The Key to Knowing God: Remembering and Obeying

by | Oct 29, 2022 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer's Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

In the past two readings, which we did not cover because we were on hiatus for the Fall Feasts, Yisrael experienced or witnessed the inauguration of Pesach in the midst of the final tenth plague that resulted in the death of every Egyptian/Mitsri firstborn and the salvation of every Hebrew firstborn. With these came the expulsion of Yisrael from Egypt/Mitsrayim and the start of the Exodus. And this is where we’re picking up in our teaching today. With the start off the Exodus out of Egypt/Mitsrayim.

 

In (13:1-2) we have the setting apart–sanctifying the Hebrew firstborn unto Yah for His express purposes. That which openeth the womb (males) is the first offspring of every womb (cf. 13:12; 22:29; 34:19; Deu. 15:19). This will apply to both humans and beasts. Firstling beasts, however, are subject to being sacrificed unto Yah (22:30).

 

Now, we’ll be getting more into this sanctifying of Yisra’el’s firstborn to Yah a little later in this teaching and in future Torah Readings. So, this is a Torah Commandment that I really want to look at in its applicability to us today.

 

In (13:3) Yah instructs us to remember (Zakhar) the day (the historical event) of the Exodus. Remembering–Zakhar—implies action to be taken in response to one’s remembering. Within the context of this remembering, we are to keep FUB. Our remembrance should be that we keep Pesach each Aviv. No leavened foods may be eaten for 7-days. Neither may leaven be found in our quarters (NKJV).

 

We are to remember the day in which Yah took us by the hand, out from Egyptian/Mitsri servitude (I.e., Mi’Beyt A’va’dim, or house of slaves) by not consuming leavened foods.

 

Just as Yah delivered and redeemed us from Egyptian/Mitsri servitude/slavery, we’ve been redeemed and delivered from servitude/slavery to sin, Babylon, and the god of this world and death, and Yah’s wrath to come through the Person and ministries of Yahoshua our Mashiyach (Romans 7:6; 8:21; 2 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Luke 1:68; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9; 14:3-4).

 

Father Yah commanded that we remember (i.e., Zakhar) all that we experienced in the Exodus.

 

The Hebrew term for remember is “Zakhar.” It carries with it a “cognitive” as well as a “ritual act of commemoration” component (Robert Alter; The Five Books of Moses). So, when Abba Yah instructs us to remember, it’s not just a matter of cognition or memory. But also, that of commemoration. Of obedience to His instructions as it relates to that thing, He’s instructing us to remember.

 

In terms of that which we are to do in commemoration of that which He tells us to remember—that being the events of the Exodus—Abba instructed us to not consume unleavened stuff for seven days during Pesach (I.e., during the pilgrimage Feast of Unleavened Bread) (13:6).

 

 

(13:4) Here, Yah tells Moshe to relay to the people that all that they were experiencing was taking place in the new moon or month of the “Green Grain” or Aviv Barley (I.e., Be’hho’desh Ha’a’viv).

 

We know that Yahoshua is the “telos” (I.e., the objective or purpose) of the Spring Feasts of the LORD, for we find written in the Book of Isaiah a prophecy that describes Master Yahoshua as a tender shoot/plant growing out of dry/parched soil (53:2).

 Previous Spring Feasts Teachings:

Guarding the Month of Aviv-Aviv’s Critical Importance to God’s Covenant Elect

https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2022/04/08/shabbat-hagadol-the-pathway-towards-our-redemption-and-atonement-star-28/

https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2022/04/14/some-passover-basics-keeping-passover-and-unleavened-bread-in-2022-part-1/

https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2022/04/14/keeping-passover-by-way-of-the-original-covenant-part-2-of-keeping-passover-and-unleavened-bread-in-2022/

https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2022/04/14/keeping-passover-by-way-of-the-renewed-covenant-part-3-of-keeping-passover-and-unleavened-bread-in-2022/ 

 

Master was that Aviv barley growing in a parched land (I.e., Yisra’el). He is the spiritual Firstfruits stalk—that omer of barley—that we were to take to the Tabernacle/Temple to be waved before Yehovah on our behalf. It’s all about Yeshua, beloved.

 

Furthermore, Master Yahoshua’s passion—His sacrifice—took place during the time of Pesach, which is exclusive to the month of the Aviv. Thus, our remembrance of the Month of the Aviv holds even greater significance for the redeemed of Yah.

 

 

In (13:5) Father instructs us to engage in the “unleavened” service (i.e., keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Month of the Aviv) when we enter the Promised Land, which is a land Abba Yah described as “issuing with fat/milk and honey/sticky mass which can also refer to dates from a palm tree (Benner).

 

When we talk about rendering service unto Yah within the context of our reading here, we’re talking about all the elements surrounding Pesach. All the rituals surrounding Pesach. We’re not talking about the rabbinic stuff, mind you. But instead, we’re talking about those instructions given to us by Yah through Moshe.

 

Interestingly, Robert Alter, in his commentary on this passage in his “Five Books of Moses,” makes a sharp point. He notes that we once served Pharaoh and Mitsrayim/Egypt in a state of abject servitude/slavery. Because Yah has redeemed us from that mess, we are obliged to render service to Yehovah. To serve Yehovah (23:25; Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8; Deuteronomy 10:12, 20; 11:13).

 

Thus, we are compelled to serve Yah with all our mind and being (13:4; Matthew 6:24). We can serve only one Master (Luke 1:68-75).

 

 

Here in (13:6), we are commanded in response to our “Zakhar” to consume unleavened bread (I.e., matstasah) for seven days. And on the seventh day, we are to convene a “Chag” or a solemn feast unto Yah. A holy convocation.

 

The seven days may be illustrative or representative of the lifetime of a child of Yah such that for the rest of their life, he or she purges out or eliminates leaven (I.e., sin) from their life through the inner workings of the Ruach HaQodesh (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Here, Shaul told His readers to purge out the old leaven that they may be a “new lump/batch.” For they, as well as us today, are to be without leaven as our Master’s sacrifice has atoned for our sins once and for all (2 Timothy 2:15-26). We are to purge the evil from our lives and become vessels unto honor: Sanctified for the Master’s exclusive use (Hebrews 9:14).

 

 

Here in (13:7), we are to consume “matzah” (I.e., unleavened bread) for seven days. And in so doing, no leavened bread or leavened stuff/products are to exist in all our territory.

 

This is representative of Bene Yisra’el becoming “sinless” and “set apart” before Yah amongst all the people nations of the earth. The focus is on eliminating sin and evil from Yah’s people so that He may dwell with them (29:45-46; Numbers 5:203; 35:34; Deuteronomy 12:11).

 

Beloved, this is the bottom line of this whole discussion. Yah desires to have a true and substantive relationship with His children. Thus, as a child of, His, it behooves us to get to know Abba Yah through our obedience to His instructions and understanding of His Ways.

 

 

Here in (13:8), we are commanded to recall the Exodus events to explain why we engage in the Unleavened Bread service to our children.

 

The rabbis refer to this as the “Haggadah Shel Pesach.”

 

 

We have here in (13:9) Yah’s instruction that we verbally recite the exodus event to our children serves as a “Zikhron” (i.e., a remembrance or commemoration) of Yehovah and all that He did for us. Recitation reminds us of this important event and Yah’s deliverance and redemption. For He alone delivered us from Mitsri slavery.

 

Our actions/behavior (I.e., metaphorically as a sign on our hands) and our very thoughts on these things (I.e., metaphorically as an amulet between our eyes) are to reflect the goodness and greatness of Yah in our lives. That is what Yah has, is, and will do for us.

 

This is metaphorical and not to be understood as rabbinically derived “tefillin” and “phylacteries” (cf. 13:16).

 

Master may have been referring to this rabbinic practice of making and wearing tefillin/phylacteries as recorded in Matthew 23:5. Here, Master criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for engaging in such physical manifestations for purposes of being seen and admired by men.

 

Yah sees the heart of every soul.

 

This instruction is purely metaphorical and is not to be construed as a commandment that we men of Hebrew Faith should don phylacteries.

 

In his Torah and Haftarah, J.H. Hertz contends that the lessons to be drawn from the Exodus story are to always be at the forefront of every Yisra’elite’s mind.

 

 

And here in (13:10), we are instructed to keep Pesach as a statute every Aviv.

 

For the Netsari, our focus must be on Yahoshua and his atoning sacrifice. And because of what He did for us, we are being saved and redeemed and eternally connected to a covenant relationship with Abba Yah.

 

 

Here in (13:11-13), we are commanded that when we come into the Land of Promise that Yah has given us (I.e., the very land Yah promised the Patriarchs), Yah instructed us to dedicate every firstling to Him. Every firstling is to be set aside. All firstling males are holy/set apart unto Yehovah (Luke 2:23).

 

 

We are to ransom our firstborn sons unto Yah.

 

A firstborn donkey may be ransomed unto Yah with a ram. Otherwise, that firstling donkey’s neck must be broken.

 

The donkey/ass is an unclean creature. Therefore, it was not eligible for sacrifice. Nevertheless, an ass was valuable to the ancients for apparent reasons. Thus, Yah being merciful in respect to the obvious hit it would have on one’s ability to make a living if one were to kill one of their firstling donkeys, instituted the option of redeeming the beast of burden with a ram. Thus, a lamb/ram could be substituted for the life of a firstling donkey.

 

Later in Israeli history, five shekels would be the price given to the Levitical Priests in redeeming our firstborn sons (Numbers 3:45-47).

 

Now, some ancient pagan societies sacrificed their firstborn sons, which was entirely counterintuitive to the ways of Yah (J.H. Hertz; pg. 262).

 

In this discussion regarding redeeming the firstborn son, I can’t help but hearken back to the Avraham-Yitshaq story on Mount Moriah. Although not Avraham’s biological firstborn, Yitshaq could be viewed as Avraham’s firstborn under the auspices of his covenant with Yah. Yah instructed Avraham to offer unto Him Yitshaq, Avraham’s only son; the son Avraham loved, as a burnt offering (Genesis/Beresheit 22:2). But just before Avraham was to obediently slay Yitshaq on the pyre, Yah provided a ram in a nearby thicket as a substitute for Yitshaq (Genesis/Beresheit 22:13).

 

We should also recall how the Egyptian/Mitsri firstborn were slain, even sacrificed, while the firstborn Israelites were saved and redeemed by the blood of the Pesach (Exodus/Shemot 12:27-29).

 

We also, more than anything else, know that Yah offered up His firstborn son as a ransom for us: sinful humanity. Yahoshua is holy unto Yah and worthy of being the vicarious offering/sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity.

