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FREEDOM OF PASSOVER

These are the feasts of YAHWEH, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in

their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is YAHWEH’s Passover. (Leviticus 23: 4-5)

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month

shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

(Exodus 12: 1-2)

Nissan – The month of deliverance

The Passover night commemorated deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The first month of the year (Aviv/Nissan – March/April) symbolizes freedom from bondage of worldly ways and it is the month of redemption, an everlasting ordinance as it points to YAHWEH’s great miracle of deliverance (Exodus 12: 14). According to YAHWEH’s calendar, Passover is the beginning of the spiritual New Year, therefore it is called Festival of Freedom because our life really starts from the time we get saved as Yahushua paid the price for our redemption by becoming our Passover lamb.

Guardian of the door

The English translations use the word Passover (meaning to skip, to limp, to falter) for the Hebrew word ‘Pesach’ פֶּסַח which according to early manuscripts can also mean ‘standing and protecting’. The root word for Pesach is found in handful verses – Leviticus 21: 18, 2 Samuel 4: 4, 1 Kings 18: 21. Hebraically we understand that YAHWEH was not passing over the house that night but rather He stood on the door guarding and protecting because the people obeyed Him and the destroyer was not allowed to enter (Psalm 121: 4). This is why in Luke 13: 24, Yahushua wept over Jerusalem because He wanted to protect (Pesach) His people but they did not know the time of the presentation/visitation of Elohim’s true Passover Lamb. (Luke 19: 44)

The blood pattern applied on the doors formed the Hebrew letter chet which means a doorway; it also implies the word chai that is ‘life’. For believers Passover represents Yahushua’s death, burial, and resurrection and being the Passover Lamb, His blood covers us and we pass from death to life (John 5:24). It is believed that the blood smeared on the top, left and right side of the doorframe was in form of ancient Hebrew pictographtav which is a cross shape.

Arm of YAHWEH revealed

Yahushua’s ministry began near Jericho and the Jordan with John the Baptist who was the

true priest of Israel, declaring ‘Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world’

(John 1:29); apostle Paul says that ‘Mashiach, our Passover, was sacrificed for us

(1 Corinthians 5:7); and Peter identifies Yahushua as the ‘lamb without blemish and without spot’. (1 Peter 1: 19)

Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of YAHWEH been revealed?

(Isaiah 53:1)

The prophet Isaiah poses a question concerning Passover for both alien and native of Israel. The expression, ‘the arm of the YAHWEH’ is Zarowa YAHWEH in Hebrew representing the shank bone (zarowa) which along with matzah (unleavened bread) and grape wine are the elements of the Passover meal. The apostle John also poses the same question of the prophet in John 12: 37-41 connecting the Passover story to Yahushua the Lamb of YAHWEH being slain and covering our sins with His blood. The unleavened bread – matzah has rows like stripes and holes across its front and back which is perfect picture of the body Messiah Yahushua that is sinless and was bruised for our transgressions (Isaiah 53: 6). He was mistreated, whipped, beaten, spit upon, dishonored, slapped, kicked, afflicted, crucified and pierced with a spear for us. (Luke 18:31-32)

The first mention of the observance of Passover is with Father Abraham when YAHWEH appeared to him with two angels on Aviv 14 (Genesis 18: 1-7). Josephus the historian records that the population of Jerusalem was about 600,000 but during Passover it would swell to about 2.5 million people – so in one day they would slaughter 250,000 lambs in the Temple. One can imagine the picture of bloodshed and animals crying as they saw innocent lambs being slaughtered, foreshadowing the perfect Lamb of Elohim. (Exodus 12: 5, Hebrews 12: 24)

According to tradition when the lambs arrived from Bethlehem the people at the northern gate would be singing Psalms 113 – 118 (known as ‘Hallel’ – Psalms of praise) which were sung during the Passover night when Yahushua led the 11 disciples to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 30). Passover night was a watchnight, this is why Yahushua expected His disciples to remain awake with Him (Mark 14: 37-38). Consider Master Yahushua whose hands and feet were going to be pierced in a few hours (Luke 22: 44) and would go through excruciating pain was probably singing the Psalm of praise – This is the day YAHWEH has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118: 24)

When Moses came to the children of Israel with the message of salvation and deliverance, he rode on a colt likewise Yahushua’s entrance into Jerusalem was a prophetic sign to the people (Luke 19: 28-38). What upset the religious leaders was that as the lambs entered the northern gate, the true lamb of YAHWEH, also entered the eastern gate which was the gate that the Messiah was to enter (Ezekiel 44: 2) and the people were singing the same words to Yahushua that traditionally they would sing when the lambs entered. This is the day YAHWEH has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (Psalm 118:24-26)

On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. (Exodus 12:3)

From Aviv 10 to 14 the lambs would be inspected, to check for any spots or blemishes (Exodus 12: 5). Similarly, Yahushua was examined, questioned, and tested for four days (Aviv 10-14) by the religious leaders and was found without fault (Matthew 22:15-39) as Pilate said, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him”. (John 19: 4)

And when the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:14-16).

It should be noted that 28 times in the Renewed covenant writings the term Pascha (Passover in Greek) is used but only in Acts 12:4 the pagan term Easter was inserted. Yahushua was not instituting a new thing called ‘communion’ rather He was telling us to remember Him in the Passover. We look forward to the day when we will partake with our Groom in the millennial reign at a future feast – the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19: 9)

Restoration of health

Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. (Exodus 12: 9-10)

Eat all of it – the significance was and even it is today to keep all His commandments, not half of them (Deuteronomy 28: 1, John 6: 54-56). During the first Passover, all flesh of the lamb was eaten which brought supernatural healing for Children of Israel throughout their journey in the wilderness with complete health and redemption as Psalm 105: 37 says there was not one feeble person among their tribes. Yahushua being the perfect Passover Lamb brings healing through His wounds and stripes on His body by taking our sins and weaknesses and giving us good health through our journey in this world today. (1 Peter 2: 24)

The Talmud elaborates regarding roasting of the Passover offering. Two wooden stakes were used, one passing from end-to-end length-wise through the animal, and the other an upright thrust through the center and attached to the cross-member, thus forming a cross. The intestines were wrapped around the head of the lamb in the form of a crown as it roasted over the fire. HalleluYAH! This paints a beautiful imagery of the lamb of Elohim on the tree with crown of thorns on His head.

Kala – A call to the bride

Mark 15:25 says “It was the third hour that they Crucified him.” It is extremely significant as this was also the time of the sacrifice in temple, the moment when the priests were binding the Passover lamb to the altar, the Romans were binding Yahushua to the tree. John 19:30 says, So when Yahushua had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” and bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

The ninth hour (around 3pm) in the temple was the time of prayer and the evening sacrifice which is also the time the Passover lamb (Yahushua) was slain. It is interesting to note the Hebrew word for finish is kala which can also mean bride. The declaration by Yahushua prior to His death was a call for His bride to return and be forgiven which was one of the prime reasons He hung on the tree.

