Understanding the New Moon
Biblical, Historical, and Astronomical Evidence
Biblical Foundation of the New Moon
The New Moon is a commanded observance in Scripture, marking the beginning of each biblical month. The term “new moon” comes from the Hebrew word “Chodesh” (חֹדֶשׁ), which means newness, renewal, or month.
Key Scriptures:
- Numbers 10:10 – “Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months [chodesh], ye shall blow with the trumpets…”
- Numbers 28:11–15 – Sacrifices were appointed on the first day of the month (New Moon).
- Isaiah 66:23 – In the future Kingdom: “From one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith YHWH.”
- Ezekiel 46:1,3 – “…the gate of the inner court… shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.”
These show the New Moon was both a worship day and a time of recalibration, resetting the months in the biblical calendar.
Historical Practice in Israelite Culture
The Israelites used the moon to determine the beginning of each month. The priests and watchmen would observe the moon to announce the beginning of the month.
- 1 Samuel 20 – David knew that the New Moon was approaching and that a special feast would be held.
- Amos 8:5 – “When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn?” – reveals that commerce was paused during New Moon observances.
The New Moon was a holy convocation, and in ancient times it helped maintain the cycle of Sabbaths and Feasts such as Passover (on the 14th day of the first month) and Tabernacles (beginning the 15th day of the seventh month).
Astronomical Understanding
Why the New Moon Is the Dark Moon
Modern misconception: Many believe the New Moon starts with the first visible crescent, but this practice was adopted by later Rabbinic Judaism and Islam, not by the ancient priests of Israel.
Dark Moon vs. Crescent Moon
- The true New Moon astronomically is the dark moon or conjunction phase – when the moon is not visible at all in the sky.
- At conjunction, the moon is directly between the Earth and the sun and gives no visible light.
- After the conjunction, the crescent begins to appear 1–2 days later, depending on location and weather.
Why the Dark Moon Fits Scripture
Genesis 1:14 – “Let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.”
- The sun and moon must work together. The dark moon signals the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. A visible crescent is already partway into the month.
Psalm 81:3 (KJV): “Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.”
- The Hebrew phrase “kehseh” (כסה) means concealment or covering – this refers to the covered (dark) moon, not the crescent.
Ancient Sources Supporting the Dark Moon Start
- Dead Sea Scrolls / Qumran Community – The sect of the Sons of Zadok used a solar calendar and observed the New Moon beginning with the conjunction, not crescent sightings.
- Philo of Alexandria, a 1st-century Israelite scholar, said the New Moon was when the moon is invisible and “its face is wholly dark.”
Prophetic and Spiritual Significance
- Colossians 2:16–17 – The New Moons are shadows of things to come in the Messiah. They symbolize new beginnings, cycles, and renewal.
- The moon represents Israel in many prophetic writings – it waxes, wanes, and is sometimes hidden, just like Israel’s journey through history.
- The New Moon offers a chance to return to righteousness, to realign with YHWH’s calendar, and to prepare for His appointed Feasts.
Summary of Why the New Moon Begins at the Dark Phase
Argument |
Hebrew word “kehseh” |
Psalm 81:3 |
Astronomical cycle |
Ancient practice |
Crescent moon flaw |
Consistency with Sabbaths |
Explanation |
Refers to concealment – the moon is covered (dark), not visible. |
Blowing the trumpet on the concealed moon, not when it’s visible. |
A new cycle begins when the moon is invisible, not when it’s seen. |
Qumran sects, Philo, and earlier priests did not rely on crescent sightings. |
If you wait for the crescent, you’ve already missed the start of the month. |
Starting with the dark moon makes 7-day Sabbaths line up exactly with key feasts. |
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