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Section 5: Yehuveh’s Time System, Article 4 New Moon Days Page 8 |
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Issues of “New Moon
Sighting” and “Reckoning Time” We must address other issues, such as the longstanding discussion as to whether the crescent moon must be sighted from Jerusalem or is only appropriately sighted by each individual and group in their respective location. and this matter of “reckoning” or estimating time verses observing its markers. The issues of this discussion have clear and relevant Scriptural answers. Prayerfully consider the following information: 1. There is not a single Scripture discussing sighting of the crescent moon; what we believe we know regarding “how, when, and where this is to be done” is from deduction and inference and tradition. Not one of the listed twenty-one texts about the New Moons address this issue. 2. It is sensible within the world view of those who “lived locally” that in Scriptures “where New Moon sightings must occur,” locally or at Jerusalem, is never considered or discussed. Prior to this age of instaneous global communication, communities had little knowledge of or concern for what occurred beyond their own horizons. 3. The Scriptures clearly separate “times and laws” in Daniel 7:25, so the fact that “out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yehuveh from Jerusalem,” doesn’t necessarily mean that time is or must be measured from there. Every other day is marked and measured by the rising and setting of the sun locally, so why would the Sabbaths and New Moons be considered in any other way. Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2. 4. It is unthinkable that Yehuveh’s restored people from the whole world will gather to Jerusalem twice a year for the appointed gatherings, so it would appear Yehuveh Himself makes provision for His people to gather in each location: “When all Israel is come to appear before Yehuveh thy Elohim in the place which He shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.” Deuteronomy 31:11. Also compare and consider: Deuteronomy 12:5; 16:2; 26:2; Joshua 9:27; 18:1; 1 Kings 8:16, 20, 29; 14:21; 1 Chronicles 22:1; 2 Chronicles 7:12; Psalms 78:68; 87:2, 3. 5. We are told “Concerning the feasts of Yehuveh, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My feasts,” and “These are the feasts of Yehuveh, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons,” but there is no clear statement who is to proclaim them--anointed leaders in Jerusalem or anyone observant, there or locally. It appears that the primary reason for, indeed perhaps the whole point of, proclaiming the appointments after observing the moon is to co-ordinate the local people, and ultimately the entire local nation, so the annual “gathering” appointments are synchronized. Leviticus 23:2, 4. Gael Bataman Originally Written: 19 December 2009 Latest Update: 23 December 2009 Continue “Issues of ‘New Moon Sighting’ and ‘Reckoning Time’”. . . Return to List of New Moon Texts Return to Zadok Home Go to the first of Article 4 Return to end of Article 4 Go to Section 5: Time Go to Historical Calendar Go to Daniel 11-12 Go to Revelation Go to Years of Returning (Darius) |