The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, has captured worldwide attention. This rare celestial event, visible across North and Central America, has sparked excitement among astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and the general public. Social media, news outlets, and scientific websites are abuzz with information, predictions, and viewing tips for the upcoming spectacle.
This eclipse has drawn comparisons to the biblical story of Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a whale before being released in Nineveh. Interestingly, the eclipse's path of totality is set to cross over seven cities named Nineveh across the United States, sparking discussions about potential biblical connections and prophecies. While interpretations vary, the coincidence has added an intriguing layer to the fascinating astronomical event.
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matt 12:40).
Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his death. “God raised him from the dead on the third day” (Acts 10:40).
Signs in the Sky
Genesis 1:14-15 speaks to us of the celestial bodies—sun, moon, and stars—created by God to serve as signs, marking time and seasons. When we witness phenomena like eclipses, whether solar or lunar, or observe the alignment of planets and constellations, we're reminded of a deeper, spiritual significance. These celestial events act as memorials, calling to mind the sacred covenant established by God with Abraham. Jesus embodies this covenant, serving as a living testament to God's faithfulness.
More Third-Day Patterns
A Bible pattern occurs when a spiritual truth stated in one part of the Bible is repeated similarly in yet another portion of the Bible. Examine the third-day patterns. The first two days don’t tell the whole story—the third day is the conclusion.
- On the third day — “the earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit.” (Genesis 1:12)
- On the third day — “Abraham looked up and saw the place [Mount Moriah] from afar.” He intends to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering to God. Yet he assures his companions, “We will worship and return.” (Genesis 22:4-5)
- On the third day — Pharaoh releases his chief cupbearer from the death-row. (Genesis 40:20-21)
- On the third day — Joseph releases his brothers from prison in Egypt. (Genesis 42:17-18)
- On the third day — The Israelites request Pharaoh’s permission to make a three-day journey to offer sacrifice in the desert to God. (Exodus 3:18)
- On the third day — Plague Nine, the Plague of Darkness, in Egypt ends, “though the Israelites enjoyed light in their dwellings.” (Exodus 10:22)
- On the third day — God descends to Mount Sinai in fire with the sound of a shofar. He then reveals The Ten Words, Israel’s constitution of new life as a nation after their resurrection from the death of slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 19:16-19)
- On the third day — Israelites are to purify themselves with water after being in contact with the dead. (Numbers 19:12)
- On the third day — After coming to the river and preparing themselves, the Israelites cross the Jordan “to enter and possess the land that the LORD [their] God is giving to [them] as a possession.” (Joshua 1:11; 3:2)
- On the third day — Joshua’s spies emerge from hiding from the Jerichoites and then return to their commander. (Joshua 2:16, 22)
- On the third day — a famine during David’s reign ends. (2 Samuel 21:1).
- On the third day — a famine called for by Elijah the prophet ends. (1 Kings 18:1)
- On the third day — after asking God for release, King Hezekiah is healed of his fatal disease and offers thanks in the temple. (2 Kings 20:5)
- On the third day — Jonah is expelled from the fish belly. (Jonah 1:17/2:1 Heb) (Matt 12:40; cf Matt 16:21; 17:23)
- On the third day — After fasting, Esther puts on royal apparel and enters the palace of the Persian king to thwart a death plot against her people, the Jews. (Esther 4:16; 5:1)
The Significance of the Number 40 in Biblical Narratives
The number 40 holds significant symbolic importance throughout the Bible, often representing periods of testing, trial, or judgment. This number appears in various contexts, such as the 40 days and nights of rain during the flood in the time of Noah, the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert, and Jesus' 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness. The full moon on 2/24 started a 40 day countdown to the Solar Eclipse on 4/8/2024.
Jesus in the Biblical Holidays
As we reflect on the incredible significance of third-day events in the Bible and the upcoming April 8, 2024 solar eclipse, it's clear that God's timing and divine plan are woven throughout history. If you'd like to dive deeper into the rich connections between Jesus Christ and the biblical holidays, I highly recommend exploring my book "Jesus in the Biblical Holidays"
In this fascinating book unveils how Jesus is the fulfillment of the spiritual truths behind the Old Testament holidays. From Passover to Shavuot and beyond, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how these sacred occasions point to the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior. Now Available Here:
Jonah Eclipse
Archaeological scholar David Wiseman has presented evidence from archaeological findings that a solar eclipse indeed took place over Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. This event coincided with Jonah's warning to Nineveh, urging its inhabitants to repent lest the city be destroyed in 40 days. The occurrence of the eclipse served as a powerful sign that led the people of Nineveh to believe Jonah's message and subsequently repent.
The Bur-Sagale eclipse, which occurred over the Assyrian capital city of Nineveh, coincided with the reign of Jeroboam II, who ruled Israel from 786 to 746 B.C. According to 2 Kings 14:25, the prophet Jonah lived and prophesied during Jeroboam's reign. Biblical scholar Donald Wiseman has suggested that the eclipse may have taken place around the time of Jonah's arrival in Nineveh, where he urged the people to repent to avoid the city's destruction.
This theory could explain the dramatic repentance of the Ninevites described in the Book of Jonah, as ancient cultures, including the Assyrians, interpreted eclipses as omens of impending doom. The Assyrian empire was in turmoil during this period, grappling with revolts, famines, and two separate outbreaks of plague, which may have heightened the impact of the eclipse on the populace.
Learn More on the April 8 Eclipse
Disclaimer: I don't know much about the people in the Youtube videos below, so I'm unsure about their theology, but I found the content fascinating.
