would also properly be called a star by the ancient biblical writers. Star in scripture is not perfectly synonymous the modern term. The ancients did not differentiate between planets (wandering stars), meteorites (falling stars), and giant balls of nuclear fusion in deep space (stars) as we do today. A star was merely a universal description of some luminary in the sky—any heavenly body—known or unknown. If an illuminated angel was in the sky moving about, it also would be properly called a star.

Thus angels are called "stars" quite often: Revelation 1:20, Job 38:7, Judges 5:20, Daniel 8:9-11.

They are also called "hosts." 1 Kings 22:19-23, Luke 2:6, Ephesians 6:12

 

[liafailrock]

Both of you have good points, and it's thought like these that keep us all searching for the answer. Do I personally believe this black hole was the star of Bethlehem? I don't know. Like I said, I have some reservations, but it does seem that IF it was a natural object, at least they are looking in the right area of the heavens, i.e. that pass over Israel.

 

[Rant]

Enjoy!!>>