A Biblical Framework for Understanding the 2017 and 2024 Total Solar Eclipses and What the Eclipses Indicate Could Be Coming to the United States
April 6, 2024
By Max Obeidin
The upcoming April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse and what it may mean for the United States has been the subject of much discussion recently. Many people are putting content online with different perspectives. Some are convinced it is a significant sign to America, while others are dismissive of it and look at the theories regarding the eclipse as mere speculation. However, the more we understand the eclipse from a biblical perspective, the better informed we are for evaluating what it means. It is indeed a significant sign to America, and the goal of this commentary is to present a biblical framework that will show that this is indeed the case and to give scriptural support to help us interpret it.
One of the challenges in interpreting the total solar eclipses across America in 2017 and 2024 (as well as the annular solar eclipse in 2023) is that the Bible is not fully clear on exactly how they should be interpreted. Many pastors believe that the eclipses could indeed be signs but hardly have a clue regarding how to interpret them other than the understanding that certain celestial signs point to the return of Christ and the gathering of His bride. One of the big mistakes, though, that many people make is not taking into enough consideration what a sign might mean because of the challenges in interpreting it.
With that being said, here are some foundational items we will consider regarding the spiritual and prophetic implications of the eclipses:
1. References to the sun, moon, and stars in the Bible and possible references to eclipses
2. Biblical patterns that hold true across time regardless of celestial signs
3. The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21
4. The significance of the nation of Israel in light of end times events
5. The current nature of society and how much society is or is not in line with God’s will
6. How God’s judgments play out in the modern day
7. The significance of the timing and physical locations of the eclipses as well as previous eclipse patterns that have occurred
8. A word of encouragement from Jesus
1. References to the sun, moon, and stars in the Bible and possible references to eclipses
Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. (Genesis 1:14–16 NKJV)
Notice in this passage that the sun and moon are not only for the purpose of giving light to the world and determining seasons―but are also meant to be signs. In this context, part of their purpose as signs is to be indicators of significant events.
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars.” (Luke 21:25 NKJV)
These words of Jesus point to the same type of use as in Genesis 1, indicating that part of the purpose of the sun, moon, and stars is their being indicators, which in this context ultimately point to the return of Christ.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1–2 NKJV)
The wise men who came to see the baby Jesus understood the significance of celestial signs and were able to correctly interpret the meaning of the star they saw. And while different theories have been put forth as to what the star was, the wise men clearly understood it to mean that the King of the Jews had been born. It is very likely that the position of the star within certain constellations was part of the reason they understood what it meant. The point here is to affirm the fact that God uses celestial signs as indicators.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:29–31)
In this passage Jesus talks about the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light. While there are different theories as to what this means, one possibility has to do with eclipses.
“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” (Joel 2:30–31)
In this passage of Joel the language may very well be indicating eclipses. And while there may be some difference of opinion as to when these specific signs would occur, the point is that eclipses can have prophetic significance. If these are indeed eclipses referred to in Joel, and even if they might refer to eclipses that occur beyond 2024, the point is that eclipses can be significant signs. Interestingly enough, the term blood moon in reference to lunar eclipses has become much more common since Mark Biltz pointed out the prophetic significance of the total lunar eclipses that occurred in 2014 and 2015 at Passover and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) during these two years. The apostle Peter likewise quotes from this passage of Joel in Acts 2.
I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. (Revelation 6:12)
One interpretation of this passage from Revelation is in reference to a total solar eclipse and a total lunar eclipse. Even if the ultimate fulfillment of this could be beyond 2024, the main point for this commentary is that eclipses can often be prophetically significant. Even if this passage meant something different, there is enough from the other scriptures above to make that point. Some other passages for consideration as possibly referring to eclipses include Isaiah 13:10; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 3:14–15; and Amos 8:9.
He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades,
And the chambers of the south. (Job 9:9)
In the passage above, Job points out some of the constellations that God has made. The “Bear” is a reference to Ursa Major, which also contains what we refer to today as the Big Dipper. Orion is another very significant constellation. Pleiades is an open star cluster. The thing to note here is that Job is making it clear that the way God set out the constellations was intentional. It is not a mere coincidence that we recognize certain constellations as representing pictures of certain things.
