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Book of Joel - Chapter 3 - Verse 15

3:15
The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Meaning

When the Bible speaks of "The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining," it is referring to a time of great distress and upheaval. This verse is often interpreted as a sign of the end times or the culmination of God's judgment on the world. The darkening of the sun and moon represents a loss of light, guidance, and warmth, which can be seen as a metaphor for chaos, confusion, and despair. The withdrawal of the stars' shining symbolizes the loss of hope, direction, and stability in a world that is in turmoil. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and the importance of living a righteous life in accordance with God's will. It reminds us of the consequences of straying from God's path and the importance of staying faithful and true to His teachings.

Theological Overview

One common theological interpretation of the verse 'The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining' is that it symbolizes the end times or the day of judgment. This imagery of celestial bodies losing their light is often associated with catastrophic events and the coming of God's final judgment upon the earth. It is a powerful and evocative description that captures the magnitude and seriousness of the divine intervention. Many theologians see this verse as a warning about the consequences of straying from righteousness and the eventual reckoning that all people will face. Additionally, some word studies on this verse highlight the significance of darkness as a symbol of judgment and the withdrawal of shining as a sign of God's displeasure or the end of an era. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal consequences of human actions and the inevitable return of God's justice.

American Standard Version

The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
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