New Moons

The observance of the New Moon is a significant aspect of the biblical calendar, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. The New Moon, or "Rosh Chodesh," is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in the religious and communal life of Israel.

In the Old Testament, the New Moon is often associated with offerings and sacrifices. Numbers 28:11-15 outlines the specific sacrifices to be made at the beginning of each month: "On the first day of each month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without blemish." This regular observance underscores the New Moon's role in maintaining the rhythm of worship and devotion.

The New Moon also served as a time for gathering and celebration. In 1 Samuel 20:5, David refers to the New Moon festival, indicating its role as a communal event: "Look, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I am supposed to dine with the king." This suggests that the New Moon was a time for fellowship and reflection, as well as religious observance.

Prophetically, the New Moon is mentioned in Isaiah 66:23, which envisions a future where all flesh will come to worship before the LORD from one New Moon to another: "From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me," says the LORD. This highlights the eschatological significance of the New Moon as a time of universal worship and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Appointed Feasts

The Appointed Feasts, or "moedim," are sacred times set by God for the people of Israel to observe throughout the year. These feasts are detailed primarily in Leviticus 23 and serve as both commemorative and prophetic markers in the biblical narrative.

The feasts include Passover (Pesach), the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Each feast has its own unique significance and prescribed observances.

Passover, for instance, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and is a foundational event in Jewish history. Leviticus 23:5 states, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month." This feast not only recalls God's past deliverance but also points forward to the ultimate redemption through Christ, who is referred to as "our Passover lamb" in 1 Corinthians 5:7.

The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is another significant appointed time, occurring fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits. It is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and is associated with the giving of the Law at Sinai. In the New Testament, Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Acts 2, signifying the birth of the Church.

The fall feasts, including the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles, carry both historical and prophetic meanings. The Feast of Trumpets is a time of repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement, which is the most solemn day of the year, focusing on atonement and reconciliation with God. The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God's provision and presence, both in the wilderness and in the anticipated Messianic Kingdom.

These appointed feasts are not only historical observances but also serve as types and shadows of greater spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 reflects this understanding: "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." Through these feasts, believers are reminded of God's faithfulness, His redemptive plan, and the hope of future fulfillment in His eternal kingdom.