Many have asked, so let’s consider facts and how they line up with Scripture.

First, total solar eclipses are neither rare nor uncommon, but occur, on average, about every 18 months. Not all solar eclipses are total, and not all eclipses are solar. Collectively, there are many eclipses of one kind or another somewhere in the world every year.

Each solar eclipse is obviously not visible from every location on earth and may extend across vast portions of ocean where few would see them. Today’s eclipse happens to pass across a wide swath of America, so receives much greater media attention than most.

Accurate records of eclipses go back 2,000 years before Christ, and eclipses are accurately projected into the future. In other words, we know when they will occur. Only should one occur outside the scheduled time, would there be reason to believe in a supernatural occurrence.

To be sure, eclipses are one of a myriad of ways the Lord displays His handiwork. It is a fantastic reason to rejoice in God’s handiwork and sovereignty. The Biblical significance is to glorify our Creator God.

Secondly, to have prophetic significance would require full context of God’s Word in support of a particular eclipse being a prophetic event. There is some evidence of prophetic eclipses. For example, according to NASA, a lunar eclipse occurred on April 3, 33AD, the day many scholars believe Jesus was crucified. That would fit the parameter of Biblical significance of a lunar eclipse. But, it is not realistic (or true) to say every eclipse has Biblical or prophetic significance.

Thirdly, Bible prophecy centers around Israel, so putting great significance in events not occurring in Israel should certainly raise questions as to whether or not it is a Biblical sign of anything. Beware of those who prophesy about America, claiming strong Biblical significance to events happening in and to America. Avoid deception!

Scripture does prophesy a great eclipse that will occur during the tribulation period. Joel 2:31 predicts the sun turning to darkness and the moon into blood before the “great and awesome day of the Lord.” (Same prophecy repeated in Acts 2:20.) That season of time will be filled with other significant celestial events, as well as tremendous destruction and judgment. (Learn more about the great and awesome day of the Lord here.) Today’s eclipse is certainly not accompanied by such reckoning.

Other celestial occurrences (such as the star over Bethlehem that guided the magi from the east) referenced in Scripture are certainly noteworthy and evidence of God’s great power. We should not disregard God’s creativity in the heavens. However, we must also not attempt to make those events more than Scripture tells us they are.

So, what about today’s eclipse? Enjoy it! Rejoice in the incredible creation of an indescribable God! Indeed, the heavens declare the glory and righteousness of God. (Psalm 19:1, Psalm 50:6, Psalm 97:6)

However, avoid looking for signs in the heaves as your guide. God is perfectly able to communicate to His children. Get into God’s Word and allow the God of creation to speak to you. The secret things of the Lord are revealed to us (His children)! (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Celebrate God’s handiwork in the eclipse but put no trust in signs in the heavens.