Moon

The moon (Hebrew yareah from its paleness, and lebana, the white one) was appointed by God at creation to govern the night and to serve as a sign for seasons, days, and years alongside the sun (Gen. 1:14–16; Ps. 104:19). In the Israelite calendar the lunar cycle determined the months and religious feasts, and the new moon was marked with special offerings and rest (Num. 28:11–15; Amos 8:5). The Psalms celebrate the moon's enduring constancy as a witness to God's covenant with David (Ps. 89:37). Prophetic literature frequently pairs the dimming of the moon with cosmic judgment preceding the Day of the LORD (Isa. 24:23; Joel 2:31; Matt. 24:29), while eschatological passages envision a time when the moon's light will be superseded by the direct glory of God (Isa. 60:19–20; Rev. 21:23). Worship of the moon was strictly forbidden in Israel (Deut. 4:19; 2 Kings 23:5), though such veneration was common among surrounding nations.