Section 5: Yehuveh’s Time System, Article 4
New Moon Days
Page 8

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


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