“Can you tie up the chains of the Pleiades,
Or untie the cords of Orion?
Can you bring out a constellation in its season,
And guide the Bear with her satellites?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens,
Or do you establish their rule over the earth?” (Job 38:31–33)
The verses above are part of the Lord’s answer to Job, and God indicates that He indeed is the one who has placed the stars into their constellations that Job sees. The main point to consider today in light of all of these passages together is that God indeed uses the sun, the moon, and the stars as signs of significant events and that it is not mere coincidence that there are constellations and that various celestial events occur.
2. Biblical patterns that hold true across time regardless of celestial signs
The next major consideration in light of a biblical framework for interpreting the eclipses is biblical patterns that hold true whether there are celestial signs or not. If we can properly identify these patterns related to how God deals with and judges nations, then the fact that we have eclipses occurring at the same time can be considered in light of those patterns. The first major pattern is one found several times in the books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah: the pattern of the sword, famine, and pestilence (or in some translations plague). These types of judgments are also mentioned in other Bible passages.
“‘And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence among them, till they are consumed from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” (Jeremiah 24:10)
The same passage from the NASB reads,
“‘And I will send the sword, the famine, and the plague upon them until they are eliminated from the land which I gave to them and their forefathers.’” (Jeremiah 24:10 NASB)
In the preceding passage the people of Judah are facing severe consequences/judgments because of turning away from God. And even though God had allowed a remnant to go into captivity, many others would be destroyed by the coming events.
“He who is far off shall die by the pestilence, he who is near shall fall by the sword, and he who remains and is besieged shall die by the famine. Thus will I spend My fury upon them.” (Ezekiel 6:12)
In this passage we again see these three same types of consequences coming together when God’s judgment falls upon a nation. Some other passages also mention these types of judgments/events that can be studied at this link. The point here is that we have a biblical precedent for how God may deal with a nation that falls away from Him. Regardless of celestial signs, a biblical pattern holds true here. However, in regard to the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses, they point to and confirm that this pattern is in effect regarding the United States in a kind of modern-day equivalent (more on that further below).
The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. (Amos 1:1)
Another type of consequence/judgment is mentioned above in this passage from Amos. In this case it is a significant earthquake that would occur. The kingdom of Israel had already been split in two, but the consequences would continue. The point here is that there is also a biblical precedent that earthquakes can be forms of God’s judgment on a nation.
Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days, for the sake of your father David; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However I will not tear away the whole kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen.” (1 Kings 11:11–13)
In this case we learn that one judgment for sin can be the division of a nation. Here we read that the sin of the nation’s leader, Solomon, was so severe that God divided the nation into two separate kingdoms: the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah.
“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:13–14)
In the passage above we see how God can use drought and insects (which would potentially lead to famine) or a pestilence as a means to discipline His people in hope that they will respond in repentance. The coronavirus outbreak was one form of this type of event. God was trying to get the attention of the United States as well as other nations in order to draw them to repentance. However, America as a whole has not repented. Even a significant amount of pastors do not seem to have made the connection between the coronavirus and God’s call to repentance. How many pastors do you know of who said coronavirus was allowed to happen because God was calling our nation to repentance? (As a side note: The call to repentance is for sins in general as well as specific sins like abortion and the United States’ attempt to divide Israel.)
As we seek to interpret what the eclipses mean, we need to keep all these passages in mind. We also need to consider the fact the if a nation continues to ignore God’s call for repentance, the judgments will become more severe. These are all biblical principles and provide the main framework for understanding the types of consequences that can come if a nation does not repent. Also, it should be noted that the word "judgment" is used in part in the sense of consequences and even chastening as God deals with America for its sins and calls the nation to repentance. This is obviously a different context than eternal judgment and permanent separation from God. Part of the reason God is chastening America is because He loves the people in America enough that He wants to correct the nation in hope that that it will turn to Him. This is likewise true for the nations of the world in general.
3. The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21
The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 also include the types of events mentioned above.
