Topical Bible: The Moon: Has a Glory of Its Own

◄ The Moon: Has a Glory of Its Own ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The moon, as a celestial body created by God, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative and is often associated with the divine order and the glory of creation. Throughout Scripture, the moon is depicted as a testament to God's creative power and as a symbol of His faithfulness and sovereignty over the universe.

Creation and Order

In the account of creation, the moon is established as one of the two great lights in the sky. 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 described as the "lesser light," yet it is given a specific role in the divine order, ruling over the night and marking the passage of time.

Symbol of Faithfulness

The moon is often used as a symbol of God's enduring faithfulness. In Psalm 89:37, the psalmist declares, "It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky." This verse highlights the moon's consistent presence as a reflection of God's unwavering promises and covenant with His people.

Sign of Times and Seasons

The moon also plays a crucial role in the biblical calendar, marking times and seasons. In Psalm 104:19, it is written, "He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set." The lunar cycle was integral to the Hebrew calendar, determining the timing of festivals and religious observances, such as Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Prophetic Imagery

In prophetic literature, the moon often serves as a symbol of 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." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, in Revelation 6:12, where the moon's transformation is a sign of the end times and God's impending judgment.

Reflection of Glory

The moon's glory is not inherent but reflective, mirroring the light of the sun. This characteristic can be seen as an allegory for the believer's life, reflecting the glory of God. Just as the moon shines by reflecting the sun's light, Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ in a dark world.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Throughout history, the moon has held cultural and religious significance, often associated with various deities and mythologies. However, the Bible consistently presents the moon as a creation of the one true God, distinct from pagan worship. Deuteronomy 4:19 warns against idolatry, instructing, "And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the 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."

Conclusion

The moon, with its unique role and reflective glory, serves as a powerful symbol within the biblical narrative. It stands as a testament to God's creative order, faithfulness, and sovereignty, while also providing a profound metaphor for the believer's call to reflect the light of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:41
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Light of Glory.
... they appeared all alike, except the sun and the moon; but now, you see that no two
of them are alike. Each one has its own size, velocity, beauty, and glory. ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xiii the light of.htm

Concerning Light, Fire, the Luminaries, Sun, Moon and Stars.
... first day, God created light, the ornament and glory of the ... And that year has three
hundred and sixty-six days. The years of the moon, on the other hand, have ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vii concerning light fire the.htm

From St. Paul's Analogy of the Seed we Learn that the Body which ...
... another of fishes" (that is, those whom the water of baptism has submerged). ... glory
of the sun" (that is, of Christ), "and another glory of the moon" (that is ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter lii from st pauls analogy.htm

But when the Living Father Perceived that the Soul was in ...
... And accordingly, when the moon delivers over its freight of ... abide there in that pillar
of glory, which is ... The Codex Casinensis has apocrisin; but the Codex ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/8 but when the living.htm

Of the Errors of Certain Philosophers, and of the Sun and Moon.
... the means by which they might have acquired the glory of liberality ... things has been
given to man, he has received in ... this globe of ours may be a moon to another ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiii of the errors of.htm

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... stones and woods and seas and sun and moon, and exhort ... so glorious, can so little
express God's glory, than if ... in brick to our hand; and God has fashioned us ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

The Glory of Jesus and Mary.
... a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her ... power, but, as a matter of fact,
he has adorned her ... upon her every gift of nature, grace, and glory, in an ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xvi the glory of.htm

Happiness in Life is to be Gained by Living virtuously...
... And as the risen sun hides the globe of the moon and the ... opinion as its reward in
any way; nor has it any ... Thus the less it strives for glory, the more it rises ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i happiness in life.htm

On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ...
... the sun, another the glory of the moon, another the ... dignity of his life and soul,
a glory and dignity ... and shameful, and unholy deeds which it has done, exposed ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter x on the resurrection and.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Absurdity of ...
... that is brought to be, is one in its own essence; but ... your instance of Moses, and
the sun and the moon has been shewn ... as the man is the image and glory of God ...
/.../chapter xvii introduction to proverbs viii.htm