 

Could it be that the redemption of the firstborn was a foreshadowing of Yeshua’s sacrifice as well?

 

 

So, how do we keep this mitzvah today; we who are engrafted into the commonwealth of Yisra’el? Yah’s Torah remains wholly intact as our Master taught (Matthew 5:18). And because we cannot keep this command as given to our ancient cousins, we are obliged to keep this instruction in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

 

Separating out and dedicating our firstborn children, in particular, our sons unto Yah is a mitzvah that I have heard preached and taught by only one person in all my years in this beloved faith of ours. And that person is Michael Rood. I’m certain there are others who have taught this subject, but they are few and far between.

 

Of course, there may be more than one way of keeping this mitzvah. But the way that comes to mind is to lift up to Yah, in a manner worthy of our heartfelt respect and love for Yah and His instructions, our firstborn children. Truly lift up our children—all of them—unto Yah and dedicate them to Yah. Give them over to Yah. Seek Yah’s instructions on how we are to raise them. And in our obedience to the leading of Yah’s Spirit, from that point forward, raise our children—immerse our children—in the true Faith once delivered.

 

 

In verses (13:14-15) once again, Yah explains that in the future, when our sons inquire of us what all these services mean (I.e., Pesach; Unleavened Bread; redeeming the firstborn; etc.), we are to tell them that these services are all connected to Yah leading us out of Egyptian/Mitsri slavery.

 

However, under the auspices of the renewed covenant, we must constantly inform our children of the greater redemption we enjoy through the Person and ministries of Yeshua Messiah.

 

 

I love Robert Alter’s emphases for the one who loves Yah’s Word, how Yah’s focus in His imparting of Torah to Yisra’el, both an “educational” and “commemorative” relevance to His mitzvot.

 

Yah has always wanted to impart to us through His Torah an understanding as to why He requires us to remember the experiences He’s brought us through and the mitzvot He requires us to keep.

 

You know, often we find understanding of Yah’s Torah mitzvot through the Person and Ministries of Yahoshua HaMashiyach. He is, in every sense, the walking-talking Torah. For Abba Yah informed us that He would “raise up” for us “a prophet like Moshe from among us (us, being a fellow Yisra’elite).” That being the case, “we must listen to Him” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 18:15; Acts 3:22; 7:37). Yah put His words—His Torah—in His Prophet’s mouth. And this One would speak to the nation—Yisra’el—and to the world—whatever Yah instructs Him to say (Deuteronomy 18:18).

 

Therefore, we must remember, obey, and understand all that Abba instructs us to do through the teachings and example of Yeshua HaMashiyach (John 13:15).

 

 

(13:17) At this juncture of our reading, Moshe continues the historical, chronological narrative of the Exodus story. And Moshe notes the wisdom of Yah that ensured the safety of Yisra’el by not leading the nation through Philistine country. Taking such a route would have been a more direct one to Canaan but would also have subjected the unprepared and untested Hebrews to unnecessary harassment by the Philistines.

 

 

(13:18) So, Yah takes Yisra’el through the Wilderness of the Yam Suf (I.e., The Wilderness of the Sea of Reeds or the Red Sea). Yah had plans far exceeding that of simply having His people avoid the Philistines. But that’s a story for another day. For our Yah is a God with plans within plans within plans. His ways are always above ours.

 

Nevertheless, so-called biblical scholars, both Protestant and Jewish, seem to go out of their way to cast doubt as to the miraculous nature of the Red Sea Crossing. These refuse to believe Yah’s written Word at face value. These need a true and substantive relationship with the Creator of the Universe. And then, maybe they can rightly divide Yah’s Word of Truth.

 

We, on the other hand, place our whole trust in Yah and His Word without wavering (Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah/Yermi’Yahu 17:5; Psalm 118:8).

 

 

(13:19-20) Moshe ensured that the remains of Yosef, as instructed by Yosef to His brothers and offspring, went with the nation as they departed Egypt/Mitsrayim (Genesis/Beresheit 50:25). Clearly, Moshe’s respect for the forefathers is evident.

 

The nation’s Exodus journey would officially begin at Succoth, with the first leg of the journey ending at Etham, which is at the edge of Mitsri/Egyptian territory, heading out towards the wilderness.

 

 

Netsari Hallachah

 

 

Master Yahoshua added an essential layer to our understanding of Pesach. No longer would the Exodus story, which is embodied in Pesach, be just about the redemption of the nation Yisrael from Egyptian (Mitsri) servitude. But more so about what His passion, His death, His sacrifice, His redeeming of fallen humankind would ultimately provide the opportunity for any who would be so led to enter into a covenant relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

 

 

And this whole idea of Father insisting that we remember is not lost on this added, a more supreme layer of Yeshua’s redemptive work to Pesach/Passover/the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Father requires us to remember, or “Zakhar,” all the events surrounding the Exodus of Yisrael from Egypt/Mitsrayim not so much that we would cognitively forget these miraculous, historical happenings (although it is conceivably possible that we could). But more so, the obedience that we apply to our remembering Pesach through our keeping of the Pesach rituals and commandments/mitzvot will teach us about the Person of Yehovah Elohim.

 

Our keeping the elements of Passover, especially the bread and wine ceremony that Yeshua instructed us to keep each year at Pesach, will serve to educate us about our Heavenly Father. And as we learn about Father Yah through a combination of Feast-keeping, scriptural studies, and the revelation of the Ruach HaQodesh, we incrementally grow in our covenant relationship with Yah.

 

And this is, in a nutshell, the “essence” of Yah’s mitzvah to “Zakhar.” “Zakhar” is us getting to know and love our Heavenly Father through His established means of feast-keeping, scriptural studies, and Holy Spirit revelation. These are all, as Torah Teacher Tim Hegg so eloquently put it: “divinely ordained means for knowing the Creator and having our every longing and expectation filled by His presence.” Our obedience and remembering are means to a glorious end: Knowing Yah. Being “at-one-ness” with Yah.

 

Denominationalism celebrates Yeshua’s death, burial, and resurrection as how one gets into heaven. But this is not what Yeshua, nor His Father intended as the reason behind our Master’s crucifixion and sacrifice.

 

So, suppose you ever wondered about there being a bigger purpose and reason behind our walking out and keeping in mind Abba Yah’s Ways besides simply doing so because He said so. In that case, it’s more about getting to know and getting closer to Yah in a pure and substantive way.

 

Master prayed this to His Father on that cool, dark, terrible night just before His crucifixion:

 

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent… 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.  24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. (Joh 17:3,23-26 KJV)

 

Even as He faced death, our Master still saw the bigger picture about us getting to know His Father and having a true and substantive relationship with Him.

 

And so, this is what this week’s Torah Reading is all about. How we get to and maintain an intimate covenant relationship with Yah.

 

  1. We remember (that is, we “Zakhar”) the many things that Yah has done for us. In particular, we remember Yah’s Plan of Salvation, Redemption, and Restoration that He instituted through the Person and Ministries of Yeshua Messiah.
  2. We keep His services. We keep His Feasts and obey His instructions in righteousness in Spirit and in Truth.

 

These two things—our remembering and our obedience—over time, bring us to a deeper and more intimate covenant relationship with the Almighty. They bring us to a divine place of knowing our Creator and being at-one-ment with Him, through His Son Yeshua Messiah.

 

May we strive, because of our steadfast Yeshua-focused Torah Living, to endeavor to get closer to Abba Yah. Endeavor to be like Abba Yah in every way. To love Abba Yah more than we could ever love ourselves.

 

 

What it Means to Walk with God? STAR-4

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The Thirst-Quenching Waters of Sukkot-The Feast of Tabernacles 2022

by | Oct 6, 2022 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Sukkot-The Feast of Tabernacles is the Season of our Joy

True joy is an offshoot of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit or the Ruach HaQodesh in each of us. 

Our joy, especially as expressed through Yah’s Feasts, is incomplete without the Ruach HaQodesh’s influence. Otherwise, our joy will be limited to just our personal feelings, emotions, personalities; our abilities and preferences. 

The Holy Spirit Produces Joy

Father’s Ruach HaQodesh/Holy Spirit interacts and influences our spirit to produce fruit.

The Apostle Paul (aka Shaul) wrote to the Galatian Messianic Assembly that the fruit of the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh is joy (Galatians 5:22).

Therefore, in order to fully keep Yah’s command to rejoice and to be joyful during Sukkot/Tabernacles, we must tap into the Ruach HaQodesh that is dwelling and operating within each of us.

The Kingdom of God and Joy

The Apostle Paul informed the Roman Messianics that the Kingdom of Elohim/God consists of…joy in the Ruach HaQodesh.

The Prophetic Shadow Picture of Sukkot

The writer of Hebrews stated that the Torah, which contains the Feasts of the LORD, is a prophetic shadow picture of good things to come. In the case of Sukkot/Tabernacles, the good thing to come is the Kingdom of God.

True Joy is Derived from the Holy Spoirit

The Apostle Paul taught the Messianic Assembly in Thessalonica that true joy comes only from the Ruach HaQodesh/the Holy Spirit, despite any onging challenges and afflictions one may be experiencing in their life. 

The Holy Spirit is Inextricably Connected to Sukkot/The Feast of Tabernacles

Although not widely known to most, there is a Holy Spirit/a Ruach HaQodesh connection to Sukkot/the Feast of Tabernacles. And if we are to be obedient to Father’s command to have joy during Sukkot each year, we must embrace this reality. 

The Holy Spirit Connection to Sukkot is Found in the Water Libation Ceremony

The Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh connection to Sukkot/the Feast of Tabernacles is embedded in the Water Libation Ceremony of ancient Yisra’el. 

This ceremony illustrated for us the jjoy that Abba requires from all who would attend His Sukkot/the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Water Libation Ceremony was originally instituted by King David. And it’s workings are recorded in the historic Jewish writings of the Mishna.

The Water Libation Ceremony held tremendous prophetic and spiritual significance.

The Water Libation Ceremony Was the Highlight/High Point of Every Sukkot/Tabernacles

The Water Libation Ceremony was the highlight or high point of every Sukkot/Tabernacles in first-century Jerusalem (Mishna, Tractate Sukkah 5)

The Influence of the Holy Spirit Over the Water Libation Ceremony

Our ancient Jewish cousins, through the influence of the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh, were rehearsing future spiritual events that they could not have possibly understood on their own accord.

Water is Symbolic of the Holy Spirit in Scripture

Regarding joy and water symbolism, the Prophet Isaiah/Yeshayahu wrote: (2) Behold, El is my salvation (that is, El is my Yeshua)…He has become my salvation. (3) With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation (that is, you shall draw from the wells of Yeshua) (12:2-3).

