THE SCROLL OF HEAVEN

 

 

(The original signification of the constellations

according to ancient Semitic star names.)

 

 

 

 

 

Act 1: Yeshúas first coming

 

I. The constellation of the Virgin (Virgo) with its bright blue star Spica reveals Yeshúa as the Seed of the Woman, born by a pure virgin. „Behold, the virgin shall conceive and shall bring forth a Son, and she shall call His name Immanuel ‚God with us‘“ (Is. 7:14; Gen. 3:15.)

 

The constellation Coma Berenices, "the hair," expresses in one word the secret of the overcoming life of Yeshúa, how He lived so holy, without any sin. (Cf. the secret of Samson's strength, Judges 16:17, 19; Num. 6:5, 7; Song of Songs 7:5, 5:11; I. Cor. 11:1‑16; John 5:19; 8:29.)

 

The lowly constellation of Centaurus shows us Yeshúa, the King of the Jews, humbly riding on an ass. Palm branches are spread around Him. Centaurus means "pierced," because He was pierced on the Cross. (Zech. 9:9; John 12:13; Ps. 22:17; Zech. 12:10; John 19:34‑37.)

 

The constellation Boötes "He who Comes," high up on heaven, shows us our glorious Messiah, whom we despised. He is the Lord and Keeper of the Heavens, to whom all power in heaven and on earth has been given. He will come again in glory and majesty, clothed with a garment dipped in Blood: every eye shall see Him! (Matth. 28:18; Eph. 1:20‑22; Rev. 1:7; 19:13.)

 

 

II. The Scales (Libra) reveal the secret of redemption. He who was sold by us men for thirty silver pieces — the lowest sum of money which had to be paid to compensate for a slave gored to death (Exod. 21:32), — He has purchased us from our sins, not with silver or gold, but with His own Blood to God. Originally, however, Libra described the Altar on which the Lamb of God was sacrificed. (Math. 26:15; 27:3‑10; Zech. 11:12‑13; I. Peter 1:18‑19; Hebr. 9:12‑22; Ps. 49:8‑10; Rev. 1:5; 5:9.)

 

The beautiful Southern Cross (Crux), deepest down and at the darkest point of heaven ("the Coalsack"), reveals Yeshúa, our Messiah, in His deepest humiliation on the Cross. There the curse for our sins was laid upon Him. The five bright stars of this Cross point to His five great wounds.

 

The constellation Lupus originally illustrated the Lamb of God which was slaughtered for us. The Egyptians described it as a little child with its finger on its mouth: „He opened not His mouth“ (Is. 53:7; Matth. 26:59‑27:54).

 

The Northern Crown (Corona Borealis), high above our heads, shows us the unfading wreath of victory and glory, which God has promised the faithful bearers of the cross. Its Arabian name al‑fakka "the redemption" and its eight bright stars describe the glorious fruit of the Blood of His Cross. (Matth. 27:28‑30; James 1:12, Rev. 2:10, 3:11.)

 

 

III. The Scorpion (Scorpius) strikes with its poisonous sting towards the heel of the mighty Serpent-Holder (Ophiuchus), but he crushes its head under his left foot. Thus Yeshúa has overcome the ancient serpent, Satan, and crushed its head, when He died on the Cross, crying: "It is finished!" (Gen. 3:15; John 19:30; I. Cor. 15:55‑57; Col. 2:15.)

 

The coiled Serpent (Serpens), seeking to snatch away the wreath of victory (Corona Borealis), is seized and cast down by the strong Serpent-Holder (Ophiuchus), our Hero on Golgotha. (Rev. 3:11, Gen. 3:1ff; II. Cor. 11:1‑3; Rev. 12:9‑11.)

 

The constellation Hercules, high up in mid sky, was originally called "the Kneeling One" and describes Yeshúa wrestling on His knees in agony in Gethsemane. His hands are stretched out to God, and His eyes are fixed upon the Wreath of victory (Corona borealis). To His left you see the Harp of praise (Lyra), and His left foot is treading on the head of the great Dragon (Draco). (Luke 22:39‑44; Mark 14:32‑39; Hebr. 5:7‑10; 12:2; Ps. 91:13.)

