### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôdesh**, represented by `{{H2320}}`, means **the new moon** or, by implication, **a month**. It appears 276 times across 224 unique verses, establishing it as a fundamental unit for measuring time and organizing the calendar in the Old Testament. It signifies the beginning of a new lunar cycle and structures both civil life and religious observance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2320}}` is used to mark specific dates for key historical and prophetic events. God established a specific **month** as the "beginning of months" for Israel [[Exodus 12:2]]. The great flood is dated with precision, beginning "in the second **month**, the seventeenth day of the **month**" [[Genesis 7:11]]. Prophetic messages were often dated by **month**, as when the word of the LORD came to Haggai on the first day of the sixth **month** [[Haggai 1:1]]. The term also denotes periods of time, such as the three **months** the ark of the LORD remained at the house of Obededom [[2 Samuel 6:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the biblical concept of sacred time and its measurement:
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (a day): As the basic unit of time, `{{H3117}}` is frequently used with **chôdesh** to specify exact dates for festivals, historical events, and commandments, such as the tenth day of the seventh **month** for the Day of Atonement [[Leviticus 16:29]].
* `{{H7676}}` **shabbâth** (the Sabbath): This word for a weekly day of rest often appears alongside **chôdesh** in lists of sacred times ordained by God. Both new moons and sabbaths were designated for special offerings and were central to Israel's worship [[Ezekiel 45:17]].
* `{{H4150}}` **môwʻêd** (an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season): This term refers to appointed times or festivals. The **chôdesh** provides the framework for when these solemn feasts were to be observed throughout the year [[2 Chronicles 8:13]].
* `{{H2282}}` **chag** (a festival, or a victim therefor): This word for a feast or festival is intrinsically linked to **chôdesh**, as the timing of major feasts like the Feast of Tabernacles was determined by the **month** in which it occurred [[Leviticus 23:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2320}}` is significant, as it structures the rhythm of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Structuring Sacred Time:** The calendar is built around the **month**, which determines the timing of crucial observances. The first **month** is designated for the Passover [[Leviticus 23:5]], while the seventh **month** is marked by the Day of Atonement [[Leviticus 23:27]]. Offerings and the blowing of trumpets marked the "beginnings of your **months**" as a memorial before God [[Numbers 10:10]].
* **A Sign of Improper Worship:** The observance of the new **moon** without righteous hearts was condemned by God. Through Isaiah, the LORD declared, "Your new **moons** and your appointed feasts my soul hateth" [[Isaiah 1:14]]. Amos rebuked those who impatiently waited for the new **moon** to pass so they could resume dishonest business practices [[Amos 8:5]].
* **Framework for Prophecy and Judgment:** Specific dates, given by **month** and day, are used to record God's sovereign acts in history, such as the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem [[2 Kings 25:1]] and the receiving of prophetic visions [[Ezekiel 1:1]].
* **Eschatological Worship:** The term points to a future, unending cycle of worship. Isaiah prophesied a time when "from one new **moon** to another...shall all flesh come to worship before me" [[Isaiah 66:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2320}}` is far more than a simple chronological marker. It is a foundational element of biblical life, ordering Israel's calendar, defining its seasons of worship, and marking the moments of divine intervention. From setting the date of the Passover to providing a framework for future, perfect worship, **chôdesh** illustrates how God structures time for His purposes and for His relationship with His people.
TRV