Verse 3 was repeated over and over throughout the water libation ceremony and throughout the Feast of Tabernacles! The attendees knew not the true meaning of what they were reciting. 

A Prophetic Shadow Picture of the Ministry of Yeshua Messiah

Yet again, the Prophet Isaiah/Yeshayahu wrote of waters, which was prophetically associated with the ministry of our Master Yeshua Messiah:

(1) Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no  money; come ye, buy and eat…without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness (55:1-2; KJV). 

The Water that Yeshua Offers is Eternal Life and Joy

Of this water, it was John/Yochanan the Revelator that recorded:

“And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17; KJV). 

The Water Libation Ceremony was a Shadow Picture of the Ministry of Yeshua Messiah and the Holy Spirit

Indeed, the water libation ceremony of Sukkot in ancient times was a shadow picture of the ministry of Yeshua Messiah and the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh.

The Levitical Priests would draw living water and take wine and pour them into separate vases. These would pour them out onto the brazen altar of the Temple. And all these elements are representative of the Person and ministries of Yeshua Messiah and the dispensation of Yah’s Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh.

The Holy Spirit’s Connection to Sukkot/the Feast of Tabernacles

We find in the Gospel of John/Yochanan the historic utterance our Master made to the crowd attending at Water Libation Ceremony one Sukkot:

“…If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water” (7:37-39; ASV). 

This ceremony and the proclamation that our Master made to the attending crowds foreshadowed the sacrificial ministry of Yeshua and the subsequent giving of the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh. And we know that the Ruach HaQodesh assists us in producing fruit and our operating in joy.

The Samaritan Woman and Water

The same Apostle John/Yochanan recorded the historic discussion that took place between Yeshua and a Samaritan woman drawing water one day from Jacob’s/Ya’achov’s Well:

“…the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life…But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth…Yah is a Spirit: And they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (4:7-24; KJV). 

The Feast of Tabernacles in Great Part Represents the Pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit upon His People

Of the ministry of the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaQodesh, the Prophet Joel/Yoel wrote:

“I (that is Yehovah) will pour out My Spirit/Ruach upon all flesh…” (2:28-29).

Prepare to Receive and Keep Sukkot/Tabernacles with Joy

So, let us all prepare to receive the coming Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot with joy. Which means that we must seek a great unction and infilling of Father’s Holy Spirit. And to receive that greater unction or infilling, all we need to do is ask Him.

Of this, Master instructed:

“…How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Ruach HaQodesh/Holy Spirit to them that ask Him” (Luke 11:13; KJV)?

Therefore, let us keep Yah’s Sukkot with joy. And may our joy transcend the physical joy we’re all used to, to that of the spiritual. Whereby our worship, celembration, behavior, interactions with others is regulated by the Holy Spirit. And in so doing, may our joy intensify each day of the feast. 

 

Previous TMTO Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles Discussion

Feast of Tabernacles and the Kingdom of God in You

The Fall Feasts of Yah-The Feast of Tabernacles-The Feast of Sukkot

Feast of Tabernacles 2017 Thoughts and Reflections

Overview of the Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022

 

 

 

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by | Oct 22, 2021

  Today’s discussion is entitled: “What it Means to Walk with God;” it is a Messianic Discussion of the 4th Parashah in the 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. Our discussion text for this Shabbat will be Genesis 5:1-6:8.   I will be reading and commenting from the...

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by | Oct 3, 2021

  A Question of Kingdom Preparedness This was a teaching I delivered to a Sabbath-keeping group online this past Sukkot. I've entitled it "The Call to True Biblical Repentance is to Teshuva."  This teaching is actually the firstfruits, if you will, of an overall...

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Getting to the Heart of Yom Kippur–Day of Atonement 2022

by | Oct 1, 2022 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Yom Kippur Just a Day of Fasting?

What did Yah truly mean by His people afflicting their souls on Yom Kippur? Was He commanded us to engage in just a fast? 

Turns out that Abba requires more from us on Yom HaKippurim than just a full day of not eating and drinking.

Afflicting One’s Soul Means What Exactly?

Yah commands us to afflict our souls on Yom Kippur. And we find in the Tanach that our Ancient Jewish cousins were indeed faithful in doing the required fast on this set-apart day each year. However, Yah was clearly not satisfied with their obligatory fasts. Yah in fact required that their, and by extension us today, Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement soul affliction transcend their obligatory fast.

Although Yah commanded that His people afflict their souls on this set-apart day, His required fast transcends the simple act of fasting. For to afflict one’s soul on Yom Kippur gets him or her to the very heart of this set-apart day. 

It in fact requires/demands that the Child of Yah step out of their comfort zone and into places that may not be familiar to them. Into Kingdom Living.

Yah requires His people to completely die to self, which when done properly and fully is afflicting to the soul. For when we truly afflict our souls by dying to self, it brings discomfort to our souls. And if we’re successful in truly afflicting our souls, we stand the greatest chance of being “at-one-ment” with the Creator of the Universe. 

Afflicting the Soul in the Book of Esther

What does true affliction of one’s soul look like on Yom Kippur?

Well, we find a brilliant example of what it looks like in the Book and story of Esther. For we find therein that our Jewish cousins were facing an existential threat from some of their disgruntled captors. This existential threat led the people, via the leadership of Esther, to afflict their souls for purposes of securing Yah’s salvation from the threat levied against them.

Their affliction involved displaying great anguish; sitting in sackcloth and ashes; crying out to Yah; mmourning; fasting; weeping, and lamenting.

These bore everything in a great appeal to Yah that He stay His wrath and judgment against them.

Afflicting the Soul in Isaiah 58

We find probably the most definitive example of what it means from Yah’s perspective for His people to afflict their souls. 

The Prophet Isaiah/Yeshayahu was sent to Judah to advise them that Abba was not the least bit happy with the substance of their fasts, no doubt the fast they were engaged in on Yom Kippur.  So, instead of punishing them outright, Yah in His grace and mercy provided the nation a pathway to the reason and purpose and heart for which the set-apart day stood for. 

The Prophet provided the people with a number of specific things that would constitute proper affliction of the people’s souls. But the most poignant of those things or elements involved the people dying to their old selves and living according to Yah’s way, and operating with a contrite heart and spirit before Yehovah. 

When is Yom HaKippurim/The Day of ATonement This Year?

If you keep the observational calendar, Yom Kippur will begin for you at sundown on T-ursday, 10/6/2022. If you by chance keep the calculated rabbinic calendar, Yom Kippur for you will begin at sundown on T-esday, 10/4/2022.

Previous Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement Teachings You Might Find to be a Blessing to You

May you have a meaningful and blessed fast beloved.

Shalom

What it Means to Walk with God? STAR-4

by | Oct 22, 2021

  Today’s discussion is entitled: “What it Means to Walk with God;” it is a Messianic Discussion of the 4th Parashah in the 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. Our discussion text for this Shabbat will be Genesis 5:1-6:8.   I will be reading and commenting from the...

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The Call to True Biblical Repentance is to Teshuva

by | Oct 3, 2021

  A Question of Kingdom Preparedness This was a teaching I delivered to a Sabbath-keeping group online this past Sukkot. I've entitled it "The Call to True Biblical Repentance is to Teshuva."  This teaching is actually the firstfruits, if you will, of an overall...

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The Realities of Yom Teruah 2022

by | Sep 24, 2022 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

 

Introduction to our Discussion

 

Welcome to the Day of the Blowing of Trumpets, or better, the Blowing of Shofars 2022. And with that, we pray that you are earnestly preparing and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Yom Teruah 2022.

 

The title of our Discussion today is “The Realities of the Day of the Blowing of Trumpets-Yom Teruah 2022.” And this will be Part 2 of our Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022 Series.

 

What do I mean by “The Realities of the Day of the Blowing of Trumpets/Yom Teruah 2022?”

 

At the time of this posting, we are just 5 or 6 days away from Yom Teruah 2022. And because of the present realities of the world in which we live, this Yom Teruah promises to be unlike the others before it. Why?

 

The present realities of the world we’re living seem to be driving us towards some inevitable end. Scripturally, that end will be glorious and wonderful for some, while at the same time fearsome and terrible for the rest.

 

 

Ancient Purposes for Shofars 

 

One reason the ancients blew shofars was to warn of an approaching danger. Other reasons were to proclaim or announce good things that were coming their way (i.e., a Rosh Chodesh sighting; the start of a feast day; the crowing of a new king to rule over Yisra’el; etc.).

 

Both shofar blowing scenarios certainly seem appropriate for this year’s Yom Teruah observance.

 

The Present State of this World–A Sense of Foreboding Prevails

 

So much has taken place in our world since the last two Yom Teruah observances. In those observances, most of us were having to deal with the “plandemic” and all its associated challenges. But as difficult as these last two years may have been, there wasn’t the level of foreboding that we seem to be having in the world at this present time.

 

The Imminent Arrival of the Great Tribulation and the Rise of the Anti-Christ

Well, many knowledgeable and influential people of faith, both within and outside our faith community have recently suggested that we have officially entered the End Times. Some of these have gone so far as to suggest that by this time next year, we will have entered the Great Tribulation.

 

One prominent Messianic teacher recently expressed his belief that with the death of England’s Queen Elizabeth II that her son, now King Charles III, is the prophesied antichrist/anti messiah.

 

Red Heifers Precursors of a Third Temple?

 

Then we have the amazing story of the nation of Israel having recently five-rabbinically-certified “red heifers.” Consequently, many believe this to be a clear sign that the building of the 3rd Temple is imminent.

 

The New World Order and the Coming Great Reset

 

There’s a great deal of talk of late regarding what the globalists refer to as “The Great Reset“being implemented throughout the world as soon as next year. This Great Reset seems to possess the characteristics of the prophesied “One World Government” or “Beast System” as described in the Book of Revelation.

 

We also find that governments of this world are at war with their citizens in a very profound way.

 

Along with all this is talk of an imminent global food shortage, a massive global financial collapse, and global warming induced extreme weather events that will result in worldwide death, destruction, and chaos.

 

Morality and faith in the God of Avraham, Yitschaq, and Ya’achov have been declared an anathema on this planet, while the Gospel of the Green New Deal, the promises of a Nany State, the virtues of wokeness, and the LBGTQ agenda are being forced down the throats of a beatdown world populace.

