The Bright Morning Star
The term "morning star" appears multiple times in the Bible, but its meaning varies depending on the context.
1. The Fallen Morning Star
Isaiah 14:12 – How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!" (NIV)
This passage is traditionally understood as referring to the fall of Satan, who was once a glorious and exalted being but was cast down due to his pride and rebellion against God. He was likely given the title “morning star” because of his beauty and splendor among the angelic being, who are also referred as stars. However, he proved unworthy of the title, as his arrogance led to his downfall.
2. The Morning Star as a Symbol of Christ
2 Peter 1:19 – "And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." Here, the morning star represents the revelation of Christ to believers, bringing spiritual light, truth, and understanding.
Revelation 2:28 – "And I will give him the morning star." This is a promise to the faithful in Thyatira, indicating that those who persevere in faith will share in Christ’s glory and authority.
Revelation 22:16 – "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." Here, Jesus directly calls Himself “the bright morning star,” symbolizing victory over darkness, and the hope of a new dawn when God will create the new heavens and the new earth.
3. Creatures Reflecting the Glory of God
It is not uncommon in the Bible for symbols used of God to also be applied to His creatures. For example, Jesus is called the light of the world (John 8:12), yet He also says that we, his disciples, are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). The difference is that Jesus is the eternal and infinite source of light, whereas we merely reflect His light, and we do so imperfectly. We are light only in the Lord.
In the same way, a created being—like the most beautiful angel—could be called a morning star, but only because he once reflected the glory of his Creator. Similarly, God's people are sometimes called stars in the Bible (Philippians 2:15, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43), as we are called to show forth the light of the gospel and share in our Lord's glory.
4. The Bright Morning Star
Jesus, our Bright Morning Star, gives us hope and confidence. The morning star appears in the East just before dawn, signaling that the night is ending and a new day is beginning. It shines brightly, standing out among the stars. In the same way, as the darkness of this world fades away, Jesus will usher the glorious kingdom of God, leading us into a new and wonderful day.