The observance of new moons holds a significant place in the biblical calendar, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. The term "new moon" refers to the first day of the month when the crescent of the moon is first visible. This day was traditionally a time of religious observance and celebration among the Israelites.

Biblical References and Observances

The new moon is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, indicating its importance in the religious life of Israel. In Numbers 10:10, the Lord instructs Moses, "Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God." This verse highlights the new moon as a time of joy and worship, marked by the blowing of trumpets and the offering of sacrifices.

In 1 Samuel 20:5, David speaks to Jonathan about the new moon festival, saying, "Behold, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to dine with the king." This indicates that the new moon was also a time for communal meals and gatherings, reflecting its social and religious significance.

The new moon is further emphasized in the prophetic literature. Isaiah 66:23 states, "From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me," declares the LORD. This passage suggests a future time when the observance of the new moon will be part of universal worship.

Sacrificial System and Offerings

The new moon was a day for specific sacrifices and offerings, as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15. The passage prescribes the offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, along with grain offerings and a male goat as a sin offering. These sacrifices were in addition to the regular daily offerings, underscoring the new moon's importance in the sacrificial system.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The new moon was not only a time for sacrifices but also for seeking divine guidance and favor. In 2 Kings 4:23, the Shunammite woman’s husband questions her visit to the prophet Elisha, asking, "Why go to him today? It is neither the New Moon nor the Sabbath." This implies that the new moon was a customary time for seeking prophetic insight and instruction.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not emphasize the observance of new moons, it does acknowledge their place in Jewish tradition. Colossians 2:16 advises, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath." This suggests that early Christians were not bound by the ritual observance of new moons, reflecting a shift from the ceremonial law to the freedom found in Christ.

Conclusion

The observance of new moons in the Bible reflects a rhythm of worship and community life centered around the lunar calendar. It was a time for sacrifices, celebration, and seeking God’s guidance, deeply embedded in the religious practices of ancient Israel. While its observance has evolved, the new moon remains a testament to the ordered worship and devotion of God's people.2320. chodesh -- new moon, a month
... Definition new moon, a month NASB Word Usage month (204), month and months (1),
month throughout the months (2), months (33), new moon (17), new moons (9). ...
/hebrew/2320.htm - 6k

The Fires which are Lighted on the New Moons by Some Before their ...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon LXV. The fires which are lighted on
the new moons by some before their shops and? The fires ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxv the fires which.htm

Marcion, Justifying his Antithesis Between the Law and the Gospel ...
... their very founder announced that they were one day to cease; thus by Hosea: "I
will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast-days, her new moons, and her ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx marcion justifying his antithesis.htm

Of Blasphemy. One of St. Paul's Sayings.
... Who can maintain or defend this? The Holy Spirit upbraids the Jews with their
holy-days. "Your Sabbaths, and new moons, and ceremonies," says He, "My soul ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xiv of blasphemy one of.htm

Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... between the passover of the Lord and the passover of the Jews, we may consider the
way in which Isaiah speaks of the matter: [5024] "Your new moons and your ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm

Another Instance of Marcion's Tampering with St. Paul's Text the ...
... 5346] For the cessation of even these, no less than of circumcision, was appointed
by the Creator's decrees, who had said by Isaiah, "Your new moons, and your ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv another instance of marcions.htm

The Duty of Every Day
... For the verse runs on, 'on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn
feasts, three times in the year, even in the Feast of unleavened bread, and in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the duty of every day.htm

Galatians Chapter iv.
... from the beginning designed for us these gifts, but, as we yet continued childish,
He let us be under the elements of the world, that is, new moons and sabbaths ...
/.../galatians chapter iv.htm

Sins of Ignorance.
... Accordingly some one well instructed in the doctrines taught by Moses, finding fault
with the people for their sins, called them sons of the new moons and the ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxii sins of ignorance.htm

Prayer to the Most High
... Bring no more vain oblations: incense is an abomination unto Me: the new moons and
Sabbaths I cannot away with: it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xv prayer to the most.htm

Useless Sacrifice
... Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination to me; the new moons and
sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvi useless sacrifice.htm

New-moons (1 Occurrence)
New-moons. New-moon, New-moons. Newness . Multi-Version Concordance
New-moons (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 31:3 He appointed ...
/n/new-moons.htm - 6k

Moons (17 Occurrences)
... Moons (17 Occurrences). Colossians 2:16 For this reason let no man be your judge
in any question of food or drink or feast days or newmoons or Sabbaths: (BBE). ...
/m/moons.htm - 12k

Festivals (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:31 and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths,
on the newmoons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance ...
/f/festivals.htm - 15k

Sabbaths (53 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:16 For this reason let no man be your judge in any question of food
or drink or feast days or newmoons or Sabbaths: (BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/sabbaths.htm - 24k

Seasons (43 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:31 and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths,
on the newmoons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ...
/s/seasons.htm - 22k

Trumpets (52 Occurrences)
... In addition to the usual daily burnt sacrifices and the special offerings for new
moons, there are to be offered one bullock, one ram, and seven he-lambs, with ...
/t/trumpets.htm - 32k

Feast (209 Occurrences)
... In addition to the usual daily burnt sacrifices and the special offerings for new
moons, there are to be offered one bullock, one ram, and seven he-lambs, with ...
/f/feast.htm - 47k

Feasts (45 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 23:31 and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths,
on the newmoons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance ...
/f/feasts.htm - 36k

Moon (70 Occurrences)
... Numbers 10:10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your appointed seasons, and
in your newmoons, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings ...
/m/moon.htm - 36k

Continual (55 Occurrences)
... him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt
offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the newmoons, and on ...
/c/continual.htm - 25k

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