 

The Voice of the Shofar Remains Relevant for Today

 

Beloved, as we enter the Fall Feasts this year, in particular Yom Teruah, let us be mindful that the voice of the shofar is all the more relevant today than it ever has been. For the voice of the shofar is needed to warn the world that a day of “great shaking” is coming. Furthermore, the voice of the shofar is needed today to proclaim and celebrate the coming of our Master Yahoshua in the clouds with great power and glory as He ushers in Yah’s eternal and holy kingdom here on earth (Mark 13:26).

 

We are Instructed to Watch and Pray

 

In the interim, we the elect of Yah have been instructed by our Master to “watch and pray” (Mark 13: 33-37).

We watch, pray, and await our Master’s return using our physical eyes to observe the “signs of the time” (Matthew 16:3).

But we also watch and wait by rehearsing Yah’s Feasts each year. For the Feasts provide us with prophetic shadow pictures of good things to come (Hebrews 10:1).

 

The Timing of Yom Teruah on Yah’s Sacred Calendar

 

The determination of Aviv 1 directly influences the timing of Yom Teruah. For if we do not correctly determine when the Biblical Rosh Hashanah is—Aviv 1, we will invariably get the timing of Yom Teruah wrong. And this is a crucial aspect of our keeping Yah’s set-apart days. For as I mentioned in our Fall Feasts of the LORD overview last week, the Feasts of the LORD are very special days that our Creator set-aside on His calendar for purposes of meeting with us. Therefore, if we don’t correctly determine the Head of each Biblical Year we will miss Yah.

 

The Relevance of Rosh Chodesh

 

The whole concept of Rosh Chodesh (that is, the New Moon observance) every month is, in part, to teach us to watch and wait for Yahoshua’s return. This is why I often refer to the “observational calendar” as a calendar of faith.

 

We know that our Master’s return is imminent, so to speak. And we see the signs of His return taking shape each day. Fortunately, we have in the Feasts of the LORD as the framework whereby we know the season for His return.

 

In reality, our Master’s second coming and the first resurrection are framed within the Fall Feasts of the LORD.

 

Since Yom Teruah always falls on the 1st-day of the 7th biblical calendar month, it is a special Rosh Chodesh. Recall that Torah addresses what our responsibilities are regarding each Rosh Chodesh in Numbers/Bemidbar 10:10. In fact, silver trumpets were to be blown over the burnt offerings and sacrifices of every Rosh Chodesh (Numbers/Bemidbar 28:11-15).

 

However, when we get to the 7th-Rosh Chodesh which is Yom Teruah, there are additional things that Yisra’el was required to perform. Those additional things include additional offerings and sacrifices (Numbers/Bemidbar 29:1-9), performing no occupational work; observing a Sabbath rest, blow shofars; remember the relevance of this set-apart day, and convene a holy convocation (Leviticus/Vayiqra 23:24-25).

 

Yah Refers to Yom Teruah as a Memorial

Yehovah referred to Yom Teruah as “a memorial of blowing of trumpets” (Leviticus/Vayiqra 23:24). What day is Yom Teruah supposed to memorialize?

 

Torah records that supernatural shofars were blown from heaven and Mount Sinai just prior to Yah speaking His Torah to our ancient Hebrew cousins. The supernatural voice of the shofar on that day not only announced Yah’s awesome presence to the mixed multitude gathered at the base of the mountain, but it also allegorically announced Yah’s pending marriage to Yisra’el. (Exo 19:18-20 KJV).

 

The shofar that sounded that day would prove to be a precursor to Yeshua’s second coming being proclaimed by the sound of heavenly shofar blasts (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

 

Offerings to be Rendered unto Yah on Yom Teruah

Since the Temple and the Levitical Priesthood are no longer in operation, one must determine in what form his or her offerings or sacrifices are to be take. The rendering of sacrifices and offerings are in every sense essential forms of worship. And we are required to render unto Yah proper sacrifices and offerings on Yom Teruah.

 

So, what form should our offerings take?

 

Well, the primary form our offerings should take today is in the form of monies that we give to the ministries that feed and teach us Yah’s Word (Luke 11:42; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Philippians 4:18). Beyond the physical monetary offerings that we are compelled to render unto Yah, there are spiritual sacrifices that scripture also mentions:

 

(4) “So, as you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and priceless in Yah’s sight, (5) you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to Yah through Yeshua Messiah” (1 Peter/Kefa 2:4-5; NET).

 

Okay, so what are these spiritual sacrifices?

 

First and foremost, our bodies are to be offered up to Yah as sacrifices:

 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Yah, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1; KJV).

 

Thus, we render service unto Yah by way of worshiping Him. Keeping His instructions. And imaging and glorifying Him in the world.

 

Which leads to the third form of sacrifices and offerings: Giving praise unto Yah our Elohim:

 

“By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to Yah continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name” (Hebrews 13:15; KJV).

 

And lastly, to simply do good in the world:

 

“And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for Elohim is pleased with such sacrifices” (Hebrews 13:16; NET).

 

 

Yom Teruah Not Mentioned in Scripture, but it is Alluded to

One should be acutely aware that, beyond the instructions given for the day in Torah, there is no specific mention of Yom Teruah being kept by Yah’s people in Scripture. But there are apparent references to it.

 

When Judah returned to the Land after her Babylonian captivity, she restored the once destroyed Brazen Altar on Yom Teruah:

 

(5) Afterward they offered the continual burnt offerings and those for the new moons and those for all the holy assemblies of the LORD and all those that were being voluntarily offered to the LORD. (6) From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD. However, the LORD’S temple was not at that time established” (Ezra 3:5-6; NET).

 

We also learn that the Torah was read to the people on the first Yom Teruah of their return:

 

(8) They read from the Book of Yah’s Torah, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus, the people gained understanding from what was read. (9) Then Nehemiah, the governor, Ezra, the priestly scribe, and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to Yah your Elohim. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of Torah. (10) He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Master/Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of Yah is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:8-10; NET).

 

From this passage we get a sense of the spirit that Yah intended His people to possess when honoring and celebrating Yom Teruah. Not one of regret and anguish and sadness. But rather, one of joy and celebration and doing that which is good for one another.

 

We find in Psalm 81 a clear reference to Yom Teruah without the name of the day ever being mentioned.

 

In the passage the Psalmist admonishes Yah’s people to perform the following on Yom Teruah:

 

  1. Sing songs and play instruments (vs. 2).

 

  1. Sound the ram’s horn (I.e., the shofar), especially when the set-apart day begins (vs. 3).

 

  1. Honor and keep the day as a requirement of Yah (vs. 4).

 

  1. Remember Yah’s longsuffering and faithfulness on this set-apart day (vss. 9-16).

 

Did our Master Yahoshua keep Yom Teruah?

 

Well, given that He was the walking-talking Torah, He would have absolutely kept Yom Teruah in strict accordance with His Father’s instructions (Hebrews 4:15). This despite the Gospel writers not mentioning anything about Yeshua keeping or observing Yom Teruah during His earthly ministry.

 

When we really look at the entirety of the Gospel record, we find specifically mentioned just Passover and Sukkot/Tabernacles as feast days that Yeshua is recorded keeping.

 

Consequently, there is no specific record or mention of Yom Teruah in the Brit Hadashah.

 

Yeshua Describes the Central Theme of Yom Teruah in One of His Teachings

 

Master Yahoshua touched upon seems to have used the biblically inspired theme of Yom Teruah in one of His prophetic teachings. There He revealed to His disciples what His second coming would look like:

 

(29) “Immediately after the suffering of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. (30) Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (31) And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet (I.e., a shofar) blast, and they will gather His elect from the four-winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:29-31; NET).

 

This in a nutshell is the prophetic shadow picture of Yom Teruah.

 

And so, as it relates to this prophetic shadow picture of our Master returning for His elect ones with great power and glory amidst the voice of a heavenly shofar, we find the Apostle Paul (aka Shaul) adding to this image:

 

(16) For the Master (I.e., Yahoshua) will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of Yah. And the dead in Mashiyach will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Master in the air, and so, we will always be with the Master” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; ESV).

 

Furthermore, we find Yochanan the Revelator revealing that the blowing of the 7th-heavenly shofar will signal the start of the Millennial Reign of our Master Yahoshua here on earth (Revelation 11:15-18).

 

The Transition of Yom Teruah to Rosh Hashanah

 

As truth seeking Torah observing Messianics/Netarim, we will in the course of our studies, invariably come across several places where the rabbis have grossly tampered with the Feasts of the LORD. Unfortunately, Yom Teruah did not escape the rabbi’s tampering. For this set-apart day is not even referred to as Yom Teruah. Nor is the day kept and understood as Yah instructed.

 

To religious Jews around the world today, Yom Teruah is Rosh Hashanah: The Head of the Jewish new year.

 

The transition or transformation of Yom Teruah to Rosh Hashanah was most certainly influenced by Judah’s years in Babylonian Captivity. It is believed by some, including myself,  that this period of captivity not only led to Yom Teruah being transformed into Rosh Hashanah, but also to the adoption of Babylonian names replacing Torah’s numerical titling of each month (cf. Leviticus/Vayiqra 23 and Numbers/Bemidbar 28).

 

It turns out that the Babylonians followed a luni-solar calendar, very similar to that of the Hebrew’s luni-solar calendar. Consequently, Yom Teruah would often fall out on the same day as the Babylonian New Year’s Day of “Akitu.”

 

It is highly likely that with the Jews’ adoption of the Babylonian month of Tishri as their 7th-month, it would have been an easy transition for our ancient Jewish cousins to syncretize the Babylonian “Akitu festival” into their Yom Teruah holy day observances. The rabbis ultimately deemed Yom Teruah their New Year’s Day.

 

Messianic Halachah—How Should we Consider Keeping Yom Teruah in 2022?

 

So, with all that we’ve been discussing regarding Yom Teruah, where does the proverbial rubber meet the road in terms of a Messianic/Netzari keeping this set-apart day?

 

Well, personally, the first thing I would do is to scrap the Rosh Hashanah rabbinic traditions. For the Jewish Rosh Hashanah has little to nothing to do with Yah’s Yom Teruah

 

So, as it relates to our honoring, keeping, and celebrating Yom Teruah, I say instead that we make the decision today to die to self and give everything over to Yah through the Person and Ministries of Yeshua Messiah. Trust in the Person and Ministries of Yeshua Messiah. Walk unwaveringly in the covenant relationship we possess with the Creator of the Universe.

 

And as Yom Teruah approaches, let us become intimately knowledgeable about the day and what it means for the elect of Yah. Let us make a joyful noise throughout that day. If we have a shofar, blow it. If we don’t, then make a joyful noise unto Yehovah. This is supposed to be a day of rejoicing and joy and reflecting on the steadfast love and mercies of our heavenly Father. It’s not a day of somber regret and repentance as the rabbis have asserted.

