Topical Encyclopedia The Feast of the New Moon, also known simply as the New Moon, is a significant observance in the biblical calendar, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. This feast is rooted in the ancient Israelite tradition and holds both religious and cultural importance.Biblical Foundation The observance of the New Moon is established in the Torah, where it is mentioned as a time of special offerings and sacrifices. In Numbers 28:11-15 , the Lord commands Moses regarding the offerings to be made at the beginning of each month: "On the first day of each month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished." This passage outlines the specific sacrifices required, emphasizing the importance of the New Moon as a time of worship and dedication to God. Cultural and Religious Significance The New Moon was a time of celebration and renewal, marking the start of a new month. It was a day of rest and worship, similar to the Sabbath, though not as strictly observed. The New Moon was a time for the Israelites to gather, offer sacrifices, and seek the Lord's favor for the coming month. In 1 Samuel 20:5 , David refers to the New Moon festival, indicating its role as a communal and familial event: "Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king." Prophetic and Eschatological Aspects The New Moon also holds prophetic significance, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of God's covenant with His people. In Isaiah 66:23 , the prophet speaks of a future time when "from one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me," declares the LORD. This passage points to the eschatological hope of universal worship and the restoration of creation. Observance in Ancient Israel In ancient Israel, the New Moon was observed with the blowing of trumpets, as commanded in Numbers 10:10 : "Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God." The blowing of trumpets served as a call to worship and a reminder of God's presence and sovereignty. New Testament Context While the New Moon is not explicitly mentioned as a Christian observance in the New Testament, it is referenced in Colossians 2:16-17 , where Paul writes, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." This passage suggests that the New Moon, along with other Jewish festivals, pointed to the fulfillment found in Christ. Contemporary Observance Today, the New Moon is still observed in various forms within Judaism, particularly among those who follow the traditional Hebrew calendar. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the continual renewal of God's creation. Some Christian groups also recognize the New Moon as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, drawing on its biblical roots and prophetic significance. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 10:10Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 28:11-15 1 Chronicles 23:31 2 Chronicles 31:3 Library Colossians ii. 16-19 Whether the Ceremonies of the Old Law Ceased at the Coming of ... The Greeks had Some Knowledge of the True God. Letter xviii. --(For 346. ) Coss. Augustus Constantius iv ... Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Festal Letters. On the Feast of the Nativity, vii. Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ... The Foundations of Good Citizenship. Resources What are the New Heavens and the New Earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Reformation? | GotQuestions.org What is the New Covenant? | GotQuestions.org New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms |
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