Overview of the Fall Holidays:
The Biblical Holidays can be broken down into two main seasons. The Spring Feasts and the Fall Feasts. Just as Yeshua came to earth as the Suffering Servant during the Spring Feasts, He will come again to fulfill the Fall Feasts as the Conquering King, the Lion of Judah. It is also during this season that He will come as the Heavenly Bridegroom to take away His Bride. That is why these Holidays are particularly important for Believers. They act as our Wedding Rehearsals and prepare us for our Jewish Groom.
Interesting Facts on The Feast of Trumpets:
It is the only Biblical Holiday not specifically named by Yahuwah. He only says what we are to do on it.
Scripture classifies it as a zikrown (memorial) but does not say what it is we are supposed to be remembering, except for the blowing of trumpets.
Because of it's timing on the first of the lunar month, and the requirement that it must be sighted by at least two witnesses, no one knows the day or hour when it will occur, but only the season by watching. That's why it's often scheduled for two days instead of one.
Many Messianics believe that this will be the day that Yeshua Raptures His Bride.
When Do I Celebrate The Feast of Trumpets?
Leviticus 23 instructs us to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh month. This is done by watching for the new moon and counting off your months after the first Biblical month of Abib. To learn about Abib and New Moon sightings please click here. Watching for the correct timing of this Holiday is also important for the correct timing of the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are the next two feasts.
How Do I Celebrate The Feast of Trumpets?
Leviticus gives us specific instructions on how to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets:
Leviticus 23:23-25 KJV And the LORD [Yahuwah] spake unto Moses, saying, (24) Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. (25) Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [Yahuwah]. (emphasis mine)
There are some key words that I would like to bring to your attention. Let's start with the word sabbath. It not only refers to a day of rest, but also a Sabbath rest given by Yahuwah, and points to Salvation in Him. The words memorial and holy indicate that it is not only something we are to remember, but it is something important. The English word convocation is a translation of the Hebrew word "miqra" and refers to a rehearsal and assembly.
If you combine these points with Scripture in 1 Corinthians the mystery can be revealed:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 KJV)
These verses are referring to that special day when a heavenly trumpet will sound and Yahuwah's people will be gathered to Him to live with Him forever. This is the true Sabbath rest that Yahuwah's people will receive when their bodies are made immortal. The Holiday points to this special day that begins with the blowing of Trumpets. At the present time each celebration is a rehearsal for the actual day to come. In the future, it will be celebrated as a memorial much the same way people celebrate their wedding anniversaries. Notice that the actual time when Yahuwah gathers His people will be the assembly of all assemblies, or the miqra of all miqras, the day all creation has been waiting for!
Practical ways to celebrate this special day would include a gathering of your family and friends. Looking for the New Moon, and waiting for it's report to come from Israel (see Abib Article). Blowing the Shofar when you either receive the report or sight the new moon that designates the Holidays beginning. Teach your children about Trumpets and it's important significance to all mankind.
It is also a good time to speak of the next Biblical Holiday known as the Day of Atonement. This Holiday can be perplexing when you think about it. It is designated as a time to afflict your soul, and at the same time it is a day that the nation's sins are atoned for. The question that can be asked is: "Why would Yahuwah ask you to be sad at a time when your sins are atoned?" Could it be that this is the day that the Jews as a Nation come to know that Yeshua is their Messiah? At that time their sins will be atoned for, and at the same time they will understand that they had been wrong in the past regarding Yeshua. Even though this is information that should be taught during the Day of Atonement, it would be good to get everyone thinking about it, and to ask the question: "Will Yahuwah accept your Lamb offering?" If it is not Yeshua, He will not. If it is, He will, and you have the next Holiday to celebrate: The Feast of Tabernacles also known in Messianic circles as the Wedding Feast of the Lamb!
When do I Observe The Day of Atonement?
