Topical Encyclopedia The moon holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to God's creative power and divine order. It is mentioned throughout Scripture as a celestial body appointed by God to govern the night and to serve as a sign for seasons, days, and years.Creation and Purpose In the account of creation, the moon is introduced as part of the fourth day when God set the celestial bodies in the firmament. Genesis 1:16-18 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. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good." Here, the moon is described as the "lesser light" that rules the night, highlighting its role in the divine order of creation. Signs and Seasons The moon is also appointed as a marker for time and seasons. Psalm 104:19 declares, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." This verse underscores the moon's function in the natural order, serving as a celestial calendar that helps to regulate the cycles of time. The Hebrew calendar, for instance, is lunar-based, with months beginning at the new moon. Symbolism and Imagery Throughout the Bible, the moon is often used symbolically to convey various themes. In prophetic literature, the moon can symbolize change or divine intervention. For example, 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." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament in Revelation 6:12 , where the moon's transformation is part of the apocalyptic vision. Worship and Idolatry While the moon is a creation of God, Scripture warns against its worship. Deuteronomy 4:19 cautions, "And when you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven." This warning reflects the tendency of ancient cultures to deify celestial bodies, a practice that the Israelites were to avoid in their exclusive worship of Yahweh. Eschatological Significance In eschatological contexts, the moon is often associated with signs of the end times. Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, mentions the moon in relation to the signs preceding His return: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken’" (Matthew 24:29). This apocalyptic imagery serves to remind believers of the transient nature of the created order and the coming of God's eternal kingdom. Conclusion The moon, as described in the Bible, is a testament to God's creative authority and serves multiple purposes within the divine order. It is a light in the firmament, a marker of time, and a symbol in prophetic literature, all while pointing back to the Creator who set it in place. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth: and it was so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether There are Waters Above the Firmament? The Constitution of the World and the Disposition of The The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness. God's Approbation of his Works The Holy Scriptures. Mosaic Cosmogony. The Church. Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator Introductory to Proverbs viii. 22, that the Son is not a Creature. ... The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles. Resources Why does the Bible describe the moon as a light? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any significance to a full moon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | 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) |
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