Topical Bible: The Moon: Called the Lesser Light

◄ The Moon: Called the Lesser Light ►

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The moon, often referred to as the "lesser light" in the Bible, holds significant importance in the scriptural narrative, both as a celestial body created by God and as a symbol in various theological contexts.

Creation and Purpose

The moon is first mentioned in the creation account in Genesis. On the fourth day, God created the two great lights: the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern 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." Here, the moon is designated as the "lesser light," serving the purpose of illuminating the night and marking the passage of time through its phases.

Symbolism and Significance

Throughout the Bible, the moon is often used symbolically. It is a marker of time, particularly in the context of the Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based. The moon's phases are integral to the timing of religious festivals and observances, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are determined by the lunar calendar.

In Psalm 104:19 , the psalmist acknowledges the moon's role in marking seasons: "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." This verse highlights the moon's function in God's orderly creation, emphasizing its role in the natural rhythm of life.

Prophetic Imagery

The moon also appears in prophetic imagery, often symbolizing change or divine intervention. In Joel 2:31 , the prophet speaks of cosmic signs accompanying the Day of the Lord: "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 passages such as Revelation 6:12 , where the moon's transformation is a harbinger of eschatological events.

Covenantal Assurance

The moon serves as a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people. In Jeremiah 31:35-36 , 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: 'Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me.'" Here, the moon is part of the "fixed order" that assures the permanence of God's promises.

Worship and Idolatry

While the moon is a creation of God, the Bible also warns against its worship. In Deuteronomy 4:19 , the Israelites are cautioned: "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 underscores the distinction between the Creator and His creation, emphasizing that worship is due to God alone.

Conclusion

The moon, as the "lesser light," is a testament to God's creative power and order. It serves practical purposes in marking time and seasons, while also carrying rich symbolic and prophetic meanings throughout Scripture. As part of the created order, it reflects the glory of its Creator and stands as a reminder of His eternal covenant with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:16
And 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

Library

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... the inner one will be found to be the lesser: and so ... years an extra day is completed,
which is called bis-sextile ... The years of the moon, on the other hand, have ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

On Incorporeal and Corporeal Beings.
... In the writings of Jeremiah, indeed, the moon is called the queen ... God made two great
lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter vii on incorporeal and corporeal.htm

Of the Lights and Stars of Heaven --Of Day and Night, Ver. 14
... by the same Spirit, as if the lesser light; [1307] to ... contented with the light of
the moon and stars ... Those ready for strong meat were called "illuminated" (see p ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xviii of the lights and.htm

How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ...
... light to begin the day, and the lesser to begin ... equinox, the aforesaid reason proves
that such moon is not to ... month of the year, which is also called the month ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxi how the abbot.htm

Of the Errors of Certain Philosophers, and of the Sun and Moon.
... what shall we think of those lesser [463] ones ... affection of pity, which is truly
called humanity, by ... Therefore these lunatics have another moon, to hold forth ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiii of the errors of.htm

The Story of Creation
... And God called the dry land Earth and the waters that ... the two great lights (the sun
and the moon): the greater to rule the day and the lesser to rule ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of creation.htm

Innocent iii
... used the figures of the sun and moon to illustrate ... light to rule the day and the
lesser light to rule ... firmament of the universal Church, which is called by the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter ix innocent iii.htm

Natural Science and Theological Science.
... and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called woman, because ... as when it is said that
the Sun, Moon, and Stars ... light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon ii natural science and.htm

On the Creation of the World
... lights in the heaven, the greater and the lesser, that the ... 2197] "the lights of the
sun and moon and He ... of the truth why the fourth day is called the Tetras ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

Innocent the Third (Ad 1198-1216)
... carried out this further by saying that, as the lesser light (the moon) borrows
of ... France and in England, Innocent made use of what was called an interdict ...
/.../chapter xiii innocent the third.htm