In conclusion, by faith when we apply the blood of the lamb on doorposts of our hearts, we experience deliverance from the wrath of Elohim and freedom from bondage our sins. Amen!

MESSIAH OUR UNLEAVENED BREAD

Get rid of the old yeast (chametz), so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Messiah, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us keep the festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread (matzah) of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5: 7-8)

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. (Leviticus 23: 6)

Passover symbolizes the death of Yahushua on the tree (Acts 10:39, 13:29), the Feast of Unleavened Bread His burial when the sinless Lamb of Elohim was buried for our sins

(1 Corinthians 15: 3). Our Messiah is not only the bread of life, the true manna come down from heaven (John 6: 35) but also our ‘Unleavened Bread’. With Yahushua as our example, we are called to live as unleavened bread (without sin) by searching every corner of our lives with the light of the Holy Spirit.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Ha Matzoth) follows right after Passover. It begins on the 15th day of Nisan and is a 7-day feast representing a believer’s life being without sin and perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5: 48). It is a time of self-examination for repentance. The first and last days of the feast are Sabbaths which differ from the weekly Sabbath and may occur on any day of the week (Exodus 12: 18), this is why the women were unable to purchase the burial spices on Pesach (14th Nissan) as shops only opened half a day

and would have rested on the 15th day of Nissan (Unleavened Bread) being a high Shabbat.

(John 19: 31)

The seventh or last day (Nissan 21) pictures the complete coming out of the worldly ways to follow the righteousness of our Savior, Yahushua the Messiah. The idea of being puffed up with pride is also mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:18, 8:1, and Romans 11:11-32 showing the risen bread puffed up with leaven is reminiscent of sinful pride, and unleavened matza bread is humble, simple, and pure representing Yahushua Mashiach, our Unleavened Bread.

Unleavened bread is eaten for seven days and all leaven is removed from homes before the feast begins. This feast shows sin in our lives as Scriptures often use yeast or leaven to represent sin. Ancient rabbis understood leaven to represent the evil impulses of the heart and Yahushua taught “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:15); “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6, 11). Leaven is known as chametz in Hebrew and it means sour. We must purge out the leaven (2 Corinthians 7: 1) from our spiritual lives as part of being conformed to the image of Messiah. The grain product eaten during this period is called matzah, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly.

They made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).

The prophet Isaiah prophesied about the burial of Yahushua who lived a pure life, which contained no leaven or sin and YAHWEH made Him the innocent, substitute lamb for guilty mankind (1 John 3: 5, 2 Corinthians 5: 21). King David also prophesied about the burial of Yahushua that His body will not decay in Psalm 16:9-10 – For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16) so it should be free of leaven/sin. Yahushua cleared out the leaven from His Father’s house which is significant in light of feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread.

In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:13-17)

Upon entering the temple, Yahushua in His zealousness for the House of Elohim removed the money changers indicating the removal of leaven from His Father’s house in preparations for the coming Passover. Here, we see the quote from Psalm 69:10 – Zeal (kanah) for your house will consume me!

The wedding at Cana took place on the third day (John 3:1) but it should be noted that it also took place on the seventh day when counting the days in order through John chapter one. The third day points to redemption through Messiah and the seventh day foreshadows the millennium reign when YAHWEH’s people will be purged from all the leaven and will be gathered in His kingdom. Interestingly, the name Cana (kanah) can mean zealous, jealous or a bird’s nest.

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. (Genesis 19: 3)

Lot was celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread on 15th of Aviv. Paul in Renewed Covenant writings also observed Unleavened bread which tells us that just like Master Yahushua his disciples continued to observe YAHWEH’s appointed times and seasons. (Acts 2: 46)

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread (Chag Ha Matzoth), and

came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. (Acts 20: 6)

When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. (Acts 12: 3)

FIRSTFRUITS OF RESURRECTION – SIGN OF JONAH FULFILLED

But Messiah has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive; but every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits (Reshiet Ha Bikkurim); afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15: 20-23)

And YAHWEH spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits (Reshiet) of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before YAHWEH, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. (Leviticus 23: 9-11)

The day of Firstfruits (Yom Ha Bikkurim) also known as the first of the harvest (Reshiet Ha Katzir) which falls on Nisan 17 potrays the resurrection of Yahushua our Messiah on the third day of the Passover season. In ancient times, on this day a sheaf (omer) of barley (the first grain crop to ripen) was waved before YAHWEH our Elohim to mark the beginning of the counting of the omer, thereby initiating the forty-nine-day countdown to the harvest festival of Pentecost/Shavuot. (Leviticus 23: 16)

The priest waved the sheaf before YAHWEH in thanksgiving which is a beautiful picture of Yahushua presenting Himself as firstfruits sheaf to Elohim. When the first sheaf of grain was accepted by YAHWEH, it declared the whole harvest/rest of the field holy and dedicated to Him. Yahushua rose from the dead (being lifted up/waved John 12: 23), and became an acceptable firstfruits, making those of us who follow Him in resurrection, holy unto YAHWEH.

In 1 Corinthians 15: 20 Paul the apostle is not just stating that Yahushua was the first to rise from the dead, but by so doing, He is the direct fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits, pointing to the fact that this festival should be important for all believers in Messiah. It is interesting to note that on this day a male lamb was to be offered along with bread and wine, the very symbols Yahushua used to recall His sacrifice. (Leviticus 22: 12-13)

The seven of first two Feasts of YAHWEH, Passover and Unleavened bread, were fulfilled in the death and burial of Yahushua. Prior to resurrection of Yahushua in Renewed Covenant writings Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter and son of the widow of Nain were raised miraculously from the dead but they eventually experienced death (Hebrews 9: 27). Yahushua our Messiah was the first in history to be raised and never to die again. HalleluYAH! It assures us that, just as He was raised to life, we will also be. Remember graves of saints were opened by the earthquake at Yahushua’s death. (Matthew 27: 52-53)

1 Corinthians 15: 12-19 reminds us that Yahushua’s resurrection is a guarantee of our resurrection. Yahushua has defeated death, hell, grave and is alive forever (Revelation 1: 18). Believers become the firstfruits representing many sheafs who are sleeping and waiting to be awoken or called forth from the grave being raised to eternal life. (John 5: 25, James 1: 17)

Yahushua makes us holy

If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. (Romans 11:16)