According to Scripture, the Day of Atonement is to be observed on the tenth day of the seventh month. (This is the seventh month after Abib. If you do not understand Abib, please click here to learn about Yahuwah's special month of Harvest.) You will not only need to know when Abib occurred, but also when the first day of the seventh month begins so that you can begin your counting to the tenth. The first day of all Biblical months is determined by the sighting of the new moon in Israel. Contrary to current thought, looking to the new moon to determine Yahuwah's appointed times is very Biblical. Psalms 104:19 says:
He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. (KJV)
The word seasons, in this verse, is a translation of the Hebrew word, moed, and refers to Yahuwah's appointed times. So, Yahuwah has appointed the moon to enable us to determine His appointed times. That is why the Jews (and all Believers) are to have New Moon Celebrations. It's not to celebrate the moon, but to celebrate another month passing, bringing us closer to the next Biblical Holiday. Most importantly, we need to know when the New Moons occur so that we can determine when these Rehearsals are to take place. It is sad indeed to miss your own Wedding Rehearsal.
How do I Observe The Day of Atonement?
Leviticus 23:27-32 KJV says:
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [Yahuwah]. (28) And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD [Yahuwah] your God. (29) For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (30) And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. (31) Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (32) It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
This is the only Biblical Holiday that is not celebratory in nature. Instead, Yahuwah instructs His people to afflict their souls on this day. Anyone who does not afflict his soul on this day is to be cut off from Israel. This Holiday can be perplexing when you think about it. The question that should be asked is, "Why would a day, that is known for Yahuwah atoning for the sins of the Nation, be a day of affliction?" It just doesn't seem to make sense, because this should be a day of great celebration. However, it would make perfect sense, if this is pointing to the day that Israel as a Nation comes to know Yeshua as their Messiah. Because, even though they will have great reason to celebrate at this time (their sins are atoned for) they will also know that they were wrong about Yeshua in the past.
This is spoken of in ZekarYahu (Zechariah) 12:10:
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)
Therefore we join in this affliction, by fasting, to prophetically point to this appointed time of Yahuwah, when He will save all Israel. After this comes the final Biblical Holiday that is the most joyous of all. It is the Feast of Sukkot.
When Do I Celebrate The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) (Sukkot)?
Scripture instructs Yahuwah's people to celebrate the Feast of Booths beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and last for seven days. There is also to be a sacred assembly on an additional eighth day. This is all based on the month of Abib. To learn about this special month on which all the Biblical Holidays are derived from please click here.
So...
It begins on the 15th day of the Seventh Biblical Month of Abib
It ends on the 22nd of the month
How Do I Celebrate The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) (Sukkot)?
Just as the early feasts relate to the Betrothal of Yeshua to His Bride, so the latter feasts relate to the Groom coming back for Her. Trumpets is when He comes to catch His Bride in the Rapture. The Day of Atonement is believed to be the day Yeshua reveals Himself to the Jews on a National Level. The last Feast, and best of all, is the Feast of Sukkot which relates to the wedding Feast of the Lamb, and the eternal dwelling of Yahuwah with His people. Leviticus 23:35 gives us a clue to this when it designates Sukkot as a "convocation" or in Hebrew, a "miqra". A "mik-raw'", as it is pronounced, is a rehearsal, just like a wedding rehearsal. Another clue comes when the original Hebrew Scripture records that we are to "chagah" this Feast. Chagag refers to a Solemn Festival with circle dance. The Jews have been demonstrating this dance for centuries in their weddings; we know it as Jewish Dance. Unfortunately, this dance rehearsal is lost in most English translations of the Scripture. To see it we need a Hebrew Dictionary and Concordance. Let's go to Leviticus 23:39 to see where this can be found:
Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. KJV
The word "keep" above is the English translation of the Hebrew word "chagag" and refers to a festival with circle dance, it's Strongs number is H2287. If you do not have a Hebrew Dictionary/Concordance, I strongly recommend getting one. The electronic versions are especially quick and powerful.
With all this being said, we know that the Feast of Booths is to be celebrated like a wedding rehearsal with great celebration and dance. In addition to this, we are also told that it is to be a seven day celebration with an additional eighth day added. The first day of Tabernacles, aka Sukkot, is a Sabbath which means that you are supposed to prepare your food ahead of time and do no regular work. The eighth day, which is technically not Sukkot, is also a Sabbath. In addition to offerings being given, this is a Feast where Yahuwah's people are to construct temporary shelters known as "sukkot" and dwell in them for the seven days. The purpose is to remind them that Yahuwah made them live in temporary shelters when He brought them out of Egypt. Leviticus 23:40 gives us specific instructions on what to use for their construction:
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD [Yahuwah] your God seven days. KJV
As usual a more precise understanding can be obtained if we look at the original Hebrew words. The English word "goodly" is a translation of the Hebrew word "haw-dawr'" and refers to magnificence, ornament or splendor; beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour and majesty. Or basically, use trees that are of a beautiful nature that will bring the honour that the Holiday deserves. When we combine this with what we have learned above, we can see the aspects of a wedding celebration continue to emerge. Not only is it beautiful with it's palm and willow roof but economical for the poor as well. Speaking of the poor, do you remember what Yeshua was born in? The English translation calls it a "manger" which is a place where animals are stored. In the Bible, the word Sukkah is used for mangers. Sukkah is the singular form of sukkot. So the Yeshua of our Elohim was born in a Sukkah! Do you think there might be a picture here?
