Topical Bible: The Moon: (Withdrawing Her Light) Deep Calamities

◄ The Moon: (Withdrawing Her Light) Deep Calamities ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The moon, a celestial body created by God, holds significant symbolism and meaning within the biblical narrative. It is often associated with the natural order established by the Creator and serves as a sign for seasons, days, and years (Genesis 1:14). However, the moon also appears in Scripture as a harbinger of divine judgment and deep calamities, particularly when it withdraws its light.

Symbolism and Creation

In the creation account, the moon is described as the "lesser light" to govern the night, alongside the sun, the "greater light" to govern the day (Genesis 1:16). This duality underscores the moon's role in the divine order, providing light and marking time. The moon's regular phases and its reflection of the sun's light are emblematic of God's faithfulness and the consistency of His creation.

Prophetic Imagery and Judgment

Throughout the Bible, the moon is used in prophetic imagery to signify impending judgment and cataclysmic events. One of the most striking examples is found in the book of Joel, where 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" (Joel 2:31). This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation, where the opening of the sixth seal results in a great earthquake, the sun turning black, and the moon becoming like blood (Revelation 6:12).

The withdrawal of the moon's light is often associated with deep calamities and serves as a divine signal of significant upheaval. In Isaiah, the prophet speaks of a time when "the moon will be confounded and the sun ashamed" (Isaiah 24:23), indicating a period of divine retribution and cosmic disturbance.

Theological Implications

The withdrawal of the moon's light in biblical prophecy is not merely a natural phenomenon but a theological statement about God's sovereignty and the seriousness of His judgment. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly powers and the ultimate authority of the Creator. The darkening of celestial bodies symbolizes the disruption of the established order, pointing to a time when God will intervene decisively in human history.

Hope and Restoration

Despite the ominous imagery associated with the moon's withdrawal of light, Scripture also offers hope and the promise of restoration. The prophetic writings often conclude with visions of renewal and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. In the book of Isaiah, following the description of cosmic disturbances, there is a promise of a new creation where "the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun" (Isaiah 30:26), signifying a future of unparalleled glory and divine presence.

In conclusion, the moon's role in biblical prophecy as a symbol of withdrawing light underscores the themes of judgment and redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's control over creation and His ultimate plan for restoration and renewal. As believers reflect on these passages, they are called to recognize the signs of the times and to place their hope in the enduring promises of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 13:10
For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.
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Joel 2:10
The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
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Joel 3:15
The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
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Matthew 24:29
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
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Library

Book I.
... cautiously shown, then the stars, then the moon, then the ... endure, I may be made ashamed
of withdrawing my eyes ... if I could know these things except through her. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/two books of soliloquies/book i.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... it were, among the stars; and even by withdrawing the light ... her blood, and shall
no more cover her slain," (Isa ... come to pass, that from one new moon to another ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... And, not satisfied in withdrawing from the true God the honour ... the [Pg 248] feast
of the new-moon; and in ... have its foundation in this:"that in her the first ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... moon is one thing, and the glory of the moon is another ... The light is the glory of
the sun, strength is the ... and ease, than the bird by the art of her wing (Luke ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... learning; the minute examination of words often withdrawing the mind ... or friends"the
poor servant casting her two mites ... them in respect of the new moon, or of ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of metal at the end, was of no light weight. ... and Assyria by these victories had
recovered her rightful rank ... to the disparagement of Shahr the moon and Shamash ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... or thinks that the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars ... only, neither a widow not separated
from her husband, nor ... order of priests which leads to light leads to ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... probably each one with her pillow on her lap, dexterously ... God, many were the glimmerings
of light which from ... These thoughts must have left a deep and alarming ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm