Bible References to Scientific Discoveries
It is interesting to find references to science-based discoveries in the pages of the Bible. For example consider three in their historical context and the Bible references.
Water Cycle
The first published thinker to assert that rainfall alone was sufficient for the maintenance of rivers was Bernard Palissy (1580 CE), who is often credited as the “discoverer” of the modern theory of the water cycle.
However, the “water cycle” and the impact of rain and ocean levels is seen in multiple places in scripture.
The prophet Amos declared, “He…who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land
the Lord is his name.” (Amos 5:8 NIV)
“All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.” (Eccl. 1:7 NIV)
“He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams.” (Job 36:27 NIV)
Flat Earth or Round Earth?
While many believed the earth was flat, Eratosthenes, a Greek astronomer from Hellenistic Libya (276–194 BC), estimated Earth’s circumference around 240 BC. He had heard that in Syene the Sun was directly overhead at the summer solstice whereas in Alexandria it still cast a shadow.
We read in scripture of the observations of Solomon the wise:
“The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.” (Eccl. 1:6 NIV)
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy…” (Isaiah 40:22 NIV)
Gyroscope…Key to navigation
Historically, The first instrument used more like an actual gyroscope was made by Johann Bohnenberger of Germany, who first wrote about it in 1817. At first he called it the “Machine”. Bohnenberger’s machine was based on a rotating massive sphere.
As the prophet Ezekiel received a vision of the four angelic creatures, we read this description. “Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went.” (Ezekiel 1:6,7 NIV)
While the Bible is not a book of scientific discovery, we see the God who is all powerful, creator, the “only wise God.” Knowing God is the greatest discovery. The prophet speaks of a future day, “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9 NIV)