It should be noted apostle Paul draws this imagery from the concept established in Tanakh (Old Covenant) about the firstfruits sheaf being offered unto YAHWEH. The Hebrew term bikkurim (firstfruits) comes from the same root as bekhor that is firstborn. The principle that firstborn of man and beast belong to YAHWEH is also applied to the firstfruits to ripen each agricultural season. (Exodus 13: 2)

On Passover the barley was harvested in which a process called winnowing was done to toss the barley kernels into the wind to separate the kernel from the chaff. Interestingly the word for wind and breath is the same Hebrew word for the Spirit (Ruach). This symbolizes the wind of the Holy Spirit separates those that belong to YAHWEH from the chaff and just as head of the barley is very soft and easily crushed, the true believers hear the still small voice of the Spirit and obey. (Ephesians 1: 13)

Yahushua saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my Elohim, and your Elohim. (John 20: 17)

According to Josephus, the historian no one could not touch the barley before the day of firstfruits. The High Priest separated himself from his family and did not come in contact with anyone. Similarly, Yahushua being our High Priest had to ascend to the Father and present Himself as a the Firstfruits offering at the heavenly temple before anyone could touch Him (Hebrews 7: 25; 9: 11-12, 23-24). After Yahushua had been to the Father and back, Thomas was permitted to could touch Him. (John 20: 27)

Sign of Jonah

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matthew 12: 39-40)

The Hebrew word for sign is owth twa which means to communicate, to signal, reveal and is used first time in Genesis 1: 14. Interestingly the first and last alphabets of the word sign (owth) are Alef a and Tav t which are equivalent to Alpha and Omega in Greek. Remember how Yahushua addressed John the apostle in Revelation 1: 8, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. Rabbi Yahushua speaking to His disciple John in Hebrew would have said –

I am Aleph and Tav, the beginning and the ending.

Let’s break down the three letters used in ancient pictograph form – Alef is an ox head a denoting power and strength, Vav is a nail or tent peg w and Tav symbolizes a cross t – the mark of the covenant. So, in essence Yahushua was saying to the Pharisees – I the Alef Tav is going to give you one sign of being nailed to the cross/tree. In other words, the sign (owth) should have been so obvious that the Pharisees were supposed to understand it but because they had added and taken away from the Word of Elohim, they missed the first coming of Messiah. (Deuteronomy 4: 2, Mark 7: 13)

To shed some light on the sign of prophet Jonah ‑ it should be noted that Jonah was not alive in the belly of the fish but in fact died and was preserved for three days and three nights so he would not be eaten by other predators. YAHWEH resurrected him from the dead fulfilling perfectly the picture of Yahushua being buried in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me forever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. (Jonah 2: 5-7)

Biblical events on Nisan 17 (the day of resurrection)

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. (Genesis 8: 4)

Is it any coincidence or divine design that Noah’s ark comes through the waters and rests on the earth (dry land) for the first time bringing new life to Noah and his family on the 17th of Nisan which is a picture of the resurrection. This indicates Noah and his family were the firstfruits rescued from the flood and receiving new life as number 8 symbolizes new beginnings!

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. (Exodus 14: 30, Hebrews 11: 29)

During the Exodus, Israel miraculously came through the Red Sea on the 17th of Nisan. This was equivalent to death to their old life (passing through the waters) and resurrection to a new life.

Interestingly, Esther proclaimed a three day fast (Esther 4:16). On the 3rd day that is on the

17th of Nisan (Esther 5:1), she approached the king saying to herself ‘If I perish, I perish!’

but amazingly YAHWEH turned the tables on the enemy Haman and instead of the Jews

being destroyed, his own life was taken!

Order of Resurrection

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own

order: Mashiach the firstfruits; afterward they that are Mashiach’s at his coming.

(1 Corinthians 15: 22-23)

A careful study of 1 Corinthians 15: 23 shows that the Greek word for order is tagma which denotes a military kind of order. In a military procession, there is an order and a certain place in the procession. This word in Hebrew is degel, used for standard/banner and is used to describe the order of the twelve tribes journeying to the promise land carrying their standard/banner which represented each tribe (Numbers 2: 2, 9). This tells us that the order of the resurrection that Paul was referring to is already foretold which is begun by the tribe of Judah, the tribe that Yahushua belongs to being the firstfruits to be risen from the dead. Amen!

In Scriptures our bodies are compared with the earthly tabernacle (1 Corinthians 3: 16,

2 Corinthians 5: 1). The Hebrew word for taking down of the tabernacle In Numbers 1: 51

is yorad implying death and the root word for being set up is qum which in the Septuagint LXX is anastasis and is the Greek word translated as resurrection in the Renewed Covenant Scriptures. This is fascinating as the tabernacle being taken down (dying) and then set up (resurrected) is another beautiful picture of death and resurrection of Yahushua and His bride.

And from Yahushua the Messiah, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his Elohim and Father–to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amein. (Revelation 1: 5-6)

Yahushua is the firstborn of Creation, the firstborn of the Father, firstborn from the dead and those who follow Him are the firstfruits of His creation. HallelluYAH (Colossians 1: 15-16, Hebrews 1: 6, Revelation 1: 5, James 1: 18)

SHAVUOT – GIVING OF TORAH AND SPIRIT

From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to YAHWEH. From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast (leaven), as a wave offering of firstfruits to YAHWEH. (Leviticus 23: 15-17)

And when the day of Shavuot/Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Acts 2: 2-3)

The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” … On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. (Exodus 19: 16-22) 

YAHWEH our Elohim gave us two of His most priceless gifts on this day – The Torah (His Word) and the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit). Seven weeks after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, YAHWEH commanded His people to celebrate the feast of Shavuot/Pentecost which commemorates the day when the Ten Commandments and the instructions of the first five books (Torah) were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and Elohim freed His people from the slavery of Egypt by giving the perfect and royal Torah of liberty. (Psalm 119: 45, James 1: 25, 2: 8) Interestingly, fifty is also the number of Jubilee when YAHWEH cancels all the debts, sets free and restores all the lost blessings and breaks off the curses in our lives. (Leviticus 25: 10)

Egypt in Hebrew is called Mitsrayim which means to shut in, restraint, misery, tribulation, and distress, as YAHWEH’s people were in bondage there for 400 years and surrounded by idol worship of several gods and goddesses.