Let's find this in Scripture:
Genesis 33:17 says: And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. KJV
The English word "booths", that he made for his cattle, is a translation of the Hebrew word "sukkah". So if we add the original Hebrew word back in the sentence we will see why Jacob named the place "Succoth":
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made sukkah for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. KJV
Remember that sukkah is the singular form of sukkot; or in other words it would be like "booth" is to "booths". The Feast of Sukkot prophetically points back to the day Yahuwah made the people of Israel dwell in a "sukkah". It also points back to the day Yeshua our Elohim, came to dwell with His people, being born in a Sukkah. Best of all, it prophetically points forward to the time He will again dwell physically with His people, and celebrate the Feast of all Feasts!
When Was Yeshua Born in a Sukkah?
There is compelling evidence to suggest that Yeshua was born during the Feast of Sukkot, and conceived during the Feast of Lights, or Hanukkah. To learn more, try doing an internet search on the phrase, "Was Yeshua Born on the Feast of Tabernacles?" There are some interesting articles, some better than others. So, this is the perfect time of year to celebrate the Birth of the Messiah, Yeshua. You might take one of the nights of the seven day celebration and have a birthday party for Yeshua. Perhaps you'll take your nativity scene and place it in your Sukkah, and let your children experience the humbleness of our Saviour's birth, or have your family act out the nativity story. You will find the true meaning of celebrating Yeshua's birth, as you return this celebration back to its original Hebrew roots, and to the correct timing in the season. Yeshua is all about bringing in the Harvest, doesn't it make sense that His first coming and His Second Coming are tied together in a Feast that celebrates Elohim dwelling with His People!
Summary
The main point of all the Biblical Holidays is to teach about Yahuwah's Great Plan of Salvation. This is especially important for the children. You will want to keep watch for the New Moons in order to count down to this Holiday as instructed in Scripture. (See our article on Abib if you haven't already.) Plan ahead for the construction of your sukkah. As the Scripture indicates, use Palm Branches and Willows for the roofs. If these are not available, the Scripture seems to indicate that any ornamental tree leaf will do. Use supporting wood strong enough to hold up as a structure. Walls are not commanded or necessary, but the ceiling has spiritual significance. The Holiday is supposed to be celebrated in Jerusalem, but since the Temple is no longer standing, many people celebrate it at home. A time will come during the Millennial Reign when all of the obedient will come to Jerusalem to celebrate it. That is something to look forward to. Whether at home, or in Jerusalem have your children involved in the construction of your sukkah. This will not only make it a good teaching tool, but provide great memories and help to strengthen bonds with your children. It will also be good to have them directly involved in all aspects of the Feast, such as keeping track of the Biblical Months, watching for the New Moons, etcetera. Remember to share with your children that you are watching for the New Moon to determine the months for the countdown to the Biblical Holidays, and not because you particularly care about the moon. Elohim set them in place for the very purpose of determining the moedim (appointed times). One of the main purposes of keeping the children actively involved is so that they will come to a place where they can teach this to their children some day.
It's important to have fun and celebrate but not to become silly. These Feasts should not carry a "Youth Group" mentality and out of respect, should carry more of a family oriented atmosphere. It helps to remember that this is like a wedding rehearsal, and married couples are a picture of Yeshua and His Bride. Father's should carry an attitude of love and respect for their children. Mother's should demonstrate to their children that the Father is the head of the household, and do it in such a way that the children know that it is out of love and from the heart. The Father's love for His Wife should reflect the love of Yeshua for His Bride. Your relationship should be so close, that it reminds people of newlyweds. As you discover Yahuwah's purpose for marriage you will find your love for your spouse will grow.
