### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yârêach**, represented by `{{H3394}}`, is the primary term for the **moon**. It appears 26 times across 26 unique verses in the Bible. It consistently refers to the celestial body, functioning as a luminary, a marker of time, and a powerful symbol within divine creation and prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3394}}` is presented as an integral part of God's created order. It is described as the work of God's fingers, which He has ordained alongside the stars [[Psalms 8:3]]. God appointed the **moon** for seasons [[Psalms 104:19]] and gave it ordinances to serve as a light by night [[Jeremiah 31:35]]. The Bible also records miraculous events involving the **moon**, most notably when it stood still in the valley of Ajalon at Joshua's command [[Joshua 10:12-13]]. However, its prominence also made it an object of forbidden worship, and Israel was explicitly warned not to serve the **moon** or the host of heaven [[Deuteronomy 4:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the moon's role in the cosmos:
* `{{H8121}}` **shemesh** (the sun): The sun is the most frequent counterpart to the moon, often mentioned in the same breath. They are presented as the two great lights, with the sun ruling the day and the moon the night ([[Psalms 136:9]], [[Genesis 37:9]]).
* `{{H3556}}` **kôwkâb** (a star): Stars are consistently grouped with the sun and moon as celestial bodies created by God [[Psalms 8:3]], objects of praise [[Psalms 148:3]], and part of the "host of heaven" that was wrongfully worshipped [[Deuteronomy 4:19]].
* `{{H3915}}` **layil** (night): This term defines the moon's domain. The moon was created to rule the **night** [[Psalms 136:9]] and to provide protection from harm during this time [[Psalms 121:6]].
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): The moon's purpose is to provide light, contrasting with darkness. Prophetic passages often describe the moon being turned to **darkness** or blood as a sign of divine judgment [[Joel 2:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3394}}` is multifaceted, touching on creation, judgment, and covenant.
* **Divine Creation and Order:** The moon is a testament to God's creative power and his ordering of the universe. He appointed it for seasons (`{{H4150}}`) and knows its movements [[Psalms 104:19]]. Its consistent presence is a daily reminder of God's established design.
* **Sign of Prophetic Judgment:** The disruption of the moon's normal function is a recurring theme in prophecy. Its darkening (`{{H6937}}`) or failure to give light signifies the arrival of the terrible day of the Lord, demonstrating that God's power transcends the natural order He created ([[Isaiah 13:10]], [[Joel 2:31]], [[Ezekiel 32:7]]).
* **Symbol of Enduring Faithfulness:** The moon is used as a metaphor for permanence and reliability. God's covenant is to be established forever like the **moon**, a "faithful witness in heaven" [[Psalms 89:37]]. Similarly, peace is promised to endure as long as the **moon** [[Psalms 72:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3394}}` is far more than a simple astronomical term. It is a key element in the biblical portrayal of God's creation, a timekeeper for seasons, and a luminary for the night. As a symbol, it represents both the steadfastness of God's covenant and the fragility of the created order in the face of divine judgment. Its presence throughout scripture illustrates the profound meaning embedded in the natural world, from its role as a faithful witness to God's handiwork to its misuse as an object of idolatry.
TRV