In the biblical context, the commencement of months is intrinsically linked to the lunar cycle, specifically the first appearance of the new moon. This practice is rooted in the ancient Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based, and is evident throughout the Scriptures. The new moon marked the beginning of a new month, a time for both religious observance and practical timekeeping.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of months beginning with the new moon is established in the Old Testament. In Exodus 12:2 , God instructs Moses and Aaron in Egypt, "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year." This directive was given in the context of the Passover, aligning the religious calendar with the lunar cycle. The Hebrew word for month, "chodesh," is closely related to the word for new moon, indicating the connection between the two.

Religious Observance

The new moon held significant religious importance in ancient Israel. It was a time for special offerings and sacrifices, as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15 : "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 without blemish." This observance underscores the new moon's role as a sacred time, set apart for worship and dedication to God.

Cultural and Historical Context

The lunar calendar was not unique to Israel; many ancient Near Eastern cultures used similar systems. However, for the Israelites, the new moon had a distinct covenantal significance. It was a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and His provision for His people. The new moon festivals, as mentioned in passages like 1 Samuel 20:5 , where David speaks of the new moon feast, were times of communal gathering and celebration.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

The new moon also carries prophetic and eschatological implications. In Isaiah 66:23 , the prophet envisions a future where "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 a time of universal worship and the restoration of God's order.

Practical Implications

The lunar-based calendar had practical implications for agricultural and societal activities. The new moon signaled the start of a new month, aiding in the planning of agricultural cycles, festivals, and other communal events. It provided a rhythm to the life of the community, aligning their activities with the natural order established by God.

Conclusion

The commencement of months with the first appearance of the new moon is a practice deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. It reflects a worldview that acknowledges God's creation and His ordained order of time. Through the observance of the new moon, the Israelites were continually reminded of their dependence on God and their identity as His chosen people.Numbers 10:10
Also 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 81:3
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... Thus a work of faith is now commenced on Canadian shores ... hear the cheery voice of
her who had first seen and ... talents could be studied for a few months with a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

On the Advisableness of Improving Natural Knowledge.
... has pictured what happened in those dismal months; and in ... the aims of those who may
have commenced it"has ... facts of Nature: when the savage first learned that ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/i on the advisableness of.htm

The Gentle Boy
... glass which stood by the great Bible, commenced his discourse ... and whispered to Ilbrahim,
who at first struggled and ... and herself had resided many months in Turkey ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... only during a year and some months [2716] "the ... historical sense: while, if some have
commenced to make ... 2787] This expression indeed, in the first place, does ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

My Second Year in Benares.
... Thus within eighteen months the staff of the mission was ... There I remained till the
eclipse commenced. ... At this first great gathering which I attended"I found ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter ix my second year.htm

Of the Religion of Mahomet.
... brother, to be insulted, Mahomet now commenced his public ... event however was, that
these, his first proselytes, all ... is of more avail than two months' fasting or ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii of the religion.htm

The Life of Mr. John Livingston.
... north side of Tay, and within two months depart out ... to see again in print; the first
was at ... is pretty evident, that since our reformation commenced in Scotland ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 8.htm

San Josef
... mutiny, declared he would eat the first white man ... Some months previous to this Daaga
had planned a ... tribe) became very loud, and they commenced uttering their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ...
... three reasons.1. It commenced not when morality commenced, but two ... if the church
on which it was first imposed, was ... As the sabbath of months, of years, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/questions about the nature and.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... to commence; for they had already commenced, and that ... For he first came against
Jerusalem in the eighth ... his son Jehoiachin reigned three months " reckon it ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

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