 

Of course, we need to take off from work, and not engage in any laborious activities. We are to give Yah our undivided attention on that day. For Yom Teruah is a day that He set aside to commune with us and love on us and teach us and dwell with us. So, the least we can do beloved is give Him our undivided attention.

 

We need to remember and rehearse the prophetic shadows that are embedded in this day. Which means we need to make sure we’re ready to receive Yeshua when He returns. Make sure our oil lamps are full and that we are ready to receive the Bridegroom when He comes.

 

In terms of offerings and sacrifices, I would counsel that we let Yah’s Spirit lead our giving, whether it be in the form of monetary gifts to those ministries that feed us, or in our praise and worship of Yah; in doing good on this day; in helping others who are in need. Blessing Yah with our gifts. Stirring up the gift of Yah which is in us (2 Timothy 1:6).

 

And we should be watching and waiting. Contemplating and reflecting on the amazing truths of this season. Looking up and assessing the season we’re in, for our redemption draws ever so close with each passing Yom Teruah.

 

These are some of the realities of Yom Teruah.

 

When is Yom Teruah in 2022?

 

If you are keeping the observational calendar, Yom Teruah is PROJECTED to begin at sundown on T-esday, 9/27/2022. If the 7th Rosh Chodesh is not sighted on 9/27/2022, Yom Teruah will begin by default on W-dnesday, 9/28/2022.

 

And for those of us who keep the rabbinic calendar, Yom Teruah will begin at sundown on S-nday, 9/25/2022.

 

I should also mention that I’ve posted previous teachings on Yom Teruah that may be a blessing to you. I’ll go ahead and put the links to those teachings in the discussion’s transcript for your convenience.

 

We will continue our discussion on the Fall Feasts of the LORD in our next discussion, which will be on Yom HaKippurim—The Day of the Atonements—Abba willing.

 

Chag Sameach Yom Teruah Beloved.

 

 Previous Yom Teruah Postings:

 

Yom Teruah’s Greatest Truths and Mysteries Revealed 

 

The Fall Feasts of Yah-Trumpets-Yom Teruah

 

Day of Trumpets-Rosh Hashanah-Subject to God or Rabbis?

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Serve a Covenant-Keeping Life-Giving God-STAR-7

In this week’s Torah Reading, we discuss the Truth about the Noahide Laws; the true significance of the rainbow; and the character of God that promotes life and covenant among humanity. Come study and fellowship with us. Shabbat Shalom.

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What it Means to Walk with God? STAR-4

  Today’s discussion is entitled: “What it Means to Walk with God;” it is a Messianic Discussion of the 4th Parashah in the 3-year Torah Reading Cycle. Our discussion text for this Shabbat will be Genesis 5:1-6:8.   I will be reading and commenting from the...

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The Call to True Biblical Repentance is to Teshuva

  A Question of Kingdom Preparedness This was a teaching I delivered to a Sabbath-keeping group online this past Sukkot. I've entitled it "The Call to True Biblical Repentance is to Teshuva."  This teaching is actually the firstfruits, if you will, of an overall...

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An Overview of the Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022-Part 1 of the Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022 Series

by | Sep 17, 2022 | Podcasts

by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer's Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections

Introduction

As I’m recording this installment of TMTO, we find that the Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022 are right upon us. And depending on which calendar you keep, the first of the Fall Feasts–Yom Teruah/The Feast of Trumpets–will arrive in just a little over a week. And for others, we’re talking about a week and a half.

 

Regardless, I say we need to get into “feast-mode” before the set-apart days of Yehovah arrive.

 

So, in preparation for receiving these set-apart days, I’ve elected to conduct a general overview of the Fall Feasts that I pray will provide a general understanding of when each of these days fall out on Yah’s sacred calendar and on our western Gregorian calendar; as well as provide a general understanding of what Yah requires of us in our keeping of these set-apart days of Yah.

 

Beloved, not knowing when and what Yah expects of us when these set-apart days arrive does not speak well of us as individuals and as a faith community. Yah has marked out these days on His sacred calendar to personally meet and dwell with us. And He expects at the very least that we show-up at the established date and place.

 

And today, with all the technological conveniences we enjoy here in the West, there is no excuse for our missing any of Yah’s Feasts. And I want to make sure that none of the listeners, readers, and viewers of TMTO are left uninformed of these critical days that Yah has declared as “His set feasts” (Leviticus/Vayiqra 23:2).

 

 

Now, I realize that some of you will find this discussion to be somewhat elementary, or that maybe you’ve outgrown this type or level of information. And if that is you, please consider the fact that The Messianic Torah Observer is first and foremost a discipling platform. It is meant to provide truth-seekers, whoever they may be, or whatever level of understanding they may possess, with Yeshua-focused Torah living content that will enhance their walk with Messiah. Additionally, TMTO provides the Hebrew Roots/Messianic/Netzari Community with what I hope is, a modicum of thought-provoking content that will incite Yah’s elect to go deep into Yah’s Word such that their faithful-obedient covenant relationship with Father Yah through Yeshua Messiah is profoundly strengthened.

 

So, I pray that, even if you are well-versed in Yah’s Torah, especially in the Fall Feasts, you consider hanging with us for a while longer. And just maybe something that we discuss here today will bless you and or cause you to embrace Yah’s upcoming Fall Feasts with a renewed and greater vigor and hunger and thirst for Yah’s righteousness than you ever had before.

 

And beloved, that’s what this is all about. Receiving Yah’s set-apart days with an expressed intent to get more out of each feast than we received last year, and then leaving the Fall Feasts of the LORD 2022 spiritually better-off than when we entered into them.

 

 

Why Should We Keep the Fall Feasts of the LORD?

 

So, let me ask you a question? Why do these Fall Feasts hold so much importance to us and to Yah?

 

The powers that be—the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and the wicked spiritual forces operating in the spaces just below heaven–have seemingly pulled the trigger on their end time game-plan (Ephesians 6:12-18; cf. Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 3:10-21). Attacks on Yah’s people have become more sophisticated and intense in recent years. Persecutions and even martyrdoms of Yah’s people have of late increased dramatically throughout the world. But we hear very little if anything about such things from the hasatan-influenced news media, do we?

 

That which was once held as sacred and good in secular society is now considered evil and bad. Violence is seemingly out of control throughout our nation, even in some of the quietest sectors of American society. Those who have been charged with serving and protecting society have turned their backs on the very ones who are most at risk: our children; the old and the infirmed and the poor.

 

The evil-state of the world today has been dubbed as the “new norm”, which is to say that things are not going to improve, but rather, things will likely continue to worsen as lawlessness increases and the love of most people waxes cold (Matthew 24:12).

 

The prophet Yesha’Yahu/Isaiah, through the inspiration of Yah’s Ruach HaKodesh wrote:

 

(20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (22) Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink; (23) Which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! (5:20-23; Cepher).

 

And despite the prophet directing his message to the disobedient and evil ones of Judah around the time of the Babylonian Captivity, are not these same evils being repeated in earnest in our 21st century world today?

 

Any who dare stand against murdering babies in and out of the womb; any that stand against the LGBTQ agenda; any that stand against mandated poisoning of theirs and their families’ bodies by the government’s health care Nazis; any that stand against the poisoning of their children’s minds and hearts by wicked societal and educational norms and agendas and ideologies; any that choose to put their trust and hope in the Elohim of Yisra’el—of Avraham, Yitschaq, and Ya’achov rather than in the anti-faith, anti-God, anti-truth liberal government that seeks to usurp authority over every aspect of the lives of Yah’s people, well, they are deemed traitors and haters of the state and they face being eliminated or canceled by society.

 

 

Seems that a great many bible believing people, teachers, preachers, ministers, and the like, strongly believe that we’ve entered some portion of the End Times. That although Yahoshua’s return and the first resurrection may not be imminent, many knowledgeable people of Faith believe that we are entering a period of shaking—of testing—of conviction—of sifting—of persecution—of trials—of challenges to our profession of Faith—of judgment.

 

 

Indeed, for those of us who have been blessed with the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the hearts and minds to “shema” Yah’s Torah and the teachings and example of Yahoshua Messiah, we find embedded into Yah’s moedim—Yah’s set-apart days—Yah’s Feasts—the only solution to this world’s profound and pervasive wickedness. And so, Yah’s set-apart people embrace His Word and keep His set-apart days in Spirit and in Truth, knowing that the world is going to go the way it has chosen to go, but also knowing that our lives and steps are ordered by Yehovah (Psalm 37:23). That it behooves us to wait on Yehovah and to be of good courage, such that Yah strengthens our hearts, and we ultimately inherit the earth (Psalm 27:14; 37:9; 1 Peter 5:6).

 

A remnant of Yah’s elect was facing similar challenges just before the fall of Yerushalayim/Jerusalem, as Judah became more and more perverse and distant from Yehovah. And the remnant asked the Prophet Habakkuk what they should do as they watched their society crumble before them and anticipated the Babylonian juggernaut’s destruction of their beloved nation. And Yah told the prophet to relay the following message to the remnant:

 

(3) “The vision (that which Yah had given to the prophet) is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (4) Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:3-4; KJV).

 

Like that precious remnant of Habakkuk’s day, we are being called in these last and evil days to live by our faith, and to live by our faith without compromise.

 

That which stands before us today as we enter the Fall Feasts of 2022 is a choice or question: Will we turn our attention—turn ourselves over to Yah and His Ways and instructions in righteousness? Or will we allow the cares of this world and the influences of the enemy to overtake us to the point that we neglect to keep Yah’s Ways and instructions, including His set-apart days, in Spirit and in Truth? If we were to leave it up to the world, we would reject Yah’s ways and instructions because they run contrary to the ways and instructions and agendas and beliefs of this world.

 

Or will we turn our backs to the world in which we live, and for at least the handful of days that Yah has asked us to meet with Him, give Him our full, undivided attention? Will we allow Yah to dwell with us, and love on us, and fill us to overflowing with His Word as His precious Ruach inscribes them on the fleshly tables of our hearts and minds?

 

The Feasts of Yehovah do not belong to us nor to the world. But rather, they belong to Yehovah, the Maker and Creator of heaven and earth. And we are not our own as we have been bought with a price—we have been redeemed from the evil-powerholders of this world. Thus, we the redeemed of Messiah have no right—no authority—no wherewithal to change that which Yah established way back in creation, nor do we have the liberty to stand our Creator up on these set-apart days (Genesis/Beresheit 1:14).