Pentecost comes from the Greek word for fifty, referring to the fiftieth day after Passover and in Hebrew it is known as Shavuot that is weeks in plural (sheva means seven and shavuah is week), which takes place in the late spring or summer. (Exodus 34: 22, Deuteronomy 16: 10)

Shavuot is also known as Festival of Weeks (Chag Ha Shavuot חג השבועות), Festival of harvest (Chag Ha Katzir Exodus 23: 16) and Day of Firstfruits (Yom Ha Bikkurim Leviticus 23: 9-12). Exactly seven weeks after the first harvest of barley at Passover is the celebration of Shavuot which is one of the three pilgrimage feasts to present the firstfruits crops (called bikkurim). The priest waved the wheat which was baked into two loaves of leavened bread as an offering unto YAHWEH. (Leviticus 2: 11)

Hear and Obey (Marriage contract)

And all the people answered together, and said, All that YAHWEH hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. (Exodus 19: 8)

After 47 days, YAHWEH told Moses that if His people obeyed Him that He would take them as a treasured possession (in Hebrew segullah which literally means treasure) and make them a kingdom of priests and a set-apart nation (1 Peter 2: 9). It is interesting, the Hebrew text reveals that before YAHWEH gave His commandments, all the people responded, ‘Na’aseh V’Nishmah’ – ‘We shall do and we shall hear’ i.e. they would obey first and then listen. This tells us that how anxious the children of Israel were to receive the Word of Elohim (Torah) and James the apostle referring back to the Mount Sinai experience says in James 1: 22-23 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror.

In preparation to meet YAHWEH Elohim, for two days they washed their garments and cleansed themselves and on the third day they came to Mount Sinai amidst thunders, lightnings, thick smoke and the very loud sound of a ram’s horn. Shavuot is compared to a wedding as it is the covenant between YAHWEH and His people at Mount Sinai with Moses and Aaron being the two witnesses.

Exodus 19: 17 says that they stood at the ‘foot of the mountain’ which in Hebrew is tachtis ha hahar, which literally means under the mountain. Mount Sinai became the wedding canopy (chuppah) under which the children of Israel entered a covenantal relationship. YAHWEH being the groom makes covenant with His bride (children of Israel) by giving them the Ten Commandments and His instructions (Torah) as a wedding contract (ketubah).

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jeremiah 31: 31-33)

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36: 25–27)

In Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit fell the Scripture says the place was shaking and there was thunder and lightning and tongues of fire. Similarly, four thousand years earlier on Mount Sinai when Moses received the Word of Elohim (Torah) there was also shaking, thunder, lightning and fire. In contrast to the giving of the Torah, about 3000 people died as a result of worshipping the golden calf and on the day of Pentecost about 3000 were saved when apostle Peter preached his first sermon. (Exodus 32: 28, Acts 2: 41)

The Hebrew word translated thunder in Exodus is kolot, which means voices or languages. According to tradition Torah was given in voices of thundering in the 70 known tongues of the nations (remember – a mixed multitude came out of Egypt – Exodus 12: 38). As prophesied by prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel on the same feast of Pentecost/Shavuot in Acts 2, YAHWEH was placing His Word in the hearts His people and the Holy Spirit empowered them to obey His commandments. (John 14: 15, 1 John 5: 3)

The two leavened loaves of bread waved during Shavuot represents the natural branch (Jews) and wild branch (Gentiles) of the olive tree who are grafted back as they are incomplete without each other (Romans 11). Both have sin in them and are presented to YAHWEH for reconciliation with the peace offering which represents Yahushua our Messiah. (2 Corinthians 5: 18)

The scroll of Ruth is read during Shavuot which is a beautiful story about Elohim’s redemptive love. Boaz means ‘In Him is strength’ is a picture of Yahushua our Messiah, his greater descendant from tribe of Judah who redeemed for himself a bride from among the nations.

Assembly of YAHWEH from the beginning

Acts 2: 1-2 – “the day of Shavuot had fully come” By using the Hebraic feast terminology, Luke the author of the book of Acts alludes to the counting of omer/sheaf representing gathering of people which was completed on the 50th day, as it was a pilgrimage feast and during this time Jews from other regions would travel to the temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the birthday/anniversary of the giving of Torah. Interestingly, Luke also reveals that they were gathered in The House which is a Hebraic idiom for the House of YAHWEH on Mount Moriah, the Temple Mount. (Isaiah 2: 2, Micah 4: 1)

It should be noted that the significance of the event was not the start of a new assembly, in fact YAHWEH’s assembly has always been there from the beginning of time as confirmed by Stephen in Acts 7: 38. YAHWEH’s assembly was born at Mount Sinai after miraculously crossing the Red Sea and coming out of Egypt that began with Exodus at Passover when the blood of the Lamb was applied on the doorposts. (Exodus 12: 7, Genesis 35: 11, Deuteronomy 10: 4, 33: 4) and the Renewed Covenant Scriptures follow the same pattern. (1 Corinthians 10: 1-4)

Be filled with the Spirit

Today, during this season of Shavuot we should reflect on the precious gift of YAHWEH’s word and thank Elohim for His Holy Spirit. Just as the Spirit of Elohim equipped 120 disciples of Yahushua to speak the Gospel to the nations of the earth, we need to boldly proclaim the Word of YAHWEH. Before ascension to heaven, Yahushua said that He would send us another comforter (John 16:7). Comforter corresponds to the Hebrew word Menacham which according to rabbis is one of the names of the Messiah and in Greek the word comforter is Paraklete which means one who is called alongside, an adviser, lawyer, counsel for the defense, legal assistant.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

The Greek tense for ‘be filled’ is a continuous action that is we need to keep on being filled with YAHWEH’s Spirit. Peter on the day of Pentecost stood up and said the men were not drunk but that it was what had been spoken of through the prophet – “I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind” (Acts 2: 15-18, Joel 2: 28). Holy Spirit is compared to wine which is a symbol of joy and YAHWEH’s Spirit brings true joy into our innermost being when we hear His voice and follow the footsteps of Master Yahushua.

YOM TERUAH – THE CALL TO REPENTANCE

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.

(Leviticus 23: 24)

For Master/Adonai (Yahushua) himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17) 

Yahushua our Messiah was born on Tabernacles, crucified on Passover, raised from the dead on Firstfruits and gave His Torah and Spirit on Pentecost. The Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah means ‘day of shouting’ or ‘day of awakening blasts’ hinting at Yahushua’s return and also resurrection (John 5: 25). It is on the first day of the seventh Biblical month called Tishri. 

In order to stir up the troops, trumpets (shofar/ram’s horn) were sounded to arouse the soldiers for action, similarly on Yom Teruah we awaken ourselves by the blowing of shofar. This feast is focused on believers being watchful and ready as trumpets were used to alert the people of Elohim for battles and today believers are in a spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6: 12)

It is also believed that Adam was created on Yom Teruah that is Tishri 1 because when we rearrange the first word of Scriptures in Genesis 1: 1 בראשית In the beginning/Bereshit to

א בתשרי ‘aleph b’tishri’ it reads ‘on the first of Tishri’ hinting at this is the birthday of humanity.