 

 

IV. The Archer (Sagittarius) reveals Messiah riding in glorious triumph on His white horse. The arrow on His bow is aiming directly towards the heart of the Scorpion. The arrow‑head is the centre of the Milky Way and of the Gospel. (Ps. 45:3‑5; Rev. 6:2; 19:11.)

 

The Harp (Lyra), high up on heaven, illustrates the hymn of victory of our great Redeemer. When we praise our Lord Yeshúa for His victory on the Cross, Satan is crushed under our feet. (Rev. 5:8‑14; 14:2‑3; Eph. 5:18‑21; Mark 14:26; Ps. 118:15; 149:5‑9; 8:2.)

 

The golden censer Ara, deep down in the South and hardly to be seen, testifies about the hidden, exeedingly glorious priestly ministry of offering incense to God. When we intercede before God for our brethren with thanks, God gives them joyful victory. He gladly blesses everyone whom we bring to His mercy seat. (Rev. 8:1‑5; Esther 5:6; 7:2‑6; Hebr. 4:14‑16; 6‑10; 10:19‑22; 9:4; I. Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10.)

 

The great Dragon (Draco) is writhing in and out among a third part of the highest stars of heaven. Formerly it occupied the North Pole, having the earth under its dominion. But it has been cast down and trodden under foot by Yeshúa, our Messiah, who is now the anointed Head of the universe and the Pole Star. Praise be to our mighty Redeemer! (Rev. 12:3‑11; Is. 27:1; Luke 4:5‑8; 10:18‑20; John 12:31; Rom. 16:20; II. Cor. 2:14.)

 

 

Act 2: From the resurrection of Yeshúa Messiah to the rapture

 

V. Look how the Goat (Capricornus) bows its head, as unto death. It describes Yeshúa as our goat of atonement, which was sacrificed for us, by whose Blood we are bought back to God. Here the sun stood at the darkest time of the year. "Him who knew no sin, God has made sin for us, that we may become the righteousness of God in Him." But look at the Goat's tail: it has a fish tail, like a fish, full of life, jumping in the water. It shows us the happy end of His sacrificial death: Messiah is risen, and we in Him. (II. Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13‑14; Ps. 22; Lev. 16:5‑22; II. Cor. 5:14‑17; Rom. 6.)

 

The lofty Eagle (Aquila) is pierced by the Arrow (Sagitta) of the Almighty and falls in mortal pain. Thus the wrath of God hit His own beloved Son, that we may be pardoned in Him. (Job 6:4; Ps. 38:2; Lam. 3:12; 1:12.)

 

The happy Dolphin (Delphinus) jumping out of the water again illustrates the risen body of Messiah, full of His life and resurrection power. (Eph. 1:19‑23; 2:4‑8; I. Peter 1:3‑4; Col. 3:1‑4.)

 

 

VI. The glorious Water-Pourer (Aquarius) pours the Water of Life out of his jug. His left hand is lifted up blessing you. He describes our risen Savior, exalted at the right hand of His Father, pouring out His Holy Spirit upon us. (John 7:38‑39; Is. 55:1; John 1:33; 3:34; 16:7‑15; Acts 2:32‑33.)

 

The Water of Life flowing from his jug becomes a great stream, in which you see a large Fish (Piscis Austrinus/Australis) swimming upstream towards the Water-Pourer with wide opened mouth as if swallowing up the whole spring. This again describes our risen Messiah as the Spring of the Water of Life and His assembly rejoicing in His fullness. (Acts 2:1‑4, 16‑18, 38‑39; Joel 2:23, 28‑29; Zech. 10:1; Is. 12:3‑4; Eph. 5:18‑21.)