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:3–8)
“All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:8 NIV)
Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10)
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:25–28)
We know that these events Jesus described are signs of His return and that they are birth pains. Nonetheless, as these types of events occur, they are also often still consequences for sin in the world. Likewise, the world itself is reacting to its sinful, fallen state, just as the book of Romans states:
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:20–22)
4. The significance of the nation of Israel in light of end times events
“Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.” (Isaiah 66:8)
With the Jewish people without a homeland for nearly two millennia, who would have thought that on May 14, 1948, Israel would again become a self-governing and independent nation for the Jewish people? Yet in God’s sovereignty it indeed happened.
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” (Matthew 24:32)
Many scholars believe that in this passage the “fig tree” represents Israel and that it was an indication that Israel would become a nation again before Jesus returns.
“I will also gather all nations,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there
On account of My people, My heritage Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
They have also divided up My land.” (Joel 3:2)
As we seek to determine the warnings God is indicating through the eclipses, we need to understand His purpose for the regathered nation of Israel. As the passage above indicates, there are consequences for any nation that attempts to divide the land. So as we seek to understand the possible judgments that the eclipses may be warning of, we need to be aware that what the United States does in regard to Israel and its land is a significant factor in what the eclipses are warning of.
Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1–3)
Again, as we seek to interpret what the eclipses mean for America, we have to understand the reciprocal blessings or curses that will come depending on what we do regarding the nation of Israel. In addition to consequences that will come if the United States attempts to divide the land of Israel through a peace deal, there are also potential consequences that will come if we do not support Israel in other ways, like giving military support to them or defending them at the United Nations. (As a side note: Consider how the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed within 24 hours of the United States abstaining from rather than vetoing a resolution that called for Israel to implement a ceasefire in its war with Hamas during Ramadan. The bridge collapse was a warning to America and in part indicates coming consequences to our nation if the United States discontinues support of Israel. This is likewise true with the recent earthquake that occurred in the New York City area at the same time as the United Nations Security Council was meeting to discuss the Israel-Hamas war. Israel became a nation again in 1948, and the magnitude 4.8 earthquake seems to in part be a symbolic warning to the United States regarding Israel.)
“It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:9)
There is a major warning in the eclipses not to divide the land of Israel (and this especially includes Jerusalem, based on the principle from the passage above). Even though the eclipses are a call for national repentance in general, there is a specific warning related to the land of Israel and the need for the nation to repent of attempts to divide the land.
For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)
The principle to derive here is that when a nation and/or a leader touches the people or land of Israel in any way that is detrimental to them, it evokes a reaction from God because of His focus and purpose for them. Even if a leader is chosen by God, it will still a reaction if he or she does something contrary to God’s will regarding Israel. God’s plans and purposes for Israel are a major consideration in how we interpret the 2017 and 2024 total solar eclipses. And keep in mind that the 2017 eclipse occurred during the first year of the previous presidental term and that the 2024 eclipse is taking place in the last full year of the current presidential term.
In 2017 we released a commentary about how the eclipse was a warning not to divide the land of Israel. The commentary has now been retitled to “The Biblical Significance of the August 21, 2017 and April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipses, and the Warnings of Coronavirus, War, Earthquakes and Famine.” It is available at https://watch.org/node/62147 and includes the original commentary as well as an addendum that supplements a number of the other items mentioned in this current commentary.
5. The current nature of society and how much society is or is not in line with God’s will
As we seek to interpret the eclipses, we need to understand the national and individual sins that trigger judgment. Even if eclipses occur, there is no need for God to judge a nation if it is doing what is righteous and correct. However, the United States as a whole continues moving farther away from God rather than toward Him. Our country and especially many of its political leaders are continuing to push policies and laws that are contrary to the morality of the Bible. The people in our nation are becoming less focused on God and the teachings of the Bible. We continue seeing a moral decline in much of society. We do not see a nation that is collectively turning back to God in repentance. While many Christians are interceding for our nation, we will not be able to hold back the next wave of judgment much longer if national repentance does not happen.