The Feast of Sukkot is an exciting, joyous, and intimate time with our Savior, as we look forward to His Return and the celebration of our wedding. Our celebration should be an outflow of our desire to see Him someday.
The Biblical Holidays can be broken down into two main seasons. The Spring Feasts and the Fall Feasts. Just as Yeshua came to earth as the Suffering Servant during the Spring Feasts, He will come again to fulfill the Fall Feasts as the Conquering King, the Lion of Judah. It is also during this season that He will come as the Heavenly Bridegroom to take away His Bride. That is why these Holidays are particularly important for Believers. They act as our Wedding Rehearsals and prepare us for our Jewish Groom.
Interesting Facts on The Feast of Trumpets:
It is the only Biblical Holiday not specifically named by Yahuwah. He only says what we are to do on it.
Scripture classifies it as a zikrown (memorial) but does not say what it is we are supposed to be remembering, except for the blowing of trumpets.
Because of it's timing on the first of the lunar month, and the requirement that it must be sighted by at least two witnesses, no one knows the day or hour when it will occur, but only the season by watching. That's why it's often scheduled for two days instead of one.
Many Messianics believe that this will be the day that Yeshua Raptures His Bride.
When Do I Celebrate The Feast of Trumpets?
Leviticus 23 instructs us to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh month. This is done by watching for the new moon and counting off your months after the first Biblical month of Abib. To learn about Abib and New Moon sightings please click here. Watching for the correct timing of this Holiday is also important for the correct timing of the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are the next two feasts.
How Do I Celebrate The Feast of Trumpets?
Leviticus gives us specific instructions on how to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets:
Leviticus 23:23-25 KJV And the LORD [Yahuwah] spake unto Moses, saying, (24) Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. (25) Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [Yahuwah]. (emphasis mine)
There are some key words that I would like to bring to your attention. Let's start with the word sabbath. It not only refers to a day of rest, but also a Sabbath rest given by Yahuwah, and points to Salvation in Him. The words memorial and holy indicate that it is not only something we are to remember, but it is something important. The English word convocation is a translation of the Hebrew word "miqra" and refers to a rehearsal and assembly.
If you combine these points with Scripture in 1 Corinthians the mystery can be revealed:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 KJV)
These verses are referring to that special day when a heavenly trumpet will sound and Yahuwah's people will be gathered to Him to live with Him forever. This is the true Sabbath rest that Yahuwah's people will receive when their bodies are made immortal. The Holiday points to this special day that begins with the blowing of Trumpets. At the present time each celebration is a rehearsal for the actual day to come. In the future, it will be celebrated as a memorial much the same way people celebrate their wedding anniversaries. Notice that the actual time when Yahuwah gathers His people will be the assembly of all assemblies, or the miqra of all miqras, the day all creation has been waiting for!
Practical ways to celebrate this special day would include a gathering of your family and friends. Looking for the New Moon, and waiting for it's report to come from Israel (see Abib Article). Blowing the Shofar when you either receive the report or sight the new moon that designates the Holidays beginning. Teach your children about Trumpets and it's important significance to all mankind.
It is also a good time to speak of the next Biblical Holiday known as the Day of Atonement. This Holiday can be perplexing when you think about it. It is designated as a time to afflict your soul, and at the same time it is a day that the nation's sins are atoned for. The question that can be asked is: "Why would Yahuwah ask you to be sad at a time when your sins are atoned?" Could it be that this is the day that the Jews as a Nation come to know that Yeshua is their Messiah? At that time their sins will be atoned for, and at the same time they will understand that they had been wrong in the past regarding Yeshua. Even though this is information that should be taught during the Day of Atonement, it would be good to get everyone thinking about it, and to ask the question: "Will Yahuwah accept your Lamb offering?" If it is not Yeshua, He will not. If it is, He will, and you have the next Holiday to celebrate: The Feast of Tabernacles also known in Messianic circles as the Wedding Feast of the Lamb!
When do I Observe The Day of Atonement?