 

Above that you see Messiah's horse of triumph, Pegasus. Wherever its hoofs touch the ground, water springs forth from the dry ground and a rain of blessing is poured out. On its fair back you shall take your seat with your Messiah and fly up to heaven. (Rev. 19:11, 14; 6:2; Zech; 10:3; Micah 5:6; II. Cor. 2:14; II. Kings 2:11; Song of Songs 6:11‑13; Joshua 15:19.)

 

Up there you also see the peaceful Swan (Cygnus), the queen of the waters, full of grace. Its brightest stars form a great flying cross. Thus is the chaste bride of Messiah; she is crucified with Messiah, and flies up to heaven by the power of His resurrection. The bright star in its beak Albireo, "the overcomer," tells us that "in their mouths no lie is found; for they are blameless." (Col. 3:1‑4; Eph. 2:4‑7; Rev. 14:1‑5; Is. 58:14.)

 

 

VII. The two Fishes (Pisces) illustrate the assembly of God in Israel and the assembly of Messiah from all nations. With a band of stars they are tied to the Lamb (Aries) and to one another in love. (Acts 15:14‑16; Rom. 11:24‑27; Matth. 20:16a; Gen. 29:16‑30; Esekiel 37:15‑22; Col. 3:14; Rom. 8:38‑39; 11:33‑36.)

 

The northern fish, jumping up out of the water, is identical with the beautiful princess Andromeda, who is chained to the rock, a sure prey for the terrifying Sea Monster Cetus.1 Suddenly the hero Perseus (= Perez)2 comes from his victory over Satan. In his left hand you see his flashing sword, and in his right he holds the cut off head of Satan. Seeing the poor Andromeda in her travail, he quickly delivers her from her chains —  and immediately they are bound with the new chain of love. Having obtained her as his bride,3 he sets her on his horse and rides with her to heaven.4 (1 Is. 52:2‑3; Lam. 2:15‑16; 3:46‑50. 2 Micah 2:13; Gen. 38:29. 3 Zech. 14:1‑9; Luke 8:2; 7:37‑50; Col. 1:13; I. Peter 1:18‑19; Eph. 2:1‑7. 4 I. Thess. 4:16‑18; I. Cor. 15:51‑52.)

 

 

VIII. The chief constellation of all is the Lamb that was slain (Aries).1 When Yeshúa died on the Cross, the sun was standing in the horns of the Lamb. The Lamb that was pierced now pierces every heart with His love.2 Every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him.3 Over its head you see the radiant holy Triangle (Triangulum).4 (1 Rev. 5:6‑. 2 Luke 2:35; Acts 2:36‑37; 7:52‑60; 9:1‑5. 3 Zech. 12:10; Rev. 1:7; 4 Luke 3:21‑22.)

 

Under the Lamb you see the greedy Sea Monster Cetus with its divided tail and snorting nostrils. But its jaw is pierced, and a band of stars leads from its wound to the forefeet of the Lamb. Messiah has everything in His hand. (Job 40:20‑41:25; Is. 51:9; Rev. 13:1.)

 

On the throne of heaven you see Cepheus, the Right Hand of Yahweh.1 He is the Chief Cornerstone and the Top Stone of the temple of God.2 He is reigning as the Prince of Peace,3 and is called "the Flaming One," because His eyes are as flames of fire.4 He holds the scepter in his left hand, and his left foot rests on the north pole, God has put all things under His feet.5 (1 Is. 53:1; 51:9; Ps. 118:16, 22‑23. 2 Is. 28:16; 8:14; Zech. 4:7. 3 Zech. 6:12‑13. 4 Rev. 1:13‑18; Dan. 10:5‑6. 5 Ps. 110; Eph. 1:20‑23.)

