Psalms 104:19
He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֣ה
He appointed
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
He appointed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְמוֹעֲדִ֑ים
for seasons
H4150
לְמוֹעֲדִ֑ים
for seasons
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
שֶׁ֝֗מֶשׁ
the sun
H8121
שֶׁ֝֗מֶשׁ
the sun
Strong's:
H8121
Word #:
4 of 6
the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
Historical Context
Israel's religious calendar was lunar-based, making the moon crucial for determining festival dates. Understanding celestial bodies as divine appointments, not deities (as in pagan religion), distinguished Israel's cosmology.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the reliable patterns of sun and moon strengthen your trust in God's faithfulness to His promises?
- What spiritual 'seasons' has God appointed in your life that you need to discern and honor?
Analysis & Commentary
God appointed the moon for seasons (mo'adim, also meaning appointed times/festivals), and the sun knows its setting. Heavenly bodies operate on precise schedules set by God, governing time's passage. The moon's phases determined Israel's calendar and festivals, making it essential for worship timing. The sun's predictable rising and setting demonstrates reliable divine order. This astronomical precision points to God's faithfulness—as surely as sun and moon follow their courses, God keeps His promises. Christ's resurrection on the first day (Sunday) established a new creation week.