Topical Encyclopedia
The Feast of the New Moon, also known as Rosh Chodesh, is a significant observance in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of each month. This feast is rooted in the ancient Israelite tradition and is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a time of renewal and dedication, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time and the continuous renewal of the covenant between God and His people.
Biblical FoundationThe observance of the New Moon is commanded in the Torah, where it is established as a time for special sacrifices and offerings. In
Numbers 28:11-15 , the instructions for the sacrifices at the New Moon are detailed:
"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 unblemished. With each bull there is to be a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; and with each lamb, a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil. This is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD. Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine with each bull, a third of a hin with the ram, and a quarter of a hin with each lamb. This is the monthly burnt offering to be made at each New Moon throughout the year. In addition, one male goat is to be presented as a sin offering to the LORD, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering."These sacrifices were a vital part of the worship and religious life of Israel, serving as a reminder of God's provision and the people's dependence on Him.
Historical and Cultural ContextThe New Moon festival was not only a religious observance but also a communal event. It was a time for gathering, feasting, and celebrating God's faithfulness. The blowing of trumpets, as mentioned in
Psalm 81:3 , was a key feature of the celebration:
"Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast." This act served as a call to worship and a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and creation.
In ancient Israel, the New Moon was also a time for seeking guidance and revelation from God. The prophet Samuel, for instance, used the occasion of the New Moon to communicate with King Saul (1 Samuel 20:5): "David replied, 'Indeed, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to dine with the king. But let me go so that I may hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow.'"
Theological Significance
Theologically, the Feast of the New Moon underscores the themes of renewal, dedication, and divine order. It reflects the belief in God's ongoing involvement in the world and His desire for a relationship with His people. The regularity of the New Moon observance serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises.
The sacrifices offered during the New Moon were a means of atonement and purification, symbolizing the need for continual repentance and renewal in the life of the believer. The inclusion of a sin offering highlights the recognition of human fallibility and the need for divine grace.
Contemporary Observance
While the specific sacrificial practices outlined in the Old Testament are no longer observed in the same manner, the New Moon continues to hold significance in Jewish tradition. It is marked by special prayers and reflections, emphasizing themes of renewal and spiritual growth.
In Christian theology, the New Moon can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate renewal brought about through Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 reflects on the fulfillment of these Old Testament practices: "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." This passage suggests that the New Moon, like other Old Testament observances, points to the greater reality found in Christ.
The Feast of the New Moon, with its rich historical and theological background, remains a testament to the enduring relationship between God and His people, a relationship characterized by renewal, dedication, and divine grace.Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 28:11-15
And in the beginnings of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Greeks had Some Knowledge of the True God.
... and apes, and their own proper food"they sacrifice as sacrifices to mortals ... the first;
[3257] nor do they hold the new moon, nor the feast of unleavened ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v the greeks had some.htm
Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... of the moon; wherefore this feast was kept at the new moon: and not at the full
moon, to avoid the worship of idolaters who used to offer sacrifices to the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm
Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... 63; Moon 15. ... But the feast of the heathen He reproves, as the bread [4445] of mourners ...
face from that of the Jews, as being outcasts, saying, Your new moons and ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xix for 347 coss rufinus.htm
Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ...
... At the new moon, they both perform the daily sacrifices, and slay two ... The feast of
unleavened bread succeeds that of the passover, and falls on the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the festivals.htm
Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... a Sabbath unto the Lord." And in Numbers, [5026] before the sacrifices which are ...
you in meat and in drink, or in respect of a feast-day or a new moon, or a ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm
Festal Letters.
... day of that in which the light of the moon is perfected ... even the Holy Spirit, we
may properly keep the feast, even the month of these new [fruits] [3926] . ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/i festal letters.htm
David the Shepherd Youth.
... the flat rock outside the village walls, on which the sacrifices were always ... once
a year he went home to the great family feast of the new moon, when all ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm
Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ...
... while you set aside circumcision, and sacrifices, and the Sabbath and its observance,
and the feast of unleavened ... in respect of a holiday, or a new moon, or of ...
/.../faustus fails to understand why.htm
Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... the Hebrews call it, on the new moon, they consecrated ... sacred offices in my discourse
about sacrifices; and therein ... the eighth day he appointed a feast for the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm
Acts XXI
... That the feast of Pentecost did transpire immediately after his arrival in Jerusalem ...
in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of ... We refer to sacrifices. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm
Resources
What is a love feast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgFeast: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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