 

Indeed, the words of King David/Dawid ring ever-so true even today:

 

“The fool hath said in his heart, ‘There is no Elohim. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good’” (Psalm 14:1; KJV).

 

Oh, but those Feasts are for the Jews. They are Jewish holidays that we have no business keeping.

 

Well, Yah was quite clear when He said to us:

 

“…Concerning the feasts of Yehovah which ye shall proclaim to be holy assemblies, EVEN THESE ARE MY FEASTS” (Leviticus/Vayiqra 23:2; Cepher).

 

Thus, the Feasts belong to Yah. And since the feasts belong to Yah, Yah determines who will keep them. For now, it falls to Yisra’el to keep Yah’s feasts, which Yah has emphatically stated are ordinances to be kept by Yisra’el throughout all their generations (Leviticus 23:2, 44; 2 Chronicles 2:4; Ezekiel 45:17). And because we, the redeemed of Yehovah, under the renewed covenant, have been engrafted into the commonwealth of Yisra’el are henceforth and forevermore obliged to keep Yah’s Feasts (Romans 11:17-24).

 

Oh, but since the Temple is no longer in existence and the Levitical Priesthood no longer in operation, we can’t keep the Feasts. Ergo, we shouldn’t be bothered with keeping the Feasts of the LORD. Besides, we’re now under the New Covenant: for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life you know (reference to 2 Corinthians 3:6).

 

Folks, the greatest part of the renewed covenant is that Yah has promised to put His Torah within us by writing it on our hearts and minds (Jeremiah/Yerma’Yahu 31:33; Hebrew 8:10; 10:16). And this being the case, keeping-guarding-honoring-observing Yah’s set-apart days no longer is a question. But rather, it becomes the child of Yah’s desire to keep-guard-honor-observe Yah’s set-apart days because it’s the right thing to do.

 

It was the Apostle Shaul whom the Denominationalists wrongly accuse of advocating that the Torah was done away with at the crucifixion of Yeshua Messiah, and that one’s salvation and eternal security is based upon God’s grace and one believing that Jesus died for one’s sins—but it was Shaul who contrary to denominational conventional wisdom who admonished his Corinthian Messianic readers to “keep the feast” (1 Corinthians 5:8) and that he himself, being admonished by Ephesian brethren to tarry with them a while longer, insisted that he by all means had to keep the upcoming feast in Yerushalayim (Acts 18:21).

 

 

This being the case, which it most certainly is, it behooves us as Yah’s elect to also keep the Feasts, especially in these dark and evil days.

 

Besides, many believe that Yeshua will return for Yah’s elect on a Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets. And if this is even remotely true, wouldn’t it be prudent to be found keeping Yah’s feasts when Yeshua returns, as opposed to not being found keeping it when He returns? Just saying.

 

 

Father Yah’s Reckoning of Time

 

We find in Genesis/Beresheit 1:14 that Yehovah reveals to us that the heavenly bodies (I.e., the sun, the moon, and the stars) were put into the firmament by our Creator to serve as signs for our agricultural seasons which are marked or highlighted by Yah’s annual feasts or moedim. These moedim or feasts are to be kept at the appointed or stipulated times on Yah’s sacred calendar.

 

Numerically speaking, Yah’s reckoning of time is broken down into:

 

  1. The weekly 7-day cycle which is capped by the 7th day Sabbath.

 

  1. The monthly cycles which are highlighted by New Moon observances.

 

  1. The 12-month calendar year, which, depending upon the maturity status of the barley crop in the land of Yisra’el, may add an additional month to the calendar year.

 

  1. And within Yah’s yearly 12-month (or on occasion a 13th-month) calendar are Abba’s mandated Feasts, some of which Yah labeled as Sabbaths.

 

 

The Feasts of the LORD are Often Referred to as Rehearsals

 

Yah’s set-apart days—His moedim—are considered by some to be rehearsals. The concept of the Feasts of the LORD being rehearsals is derived from Abba’s use of “sacred/holy convocations” or “miqra qodesh.”

 

Although I’ve not found instances where “miqra” was defined as a rehearsal, it’s easy to see from a contextual standpoint that the Feasts of the LORD when taken individually and as a whole, paint for Yah’s people a prophetic shadow picture of “good things to come” (Hebrews 10:10). And as shadows of good things to come, the Feasts of the LORD serve as reminders of the elements of Yah’s Grand Plan of Salvation, Redemption, and Restoration.

 

Thus, whenever the Feasts of Yah occurs and we, the redeemed of Yah, keep these set-apart days, we are remembering, and to some extent, rehearsing the elements of Yah’s Plan of Salvation, Redemption, and Restoration, as we await our Master’s return and His establishing of Yah’s eternal Kingdom here on earth.

 

These moedim—these set-apart days on Yah’s sacred calendar that we refer to as Feasts, also serve as critical date-markers that are situated strategically on Yah’s sacred calendar. And it is during these special times that Yah intends to “impart knowledge and understanding to His children about His Great Plan of Salvation.

 

So then, why does Yah require that we receive this imparting of knowledge and understanding on an annual basis? Well, for starters, Yah says so. Yah tells us that He expects His chosen ones to keep and guard His set-apart days throughout their generations. Which means Yah expects not only us as individuals to keep and guard His Feasts, but He expects us to raise our children to keep and guard these Feasts as well. And our children are to follow suit by imparting knowledge of Yah’s feasts to their children and so forth.

 

The other reason Yah requires us to keep His Feasts each year without fail is to reinforce in our hearts and minds Yah’s Word and His Plan of Salvation. For Yah knows that humans tend to be forgetful:

 

“Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which He made with you…” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 4:23; KJV; cf. Deuteronomy/Devarim 4:9).

 

Just to be clear here, Yah is not suggesting that Yisra’el will cognitively forget the tenets of the covenant He established with her. But rather, that Yisra’el will forgetful the tenets of the covenant from the standpoint of them not living up to His Kingdom standards when the things and ways of Yah are not regularly enforced upon them.

 

 

The Structure and Foundation of the Fall Feasts of the LORD

 

The Feasts of the LORD as well as the weekly Sabbaths are days that Yah has sanctified/set-apart to commune with His chosen ones. These are described variously throughout the scriptures as times of:

 

  • Anointing
  • Convicting
  • Joy
  • Teaching
  • Learning
  • Hope
  • Introspection
  • Convocation
  • Worship
  • Rehearsing
  • Doing good

 

Our English term “feast(s)” in Hebrew is either “mishteh” {mish-teh) or “chagag” {kahw-gag}. They have two-different meanings. The term “mishteh” means either a feast; to drink; or a banquet. This definition doesn’t quite fit that which Yah has declared to be his appointed, set-apart days.

 

Well, it turns out that our English term “feast(s)” as it applies to keeping Yah’s set-apart days is really the Hebrew term “chagag” which has to do with a festival; making a pilgrimage; to celebrate; to keep a sacred pilgrim feast; to dance; or to stagger. Within the context of our discussion here today, we’re of course talking about a festival; making a sacred pilgrimage; to celebrate. This is what the Feasts of the LORD/Yehovah are all about as you very well know.

 

Turns out that the first mention of “chagag” in scripture is found in Exodus/Shemot 5:1, and the term is used by Moshe who was echoing that which Yehovah had given Him to say to Pharaoh:

 

“Thus says Yehovah Elohai of Yashar’el: Let My people go, that they may hold a “chagag” (I.e., a feast) unto Me in the wilderness” (Cepher).

 

Here in this passage, Moshe was essentially talking about the children of Yisra’el assembling themselves out in the Sinai Wilderness for purposes of keeping the Feast/Chag Sukkot—the Feast of Tabernacles, as Yisra’el would then dwell in sukkahs throughout their sojourn in the wilderness and Yah’s presence would dwell within their midst.

 

But Yehovah’s concept of His Feasts—His set-apart days—was not birthed in the Sinai Wilderness. But rather, Yah conceived the feasts in His heart and mind, no doubt well before creation. But it was at creation that He articulated the concept of His feasts to the Court of Heaven:

 

“And Elohim said: Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for appointed feasts (I.e., “moedim”), and for days, and years’” (Genesis/Beresheit 1:14; Cepher).

 

The lights in the vault of the heavens—that being the sun, the moon, and the stars–would be the determining signs for the fixed times—seasons-festivals of Yah.

 

The English term “seasons” as used in most English translations that are derived from the KJV is the Hebrew term “moedim”. Seasons or moedim in this sense would be the highlights of Yah’s sacred calendar year. Yah’s reckoning of time, then, is based upon the seasons or moedim or festivals. The moedim regulate Yah’s sacred calendar. And Yah’s sacred calendar is divided into the 4-seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter as stipulated by Yehovah to Noach/Noah:

 

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, night and day, shall not cease” (Genesis/Beresheit 8:22; ESV).

 

Beloved, wouldn’t it be ideal if we get to the place in our walk with Messiah where we fashion our lives around the “moedim of Yehovah” as opposed to fashioning our lives around the cares of this life? Can we ever get to the place where we order our lives according to the Feasts of the LORD each year and not upon family outings, birthdays, secular and religious holidays, jobs, and such? Structuring our lives around Yah’s annual calendar would be one of the first major steps towards dying to self, where we give our day-to-day existence over to the Creator of the Universe.

 

 

 

Leviticus/Vayiqra 23:1-2—The Appointed Times/Seasons of the LORD/Yehovah—Not of the Jews

 

Having set the foundation for keeping Yah’s Feasts, let’s now gain an overview understanding of the Fall Feasts of the LORD.

 

We are introduced to all the feasts of Yehovah in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus/Vayiqra, where in verse 2 we learn that these set apart days belong to Yehovah. They do not belong to anyone other than Yehovah. Not the Jews, nor the Hebrews, nor to the Hebrew Roots, Messianic Community. These belong exclusively to Yehovah. Which means that Yah is the One who tells us the how, when, where, and what as it relates to His moedim/feasts. And it therefore falls to those who would be His chosen ones to simply shema: hear, listen, and obey Yah’s instructions as it relates to His Feasts. And so, when a denominationalist or even a Jew brazenly confronts us with the erroneous contention that the Feasts of Yah belong exclusively to the Jews and therefore should be kept exclusively by Jews, we need but point them to this passage of Leviticus where Yah declares to Moshe, who in turn was to declare to the nation of Yisra’el, that the following set-apart days—going forth in this chapter—belong to Yah. And He tells Moshe:

 

“…even these are My set feasts/moedim” (23:2).

 

And we find here that Yah instructs Moshe to instruct the children of Yisra’el that they are to proclaim these set-times/these seasons/these moedim as “holy convocations.”

