Lunatic

I am privileged to be taking part in a Beth Moore study on the 'Psalms of Ascent'. It is a 6 week Bible study being offered at my church here on Marco Island. Over fifty women have signed up and we are enjoying the study. The 'Psalms of Ascent' are known as Psalm 120-134; these psalms (or songs) were believed to have been sung by 'pilgrims' - heading toward Jerusalem.
In Psalm 121, the psalmist sings about God as protector, "The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night."
I know about the hot, arid conditions of the area - too much sun can be harmful or deadly - even today! It was important for the people to have adequate shade while on their pilgrimage, and the psalmist wants the travellers to know that God will provide them shelter from the sun during the day. But why do we need to be protected 'from the moon by night?'
Aha! This is what I call 'Linda Trivia', but I find it fascinating.
The ancients not only feared over-exposure to the sun; they also feared being out in the moonlight for extended amounts of time. The word 'lunatic' derives from 'lunar' - 'of the moon'. The term 'moonstruck' was often used for describing someone with a mental disorder. It was thought that too much moonlight could be hazardous to a person's health! Today the word 'lunatic' is still used in common English language, with the same connotation as its ancient meaning. Fascinating!
May the Lord protect you this day and in all the days of your journey.