The Hidden Day

Blow the trumpet (ram’s horn) at the time of the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh), at the full moon, on our solemn feast day. (Psalms 81:3)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

(Matthew 24: 35-36)  

We think that Yahushua was saying that no one knows when He will return but when we read the Scriptures from Hebraic understanding, our Master was alluding to the Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah which is the only feast celebrated in the diaspora for two days as the sighting of the New Moon had to be reported to the priests. This is the only feast we do not know the exact day or the hour in which to keep it. Therefore, we have to be on the alert and be watching for it. Interestingly Yom Teruah is also called Yom Ha Keseh – the Hidden Day due to the fact that the smallest part of the new moon had to be first sighted. 

All other feasts fall either when the moon is full or near full but Yom Teruah falls on the first day of the month (Tishri 1), when the new moon may not yet have appeared. Believers are symbolically compared to the moon as we reflect the light of sun (Yahushua) in our lives. Concerning Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets it was said ‘Of that day and hour no one knows’ which is exactly same thing that Yahushua said in Matthew 24: 36. 

The First and the Last Trump

The mention of trumpet/shofar brings to mind the ram caught in the thicket by horns which Abraham sacrificed instead of Isaac at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22: 13) foreshadowing the greater binding up/akeeda of Yahushua our Messiah at crucifixion. The shout of shofar symbolizes YAHWEH’s victory over Satan. According to tradition the left horn of the ram represents the first trump and the right horn the last trump. Another tradition says, YAHWEH blew one of the ram’s horns at Mount Sinai and will blow the other horn to announce the coming of the Messiah. 

And it shall come to pass in that day, that YAHWEH shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet/tekiah ha gedolah shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship YAHWEH in the holy mount at Jerusalem. (Isaiah 27:12-13)

The ram’s horn/shofar is blown more than 100 times on Yom Teruah with four different and distinct sounds which are as follows:

1. Tekiah: A unbroken sound that calls a person to search his heart, forsake his wrong ways, and seek forgiveness through repentance. (Numbers 10:10, Joel 2: 1)

2. Shevarim: A broken, trembling sound, symbolic of wailing representing our need to take on a broken and contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18, 51:17)

3. Teruah: A wave-like sound of alarm, eight quick blasts. (Number 10: 9)

4. Tekiah Ha Gedolah: Very long, unbroken sound typifying a final appeal to sincere repentance. (Joshua 6: 5)

According to the pattern of the seven feasts the resurrection of the dead will occur on the Feast of Trumpets. This ‘awakening blast’ is the sound that will awaken those who are sleeping (have died) raising them to life. (Isaiah 26: 19, Ephesians 5: 14)

 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Corinthians 15: 51-52)

Paul being a Rabbi is writing from his own pharisaic, rabbinic background. The last trump was a phrase known at the time for the last great trumpet (tekiah ha gedolah) which was the most significant trumpet blast at the Feast of Trumpets. 

The Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah is also known as Yom Ha Zikaron – The Day of Remembrance (Malachi 3: 16-18), Yom Ha Din – The Day of Judgment (Romans 14: 10-12,

1 Corinthians 4: 5, Revelation 20: 12) and Yom Ha Melech – The Day of Coronation of the King (1 Kings 1: 39, Zechariah 14: 9, Revelation 19: 12).

Joel 2:1-2 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand – a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come.

Mattityahu 24: 29-31 Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the Sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great esteem. And He will send His Angels with a loud trumpet (shofar) call, and they will gather His Elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

In words of Yahushua, this feast alludes to gathering of believers and gathering of outcasts of Israel back to the land of Jerusalem (Isaiah 27: 13, 56: 8, Psalm 147: 2). It also symbolizes the defeat of the armies of Anti-messiah/Satan because when the trumpet is blown in the atmosphere the powers of darkness get confused as the voice of YAHWEH sounds like a trumpet

(Psalm 29: 3, Revelation 4:1-2).  

One day the trumpet will be blown when Yahushua revives the dead, we need to open our spiritual ears to the hear the sound of the shofar and keep a repentant heart (Acts 3: 21). Amen! 

YAHUSHUA OUR ATONEMENT

Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a Day of Atonements (Yom Ha Kipparim/Day of coverings): it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23: 26-32)

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Yahushua Ha Mashiach the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2: 1-2)

The Day of Attonement / Yom Kippur is the fifth appointed time in YAHWEH’s plan of redemption which is observed on the tenth day of the seventh month or Tishrei 10, when the sins of the entire year for the Israelites were atoned or covered through a blood sacrifice. The root word kafar (means to cover, to atone for or reconcile) which derives from kofer meaning ransom. This root also appears in the term Mercy seat (kapporet) which was the golden cover of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies.  

It should be noted that the Hebrew word for atonement is in plural that is kippurim (redemptions). Throughout the year the priest would receive the sin offerings from the people and make atonement for them as individuals for specific sins but during Day of Atonement it was for the sins of the entire nation. Leviticus 16: 17 states that Aaron made atonement for him, his household and the whole community of Israel because this sacrifice was not for individual sins but for the entire nation as a collective atonement.

Under the first covenant sacrifices covered sins for a period of time but under the Renewed covenant sins are taken entirely away by the precious blood of Yahushua our Messiah (Hebrews 7:27). Yahushua’s sacrifice provides once for all deliverance for our sins by becoming our Yom Kippur/attornment (Hebrews 9: 11-14). He is the propitiation for our sins, it should be noted that the Greek word hilasterion used in Romans 3: 25, 1 John 2: 2 and 1 John 4: 10 is the same word used in the Septuagint LXX for the kapporet that is cover of the ark of the covenant.

The high priest was required to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice upon this cover under the gaze of the two cherubim on the top of the ark. This reminds us of the angels who were put on guard to prevent Adam and Eve re-entering the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3: 24), and also portrays a beautiful picture of the empty tomb after the resurrection on which sat the two angels (John 20: 12). The priest entered with the incense before him as he approached the ark representing the prayers of YAHWEH’s people.

A day of victory and self-examination

This is one day of the year that YAHWEH mandated a fast for everyone. Interestingly, each Hebrew alphabet has numeric value (gematria) attached to it and the gematria for Satan is 364. This means that out of 365 days in a year only on Yom Kippur the enemy is unable to attack people of YAHWEH as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10) is powerless on this day because of power in the blood of Yahushua.

In Leviticus 23: 27 The Hebrew word for afflict is ‘anah’ which means to be humble, to submit or answer one’s self hinting that YAHWEH wants us to reflect on our lives and examine ourselves on this day of fast. It is a day to repent, pray and intercede and thank our Father in heaven for giving Yahushua as a ransom for us. 

A day of judgment (Yom Ha Din)

On this day Yahushua will return to rule and reign as Judge of the whole earth. The month of Tishri is symbolic of the tribe of Dan, the tribe of judgment. Dan and Yom Ha Din are both from the same Hebrew root, symbolizing that this month is the time of divine judgment and forgiveness. The sign of the zodiac for the month of Tishri is scales which points to the month of judgment. 