 

On His left hand1 His beautiful queen Cassiopeia is sitting on her throne.2 With the branch of victory in her left hand she touches her long hair; for she is submissive to her King in all things.3 Her left hand orders her garment (for she is fully clothed in Messiah, her righteousness.)4 She is called "the hand tinged (with henna)," for she has Blood on her hand and ministers with the Blood of sprinkling.5 Like queen Esther she intercedes before her glorious King for her beloved brethren, giving her life for them. And her prayer is heard, and Israel is saved by Immanuel's Blood.6 (1 A riddle! 2 Eph. 2:6; Rev. 3:21; Ps. 45:8‑9. 3 I. Cor. 2:3‑15; I. Peter 3:1‑6; Song of Songs 7:5. 4 Rev. 19:6‑9. 5 Lev. 8:23‑24; I. Peter 2:9, 5; 1:2; Hebr. 12:24. 6 Esther 4:16‑5:3; 7:2‑10; I. John 3:16.)

 

 

Act 3: Messiah comes in glory

 

IX. The fierce wild Bull1 (Taurus) with its red eye charges forward with lowered head and long piercing horns. "The Lord at Thy right hand will smite through kings in the day of His anger" (Psalm 110:5‑6).2 On the strong shoulders of the wild Bull the lovely asterism of the Seven Stars,3 the Pleiades, are riding. They are the gracious bride of Yeshúa, whom the King takes to Himself before His fierce judgment.4 She has nothing to fear,5 for she is the joy of His heart. "Can you bind the pleasant bands of the Pleiades?"6 They are united in His love; nothing can separate them from Him, nor from one another. Wherever they appear, they bring abundance of His blessings. (1 Num. 23:22; 24:8; Job 39:9‑11. 2 Rev. 19:11‑16; Jude 14‑15; II. Thess. 1:7‑10; Hab. 3. 3 Rev. 1:20; 14:1‑5. 4 I. Thess. 4:16‑18 I. Cor. 15:51‑52. 5 Ps. 27:5; 74:19; 91; I. Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10; II. Peter 2:9. 6 Job 38:31.)

 

The luminous Orion, the mighty hero, describes Messiah as the Light of the World.1 His glorious girdle of righteousness no one can loosen.2 There his sharp two‑edged sword, the Word of God, is attached.3 He was stung by the scorpion in his heel and died; but he is risen and the victor over all and "the faithful shepherd of heaven."4 From his face the blessing of God shines upon you.5 (1 John 8:12; I. John 1:5‑7. 2 Job 38:31; Is. 11:5. 3 Eph. 6:14, 17; Hebr. 4:12; Rev. 1:16, 2:1. 4 John 10:11, 17‑18; Zech. 13:7. 5 Num. 6:24‑26; II. Cor. 3:18‑4:6.)

 

At the feet of the glorious Orion a Stream of fire (Eridanus) issues, exactly as Daniel (7:9‑10) saw. For "this is the judgment, that light is come into the world."1 Like the Hare (Lepus) all the proud and all that work wickedness will flee calling to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!"2 (1 John 3:19; Matth. 13:36‑50; Mal. 4:1‑2. 2 Is. 2:10‑22; Rev. 6:14‑17; 19:19‑20; 20:1‑3.)

 

 

X. The Twins (Gemini) Pollux and Castor, who are embracing one another, describe the happy fellowship of love between Yeshúa and His brethren in the Messianic kingdom of peace, and already now. Together they bless all creatures and do valiant exploits saving and helping people in distress; nothing is impossible to them. Together they are "the Arm of Yahweh." The ancient Egyptians described them as a bridegroom with his bride. (Pollux comes from the Greek Polydeúkês "very sweet." Judg. 14:14, 18; Song of Songs 1:2; 5:16. —  Rev. 2:26‑28; 20:4‑6; Rom. 8:19‑21.)

 

The Goat-herder Auriga with his beloved goat Capella and her sweet little kids in his arm is sitting at a tent of Kedar. They illustrate again the loving fellowship between Yeshúa, the Savior of sinners, and His beloved disciples, bearers of the cross. The sharp horn of the wild Bull has pierced the Goat-herder's foot. Thus the righteous wrath of God hit His beloved Son in our stead. (Is. 40:11; John 10:11, 27‑30; Song of Songs 1:5‑6, 8; 2:6‑7; 7:11‑13; Exod. 26:7; Gal. 6:14.)