According to Scripture, the Day of Atonement is to be observed on the tenth day of the seventh month. (This is the seventh month after Abib. If you do not understand Abib, please click here to learn about Yahuwah's special month of Harvest.) You will not only need to know when Abib occurred, but also when the first day of the seventh month begins so that you can begin your counting to the tenth. The first day of all Biblical months is determined by the sighting of the new moon in Israel. Contrary to current thought, looking to the new moon to determine Yahuwah's appointed times is very Biblical. Psalms 104:19 says:
He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. (KJV)
The word seasons, in this verse, is a translation of the Hebrew word, moed, and refers to Yahuwah's appointed times. So, Yahuwah has appointed the moon to enable us to determine His appointed times. That is why the Jews (and all Believers) are to have New Moon Celebrations. It's not to celebrate the moon, but to celebrate another month passing, bringing us closer to the next Biblical Holiday. Most importantly, we need to know when the New Moons occur so that we can determine when these Rehearsals are to take place. It is sad indeed to miss your own Wedding Rehearsal.
How do I Observe The Day of Atonement?
Leviticus 23:27-32 KJV says:
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD [Yahuwah]. (28) And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD [Yahuwah] your God. (29) For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. (30) And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. (31) Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (32) It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
This is the only Biblical Holiday that is not celebratory in nature. Instead, Yahuwah instructs His people to afflict their souls on this day. Anyone who does not afflict his soul on this day is to be cut off from Israel. This Holiday can be perplexing when you think about it. The question that should be asked is, "Why would a day, that is known for Yahuwah atoning for the sins of the Nation, be a day of affliction?" It just doesn't seem to make sense, because this should be a day of great celebration. However, it would make perfect sense, if this is pointing to the day that Israel as a Nation comes to know Yeshua as their Messiah. Because, even though they will have great reason to celebrate at this time (their sins are atoned for) they will also know that they were wrong about Yeshua in the past.
This is spoken of in ZekarYahu (Zechariah) 12:10:
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)
Therefore we join in this affliction, by fasting, to prophetically point to this appointed time of Yahuwah, when He will save all Israel. After this comes the final Biblical Holiday that is the most joyous of all. It is the Feast of Sukkot.
When Do I Celebrate The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) (Sukkot)?
Scripture instructs Yahuwah's people to celebrate the Feast of Booths beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and last for seven days. There is also to be a sacred assembly on an additional eighth day. This is all based on the month of Abib. To learn about this special month on which all the Biblical Holidays are derived from please click here.
So...
It begins on the 15th day of the Seventh Biblical Month of Abib
It ends on the 22nd of the month
How Do I Celebrate The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) (Sukkot)?
Just as the early feasts relate to the Betrothal of Yeshua to His Bride, so the latter feasts relate to the Groom coming back for Her. Trumpets is when He comes to catch His Bride in the Rapture. The Day of Atonement is believed to be the day Yeshua reveals Himself to the Jews on a National Level. The last Feast, and best of all, is the Feast of Sukkot which relates to the wedding Feast of the Lamb, and the eternal dwelling of Yahuwah with His people. Leviticus 23:35 gives us a clue to this when it designates Sukkot as a "convocation" or in Hebrew, a "miqra". A "mik-raw'", as it is pronounced, is a rehearsal, just like a wedding rehearsal. Another clue comes when the original Hebrew Scripture records that we are to "chagah" this Feast. Chagag refers to a Solemn Festival with circle dance. The Jews have been demonstrating this dance for centuries in their weddings; we know it as Jewish Dance. Unfortunately, this dance rehearsal is lost in most English translations of the Scripture. To see it we need a Hebrew Dictionary and Concordance. Let's go to Leviticus 23:39 to see where this can be found:
Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. KJV
The word "keep" above is the English translation of the Hebrew word "chagag" and refers to a festival with circle dance, it's Strongs number is H2287. If you do not have a Hebrew Dictionary/Concordance, I strongly recommend getting one. The electronic versions are especially quick and powerful.
