New Moon

The New Moon was a significant religious observance in ancient Israel, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew lunar calendar. It was a time for special sacrifices, feasts, and rest from work.

In the Old Testament, the New Moon is mentioned alongside Sabbaths and other appointed feasts as days of worship and celebration (e.g., Numbers 10:10; 28:11-15; 1Ch.23.31; 2Ch.2.4; Ezra 3:5; Nehemiah 10:33; Isaiah 1:13-14; Ezk.45.17; Hosea 2:11). The New Moon was determined by the appearance of the first sliver of the new lunar crescent, which marked the beginning of a new month.

The New Moon observances often included the offering of special sacrifices, such as burnt offerings and sin offerings (Numbers 28:11-15). It was also a time for gathering together, feasting, and blowing trumpets (Numbers 10:10; Psalm 81:3).

In the New Testament, the New Moon is mentioned in Col.2.16, where Paul instructs believers not to let anyone judge them regarding food, drink, or in respect to a festival, a New Moon, or Sabbaths. This passage suggests that some early Christians, particularly those from a Jewish background, may have continued to observe the New Moon and other Jewish religious practices.

However, Paul emphasizes that these observances are a shadow of the things to come, and that the substance belongs to Christ (Col.2.17). He teaches that believers are no longer bound by these religious regulations.