 

Sirius (a Canis Maioris), the brightest of all fixed stars, describes Messiah as the Telos of God (completion, fulfilment; goal),1 which is "to know Him."2 He is "the lord and supervisor of all the stars," as well as the Prince of the kings of the earth,3 whose throne of glory is in Jerusalem. All nations shall make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship Him, and all kings will fall down before Him.4 His glorious reign is so clearly described in Psalm 72. Under Sirius five white stars, "the virgins,"5 are shining. (1 Rom. 10:4; Rev. 21:6; 22:13. 2 Eph. 4:13; 3:18‑19; Phil. 3:10‑11; John 17:3. 3 Joshua 5:14; Rev. 1:5; I. Cor. 15:22‑28. 4 Is. 9:6‑7; 11:1‑10; 2:2‑4; Ps. 72:11; Zech. 14:16‑19. 5 Rev. 14:1‑5; II. Cor. 11:2.)

 

Procyon, "the despised one," (α Canis Minoris) shows us who this King of Glory is. He is "He whom man despises, He whom the nation abhors. As many were astonished at You — His visage was so marred, and His form more than the children of men — so shall He astonish many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at Him." For He is the Arm of Yahweh, the doer of all His good pleasure, whom we have executed among criminals in the most bestial way. (Is. 52:13‑53:12; 49:7; I. Cor. 1:26‑31; Luke 10:21; James 2:5.)

 

 

XI. The constellation Cancer originally illustrated the Father's house, the city of God with the river of the Water of Life proceeding out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Not a „crab“ (= Cancer), but the cherubim with the flashing sword of fire guarded the entrance to the garden of God. (Hebr. 11:10; 12:22; Rev. 21:1‑22:5; John 14:1‑3; Gen. 3:24.)

 

Ursa Minor was originally called "the smaller fold"1 and describes the happy overcomers, the kingly priesthood, in God's Holy of Holies. Their leader is the Pole Star, whose Arabic name al‑gudayy, "the little he‑goat,"2 reveals Yeshúa as our sin‑offering, who has brought us to God by His atoning Blood and has cast down the dragon. (1 Luke 12:32; Rom. 8:15‑17. 2 Lev. 16:7‑10; 15.22.)

 

Ursa Major is "the greater fold/pasture," where the redeemed leap like fatted calves and youngs of the gazelles to the Water of Life. Also they are the happy sons of eternal Life, the joy of their Father in heaven. (Rev. 7:9‑17; Mal. 4:2; Hebr. 12:23.)

 

The swift ship of the heroes Argo Navis (= Carina + Puppis + Vela + Pyxis), with its bright and wonderful Canopus as Helmsman, shows us the ship of His faithful disciples which Messiah has navigated securely through all the dangers of life and now brings into the harbor of bliss. (Mark 4:37‑41; Is. 35:10.)

 

 

XII. The bright stars of the Lion (Leo) with its luminous kingstar Regulus between its forefeet reveals Messiah as the Lion of Judah who has overcome by His Blood. "Judah is a young lion; from the prey, My Son, You have gone up. He stoops, he lays himself down as a lion, yea, as a lioness: who will rouse him up? The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh ('the Peace-maker') come, and to Him will be the obedience of peoples" (Gen. 49:8‑12.) When John looked around to see the Lion, he saw "a Lamb standing as slain" in the midst of the throne of God. And here in the stars we see the Lion of Judah in the midst of His New Jerusalem, His flock of overcomers. And all the angels and saints in heaven praise Him for His victory on Golgotha (Rev. 5).

 

Under the feet of the Lion you now see the long fleeing Water-Serpent Hydra writhing in the burning Gehenna.1 Upon it the Mixing Bowl (Crater) is standing full of the wine of the fury of God, which all shall drink who do homage to the beast (= the antichrist) and its image and receive a mark upon their foreheads or upon their hands.2 Like the Raven (Corvus), which is picking the flesh of the serpent, the birds of prey will devour the flesh of the enemies of Israel on the mountains of Israel.3 (1 Is. 27:1; Rev. 20:1‑3, 7‑15; 21:8; Matth. 25:41‑46. 2 Rev. 14:9‑12. 3 Rev. 19:17‑21; Matth. 24:28; Ezekiel 39:17‑20.)