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12: 10)

After Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah the high priest would hide for seven days, not to defile himself and would appear again on the Day of Atonement. The true affliction of the soul will come when nation of Israel sees their Messiah and realizes that they had rejected and killed Yahushua as prophesied by Zechariah and find atonement for their sins.

2 goats (La-YAHWEH & La-Azazel)

He (Aaron) is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for YAHWEH and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to YAHWEH and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before YAHWEH to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.

(Leviticus 16: 1-10) 

The two lots held by the high priest reminds us when Master Yahushua judges the nations by separating sheep (right hand) from goats (left hand) (Matthew 25: 31-33).

According to tradition the two goats had to be identical. The priest would symbolically lay the sins of the people on the head of the goat and lead it outside of the camp which parallels with Yahushua being taken outside the gate to be hung on a tree (Hebrews 13: 12-13, Acts 5: 30).

Master Yahushua is the fulfillment of both goats. The first goat that is ‘for YAHWEH / La-YAHWEH’ was sacrificed and its blood was taken into the Holy of Holies to cleanse it because of the sin of the Israelites and was applied to the atonement cover. Just as the blood from this goat was used to cleanse the Holy Place, so it was Yahushua’s blood that cleansed the heavenly sanctuary. Other priests would wait outside in silence and when the high priest had finished his duties he would come out of the Most Holy place and say ‘It is done’ just as Yahushua declared in John 19: 30 ‘It is finished’. 

In case of the second goat – the scapegoat, high priest would place his hands on its head and confess the sins of Israel and then this goat was taken alive into the desert. When the scapegoat which was dragged, kicked, spat upon and thrown down a cliff was sent away into the desert and fell from the cliff of the mountain the scarlet cord on the temple would miraculously turn from scarlet to white. By this they knew that God had accepted their sacrifice for sins. This shows how the sins of humanity were transferred onto Yahushua who was spat upon and beaten for us (Matthew 27: 30).  

Unusual signs in the Temple

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1: 18)

The Jerusalem Talmud says, that a piece of scarlet cord would be tied both to the scapegoat and the temple doors. Forty years before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD (that is forty years after death and resurrection of Yahushua) the following signs were seen:

• The western light of the golden menorah went out at night despite all the efforts for it to be lit perpetually. 
• The crimson thread remained crimson and never turned white again.
• The lot for YAHWEH always came up in the left hand and never fell in the right hand of the high priest. 
• The temple doors would open by themselves miraculously. They would close the gates of the Temple by night and get up in the morning and find them wide open. (And these doors were 75 feet high and required up to 25 men to open one door)

All these signs showed that YAHWEH no longer accepted the Day of Atonement sacrifice for the last 40 years before the destruction of the temple (30 AD to 70 AD) as the priesthood was corrupt. It meant that Yahushua was the last and final sacrifice and Elohim was not going to accept any other sacrifice. 

The Great Day – Face to Face 

The Day of Atonement is known as ‘The Great Day’ or ‘The Day’ (Joel 2: 11, Zephaniah 1: 14). It is also known as the day of ‘Face to Face’ because it was on this day of the year when the high priest could come into the presence of YAHWEH face to face. Paul the apostle used this phrase ‘face to face’ to speak of the day when all believers will see Master Yahushua clearly.

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

According to tradition, the day that Moses went back up on the mountain the second time for 40 days and 40 nights, it was the 1st of Elul. He came down from Mount Sinai with the second tablets from YAHWEH’s presence on Tishrei 10. This tells us that Moses descended the second time from God’s presence on this very day – the Day of Atonement and we see that his face was radiating and shining (Exodus 34: 28-35).  

Interestingly, the two times that Moses came down from the presence of God on the mountain represent the two comings of Yahushua Ha Mashiach. The first descent of Moses saw the nation of Israel in rebellion and sin which parallels to the first coming of Yahushua as He was not accepted by His brethren (John 1: 11) but at the second descent the Israelites were not in rebellion as Moses’ face shone with the glory of God. This again points to the glorious coming of our Master on the Day of Atonement, when His coming shall light up the sky. (1 Thessalonians 1: 9-10) 

Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? (Isaiah 57: 5) Isaiah is making reference to this day of fasting here. Paul the apostle also mentins this appointed day of YAHWEH. Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them… (Acts 27: 9)

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. (Revelation 19:11-14)

During the sacrifices required on this day the garments of the high priest would be stained with blood which points to the ultimate fulfillment of the true high priest Yahushua Ha Mashiach on this day. On a future Day of Atonement, Yahushua will come on a white horse wearing white garments.

The message of Yom Kippur is that Yahushua our Messiah made the perfect sacrifice once and for all. YAHWEH requires us to humble ourselves and overcome our shortcomings by resting in Yahushua’s complete atonement.

Tabernacles – the season of our joy

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto YHVH. On the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

(Leviticus 23: 34 – 44)

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt/tabernacled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) 

The Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot is the festival of the last harvest of the year when Elohim commanded His people to live for a week in temporary outdoor dwellings. This reminds us that this world of struggle, sickness and pain is not our ultimate home but we are waiting for YAHWEH our Elohim to cover us with His heavenly Tabernacle/ Kingdom. (Deuteronomy 16:13-15, 2 Corinthians 5: 1-4, 2 Peter 1: 13-15)

On Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah, Yahushua comes for His Bride (1 Thessalonians

4: 16), on Day of Atonements/Yom HaKippurim, judgement takes place (Matthew

25: 32) and finally on Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot (ingathering of the exiles), Elohim gathers His people to dwell with Him in eternity. (Psalm 147: 2, Revelation 21: 1-3) 

The word dwelt ‘shakan’ in Hebrew and ‘skenoo’ in Greek means to dwell in a tent or tabernacle; to encamp (Moses’ Tabernacle is called ‘Mishkan’ Exodus 25: 8). The first use of the word Sukkot is in Genesis 33: 17 (booth/sukkah in singular which is also the Hebrew word for stable in Luke 2:7), after Jacob is reunited with Esau which was a structure used to feed herds or livestock. It was a three-sided temporary structure with a roof of branches in which grass, hay or grain was placed to feed the livestock. The crib or container that held the grain, hay is called a ‘manger’. These booths/sukkots were also used by farmers during the harvest as temporary shelter for themselves or their servants while out in the fields in order to save time by not going home at night, as they had a limited time to bring in the harvest. Isaiah 1:7-8 shows the picture of the agricultural connection to this feast.

Migdal Eder / Tower of the flock 

Where in Bethlehem was Yahushua born?

