New Moon
Summary
The new moon was a monthly celebration in Israel marked by special sacrifices, the blowing of trumpets, and cessation from ordinary work.
☩The Festival
The new moon (beginning of each lunar month) was observed with special burnt offerings and sin offerings. Trumpets were blown to mark the occasion. It was a time of religious festivity, often mentioned alongside the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship.
Key verses:Numbers 10:10Numbers 28:11-151 Samuel 20:5Psalm 81:3
☩Prophetic Critique
The prophets sometimes criticized Israel's observance of new moons when it was combined with unjust or immoral behavior. God declared that He hated their empty ritual observances while they oppressed the poor. True worship requires righteousness, not mere ceremony.
Key verses:Isaiah 1:13-14Amos 8:5Colossians 2:16
Related Verses23 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "New Moon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).