 

 

 

 

This is only a brief summary of my book Messiah in the Constellations in which Semitic star names from times long before Yeshúa Messiah was born in Bethlehem have been carefully translated and explained in the light of the Holy Scriptures. These ancient names testify about the glorious triumph of our Messiah, which God's finger has illustrated so brillantly on the vault of heaven. They reflect the hope which God-fearing saints have had in the Messiah from the time of Adam until Yeshúa Messiah came and crushed the head of the serpent and set us free. Glory be to our wonderful Redeemer!

 

Now here is a riddle for you: Can you explain, why the queen is sitting at the left hand of the majesty, and he holds the scepter in his left hand? Why is the Virgin holding the precious ear of promise in her left hand? And why do the heroes hold the sword in their left hand? Why is the Scorpion’s head crushed under the left foot of the Serpent-Holder, and the head of the Dragon under the left foot of the Kneeling One? He who pours out the Water of Life is lifting his left hand to bless you.

 

.doG fo yrolg eurt eht fo segami rorrim ylno era snoitalletsnoc eseht lla esuaceB

He who turns to the stars in worship, turns his back on the Truth, on God Himself.




 

The Rebellion

 


 

          When Eve, deceived by the crafty serpent, had eaten of the forbidden fruit and given it to Adam too, in order that they might become like God, the happy fellowship with the holy God was broken by one act of rebellion. On that day God spoke to the serpent: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel" (Gen. 3:15).

          This comforting prophecy about the coming Seed of the Woman, who should crush the head of the serpent and thus deliver the creation of God from the bondage of Satan, is the theme of the great divine drama, which is unrolled before our eyes in the splendid starry sky, more glorious than the flaming Northern Lights.

          Also in Psalm 19:1-6 we read about God's glorious revelation in the firmament, not only because of the beauty of the cosmos, but by its SPECIAL MESSAGE. Here the sun is described as "a bridegroom going forth from his bridal chamber; he rejoices as a hero to run the race." This is exactly the testimony of the stars; the sun describes the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2), the Light of the World (John 8:12), and its yearly path along the zodiac is a prophecy of the career of our Messiah, from His birth by a virgin to His eternal kingship over heaven and earth.

          Everywhere in the world people could look up toward the nightly sky and see the triumph of the Seed of the Woman over the Dragon. Over and over again it is painted on the vault of heaven: e.g. the head of the Dragon under the left foot of the Kneeling One — the head of the Scorpion crushed under the left foot of the Serpent-Holder Ophiuchus — the Sea‑Monster Cetus muzzled by the Ram Aries — the Water‑Serpent Hydra under the paws of the Lion, with the Raven picking its flesh.

          How annoying to the ancient serpent is this revelation from God, that His Anointed One will crush its head. Therefore, by all means, with all his devilish devices of horoscope and astrology, Satan has tried to erase or distort the handwriting of God on the expanse of heaven, and he nearly succeeded. The superstitious priests and star gazers at Babylon began to worship the stars and planets as deities and foretold the future by the movements of planets — and the knowledge of the true God El disappeared entirely. The Scroll of Heaven with its beautiful illustrations was soiled and painted over with pictures of their gods and half‑gods, and the true meaning of the signs was lost.

          But one thing remained: the old star names are still in use even up to this day. If we translate these precisely, the original drama is displayed anew, as you see in the book Messiah in the Constellations.

          Today as the bookstores are booming with astrological literature spreading the superstitions from Babylon, and people study horoscopes hoping for luck and gain thereby, — although the Bible, the Word of God, warns us most severely against this deadly sin, — it is so important to unroll the original scroll of the heavens, which is in perfect harmony with the written Word of God.

          On whose side do you stand: on God’s side with the Bible in your hand, or on Satan’s side with horoscope and astrology?