Scores of people across the globe turned to the Bible during last week’s total solar eclipse, with specific searches for applicable scripture references and themes skyrocketing.
Bible Gateway, a website that offers full access to the Old and New Testaments, reported an insanely notable increase in those searching inside the scriptures about what the Aug. 21 eclipse “might mean,” theologically speaking.
“In the days leading up to the August 21 eclipse, Bible Gateway searches for the term ‘eclipse’ spiked by over 4000%, while searches for ‘moon’ jumped up 3500% over the normal search volume,” reads a statement on the Bible Gateway website. “Searches for related terms like ‘sun’ also saw a notable increase.”
And, on the day of the eclipse, the most searched terms were: sun, eclipse, love and moon.
Bible Gateway announced its internal data following theological speculation in some circles that pondered whether the eclipse could have some sort of biblical significance. But, as the online Bible destination noted, the scriptures don’t directly mention solar eclipses or biblical prophecies tied to the subject.
That said, words like “dark” and “sun” do make an appearance in the Bible and, though they could be referencing eclipses, it isn’t immediately clear from the text what’s happening. The Bible Gateway blog has more:
The sun and moon, however, are mentioned many times throughout Scripture—sometimes in mundane contexts, but occasionally as part of a miraculous intervention by God. Perhaps the most memorable such moment of solar manipulation by God (apart from the sun’s creation as recounted in Genesis 1) can be found in Joshua 10, when God caused the sun to stand still in the sky to ensure Israel’s victory in an important battle.
Read more about the fascinating issue here.
As Faithwire previously reported, the total solar eclipse had some Bible enthusiasts claiming that the highly anticipated moment could be a sign from God.
Author Mark Biltz was among those who believed that the eclipse is a “sign from God,” proclaiming in quotes published by conservative site WND that he believes the Almighty is sending a sign to America. Biltz argued beforehand that happenings in the Middle East as well as “signs in the heavens” show that prophesy was be on the horizon.
In the end, he said he’s hoping for national repentance. And, as Christian Today noted, Biltz wasn’t alone in making these claims.
“Could God be giving us a warning that we need to repent or judgment will be coming to the United States?” he asked. “The timing couldn’t be clearer!” Read more about this here.