Topical Bible: Moon: Its Light

◄ Moon: Its Light ►

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The moon, as a celestial body created by God, holds significant importance in the biblical narrative. Its light is often mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing various spiritual truths and serving practical purposes in the lives of God's people.

Creation and Purpose

The moon was created by God on the fourth day of creation, as recorded in Genesis 1:14-18. It is described as one of the "two great lights" made to "govern the night." The moon's light, though a reflection of the sun, serves to illuminate the night, marking time and seasons. Genesis 1:16 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night."

Symbolism and Imagery

Throughout the Bible, the moon's light is used symbolically to convey various spiritual truths. In Psalm 89:37, the moon is described as a "faithful witness in the sky," symbolizing God's enduring covenant with David. The moon's consistent presence and light serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises.

In prophetic literature, the moon's light often symbolizes change or divine intervention. For instance, in Joel 2:31, the prophet speaks of a time when "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 signifies a dramatic shift in the natural order, heralding the arrival of God's judgment and redemption.

Guidance and Worship

The moon's light also plays a practical role in guiding and providing for God's people. In Psalm 104:19, it is noted that God "made the moon to mark the seasons," highlighting its role in the agricultural and liturgical calendar of Israel. The moon's phases were essential for determining the timing of festivals and religious observances, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Moreover, the moon's light is a testament to God's provision and care. In Isaiah 60:19-20, the prophet envisions a future where "the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Here, the moon's light is transcended by the divine light of God Himself, pointing to a time when God's presence will fully illuminate His people.

Eschatological Significance

In eschatological contexts, the moon's light is often associated with the end times and the establishment of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb." This passage underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, where His glory surpasses all earthly sources of light.

The moon's light, therefore, serves as a multifaceted symbol in the biblical narrative, representing God's creation, faithfulness, guidance, and the hope of future glory. Its presence in the night sky continues to remind believers of the Creator's power and the promise of His eternal light.

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Job 31:26
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
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Ecclesiastes 12:2
While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
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Songs 6:10
Who is she that looks forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
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Jeremiah 31:35
Thus said the LORD, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:
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1 Corinthians 15:41
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.
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Library

The Light of the Moon from the Sun; the Inconvenience of the ...
... these fancies, nor would they have been ignorant that the moon, which, according
to the opinion of some, is itself without light, receives its light from the ...
/.../alexander/of the manichaeans/chapter xxii the light of the.htm

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... It must be understood, then, that the moon derives its light from the sun; not that
God was unable to grant it light of its own, but in order that rhythm and ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

Christianity a Light.
... The moon borrows its light from the sun. When some object interposes between
the moon and the sun the moon is left in darkness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

Exhortation to the Cultivation of virginity; a Passage from the ...
... For, as when the moon brightly shining fills the heaven with its light, and all
the air becomes clear, but suddenly the clouds from the west, enviously rushing ...
/.../chapter iv exhortation to the cultivation.htm

Three Celebrated Mysteries.
... And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this
star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. ...
/.../chapter xix three celebrated mysteries.htm

Concerning Air and Winds.
... It does not derive its light from itself, but is illuminated by sun, and moon,
and stars, and fire. And this is just what the Scripture ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter viii concerning air and winds.htm

On the Way to Thebes
... CHAPTER XXI ON THE WAY TO THEBES. The moon was ampler and its light stronger.
The Nile was a vast and faintly silvered expanse, roughened ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxi on the way.htm

The Shining of the Righteous. Its Interpretation.
... Its Interpretation ... Daniel, knowing that the intelligent are the light of the world,
and that ... is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/3 the shining of the.htm

Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men.
... and for what reason the expression to be a "lunatic" derives its name from ... moved
by a certain sympathy which they have with the light of the moon, which has ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/6 influence of the moon.htm

Sixth Tractate. That the Principle Transcending Being Has no ...
... We may use the figure of, first, light; then, following it, the sun; as a third,
the orb of the moon taking its light from the sun: Soul carries the ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate that the principle.htm