 

Now, to better understand what Yah was saying to Moshe in this verse, we must first understand what Yah means by us—the children of Yisra’el–“proclaiming” these moedim/these feasts as “holy convocations.”

 

We’ve already established through scripture that Yah’s set-apart times/seasons/moedim are days that Yah set aside on His sacred calendar to commune or meet with us—His chosen ones.

 

When we talk about Yah meeting with His children, we’re talking about Yah establishing an appointed place, time, and event that His elect is required to participate in on a regular basis (reference: J.A. Benner-Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible). As it relates to the Shabbat, we’re talking about participating in worship of Yah on a weekly basis. When we’re talking about the moedim/the Feasts, we’re talking about observing these set-apart days on an annual basis.

 

The New Moon observances were not mandated, set-apart days, although Yehovah mentions them as monthly dates to observance, celebrate, and worship (see Numbers/Bemidbar 10:10; 28:11). Consequently, few see Rosh Chodesh—ie., the New Moon—as a sacred, set-apart day of Yehovah since it is not delineated here in Leviticus/Vayiqra 23, nor does Yah command us to treat Rosh Chodesh as a set-apart day per se, although our ancient Hebrew cousins seemed to celebrate and observe each Rosh Chodesh, upwards of 3-days even (1 Samuel 20:5-24).

 

Nevertheless, we will not include Rosh Chodesh in our discussion on the Fall Feasts of the LORD. But if you would by chance be interested in learning more about Rosh Chodesh or New Moon observances, I would encourage you to read or listen to my post entitled “Rosh Chodesh 6th Month 2022—The Start of the 6th Biblical Month.” 

 

So, we now know that these seasons/times/feasts are established days on Yah’s sacred calendar that He has set-aside to meet with His children on a recurring weekly, monthly, and annual basis.

 

Then we get to the term “proclaim”: Yah tells Moshe that we are to proclaim these set-apart days—these moedim—as “holy convocations.”

 

Our English term “proclaim” in the Hebrew is “qara’”, which means to call, to call out, or better, to come together to meet.

 

Thus, Yah has instructed us to come together as a set-apart body on these established set-apart days or moedim or feasts.

 

Then we have the English phrase of “holy convocation,” which in the Hebrew is “miqra qodesh.” The “qodesh” should be easily recognized by us as “holy.” And it is most used by us in our Faith Community when addressing the Holy Spirit: That is the Ruach HaQodesh.

 

But then we have this term “miqra” to sort out. Miqra means a reading; to bring together in an assembly by or as if by command; a calling together. Anciently, miqra means a calling together to meet. In such instances, we’re talking about a reading from a scroll at such a called meeting, which is important in our discussion regarding the Fall Feasts of the LORD. For we find in Deuteronomy/Devarim 31:10-13 where Yah instructs us to have Torah read before all who attend the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot every 7th-year—that being the Sh’mittah Year. So, the reading and teaching of Yah’s Torah is an important part of Yah’s feasts.

 

So, to sum it up: The Feasts of the LORD are to be set times/observances where Yah’s people assemble themselves together in one place for purposes of hearing Yah’s Torah and worshiping and celebrating Yah on an annual/yearly basis.

 

 

Convocating When There’s No Miqra to be Had

 

Now, it should be mentioned that many in our Faith Community do not live near Torah-observant assemblies/congregations/fellowships and are unable to personally convocate/assemble/worship with like-minded Netzari/Messianics. This situation is made more problematic during the Feasts.

 

Indeed, the Feasts of the LORD are meant to be social events, more so than solitary events that where we take-off from work and sit either alone or with our families in our homes, read a few passages of scripture, pray, and maybe have a meal or two to round-out the set-apart days. And to be honest with you, depending on our individual situations, Yah may see us through periods where we’re forced to keep Yah’s set-apart days, including the weekly Sabbaths alone or just with our immediate family.

 

I would counsel that when one finds themselves in such a situation that they first and foremost turn the situation over to Yah and ask Him to provide them with a sacred assembly. Trust Yah to provide for our worship needs just as He provides for our day-to-day material needs. And if it falls within Yah’s will and plan for you, He will find a sacred convocation for you to attend on His set-apart days in His perfect time.

 

In the meantime, we do our best to keep Yah’s Feasts in Spirit and in Truth.

 

Today, technology provides us the means of connecting with like-minded brethren across the planet, either in real-time, or on demand. And so, we may find ourselves, until Yah makes provisions otherwise, keeping Yah’s set-apart days on our own in our own dwellings, or connecting with brethren over the internet, or even the phone.

 

Now, I get that there are certain brethren in our Faith Community today who believe that the internet is of hasatan, and that Yah’s set-apart people have no business using it.

 

Well, all I have to say in response to that is “stop.” I get that evil people use the internet. But so do Yah’s elect. A person doesn’t make a thing such as the internet a bad or good thing. It’s the person that is either evil or righteous. Evil, wicked people, as you no doubt know, use various mediums in this world to fulfill their wicked and evil agendas. Conversely, many of Yah’s most devoted children use the internet and technology to proclaim Yah’s Word to the world and point people to Yeshua as their savior.

 

You know, it would be foolish for us to rob Yah of the opportunity to commune with us using the technology that He has allowed humanity to possess. Right now, we have the freedom to convocate, worship, and learn using technology. And it behooves us as Yah’s elect to stop being too high-minded and holier than our brethren who are just searching for Truth and use that which Abba has provided to us to bring lead people into a covenant relationship with the Creator of the Universe through the Person and Ministry of Yeshua Messiah. 

 

So, we convocate on Yah’s set-apart days in Spirit and in Truth, guarding, observing, and keeping these days to the best of our understanding and ability each year.

 

The First of Yah’s Feasts: The Weekly Sabbath

 

We find in verse 3 of the 23rd chapter of Leviticus/Vayiqra, that the weekly Sabbath/Shabbat is the first of Yah’s set-apart days. Many do not think of the weekly Sabbath as a set-apart day of Yah, but it is probably the most important of Yah’s set-apart days. For it teaches us to obey Yah and to honor those things which are important to Yah.

 

For the Sabbath, Yah requires the following:

 

  • That we observe a Sabbath rest on the 7th day of every week. He didn’t instruct us to observe a Sabbath rest on Sundays. Instead, Yah requires that we abandon the cares/the tasks/the concerns of the other 6-days of the week and focus only on Yah and that which Yah has for us to do on that day.
  • We are to come together in a holy assembly—a miqra qodesh each Sabbath.
  • We are to perform no manner of work on the Sabbath. Which means that we not only to abstain from performing occupational work on the day, but also abstain laborious or servile work on that day (such as housework; yard work; shopping; and the like).
  • And we are to keep the weekly Sabbath without fail, regardless of where we may dwell on the earth.

 

 

Yom Teruah—The Day of the Blowing of Trumpets—the First of the Fall Feasts of the LORD

 

We skip down to verses 24 and 25 of the 23rd chapter of Leviticus to begin our overview and survey of the Fall Feasts of the LORD, beginning with Yom Teruah.

 

(We skip verses 4 through 22 because these outline for us the Spring Feasts of Yah. And if by chance you desire a more detailed overview and discussion of the Spiring Feasts of the LORD, I would humbly encourage you to either read or listen to our posts entitled:

 

  • “Some Passover Basics-Keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread in 2022-Part 1.”
  • “Keeping Passover by Way of the Original Covenant-Part 2 of Keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread in 2022.”
  • “Keeping Passover by Way of the Renewed Covenant-Part-3 of Keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread in 2022.”
  • And “Shavuot-Pentecost 2022 in Focus-Netzari-Messianic Perspectives on the Feast of Shavuot.”)

 

But returning to Yom Teruah, also known as the Day of the Blowing of Trumpets or the Feast of Trumpets, we find that it always falls on the first-day of the 7th month. Now, for those of us who keep the observational calendar, the actual date in which the Feast of Trumpets/Yom Teruah falls is wholly dependent on the sighting of the 7th-renewed moon over the land of Yisra’el. It is projected, assuming that the 7th-renewed moon is indeed sighted, that Yom Teruah will begin at sundown on 9/27/2022, which is on the evening of the 3rd day (aka T-esday). If by chance the renewed moon is NOT sighted on the 27th, Yom Teruah will, by default, commence at sundown on 9/28/2022, which will be the evening of the 4th day (aka W-dnesday).

 

For the observationalists, Yom Teruah is the only Feast Day of Yah’s set-apart calendar that we don’t know for sure which day it will hit. Which in and of itself is so prophetically profound. For Yom Teruah is generally viewed by many in our Faith Community as being representative of our Master’s second coming and the advent of the first resurrection.

 

We find embedded at the very end of Yeshua’s Parable of the 10-Bridesmaids a critical warning which applies to every would-be child of Yah:

 

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13).

 

And so, we observationalists watch and wait for reports to come out of the Land of Yisra’el regarding the sighting of the renewed moon the evening in which we anticipate Yom Teruah to begin. Consequently, this is generally an anxious time for us because our Sukkot plans hinge on when the 7th month begins, not unlike the beginning of each sacred calendar year when we await word from the Land of Yisra’el regarding the maturity of the barley crop and the sighting of the renewed moon which signals the start of the 1st Month of Yah’s sacred calendar year.

 

Indeed, the observational calendar is a calendar of faith, for in it we learn to rely upon the sovereignty and will of our Heavenly Father who alone determines when His Feasts will occur. Which I believe is the way Abba always intended it to be.

 

But I realize and respect that the vast majority of brethren Messianics/Netzari keep the rabbinic, calculated calendar. And as I mentioned in “Some Passover Basics-Keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread in 2022-Part 1” I don’t believe Abba has to-date fully restored the knowledge and use of His observational calendar to the Body of Messiah. And so, until that time of restoration, our Faith Communities will generally be divided where some will be led to keep the observational calendar, while others are led to keep the rabbinic calculated calendar. Which means that our Faith Community will, for the most part, keep the Feasts of the LORD, more times than not, on different days.

 

I guess we can be grateful that we all keep the weekly Sabbath on the same day, which is a good thing.

 

Anyway, Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets, according to the rabbinic Calendar, will occur at sundown on the first day of the week (aka S-nday), on 9/25/2022.

 

Now, you should be aware that our Jewish cousins refer to Yom Teruah by another name: Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, as you may or may not know, means “head” or “beginning of the year.” And so, you’ll likely never see the Hebrew name of this Feast, which is Yom Teruah on any rabbinic calendar. And that’s because the rabbis readjusted the meaning and focus on the day to that of being the Jewish New Year.

