John Gill Bible Commentary

The moon and stars to rule by night,.... The lesser lights, and which indeed receive all their light Front the sun, Gen 1:16; for his mercy endureth for ever; in continuing these lights, so useful to men, as well as in making of them: the moon and stars have their benign influences upon the earth, to produce things out of it useful to men; see Deu 33:14; and are of singular service to benighted travellers, and to those that go down to the sea in ships; see Act 27:20. The moon is an emblem of the church, that receives her light from Christ, the sun, and which will continue for ever; and, stars are emblems of Gospel ministers, who are the means of enlightening dark souls, and of refreshing disconsolate saints; and are a continued mercy to an ignorant world, as well as to the church, and will be continued as long as it stands; see Sol 6:10, Mat 5:14.