WORMWOOD AND THE DARKENING OF THE HEAVENS
Introduction
The Book of Revelation describes a series of cataclysmic events that will occur during the end times. Among these are two significant celestial phenomena: the fall of Wormwood and the partial darkening of the sun, moon, and stars. This article examines these events from a literal interpretation perspective.
The Fall of Wormwood
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. (Revelation 8:10-11, KJV)
Wormwood, described as a "great star," could be interpreted as a celestial body such as an asteroid or comet. Its impact on Earth leads to widespread water contamination, making a third of the world's freshwater sources bitter and deadly.
The Darkening of the Heavens
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. (Revelation 8:12, KJV)
Following the Wormwood event, a partial darkening of celestial bodies occurs. This results in a reduction of light from the sun, moon, and stars by one-third. The day and night are also shortened by a third, potentially leading to a 16-hour day-night cycle instead of the usual 24 hours.
Possible Explanations and Implications
- Wormwood's Impact: The collision of a large celestial body with Earth could release enormous amounts of dust and debris into the atmosphere.
- Atmospheric Effects: This atmospheric contamination could partially block sunlight, moonlight, and starlight, explaining the darkening described.
- Altered Day-Night Cycle: The phrase "the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise" suggests a shortened day-night cycle, possibly due to changes in Earth's rotation or atmospheric conditions.
- Global Catastrophe: These events would likely cause worldwide environmental upheaval, affecting climate, agriculture, and human survival.
Conclusion
While these events as described in Revelation are unprecedented in recorded history, a literal interpretation suggests a series of astronomical and geological catastrophes that dramatically alter Earth's environment. The fall of Wormwood and the subsequent darkening of celestial bodies represent a significant phase in the prophesied end-times events, with far-reaching consequences for life on Earth.