Topical Encyclopedia The moon, as a celestial body created by God, holds significant influence and symbolism throughout the Bible. It is mentioned in various contexts, often reflecting its role in the natural order and its impact on human life and religious observance.Creation and Order: The moon is first introduced in the creation narrative in Genesis. On the fourth day, God created the "two great lights" to govern the day and the night. The moon is described as the "lesser light" to rule the night (Genesis 1:16). This establishes the moon's role in the divine order of creation, serving as a marker of time and seasons. Timekeeping and Festivals: The moon plays a crucial role in the Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based. It is instrumental in determining the timing of religious festivals and observances. For instance, the new moon marks the beginning of months, and several feasts are aligned with the lunar cycle. Numbers 10:10 highlights the significance of the new moon in Israelite worship: "Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God." Symbolism and Prophecy: The moon often symbolizes change and the passage of time. In prophetic literature, it is sometimes used to signify cosmic disturbances or divine intervention. Joel 2:31 prophesies, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, in Revelation 6:12 , where the opening of the sixth seal results in a great earthquake, and "the whole moon turned blood red." Influence on Nature and Human Life: The moon's influence extends to the natural world and human life. Its phases affect tides and agricultural cycles, which are vital for the sustenance of life. Psalm 104:19 acknowledges this natural order: "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." The moon's regularity and predictability are seen as a testament to God's providence and sovereignty over creation. Warnings Against Idolatry: While the moon is a creation of God, the Bible warns against its worship. Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions the Israelites: "And when you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." This underscores the importance of worshiping the Creator rather than the creation. Healing and Protection: In biblical poetry, the moon is sometimes associated with protection and healing. Psalm 121:6 offers reassurance: "The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." This verse reflects the belief in God's continual protection over His people, both day and night. The moon, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol of God's creative power, a tool for timekeeping, and a reminder of His sovereignty. Its influences are woven into the fabric of biblical history, prophecy, and daily life, serving as a constant reminder of the divine order established by God. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 33:14And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, Nave's Topical Index Psalm 121:6 Library He Further Shows that the Pretemporal Generation of the Son is not ... Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ... Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes? The Creation of Luminous Bodies. The Physical Theory Continued Further Reasons Advanced against the ... Essay i. Fortuna Plerumque Est Veluti Galaxia Quarundam Obscurarum ... Two Standpoints. Seal and Earnest Origen De Principiis. On the Feast of the Nativity, vii. Resources What was Abraham's religion before God called him? | GotQuestions.orgIs an eclipse a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org How is the date for Easter determined? | 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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