Because of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a degree of mercy has been granted to our nation, but major consequences are still coming if we do not turn back to God. States that continue to pass laws allowing and supporting abortion are going in the wrong direction, and this will continue pushing us toward God’s judgment. As mentioned above, what we do regarding Israel is another major factor that will affect the severity of consequences our nation faces. Additionally, the fact that our country continues pushing unbiblical policies regarding marriage and sexuality is an indication that our nation as a whole is not repentant. There are so many other sins that our nation as a whole, as well as individuals, also need to deal with, including so much greed, materialism, and idolatry.
6. How God’s judgments play out in the modern day
Let us consider how some of these events could play out in the modern day in light of the various passages referenced in the sections above.
The Sword / Wars and Rumors of Wars―The passages referenced in the previous sections indicate that when nations do not repent, God may allow those nations to be drawn into war and military conflict. This can include attacks and invasions of their homelands as well as a significant number of people who die in these conflicts. In the long term when a nation does not repent, God will often let that nation cease to exist as an independent nation by either being destroyed or being overtaken by another nation.
Civil War and/or National Division―Just as sin allowed the nation of Israel to be split into two during the time of Rehoboam, a nation that turns from God may be split into more than one piece and no longer exist as one unified nation. The United States has already faced one civil war that happened in large part because of the sin of slavery. Could it face another type of civil war if it does not repent of national sins? Additionally, even if a nation does not split, major political and societal division can occur in a nation that is facing God's discipline.
Famines―A nation that continues turning away from God may experience famines due to various reasons, such as drought, insect invasions damaging crops, and plant disease. In the modern day this could also play out in part because of a reduced ability to move food and supplies. In a large country like the United States, areas with large urban populations and little farmland nearby would likely experience the greatest food shortages if food supplies were reduced because there was either less food available or supply lines were greatly reduced where not as much food could be moved. Likewise, supplies other than food, such as toiletries and medicines, could likewise be affected.
Pestilences / Plagues―Generally speaking, pestilences are things that affect people’s health and are highly contagious and with the potential to kill or otherwise harm a significant number of people. The most common causes are viruses or bacteria. Plagues can also refer to these types of events, but can sometimes also have a broader meaning than just regarding health issues. Look at the example of the ten plagues that affected Egypt. Coronavirus was one type of plague that recently struck America.
Earthquakes―Earthquakes can be another type of judgment that falls on a nation. While there have always been some earthquakes that have affected the world, it seems part of what Jesus was indicating was that these will be great earthquakes that will do a lot of damage.
The Sea and the Waves Roaring―The reference to "the sea and the waves roaring” could possibly mean a few things related to storms and natural disasters in the waters. Obviously major storms in the seas would be included, especially such storms of the nature of hurricanes and typhoons. It could also be an indicator of tsunamis, which are typically caused by earthquakes but could also be caused by an asteroids or even perhaps triggered by modern-day undersea weapons.
7. The significance of the timing and physical locations of the eclipses as well as previous eclipse patterns that have occurred
As we seek to understand the biblical significance of the 2017 and 2024 eclipses, we need to keep in mind certain things that make these eclipses so significant. From a physics perspective, there are at least two or more solar eclipses per year (whether partial, total, annular, or hybrid). So unless there is something to further distinguish an eclipse, how are we to single it out from the list of all the other eclipses? In any given year someone could say, “There is a solar eclipse somewhere in the world, so I think there will be a war, or there will be a famine, or there will be a plague at some place on the earth.” A general statement like that does not really help much, because it could be said in any year. That is not to say that we should underestimate the significance of the full list of eclipses. Perhaps in some way all eclipses may have some kind of significance at some level related to certain events that are going on in the world. But it is likely that we might not understand the full details of all of this since there are so many factors related to so many eclipses that happen regularly.
