Question

We are studying the Old Testament and need a Hebrew calendar. The days of the week may be helpful too.

Answer

A calendar is important for understanding the Scripture in the context of the people who originally received it.

Below is a calendar organized to:

(1) Number of the Month
(2) Hebrew Name
(3) Modern Equivalent
(4) Bible References (if relevant)
(5) Corresponding Feasts (if relevant).

Hebrew Calendar

1 - 7 (Sacred sequence begins)
Abib; Nissan
(March - April)
Ex. 12:2; 13:4 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1; Neh. 2:1; Est. 3:7
Passover; Unleavened Bread; Firstfruits

2 - 8
Ziv (lyyar)
(April May)
1 Kings 6:1, 37

3 - 9
Sivan
(May - June)
Est. 8:9
Pentecost (Weeks)

4 - 10
Tammuz
(June- July)

5 - 11
Ab
(July August)

6 - 12
Elul
(August - September)
Neh. 6:15

7 - 1 (Civil sequence)
Ethanim
(September October)
1 Kings 8:2
Trumpets; Day of Atonement; Tabernacles (Booths)

8 - 2
Bul (Marcheshvan)
(October - November)
1 Kings 6:38

9 - 3
Kislev
(November - December)
Neh. 1:1; Zech. 7:1
Hanukkah (Dedication)

10 - 4
Tebeth
(December - January)
Est. 2:16

11 - 5
Shebat
(January - February)
Zech. 1:7

12 - 6
Adar
(February March)
Ezra 6:15; Est. 3:7, 13; 18:12; 9:1; 15, 17. 19. 21
Purim

Adar-Sheni - This intercalary month was added every three years so the lunar calendar would correspond to the solar year.

Days of the Week

Yom Rishon First Day (Sunday)
Yom Sheini Second Day (Monday)
Yom Shlishi Third Day (Tuesday)
Yom R'vi'i Fourth Day (Wednesday)
Yom Chamishi Fifth Day (Thursday)
Yom Shishi Sixth Day (Friday)
Yom Shabbat Sabbath Day (Saturday)

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).

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