Topical Encyclopedia The moon holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to God's creative power and divine order. As one of the two great lights mentioned in Scripture, the moon is appointed to govern the night and provide illumination in the absence of the sun.Creation and Purpose The moon's creation is recorded in the Book of Genesis, where it is described as a lesser light to rule 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. He also made the stars." This passage underscores the moon's role in the divine order of creation, highlighting its purpose to provide light during the nighttime hours. Symbolism and Significance Throughout the Bible, the moon is often used symbolically to represent constancy and the passage of time. In Psalm 104:19 , it is written, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." Here, the moon is depicted as a celestial marker, integral to the measurement of time and the changing of seasons. The moon also serves as a symbol of God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant with creation. In Jeremiah 31:35 , the Lord declares, "This is what the LORD says, He who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name." This passage emphasizes the moon's role in the divine orchestration of the universe, reflecting God's unchanging nature. Prophetic Imagery In prophetic literature, the moon often appears in apocalyptic imagery, symbolizing significant cosmic events and divine intervention. Joel 2:31 prophesies, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." Such imagery is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where celestial disturbances herald the unfolding of God's final plan for humanity. Regulation of Time and Festivals The moon's phases are integral to the Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based. This calendar system dictates the timing of various religious festivals and observances. For instance, the new moon marks the beginning of each month, as seen 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." Conclusion The moon, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a mere celestial body; it is a divinely appointed light for the night, a symbol of God's order, and a marker of time and seasons. Its presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the Creator's sovereignty and the intricate design of His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 31:35Thus said the LORD, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men. Christ as Light; How He, and How his Disciples are the Light of ... The Oration. To-Day is the Festival of Our Great Emperor: and we ... Christianity a Light. That God Only, the Creator of all Things, is to be Worshipped, and ... The Doxology Of the World, and Its Parts, the Elements and Seasons. On the Creation of the World "The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. " Resources Why didn't Jesus return during the blood-red moon of 2015? | GotQuestions.orgWill the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Unification Church? | GotQuestions.org Moon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Moon: Feast of the New Moon: Traffic at the Time of, Prohibited Moon: Joseph's Dream Concerning The Moon of Changeableness of the World The Moon of Fairness of the Church The Moon of Glory of Christ in the Church The Moon: (Becoming Blood) of Judgments The Moon: (Withdrawing Her Light) Deep Calamities The Moon: Appointed by an Ordinance for Ever The Moon: Appointed for a Light in the Firmament The Moon: Appointed for Signs and Seasons The Moon: Appointed for the Benefit of All The Moon: Appointed: To Divide Day from Night The Moon: Appointed: To Light the Earth by Night The Moon: Appointed: To Rule the Night The Moon: Called the Lesser Light The Moon: First Appearance of, a Time of Festivity The Moon: Has a Glory of Its Own The Moon: Influences Vegetation The Moon: Lunacy Attributed to the Influence of The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Signs In, Before the Destruction of Jerusalem The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still in Ajalon The Moon: Worshipped As the Queen of Heaven The Moon: Worshipping of Condemned As Atheism The Moon: Worshipping of Forbidden to the Jews The Moon: Worshipping of Jews often Guilty of The Moon: Worshipping of Jews Punished For The Moon: Worshipping of To be Punished With Death 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) |