However, there are reasons specifically that the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses should be considered with much more weight than other eclipses that have been occurring. First of all, these two eclipses fall at significant times on the Hebrew calendar. A number of people who have studied this subject have pointed out that eclipses that fall on certain days of the Hebrew calendar seem to have additional significance. A new moon is the only possible time where a solar eclipse can occur, when the moon can come directly in between the sun and the earth and thus cast a shadow on the earth (even though the majority of new moons do not do this). A new moon is always the indicator for going into a new month of the Hebrew calendar. In 2017 the total solar eclipse of August 21 occurred at the new moon that indicates the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul. The significance of this is that in Judaism the beginning of Elul is the start of a 40-day period of reflection and repentance leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. When the eclipse occurred at that new moon, it was God giving a national call to America to repent.
The April 8, 2024, eclipse is occurring at the time of the new moon that indicates the beginning of the Hebrew month of Nissan. This new moon is associated with the beginning of what is called the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. (Side note: This is different than the civil year that starts at Rosh Hashanah.) Nissan is a significant month in that it is the month that Passover occurs and even more importantly is the month when Jesus was crucified and rose again. (Another side note: Because Jesus was crucified toward the middle of the month, most likely on the 14th of Nissan and not at the time of the new moon, it is unlikely that the darkness that occurred that day was a solar eclipse (Matthew 27:45) but was probably something else.) The eclipse occurring at the beginning of Nissan seems to at least in part be a warning to the United States regarding consequences if the country does not do what is right regarding Israel.
In 2017 both Mark Biltz and Steve Cioccolanti pointed out some interesting things about the eclipses and the physical locations of the paths of totality. As we look at this information, we can see how these physical locations seem to point to and confirm that the numerous types of judgments the scriptures mention above are at play for the United States if the nation does not repent. The screenshots farther below are from the following videos:
Is the USA in the Bible? Great American Eclipses of 2017 & 2024―Real End Time Signs?
Steve Cioccolanti & Discover Ministries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZvIibUAY2o
Pastor Mark Dives into the Past, present & the coming eclipse
El Shaddai Ministries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxCAMOcq6eE
The 2024 Solar Eclipse The Big One―Mark Biltz
The Jim Bakker Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnGWSj9xP2
The Sword / Wars and Rumors of Wars―Mark Biltz has pointed out that the date of August 21 was also associated with the 1914 World War I eclipse that occurred over Europe. Both the 1914 and 2017 eclipses occurred on August 21 on the Gregorian calendar and both also corresponded to the Hebrew new moon that indicates the start of the beginning of the month of Elul. This pattern points to military conflict and war involving the United States if the nation does not repent. It also may be connected with attacks that could actually occur on U.S. soil. In 2022 we released a commentary that discusses the fact that the 2017 eclipse also pointed to the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine by referencing the path of the 1914 eclipse and that this seems to have implications for military conflict involving the United States. That same historical 1914 eclipse path as a pattern for current events may be an indicator of a military conflict coming between Israel and Iran in the near future and could also relate to the war between Israel and Hamas as Hamas is to some extent a proxy of Iran. As of the time this commentary was written, both Hezbollah and Iran are threatening responses toward Israel because of a recent attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria which killed a high-ranking member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp. The 1918 total solar eclipse that occurred over the United States also happened at the time of World War I. The commentary titled “Did the 2017 eclipse contain a warning of a conflict involving Ukraine? What does that mean for the United States?” is available at this link: https://watch.org/node/110000. It discusses the pattern of the 1914 eclipse and how it relates to current events involving military conflict and war.
To add to that commentary a bit, there continue to be concerns that something could break out between NATO and Russia in the relatively near future. However, the greatest concerns for the United States in 2024 related to military conflict and war seem to be the possibility of attacks on U.S. cities as well as the possibly of something happening between the United States and China, which could be fueled if China makes a move on Taiwan between the time of the presidential election on November 5, 2024, and the beginning of the next presidential term, on January 20, 2025. There is also the possibility that America could be pulled into the conflict going on right now in the Middle East.
