New Moon
In the Old Testament, the new moon marked the beginning of a month and was observed with special offerings and trumpet blowing. It functioned as part of Israel’s worship calendar under the Mosaic law.
At a Glance
In the Old Testament, the new moon marked the beginning of a month and was observed with special offerings and trumpet blowing. It functioned as part of Israel’s worship calendar under the Mosaic law.
Description
In Scripture, the new moon refers to the monthly beginning of the lunar month and to the observances associated with it in Israel’s worship life. Under the Mosaic law, new moon days included appointed sacrifices and were recognized as part of Israel’s sacred calendar, sometimes also involving trumpet blowing and communal gathering. These observances belonged to the covenant order given to Israel and stood alongside Sabbaths and annual festivals. In the New Testament, new moon observance is mentioned among calendar practices that should not be imposed as necessary for believers in Christ, indicating that such ceremonial requirements were not binding on the church. The term is therefore best understood as a feature of Old Testament worship and timekeeping rather than a standing Christian ordinance.