 

Now, some of you may be wondering why the rabbis made Yom Teruah, a Feast of the LORD that Yah mandated be kept in the 7th-biblical month, New Year’s Day when Yah clearly declared to us that Aviv 1 (see “Some Passover Basics-Keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread in 2022-Part 1” for specifics) is to be the head of the biblical new year for us.

 

Well, it turns out that the Rabbis (and we’ll get more into this, Abba willing, when we discuss Yom Teruah on its own next week) took Yah’s description of the Feast of Ingathering (another name Yah gave us for Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles) which takes place at the end of Yisra’el’s planting and harvesting cycle, as an indication that Yom Teruah must be the Jewish New Year or Rosh Hashanah (reference Exodus/Shemot 23:16). But what Yah was describing here in this verse is that Sukkot (I.e., the Feast of Tabernacles) is situated on Yah’s sacred calendar at the end of our agricultural year. That is, the Fall Feasts in general mark the end of Yisra’el agricultural year, not Yah’s biblical calendar year. The Fall Feasts of the LORD do not mark the end of the last and the start of a new year. And the tragedy is that we have a great many brethren and fellowships in our Faith Community that teach this lie.

 

Consequently, Yom Teruah is NOT Rosh Hashanah as the rabbis have made it out to be. It is in fact another example of the rabbis adding to Yah’s Torah, which Abba commanded in His Torah:

 

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD/Yehovah your God/Elohim that I command you” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 4:2; ESV).

 

Rosh Hashanah, New Year’s Day, according to Yehovah our Elohim, is Aviv 1:

 

“This month (that being the Month of the Aviv) shall be unto you the beginning of months (I.e., rosh chodesh): It shall be the first month of the year (I.e., Rosh Hashanah) to you” (Exodus/Shemot 12:2; KJV).

 

So beloved, don’t be taken by “rabbinic gibberish” as it relates to the Feasts of the LORD.

 

But we learn in verses 24 and 25 of the 23rd chapter of Leviticus/Shemot the following regarding our keeping of Yom Teruah:

 

  • It is to be kept on the 1st-day of the 7th month.
  • Yom Teruah is to be kept as a Sabbath-rest day.
  • It is to be a Memorial Day that is marked by the blowing of shofars or shouting.
    • The Hebraic meaning of Teruah by the way is that of an alarm; a signal; a sound of tempest; a shout; a shout or blast of war or alarm or joy; a shout of joy.
    • Anciently, Teruah referred to a “great shout of alarm, war, or rejoicing.” You know how in some war or battle movies the warriors or soldiers shout at the top of the lungs when they are attacking or fighting, and when they’d won a battle. The winning soldiers would customarily let out loud shouts of joy. Well, this is the idea behind the term Teruah—making loud noises—be they with shofars or with shouts from our mouths—of joy unto Yehovah.
    • The term “Yom” simply means day: The Day of…In this case, we’re talking about the Day of rejoicing with loud shouts and blasts from the shofar.
  • Like the weekly Sabbath, Yom Teruah is to be a day in which we convocate: Like Shabbat, we are to gather on this set-apart day in a “holy/set-apart assembly.”
  • It is to be a day in which we are to do no occupational work, which means that we are to take off from our jobs and not engage in any occupational labor.
  • We are, of course, with the name of the day in mind, required to render unto our Heavenly Father shouts of rejoicing and joy, and if we have them, we are to blow our shofars as a memorial unto Yehovah our Elohim. For our Elohim loves to be praised and celebrated by His children.
  • And lastly, we are required to render unto Yah the appropriate offering (see Numbers/Bemidbar 29:2-6). And we’ll get into what this offering looks like for us today when we discuss Yom Teruah next week, Abba willing.

 

 

Yom Kippur/Kippurim—The Day of Atonement—Deemed the Holiest Day of the Set-Apart Calendar Year

 

Next, we come to, what many in our Faith Community and the Jewish Community, refer to as the holiest day of the sacred calendar year. And that is Yom Kippur/Yom Kippurim, otherwise referred to as the Day of Atonement.

 

We find in verses 27 through 32 of the 23rd chapter of Leviticus/Vayiqra and verses 7 through 11 of the 29th chapter of Numbers/Bemidbar the following requirements for Yom Kippurim:

 

  • Our observance of Yom Kippurim is to take place on the 10th day of the 7th month of Yah’s sacred calendar year.
    • In terms of the observational calendar, we anticipate that Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on T-ursday (aka the 5th day of the week), on 10/6/2022. Of course, this date is subject to the sighting of the renewed moon at the start of the 7th month. If the renewed moon is not sighted at sundown on the T-esday, 9/27/2022, Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Fr-day, 10/7/2022. Which means that Yom Kippur will take place on a weekly Shabbat, which the rabbis do not ever allow to happen.
    • In terms of the calculated calendar Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on T-esday (aka the 3rd day of the week), on 10/4/2022.
  • Yah tells us that Yom Kippurim is to be a holy assembly/convocation.
  • We are to afflict our souls on that day. Biblically speaking, to afflict one’s soul, especially for Yom Kippur, is to engage in a full/complete fast. A complete fast means no drink and no food is to be consumed from sundown to sundown on the 10th day of the 7th month.
  • We are to render unto Yah appropriate offerings on Yom Kippurim (see Numbers/Bemidbar 29:7-11).
  • And as with the weekly Sabbath, we are to engage in no form of work, be it occupational or servile work. No manner of work is to be done on this day.
    • This is all the more evident in the fact that since it is a full-fast day, there is to be no food prepared for this day.
  • Yom Kippurim is a day in which we confess our sins unto Yah.
    • Indeed, we are to confess our sins unto Yah daily, but more so, on Yom Kippur, our confessions need to be more profound. It is to be a day of profound introspection.
    • Our Jewish cousins believe that one must recall the sins they’ve committed over the course of that year, especially all the wrongs they may have committed against others and confess those things to Yah with the hope of being forgiven by Yah. And it is during this season, especially from the 1st to the 10th day of the Month they call Tishri that they seek forgiveness for any wrongs that may have been committed one against another. So, it’s not unusual for a religious Jew to attempt to reestablish contact with someone they may have had a fallen out with, and to seek that person’s forgiveness. The belief is that if one doesn’t make it right with the one, they’ve wronged, their name will be removed from the Book of Life in heaven.
  • Yom Kippurim is a day in which Atonement is to be made for our sins before Yehovah. We know that Yahoshua made the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sins. So, our focus is directed towards the Person and Ministries of Yeshua Messiah, whose atoning sacrifice makes our covenant relationship with Yehovah possible.
  • And lastly, Yom Kippurim is to be solemnly observed in all our dwellings throughout our generations.

 

We’ll of course get deeper into Yom Kippurim, Abba willing, in 2-weeks’ time.

 

 

Sukkot—The Feast of Tabernacle—The Feast of Ingathering—the Feast of Booths–and Season of our Joy

 

And lastly, we find in verses 34 through 44 of the 23rd chapter of Leviticus/Vayiqra, verses 12 through 40 of the 29th chapter of Numbers/Bemidbar; verses 13 through 17 of the 16th chapter of Deuteronomy/Devarim, and in Exodus/Shemot 23:16 instructions regarding our keeping of Sukkot, aka the Feast of Tabernacles.

 

Generally speaking, Sukkot is an 7-day long pilgrimage feast with an additional day, referred to as Shemini Atzeret, added at the end of the 7-day long feast. But, more times than not, we refer to all 8-days as the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, although scripture delineates the two.

 

Sukkot tends to be the most popular of the annual Feasts of the LORD because many of us observe this 8-day feast by vacating our homes and taking up temporary abodes or dwellings in wonderful places for the entire feast. It is a time of gathering with like-minded brethren, away from their day-to-day lives. And it is a time of great joy and celebration wherever groups are gathered to celebrate this feast.

 

Contextually speaking, Sukkot is intricately tied to Yisra’el’s fall harvest season. Thus, Sukkot is meant to be a time of rejoicing over the bountiful harvest that Yah has provided us over the course of the year.

 

Yah requires the following from us in terms of our keeping Sukkot:

 

  • It is to be observed beginning the 15th day of the 7th month and it is to be a 7-consecutive day observance.
    • In terms of the observational calendar, we anticipate Sukkot to begin at sundown on the 3rd day of the week (aka T-esday), on 10/11/2022, and extend out through sundown on the 3rd day of the week (aka T-esday), on 10/18/2022. And of course, if the renewed moon is not sighted at sundown on 9/27/2022, Sukkot for us will begin at sundown on W-dnesday (4th day), 10/12/2022, and extend on to sundown on W-dnesday (4th day), 10/19/2022.
    • In terms of the rabbinic calendar, Sukkot will begin at sundown on the 1st day of the week (aka S-nday), on 10/9/2022, and extend on through to sundown on the first day of the week (aka Sunday).
  • On the first day of the 7-day celebration of Sukkot we are to proclaim a sacred assembly (I.e., a miqra qodesh).
    • It is to be a day in which we do no occupational work (I.e., we are to take off from our jobs).
    • And we are to render unto Yah proper offerings (see Numbers/Bemidbar 29:12-34).
  • We are instructed to dwell in what is referred to in the Hebrew as “sukkah’s,” or in our English vernacular, booths, or temporary dwellings. This serves as a memorial to the time our ancient Hebrew cousins sojourned in tents or booths (in the Elizabethan vernacular of the KJV) during the time of their Exodus out of Egypt/Mitsrayim.
  • And then on the 8th day known, which is referred to as Shemini Atzeret, we are to proclaim/convene/participate in a miqra qodesh—a holy assembly—a solemn assembly which serves as the close to our week-long festival (Hebrew meaning of the word “atzeret”). Our Faith Communities generally treat this convocational day as the last day of the Feast of Sukkot and the last day of the Fall Feasts of the LORD.
    • We are to render unto Yah an offering made by fire (see Numbers/Bemidbar 29:35-39).
    • As with the first day of Sukkot, we are to do no occupational work (I.e., we are to take off from our jobs).
    • It is to remain a statute of our Faith Community throughout all our generations.

 

 

Upcoming Discussions on the Fall Feasts of the LORD

 

Now that we have a general overview of the Fall Feasts of the LORD under our spiritual belts, so to speak, over the course of the next 3-discussions, Abba willing, we will individually examine each of these set-apart days. Not sure what that’s going to look like at this juncture, but I’m looking forward to fellowshipping with you and discussing some of the amazing nuances of each of these glorious, holy, beautiful, moedim-Feasts of Yah. 

 

 

 

 

 

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