Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Jewish calendar, months were primarily lunar, based on the cycles of the moon. This method of timekeeping is evident throughout the Old Testament and is integral to understanding the timing of Jewish festivals, religious observances, and historical events.Lunar Calendar System The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it is based on the phases of the moon while also aligning with the solar year. Each month begins with the new moon, and a typical month lasts either 29 or 30 days. This results in a lunar year of approximately 354 days, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. To reconcile this difference and ensure that festivals remain in their appropriate seasons, an additional month, known as Adar II, is added approximately every three years. Biblical References to Months The Bible frequently references months in the context of religious observances and historical events. For example, in Exodus 12:2 , God instructs Moses and Aaron, "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year." This refers to the month of Nisan, which marks the beginning of the religious calendar and is significant for the celebration of Passover. The names of the months are mentioned in various parts of the Bible, often in relation to significant events. For instance, in 1 Kings 6:1 , it is recorded, "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." Religious Significance Each month in the Jewish calendar holds religious significance, often marked by specific festivals and observances. The month of Tishri, for example, is particularly important as it includes the High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). Leviticus 23:24 commands, "Speak to the Israelites and say: On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts." Intercalation and Adjustments To maintain alignment with the solar year, the Jewish calendar employs a system of intercalation. This involves adding an extra month, Adar II, in leap years. This adjustment ensures that the major festivals, particularly those with agricultural significance, occur in their proper seasons. The practice of intercalation is not explicitly detailed in the Bible but is a well-established tradition in Jewish history. Cultural and Historical Context Understanding the Jewish computation of time is crucial for interpreting biblical narratives and the timing of events. The use of a lunar calendar reflects the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel, where the cycles of the moon were closely tied to agricultural activities and religious observances. The calendar system also underscores the Jewish people's connection to God's creation, as seen in Genesis 1:14 : "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.'" In summary, the Jewish computation of time by months is a complex system that integrates lunar cycles with solar adjustments, deeply rooted in religious tradition and biblical instruction. This system not only structured the daily life of ancient Israel but also continues to influence Jewish religious practices today. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 11:37And she said to her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains, and mourn my virginity, I and my fellows. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 6:1 1 Kings 4:7 Library Jews. Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... Acts XIX The Three Parables of Warning: to the Individual, to the Nation ... The Mystery The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes The Great Controversy The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... Resources What is the structure of the Jewish calendar? | GotQuestions.orgHow long was Job's suffering? | GotQuestions.org What is the Tribulation? How do we know the Tribulation will last seven years? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Months: Commenced With First Appearance of New Moon Months: Idolaters Prognosticated By Months: Names of the Twelve: Eighth, Bul Months: Names of the Twelve: Eleventh, Sebat Months: Names of the Twelve: Fifth, Av Months: Names of the Twelve: First, Nisan or Abib Months: Names of the Twelve: Fourth, Tammuz Months: Names of the Twelve: Ninth, Chisleu Months: Names of the Twelve: Second, Zif Months: Names of the Twelve: Seventh, Ethanim Months: Names of the Twelve: Sixth, Elul Months: Names of the Twelve: Tenth, Tebeth Months: Names of the Twelve: Third, Sivan Months: Names of the Twelve: Twelfth, Adar Months: Observance of, Condemned Months: Originally had No Names Months: Sun and Moon Designed to Mark Out Months: The Jews Computed Time By Months: The Patriarchs Computed Time By Months: The Year Composed of Twelve Related Terms |
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