Topical Encyclopedia The Feast of the New Moon holds significant importance in the biblical calendar, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. This feast is observed with particular reverence and is mentioned multiple times throughout the Scriptures. The New Moon was a time of spiritual renewal and communal gathering, often accompanied by sacrifices, offerings, and the sounding of trumpets.Biblical Observance The observance of the New Moon is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where it is established as a time of sacred assembly. Numbers 10:10 states, "And on your joyous occasions—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings, and they will be a reminder of you before your God. I am the LORD your God." The New Moon was a time for the Israelites to pause from their regular activities and focus on worship and reflection. It was a day set apart for the Lord, similar to the Sabbath, though not as strictly observed. The cessation of regular work and commerce was a way to honor God and acknowledge His provision and sovereignty over time and creation. Prohibition of Traffic and Commerce The prohibition of traffic and commerce during the New Moon is implied in the broader context of its observance as a holy day. While the Bible does not explicitly state a prohibition on traffic, the nature of the feast as a time of rest and worship suggests that regular business activities were to be suspended. This is supported by the prophetic rebuke found in Amos 8:5 , where the people express impatience for the New Moon to be over so they can resume their commercial activities: "asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat?'" This passage highlights the tension between the sacred observance of the New Moon and the secular desire for economic activity. The prophet Amos condemns the people's eagerness to return to commerce, indicating that their hearts were not truly devoted to the worship and rest intended for the New Moon. Spiritual Significance The Feast of the New Moon served as a regular reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His ongoing provision. It was a time for the community to come together in worship, offering sacrifices and seeking God's favor. The cessation of traffic and commerce allowed the Israelites to focus on their relationship with God, free from the distractions of daily life. In the broader biblical narrative, the New Moon symbolizes renewal and the cyclical nature of God's creation. It points to the rhythm of life ordained by God and the importance of setting aside time for spiritual reflection and communal worship. The prohibition of traffic during this time underscores the priority of spiritual over material concerns, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and timing. Nave's Topical Index Amos 8:5Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Nave's Topical Index Library The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Iranian Conquest Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources Why didn't Jesus return during the blood-red moon of 2015? | GotQuestions.orgWill the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Unification Church? | GotQuestions.org Moon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Moon: Feast of the New Moon: Traffic at the Time of, Prohibited Moon: Joseph's Dream Concerning The Moon of Changeableness of the World The Moon of Fairness of the Church The Moon of Glory of Christ in the Church The Moon: (Becoming Blood) of Judgments The Moon: (Withdrawing Her Light) Deep Calamities The Moon: Appointed by an Ordinance for Ever The Moon: Appointed for a Light in the Firmament The Moon: Appointed for Signs and Seasons The Moon: Appointed for the Benefit of All The Moon: Appointed: To Divide Day from Night The Moon: Appointed: To Light the Earth by Night The Moon: Appointed: To Rule the Night The Moon: Called the Lesser Light The Moon: First Appearance of, a Time of Festivity The Moon: Has a Glory of Its Own The Moon: Influences Vegetation The Moon: Lunacy Attributed to the Influence of The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Signs In, Before the Destruction of Jerusalem The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still in Ajalon The Moon: Worshipped As the Queen of Heaven The Moon: Worshipping of Condemned As Atheism The Moon: Worshipping of Forbidden to the Jews The Moon: Worshipping of Jews often Guilty of The Moon: Worshipping of Jews Punished For The Moon: Worshipping of To be Punished With Death Related Terms Moon-ornaments (2 Occurrences) |
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