Topical Encyclopedia The moon holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, serving as a celestial body appointed by God to govern the night. Its creation and purpose are outlined in the opening chapters of Genesis, where it is described as one of the two great lights established by God to illuminate the earth and to mark the passage of time.Creation and Purpose In Genesis 1:14-18 , the moon is introduced as part of God's creative work on the fourth day: "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, and let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.' And it was so. 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. God set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good." The moon, referred to as the "lesser light," is thus appointed to rule the night, providing illumination and serving as a marker for time and seasons. Its cyclical phases have historically been used to measure months and to determine the timing of various religious festivals and observances. Symbolism and Significance Throughout Scripture, the moon is often used symbolically to represent constancy and faithfulness. In Psalm 89:37 , the enduring nature of the moon is likened to the faithfulness of God's covenant: "like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky." The moon also plays a role in prophetic literature, where its darkening or turning to blood is associated with divine judgment and eschatological events. Joel 2:31 states, "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, particularly in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Cultural and Religious Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the moon was often deified and worshiped as a god. However, the biblical narrative firmly establishes the moon as a creation of the one true God, Yahweh, who alone is worthy of worship. This distinction underscores the monotheistic foundation of the Hebrew faith and the rejection of idolatry. The moon's role in marking time is also evident in the Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based. Various Jewish festivals, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, are determined by the lunar cycle, highlighting the moon's importance in the religious life of Israel. Theological Reflections The appointment of the moon to rule the night reflects the order and intentionality of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the cosmos and His provision for humanity. The moon's consistent presence in the night sky is a testament to the reliability of God's creation and His ongoing care for the world. In summary, the moon's biblical portrayal as the ruler of the night emphasizes its role in God's created order, its symbolic significance, and its function within the religious practices of ancient Israel. Through its appointed task, the moon reflects the glory and faithfulness of the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 136:9 Library Influence of the Moon and Stars on Men. The Meaning How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ... Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars. The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA Certain Prayers and Laws. The Sympathy of the Two Worlds On the Creation of the World Excerpts of Theodotus; Chastity the Chief Ornament of the True Tabernacle; Seven Resources What was Abraham's religion before God called him? | GotQuestions.orgIs an eclipse a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org How is the date for Easter determined? | 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) |
    |