Topical Encyclopedia The moon, as a celestial body, holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It is often associated with the passage of time, the rhythm of life, and the divine order established by God. In the biblical narrative, the moon serves as a symbol of God's creation and His sovereignty over the universe.Creation and Order The moon is first mentioned in the context of creation in Genesis 1:16, where it is described as the "lesser light" to govern the night: "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars." . This passage underscores the moon's role in the divine order, marking time and seasons, and providing light during the night. Symbol of Stability and Faithfulness In Psalm 89:37, the moon is used as a metaphor for stability and faithfulness: "like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky." . Here, the moon symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The regularity of the moon's phases reflects the constancy of God's presence and His unchanging nature. Symbol of Reflection and Glory The moon's light is a reflection of the sun's glory, which can be seen as a symbol of the believer's role in reflecting the glory of God. Just as the moon does not produce its own light but reflects the sun's, Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ in the world. This symbolism is implicit in passages that speak of believers as lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Symbol of Judgment and Change The moon also appears in prophetic literature as a symbol of judgment and cosmic upheaval. In Joel 2:31, the prophet speaks of the "day of the LORD" 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 is echoed in Revelation 6:12, where the moon becomes "like blood" during the opening of the sixth seal. Such apocalyptic imagery signifies dramatic change and divine intervention in human history. Symbol of Authority and Dominion In Joseph's dream, recorded in Genesis 37:9, the moon represents authority and dominion: "Then he had another dream and told it to his brothers. 'Look,' he said, 'I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.'" . Here, the moon, along with the sun and stars, symbolizes the authority of Joseph's family, with the moon specifically representing his mother. Symbol of Beauty and Splendor The moon is also used to describe beauty and splendor, as seen in Song of Solomon 6:10: "Who is this who shines like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as the stars in procession?" . In this poetic context, the moon's beauty is likened to the beloved, highlighting its role as a symbol of aesthetic and divine beauty. Throughout Scripture, the moon serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing God's creation, faithfulness, judgment, authority, and beauty. Its presence in the biblical text invites reflection on the divine order and the believer's role in God's plan. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 12:1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: Nave's Topical Index Library The Use of the Symbolic Style by Poets and Philosophers. Entire Sanctification in Prophecy. From the Sixth Chapter. Letters of St. Augustin Index of Subjects Jesus Only Calvary Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret Preface to the First Edition. The King's Highway Resources Why does the Bible describe the moon as a light? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any significance to a full moon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | 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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