In 2023 we also released an article titled “The Prophetic Significance of the October 14, 2023 Annular Eclipse Across the United States” at this link: https://watch.org/node/109263. In the article we note that the 2023 annular solar eclipse seemed to be pointing toward weapons and people coming across the southern border of the United States that could be involved in attacks on American cities. This annular eclipse that happened one week after the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel seems to indicate a parallel between Israel and the United States. There is the very real possibility of a set of surprise attacks on American cities to occur in the near future, with a strong possibility that something could happen this year. This could also possibly be connected to God lifting His protection if the United States does something detrimental to Israel. The fact that the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse starts its path at the United States southern border near Eagle Pass, Texas, also seems to point to the same risk of weapons and people who want to use those weapons coming across the southern border. Just as the attacks on Israel elicited a response, there would likely be a similar response by the United States if American cities were attacked, leading the U.S. into military conflict.
Civil War and/or National Division―Both of the eclipses symbolically draw a dividing line across America that splits the nation. If America does not turn back to God, this could eventually mean internal conflict within America with the possibility of states seceding from the nation and possible military conflict between states. If major economic issues were to occur at the federal level to the point where a dollar collapse occurs, this may further push states toward wanting to be independent. One significant thing related to this about the 2017 eclipse is that when path of totality left the mainland and went over part of the ocean, it was over South Carolina in the area that includes Fort Sumter (the location where the American Civil War is considered to have started). In considering this consequence, it is possible that this is a little farther down the road than some of the other consequences the eclipse may be indicating. If there is repentance in America and the nation has the right leader, this may be able to be prevented or delayed for a time, at least as long as America does what is right. Additionally, because Roe v. Wade was overturned, there is a degree of mercy at the federal level, and this may be a factor if God does not let the nation break apart in the near future. Even if the nation stays united in the near future, the eclipses could point toward a lot of internal division happening in society. We could potentially see large protests and disruptions similar to what happened in 2020. If the economy starts to implode, this would further create tensions. In the event of major shortages, it would likely lead to an increase in crime as some people might attempt to steal food and supplies.
Famines―If America does not repent, there will eventually be shortages and famines in various parts of the country and perhaps even the country as a whole. Much of this may be connected with other judgments that occur in the nation. Additionally, if there is a major economic decline or even collapse in America, it could mean that there is not enough money to pay for all the necessary means to move food from one area to another, even if food is available in certain locations. Potential natural disasters may be a factor.
On Jim Bakker’s program Mark Biltz has pointed out that the paths of totality of the 2017 and 2024 eclipses cross over an area of southern Illinois that is historically called “Little Egypt” and connected it to people coming to that area to get food when there was a famine in the nearby region. There are even cities with Egyptian names in that region such as Cairo, Thebes, and Karnak. If there is a major New Madrid Zone earthquake in this region that damages bridges across the Mississippi River, this could lead to major food shortages and famine especially in the eastern part of the country. It would be wise to prayerfully consider the possibility of having long-term food and supplies in the event of an emergency.
Pestilences / Plagues―Steve Cioccolanti pointed out in 2017 that the path of totality of the 2017 eclipse was very similar to the path of totality of the 1918 total solar eclipse that crossed America and happened at the time of the Spanish Flu outbreak. In 2017 he stated that one possibility of what the 2017 eclipse could mean is that a pandemic was coming. In the addendum to the eclipse commentary we have released at the following link, https://watch.org/node/62147, we note that during a solar eclipse the solar corona appears around the sun and (in hindsight) that this was an indication of the coronavirus. The following graphic from Mark Biltz shows the similar paths of the 1918 and 2017 eclipses.
On April 8, 2024, the solar corona will again appear over the United States and may likewise indicate another pandemic is coming. In reviewing materials by a number of people who have been praying and seeking the Lord, the concern is that a pandemic much more lethal than coronavirus could be coming in the very near future. However, this time it might be something of a different nature than a coronavirus, something that spreads much more easily and is harder to avoid. There are some people that believe this will start to occur around a year from now, in 2025. A number of world leaders met earlier this year to discuss a hypothetical 'Disease X' that could be twenty times more lethal than the previous coronavirus pandemic. And while there are legitimate concerns that the United States should not surrender its health sovereignty to intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization, the eclipses seems to indicate the very real possibility of a pandemic much greater than the previous one. So far, approximately 1.2 million deaths have been attributed to coronavirus in the United States. If you take twenty times that figure, you get 24 million in just the United States alone. The X-pattern of the paths of totality of the 2017 and 2024 eclipses could point toward this much greater pandemic of a potential Disease X. We should be praying and interceding that this can be prevented or at least delayed. Nonetheless, it would be good to also pray about making preparations for this and to prepare for the possibility this could occur in the near future. We plan to cover this topic more in a separate commentary.
