What is an eclipse?  “An eclipse happens when a planet or a moon gets in the way of the sun’s light.  Here on Earth, we can experience two kinds of eclipses: Solar eclipse and lunar eclipses” (Lunar Eclipses and Solar Eclipses, spaceplace.nasa.gov).  A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon.  A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks sunlight from reaching the earth. 

How frequently can one see a total eclipse?  A total lunar eclipse “can be seen from any given location – on average – once every 2.5 years” (What are Lunar Eclipses and How Often do They Occur by Daisy Dobrijevic, space.com).  A total solar eclipse is much more rare.  “On average, the same spot on Earth only sees a (total) solar eclipse for a few minutes about every 375 years!” (Lunar Eclipses and Solar Eclipses, spaceplace.nasa.gov).  More precisely, “On average for the whole Earth, the answer is 375 years… It actually depends on whether the spot is in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.  If in the north, the answer is that a total solar eclipse occur in a place on average about once every 330 years.  In the south, however, it was once per 540 years.” (What Are Solar Eclipses and How Often do They Occur? By Michael E. Bakrich, astronomy.com).  The difference is explained to be due to each hemisphere’s distance in its summer to the Sun (perihelion v. aphelion).

   A total eclipse, whether lunar or solar, is an amazing phenomenon.  Let’s consider a couple of things in history.  (1) Christopher Columbus and crew became stranded in Jamaica due to shipworm damage.  They were stranded for about a year (June, 1503 – June, 1504).  At first the natives, the Arawak Indians, welcomed them, even providing food and shelter.  However, relationships became strained in time due to the conduct of his crew and a short supply of food.  Columbus, reading Regiomantus’ Almanac, realized that there would be a lunar eclipse on February 29, 1504.  He met with the Arawak Chief and informed him that the Christian God was angry with the Arawak for not supplying his men with food.  In three nights the moon would be made to appear “inflamed with wrath.”  When this happened they asked Columbus to intercede.  The moon returned to normal.  The food supply was restored.  (How a Total Lunar Eclipse Saved Christopher Columbus by Joe Rao, space.com). 

(2) Albert Einstein proposed the general theory of relativity in 1915.  He suggested that masses in the universe caused space to curve.  He predicted that light from a distant star should bend when near the sun.  this was tested by observation in a total eclipse on May 29, 1919.  English astronomers Arthur Eddington and Frank Dyson organized two expeditions to observe the total eclipse.  One team set up in Sobral, Brazil.  The other team set up on the island of Principe off the west coast of Africa.  Photographs were taken.  Frank Dyson announced on November 6, 1919 to the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society “After careful study of the plates, I am prepared to say that there can be no doubt that they confirm Einstein’s predictions” (Walter Isaacson, Einstein: His Life and Universe, p. 261). 

Is this eclipse of 2024 a message from God for America to repent?  I have heard many such claims.  There is no doubt that America, and many Christians, need to repent.  However, long ago, Peter wrote, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).  Scripture equips man “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Is the 2024 eclipse a harbinger of the end of time?  I have heard many such claims.  The Bible tells us that Jesus’ coming will be like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).  No one knows when He will come again (Matthew 24:36).  We are told to watch and be ready (Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:13).

What about the sun being darkened and the moon not giving light, and the stars falling from heaven? (Matthew 24:29).  This is prophetic language of the downfall of a nation (cf. Isaiah 13:1, 9-10).  It has nothing to do with literal eclipses.  In Matthew the reference is to the fall of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-2, 34).  My suggestion is this: Instead of looking for signs, let’s simply always be ready.