Topical Encyclopedia The moon, as a celestial body created by God, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. It is mentioned numerous times throughout Scripture, often in relation to the sun and stars, as part of the created order that reflects God's glory and sovereignty.Creation and Order: The moon is first mentioned in the creation account in Genesis. On the fourth day, God created the "two great lights" to govern the day and the night. Genesis 1:16 states, "God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars." Here, the moon is referred to as the "lesser light," serving to illuminate the night and mark the passage of time. Symbolism and Significance: In biblical symbolism, the moon often represents change and the passage of time due to its phases. It is a reminder of the natural order established by God. Psalm 104:19 notes, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." This verse highlights the moon's role in the divine calendar, marking seasons and times for worship and festivals. Worship and Idolatry: While the moon is part of God's creation, Scripture warns against the worship of celestial bodies. Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions, "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 warning reflects the temptation in ancient cultures to deify the moon and other celestial bodies, which is strictly prohibited in the worship of Yahweh. Prophetic Imagery: The moon is also used in prophetic imagery to signify cosmic disturbances and divine judgment. In Joel 2:31 , the prophet declares, "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." Eschatological Context: In eschatological contexts, the moon is part of the signs that precede the return of Christ. Jesus Himself refers to these signs in the Olivet Discourse, as recorded in Matthew 24:29 : "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’" Covenantal Assurance: The moon also serves as a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people. In Psalm 89:37 , God's covenant with David is described as enduring "like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky." This metaphor underscores the reliability and permanence of God's promises, as the moon's regular cycle is a constant in the heavens. In summary, the moon in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that reflects God's creative power, the order of the universe, and His covenantal faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the divine order and the futility of idolatry, while also playing a role in prophetic and eschatological narratives. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 1:14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: Topicalbible.org Psalm 8:3 Deuteronomy 4:19 Luke 21:25 Mark 13:24 Greek 4582. selene -- the moon ... the moon. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: selene Phonetic Spelling: (sel-ay'-nay) Short Definition: the moon Definition: the moon. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4582.htm - 6k 3561. noumenia -- new moon. 3501a. neomenia -- a new moon 4583. seleniazomai -- to be moonstruck, spec. be epileptic ... 3501. neos -- a new moon Strong's Hebrew 3842. lebanah -- moon... 3841, 3842. lebanah. 3843 . moon. Transliteration: lebanah Phonetic Spelling: (leb-aw-naw') Short Definition: moon. Word Origin ... /hebrew/3842.htm - 6k 3394. yareach -- moon 2320. chodesh -- new moon, a month 3677. kese -- full moon 7720. saharon -- moon, crescent 3391. yerach -- month 6759. Tsalmunna -- a king of Midian 4301. matmon -- hidden treasure, treasure 529. emun -- faithfulness 3386. Yaroach -- a Gadite Library The Light of the Moon from the Sun; the Inconvenience of the ... Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men. The Moon's Age Set Forth in the Julian Calendar. ... Of the Sun and Moon. Moon-Light. On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776 The Harvest Moon Illusive Appearance of the Moon. The Moon Hath Risen on High, The Moon's Increase and Wane; the Manich??an Trifling Respecting ... Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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