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luke 2: 7)

When Yahushua was born there was no room at any of the inns as it was commanded on the three pilgrimage feasts (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles Deuteronomy 16: 16) to go up to Jerusalem. Therefore, there was no room in Jerusalem as the inns were overcrowded as several pilgrims journeyed to celebrate feast of Tabernacles. Note Bethlehem (means House of Bread) is within five miles of Jerusalem. Yahushua was not born in a barn, but rather in a temporary tabernacle/sukkah which had been built for the celebration during the feast and He was placed in a ‘manger’, showing that He is the True Bread of Life come down from heaven. 

And thou, O tower of the flock/Migdal Eder, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. (Micah 4: 8)

According to Alfred Edersheim in The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, in Book 2, Chapter 6 states, “This Migdal Edar/flock tower in Micah 4: 8 was not the watchtower for the ordinary flocks that pastured on the barren sheep ground beyond Bethlehem, but it lay close to the town, on the road to Jerusalem. A passage from the Mishnah (Shekelim 7:4) leads to the conclusion that the flocks which pastured there were destined for Temple sacrifices…” It was to this place that Joseph took Mary. This was the special stable at “Migdal Edar” that Yahushua was born.

Luke 2: 8–18 records that there were shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their sheep by night. These shepherds resided near Bethlehem and were none other but the shepherds from “Migdal Edar” who were well aware that the Targum (rabbinic commentaries) hinted and many of the rabbis taught that Messiah might well be announced from “Migdal Edar” at Bethlehem based on verse in Micah 4:8. The angels only told the shepherds that they would find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (It is interesting the swaddling clothes were menorah cloth strips used to light the menorah in which Yahushua was wrapped who is the Light of the world).

There was no need for the angels to give these shepherds directions to the birth place because they already knew as these were the men who raised sacrificial lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple. When the angelic announcement came, they knew exactly where to go, as Luke 2 indicates, for the sign of a manger that is manger at the tower of the flock! 

“Migdal Edar”, (the tower of the flock) at Bethlehem is the perfect place for Yahushua to be born. He was born in the very birthplace where tens of thousands of lambs, which had been sacrificed to prefigure Him. This was the place where sacrificial lambs were born! Yahushua was not born behind an inn, in a smelly stable where the donkeys of travelers and other animals were kept. He was born in Bethlehem, at the birthing place of the sacrificial lambs that were offered in the Temple in Jerusalem, called the ‘tower of the flock’.

The wisemen came much later to bear witnesses that Yahushua is the Messiah, the King and brought 3 gifts. Daniel taught these stargazers about the prophesied star of the Messiah from Numbers 24:17 who in turn taught others in each proceeding generation. That is why when Yahushua is born the magi come from the east to see the prophesied King Messiah (Matthew 2:1-2, Daniel 5: 12).

For climatic reasons it is not possible that Yahushua was born at the end of December as it is too cold in Bethlehem in that time frame and to find the shepherds with their flocks of sheep out in the country during the night time. December 25 as the birth of Yahushua only came much later in 325 AD by the Roman emperor Constantine in honor of the pagan winter solstice festival in late December to combine with 25th Kislev (Channukah). But it should be noted that on Hebrew calendar Kislev 25 does not fall on the same day each year.

Tabernacles/Sukkot – The timing of birth of Yahushua

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abiyah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before Elohim in order of his division. (Luke 1: 5-8)

Traditionally, Christians celebrate birth of Yahushua on December 25, the Orthodox celebrate on January 7. There have been many debates over the years about the correct date of Messiah’s birth but only when we try to look at this issue from the perspective of the ‘Feasts of YAHWEH’ hinted in the Gospel accounts of the birth we find several insights. The calculation of Yahushua’s birth begins with birth of John the Baptist whose father was Zechariah the priest of the order of Abiyah (Luke 1: 5). 

According to 1 Chronicles 24: 7-18, David organized the priests into twenty-four groups or courses. It is important to note that the family of Abiyah belonged to the eighth course or the priestly division. The priests were serving their time from the start of one Sabbath to the next Sabbath that is one week in total (2 Chronicles 23: 8). 

YAHWEH commanded Israel to attend the three feasts of Unleavened bread, Pentecost and Tabernacles in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16: 16). The Biblical calendar begins in the month March/April – Aviv. According to 1 Chronicles 24: 7 the first lot came to Jehoiarib who would serve for seven days, the second lot to Jedaiah who would also serve for seven days. The third week would be the feast of Passover/Unleavened bread and all the priest would be present at this time from Aviv 14 to Aviv 21. The schedule would resume with the third group of priests with Harim. (1 Chronicles

24: 8)

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months (Luke 1: 23-24)

Note John the Baptist was conceived after Zechariah’s duty. Aviv – March/April being the first month of the year, Zechariah would have served during the tenth week of the year. This was because we are told that he is member of the course of Abiyah – the eighth course. Both Unleavened bread (Aviv 15-21) that is first week and Pentecost that is seventh week would have occurred before Zechariah’s scheduled duty. This would mean that his duty would have occurred in third Biblical month (Sivan) or tenth week of the year that is May/June period near the time of Shavuot/Pentecost. After this service was complete Zechariah would return home and his wife conceived towards the end of the third month (in the second week of the month of Sivan). John the Baptist was born nine months later around Passover.  

The reason why the conception of John is important because this gives us evidence for Yahushua’s conception and birth. According to the Gospel of Luke, Yahushua was conceived sixth months into Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1: 24-27). At the close of the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. Gabriel told Mary about Elisheba, saying “she who was called barren is six months pregnant,” This would be the last of the ninth Hebrew month called Kislev at the time of Chanukah which is celebrated eight days, from Kislev 25 to Tevet 2 which is a remembrance of clearing and defeating the Greeks in 164 BCE and rededicating the Temple to YAHWEH. 

Mary accepts the word of the angel concerning the conception of Messiah in her, and she immediately rushes from Nazareth to the home of Elisheba and Zachariah in the Judean mountains close to Jerusalem, about a three days journey from Nazareth. Mary was probably going there to celebrate Chanukah and to help Elisheba with her pregnancy, as well as to talk to Elisheba about the angel’s visitation. 

Note upon Mary’s greeting to Elisheva, she responds to Mary, calling her ‘the mother of my Lord/Adonai which shows that Mary was already pregnant with Yahushua. Mary stayed with Elisheva for three months, which was until the birth of John. Therefore, John the Baptist was born at Passover and was circumcised on the eighth day, which would be the last day of Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread. (Luke 1: 56-80)

Yahushua is seen celebrating Chanukah in John 10: 22-23. It is at this celebration that He declares “I and My Father are One” (John 10:30) which testifies to His Divine origin in His conception and also reinforces Chanukah as the time of His conception. 

