Andres, if you Google Ancient Astronomy, Astronomy in Ancient China, etc. you will discover Astronomy is a science that was developed and known to different cultures as far back as 5,000 years or more. The Chinese, Mayans, Aztecs, Middle Easterners, you name it, they were all well versed in Astronomy.
There is a difference however, between Astronomy (which is the science) and Astrology (which is an esoteric practice). Astronomy is based on mathematical calculations, physical laws, and scientific fact. The Pyramids in Egypt were built using precise mathematical calculations about the movement of stars, planets and constellations. Although in different places around the earth they had different names for constellations, the Mayans and Chinese built structures, architectural and engineering wonders of history that reflected that knowledge.
All of these cultures worshiped the order, reliability and predictability of the movement of stars. The earliest writings we have are the Sanskrit from India and the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh. Even in these writings we find evidence of their knowledge of the universe, mathematics, science, physical laws. They used them to develop calendars. They were able to calculate precisely Equinox and Solstice, seasons and rotation of the earth.
So, Pleiades and Orion were nothing new to Amos or Job. The rest of the world was well developed by the time of Amos, who lived approximately 750 - 800 years before Christ. Alexander the Great lived in the mid 300's before Christ. Julius Ceasar 50 BC, the Pyramids of Egypt 2,500 years before Christ. Noah lived 3,000 years BC. It is believed the Book of Job appeared 600 years BC. But the story itself is of someone that predates that time. Job is, of course, a precursor of Christ suffering and resurrection. But from Chapter 38 on, we see how Job had a developed understanding of the Universe. Moses lived approximately 1,500 years BC.
Andres, I had to do some researching for your question as the answer cannot be found from Scripture. So trying to make a long research paper simple, this is what I've found & hope it is of some use to you:
Both in Job 9:9 & Amos 5:8, mention is made of those star constellations. So the problem we have is: how are these stars with these names, known by these OT people? The answer is apparently that they hadn't called them by these names in the original language, Hebrew, but those original words were also known differently in Aramaic/Syriac & these are what we are seeing here.
So in Hebrew, Orion was known as 'Kesil', which means 'foolish' because they viewed this constellation as a picture of 'a tall & strong man chained for his folly'. For Pleiades (the view of Seven Stars), was originally known as 'Kimah'. Then in Syriac, it was referred to as Pleiades.
Therefore, with Amos, as a Prophet of God, his writings reflected what was given to him to declare to Israel. And this included these stars which he may not have been entirely familiar with, but declared them (Kesil & Kimah) which have since been translated in the Bible to be the Orion & Pleiades. With Job, we're unsure of his knowledge about these stars, whether from Divine inspiration or from others who may have already named them. So a bit of uncertainty here.
ANDRES: There are 2 scriptures in JOB about both constellations:
Chapter 9:9 and 38:31.
You will enjoy reading Job. Near the end God reveals many scientific things. If your Bible has the center column; the letters and numbers point you to other scriptures or prophesies sometimes. It's fascinating reading.
There is a difference however, between Astronomy (which is the science) and Astrology (which is an esoteric practice). Astronomy is based on mathematical calculations, physical laws, and scientific fact. The Pyramids in Egypt were built using precise mathematical calculations about the movement of stars, planets and constellations. Although in different places around the earth they had different names for constellations, the Mayans and Chinese built structures, architectural and engineering wonders of history that reflected that knowledge.
All of these cultures worshiped the order, reliability and predictability of the movement of stars. The earliest writings we have are the Sanskrit from India and the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh. Even in these writings we find evidence of their knowledge of the universe, mathematics, science, physical laws. They used them to develop calendars. They were able to calculate precisely Equinox and Solstice, seasons and rotation of the earth.
So, Pleiades and Orion were nothing new to Amos or Job. The rest of the world was well developed by the time of Amos, who lived approximately 750 - 800 years before Christ. Alexander the Great lived in the mid 300's before Christ. Julius Ceasar 50 BC, the Pyramids of Egypt 2,500 years before Christ. Noah lived 3,000 years BC. It is believed the Book of Job appeared 600 years BC. But the story itself is of someone that predates that time. Job is, of course, a precursor of Christ suffering and resurrection. But from Chapter 38 on, we see how Job had a developed understanding of the Universe. Moses lived approximately 1,500 years BC.
Both in Job 9:9 & Amos 5:8, mention is made of those star constellations. So the problem we have is: how are these stars with these names, known by these OT people? The answer is apparently that they hadn't called them by these names in the original language, Hebrew, but those original words were also known differently in Aramaic/Syriac & these are what we are seeing here.
So in Hebrew, Orion was known as 'Kesil', which means 'foolish' because they viewed this constellation as a picture of 'a tall & strong man chained for his folly'. For Pleiades (the view of Seven Stars), was originally known as 'Kimah'. Then in Syriac, it was referred to as Pleiades.
Therefore, with Amos, as a Prophet of God, his writings reflected what was given to him to declare to Israel. And this included these stars which he may not have been entirely familiar with, but declared them (Kesil & Kimah) which have since been translated in the Bible to be the Orion & Pleiades. With Job, we're unsure of his knowledge about these stars, whether from Divine inspiration or from others who may have already named them. So a bit of uncertainty here.
Chapter 9:9 and 38:31.
You will enjoy reading Job. Near the end God reveals many scientific things. If your Bible has the center column; the letters and numbers point you to other scriptures or prophesies sometimes. It's fascinating reading.
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