In perfect consistency with, and as further illustration of, the meaning of the constellation of Pegasus, is the second Decan. Here we see the figure of a powerful horse moving forward with full speed, and with great wings springing from its shoulders. The elements of its name, as mentioned in Isaiah 64:5 (4), symbolize a swift divine messenger bringing joy to those it encounters, otherwise known as the horse of the opening or, as the Greeks put it, the horse of the gushing fountain, a celestial horse that was always associated with joyful song and was the favorite of the Muses. The Pierian springs burst forth on Mount Helicon under its hoofs, and Bellerophon rode on its back as he went to slay the monster Chimaera.
Mythology and Origins
The myths say that this magnificent horse was created from the slaying of Medusa by Perseus, and that it was called Pegasus, Horse of the Fountain, because it first appeared near the ocean springs. It lived in the palace of the King and Father of gods, and thundered and lightened for Jupiter. Bellerophon obtained possession of it through sacrifice to the goddess of justice, followed by a deep sleep, during which he was given the golden bridle that the wild horse obeyed. This allowed him to be carried forth to victory, although he received a painful sting in his foot.
Significance in the Bible
In the first chapter of Zechariah, the appearance of such horses represents those whom "God has sent to walk to and fro through the earth," not just to observe and report the state of affairs, but to shake and disturb nations in order to restore liberty, peace, and blessing to God's people. Pegasus is not exactly one of those horses or all of them combined in one, but it is still a somewhat similar ambassador of God. Pegasus is winged and moves with heavenly speed. The first part of its name, Pega, Peka, or Pacha, in the Noctic dialects means chief, and the latter part, sus, means not only horse, but also swiftly coming or returning, with the idea of joy-bringing. Therefore, the chief, coming forth again in great victory and with good tidings and blessings to those he meets. The ancient names of the stars that make up its constellation are Markaó, the returning; Scheat, the one who goes and returns; Eif, the Branch; Al Genib, the carrier; Honian, the waters; Matar, the one who causes the plenteous overflow. The names show the significance of the picture.
A Symbol of Christ's Gospel
They all come together in one consistent narrative, offering an astonishingly full and sublime evangelical presentation. It is the very manifestation of Christ in His living Gospel, as from the scenes of that supper hall which witnessed the arrival of the Paraclete, the joyful waters of cleansing and redemption, through His successful mediation, flowed into our weary world. The word then was, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel [Good Tidings] to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." From then on, people from Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Rome, Jews, proselytes, Cretes, Arabs, and even those from the farthest ends of the earth, heard in their own tongues the wonderful works and achievements of God for the renewal and salvation of men.
The Glad Tidings then went forth, winged with the Spirit of God, awakening poetic springs of joy on the mountains and in the valleys, defeating the powers of darkness and superstition, overcoming the rule of the Devil, and bringing song and salvation to every thirsty and perishing soul that hears and obeys the call of the Lord of life to come to Him and drink. The true Pegasus is the messenger and bringer of Christ's mediatorial success and salvation to a starving world, which the saintly patriarchs looked forward to from the beginning, and which they depicted in the constellations in advance as an imperishable witness of what was to come through and by the Coming One, in whom all their hopes were centered.
Conclusion
The Decan Pegasus is a powerful symbol of Christ's Gospel, embodying the divine message and mission of salvation to all people. As the swift celestial horse, it represents the victory of light over darkness, the triumph of love over hate, and the promise of eternal life through faith and obedience. The ancient stories and constellations, as well as their biblical connections, have inspired generations to seek meaning and hope in the stars, and to recognize the divine plan at work in the universe.