So, through the evidence in Scripture we see that our Saviour was born six months after the first month when John the Baptist was born at Passover. He was born in the seventh month during the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot and if we backtrack nine months from Tabernacles then our Messiah was conceived about the time of Chanukkah/Feast of Dedication (John 10: 22) as the Light of the world.

The feast of ingathering

Sukkot is also called the ‘Festival of the Ingathering’ (Exodus 23:16). This name applies to both flocks and crops; because, just as the flocks are ingathered in protection from the winter, so also are the crops during the harvest. Also, this term ingathering is used to describe how YAHWEH delivers His people in the end of days. 

In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on YAHWEH, the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty Elohim (Isaiah 10:

20-21). Yahushua made reference to this time when the final harvest of souls will occur in Matthew 13: 39. 

The feast of nations

Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, YAHWEH Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, YAHWEH Almighty, they will have no rain. (Zechariah 14:16-18)

All nations will come up to Jerusalem to observe the feast of Tabernacles when YAHWEH will be ruling on earth following the end times battle over Jerusalem. Interestingly, on the Shabbat during Sukkot, Zechariah 14 and Ezekiel 38: 1-23 is read where we find the famous battle of Gog and Magog. The word Gog in Hebrew literally means roof indicating that today we put our trust in our job or business, bank account and investments but only in Elohim is our security. 

It is also interesting that 70 bulls were to be sacrificed during the week-long festival according to Numbers 29:12-34. The number 70 stands for the Gentile nations that are mentioned in Genesis 10 connecting this feast and the Gentiles which will be fulfilled when Yahushua our Messiah reigns as King and all the nations will go up to worship Him in Jerusalem.

The feast of Tabernacles represents the wedding chamber that Elohim has prepared for His bride. The seventh day of Sukkot is called ‘Hoshanah Rabah’ which literally means ‘The Great Salvation’. We see a great multitude shouting salvation belongs to our Elohim in Revelation 7: 9-10. After that, comes Shemini Atzeret meaning the eight day of assembly and is commonly called the ‘Last Great Day’ and represents eternity since the number eight signifies new beginnings, we celebrate eternity with our Creator in the Millennium kingdom when all things will be restored (Acts 3: 21).

It should be noted that King Solomon dedicated the first temple during the feast of Tabernacles (1 Kings 8: 2), and therefore this feast also became known as the feast of Dedication. This shows the picture of the greater Solomon that is Messiah Yahushua and is a type of the Messianic Temple that the YAHWEH will build (Zechariah 6: 12-13, Ezekiel 40-48).

4 kinds of people

And ye shall take you on the first day the branches of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the YAHWEH your Elohim seven days. (Leviticus 23: 40)

During Sukkot a special bouquet (representing the unity of the nation) of four plants is prepared to wave before YAHWEH which is called a Lulav which symbolizes gentiles from all four corners of the earth joining Israel. These four plants parallel to Yahushua’s parable of the sower and the four types of soil in Matthew 13: 3-9.

The citrus fruit, which has a strong fragrance and distinct taste, represents believers who carry the pleasant scent (a symbol of good works) of YAHWEH’s Word and obey it (2 Corinthians 2: 15-17) as the seed of the Word has fallen on good ground producing 100, 60, and 30-fold. Secondly, the palm branch has no smell, but bear a sweet fruit – dates symbolizing those who are trying to please God and produce fruit by their good works. Thirdly, the myrtle on the other hand has a very pleasant scent but does not bear any edible fruit. It is like those who know Elohim’s Word with joy but do not live according to it and have no roots. Finally, the willow gives neither a pleasant smell nor fruit, symbolizes those who do not know Word of YAHWEH (unbelievers) and have not made any attempts to live their lives in a worthy manner.

Water and Light ceremonies during Tabernacles fulfilled in Yahushua

During the feast of Tabernacles two important ceremonies are performed. The first is to do with water and the second with light. The first ceremony was called the ‘drawing out of water’ ceremony. In this ceremony, the priests marched from the Temple Mount down the Kidron valley to the pool of Siloam. The priest carried the golden vessel with which he would draw from the spring. The water was known as ‘mayim chayim’ or living water which was to be poured upon the altar. 

When the priest arrived at the spring in Hebrew called Shiloah (meaning the sent one), a trumpet/shofar was sounded to alert the people. Using golden vessel, the priest withdrew the water while reciting ‘With joy shall ye draw out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3)’. The priests marched back up the Temple Mount, singing the Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134, as they ascended the fifteen steps into the Temple area. At this time a flute was played by another priest who was known as ‘the pierced one’ who was symbolically calling for the wind and water to enter the Temple.

The golden vessel containing the living water and another silver vessel containing wine were both emptied causing the two to mix. The mixture of water and wine was thus poured out onto the altar. Those who carried the willow branches marched around the altar seven times and covered the altar with branches. Interesting at the same time, a flute was piped by another priest referred to as ‘the pierced one’. (Isaiah 53: 5)

It was said ‘He who has not seen the rejoicing at the pouring out of the water has not seen rejoicing in all his life’. The pouring out of the water was seen as a symbol of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the whole nation of Israel in the last days.’ (Joel 2: 28)

In the second ceremony huge golden lampstands were setup in the Temple compound and each was lit at sundown. ‘Four enormous golden candlesticks were set up on the court (50 cubits high) with four golden bowls placed upon them and four ladders resting against each candlestick. Four youths of priestly descent stood at the top of the ladders holding jars containing about 7.5 gallons of pure oil, which they poured for each bowl.

(Mishnah, Sukkah 5:2)

The priests and Levites used their own worn-out liturgical clothing for wicks. The light emanating from the four candelabras was so bright that the Mishnah says in Sukkah 5:3 that there was no courtyard in Jerusalem that was not lit up with the light of the libation water-well ceremony.’ Because Jerusalem is upon a hill, and the whole city was lit up through the light of the great lamps, Jerusalem would literally shine against the backdrop of a darkened night sky. 

With this backdrop of the pouring out of water ceremony, it is interesting to see what Yahushua said during the feast of Tabernacles in John 7:37-39 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8: 12) This makes more sense as the ceremony of the lights that took place during this time. Yahushua was declaring that He is the fulfillment of this ceremony as well. He is the light not just of Jerusalem but of the whole world.

During this time after a hot and dry summer in Israel, the whole nation would pray for rain. The song that was sung during this time of the feast of Tabernacles, especially as they poured out the water, they would sing from Isaiah 12: 2-3 Surely Elohim is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. YAH YAHWEH is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation/Yeshua. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation/Yeshua. The Hebrew for salvation is ‘Yeshua’ and at His death both blood and water issued from His side reminding the wine and water were poured out upon the altar.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from Elohim, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and Elohim Himself will be among them. (Revelation 21: 1-3)