Earthquakes―In 2017 Steve Cioccolanti pointed out that the path of totality of the 2017 eclipse crossed over numerous earthquake zones, including the Cascadia, Yellowstone, New Madrid, Southern Appalachian, and Charleston zones. The warning of earthquakes that will affect America is very real if the nation continues to sin before God and does not repent. However, some other factors seem to indicate that other parts of the country could also be affected by earthquakes than simply what is shown in these zones. The recent earthquake in the New York City area seems to confirm this. In a commentary we released this year, we warned that God is giving America a very specific warning that there will be a major New Madrid earthquake if America facilitates a two-state peace deal that would divide Israel. This is indicated in part by the fact that the paths of totality of the 2017 and 2024 eclipses cross over the New Madrid earthquake zone with an area of overlap approximately the size of Israel. That commentary is available at this link: https://watch.org/node/111000. It is possible that there could still be a significant New Madrid earthquake even if the United States does not do a peace deal, but if it does a peace deal which is actually implemented, the earthquake would be much more severe and damaging.
The Sea and the Waves Roaring―Many significant hurricanes have affected the United States, especially when the nation has tried to put pressure on Israel regarding the peace process. This pattern could continue into the future. However, we should also be giving strong consideration to the possibility that God will allow judgment to fall on this nation in the form of tsunamis. This could be triggered by earthquakes, asteroids, or undersea weapons. It was shared in a “Koenig's Eye View” a couple of years ago about a woman who happened to see William Koenig in a Jerusalem coffee shop and mentioned to him that she had visions of a Russian missile attack on New York City and the city being hit by massive waves. While the timing of this may not be fully clear, it could be connected to the events described above. A number of other people have said or written similar things, mentioning that an event in the Atlantic Ocean would trigger a tsunami that would affect New York City and numerous other coastal cities on the U.S. East Coast. This could include places such as Atlantic City, NJ; Ocean City, MD; Virginia Beach, VA; and many other coastal cities depending on where the tsunami started. As a side note, for a tsunami to reach downtown Manhattan, much of the water would need to pass over several miles of land in Brooklyn on Long Island, likely indicating at least one wave with a run-up height of 150 feet or higher when it would first reach the shore of Long Island. For comparison, the 2011 tsunami that hit Japan had at least one wave with a run-up height of around 130 feet in certain places, which reached as far as six miles inland. People have likewise mentioned concerns about a similar tsunami event occurring on the West Coast as well.
8. A word of encouragement from Jesus
Many of the things described above are hard to bear and certainly raise concern for this nation as well as other nations that these things will affect. But what is the purpose of Matthew 24 and Luke 21? It is clear that Jesus does not want us to live in fear. He wants to prepare us and know that He is returning soon! Let us look at what He said in light of all of the birth pains and challenges that will be facing the world.
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
This is what Jesus ultimately wants us to focus on as we see all of these things play out. He does not want to be overwhelmed with fear or to be living continually in overwhelming sadness. He wants us to take joy in the fact that He is coming soon and that these things are pointing to that! Let us not forget what Paul stated about our sufferings in this world:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
As these challenging times ahead come, we have to spiritually prepare ourselves by focusing on Jesus and clinging to Him! We have to focus more on the joy of our redemption than the tempests taking place in the world around us. We still do our part to pray and intercede for this nation and the world and to share the gospel and call people to repentance. And we still empathize with others in their pain and sufferings. But we do all this with our eyes fixed on Jesus and not the storms in the world around us! We prepare for what is ahead not in fear but in faith, trusting in His sovereign control even in the midst of challenging times. Then when the challenges come, we will be able to be beacons of light that point people towards Jesus. Even in the midst of all these things, the Lord still desires to save as many souls as possible. And we have to be ready for the mission ahead!