With all this being said, we know that the Feast of Booths is to be celebrated like a wedding rehearsal with great celebration and dance. In addition to this, we are also told that it is to be a seven day celebration with an additional eighth day added. The first day of Tabernacles, aka Sukkot, is a Sabbath which means that you are supposed to prepare your food ahead of time and do no regular work. The eighth day, which is technically not Sukkot, is also a Sabbath. In addition to offerings being given, this is a Feast where Yahuwah's people are to construct temporary shelters known as "sukkot" and dwell in them for the seven days. The purpose is to remind them that Yahuwah made them live in temporary shelters when He brought them out of Egypt. Leviticus 23:40 gives us specific instructions on what to use for their construction:
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD [Yahuwah] your God seven days. KJV
As usual a more precise understanding can be obtained if we look at the original Hebrew words. The English word "goodly" is a translation of the Hebrew word "haw-dawr'" and refers to magnificence, ornament or splendor; beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour and majesty. Or basically, use trees that are of a beautiful nature that will bring the honour that the Holiday deserves. When we combine this with what we have learned above, we can see the aspects of a wedding celebration continue to emerge. Not only is it beautiful with it's palm and willow roof but economical for the poor as well. Speaking of the poor, do you remember what Yeshua was born in? The English translation calls it a "manger" which is a place where animals are stored. In the Bible, the word Sukkah is used for mangers. Sukkah is the singular form of sukkot. So the Yeshua of our Elohim was born in a Sukkah! Do you think there might be a picture here?
Let's find this in Scripture:
Genesis 33:17 says: And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. KJV
The English word "booths", that he made for his cattle, is a translation of the Hebrew word "sukkah". So if we add the original Hebrew word back in the sentence we will see why Jacob named the place "Succoth":
And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made sukkah for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. KJV
Remember that sukkah is the singular form of sukkot; or in other words it would be like "booth" is to "booths". The Feast of Sukkot prophetically points back to the day Yahuwah made the people of Israel dwell in a "sukkah". It also points back to the day Yeshua our Elohim, came to dwell with His people, being born in a Sukkah. Best of all, it prophetically points forward to the time He will again dwell physically with His people, and celebrate the Feast of all Feasts!
When Was Yeshua Born in a Sukkah?
There is compelling evidence to suggest that Yeshua was born during the Feast of Sukkot, and conceived during the Feast of Lights, or Hanukkah. To learn more, try doing an internet search on the phrase, "Was Yeshua Born on the Feast of Tabernacles?" There are some interesting articles, some better than others. So, this is the perfect time of year to celebrate the Birth of the Messiah, Yeshua. You might take one of the nights of the seven day celebration and have a birthday party for Yeshua. Perhaps you'll take your nativity scene and place it in your Sukkah, and let your children experience the humbleness of our Saviour's birth, or have your family act out the nativity story. You will find the true meaning of celebrating Yeshua's birth, as you return this celebration back to its original Hebrew roots, and to the correct timing in the season. Yeshua is all about bringing in the Harvest, doesn't it make sense that His first coming and His Second Coming are tied together in a Feast that celebrates Elohim dwelling with His People!
Summary
The main point of all the Biblical Holidays is to teach about Yahuwah's Great Plan of Salvation. This is especially important for the children. You will want to keep watch for the New Moons in order to count down to this Holiday as instructed in Scripture. (See our article on Abib if you haven't already.) Plan ahead for the construction of your sukkah. As the Scripture indicates, use Palm Branches and Willows for the roofs. If these are not available, the Scripture seems to indicate that any ornamental tree leaf will do. Use supporting wood strong enough to hold up as a structure. Walls are not commanded or necessary, but the ceiling has spiritual significance. The Holiday is supposed to be celebrated in Jerusalem, but since the Temple is no longer standing, many people celebrate it at home. A time will come during the Millennial Reign when all of the obedient will come to Jerusalem to celebrate it. That is something to look forward to. Whether at home, or in Jerusalem have your children involved in the construction of your sukkah. This will not only make it a good teaching tool, but provide great memories and help to strengthen bonds with your children. It will also be good to have them directly involved in all aspects of the Feast, such as keeping track of the Biblical Months, watching for the New Moons, etcetera. Remember to share with your children that you are watching for the New Moon to determine the months for the countdown to the Biblical Holidays, and not because you particularly care about the moon. Elohim set them in place for the very purpose of determining the moedim (appointed times). One of the main purposes of keeping the children actively involved is so that they will come to a place where they can teach this to their children some day.
It's important to have fun and celebrate but not to become silly. These Feasts should not carry a "Youth Group" mentality and out of respect, should carry more of a family oriented atmosphere. It helps to remember that this is like a wedding rehearsal, and married couples are a picture of Yeshua and His Bride. Father's should carry an attitude of love and respect for their children. Mother's should demonstrate to their children that the Father is the head of the household, and do it in such a way that the children know that it is out of love and from the heart. The Father's love for His Wife should reflect the love of Yeshua for His Bride. Your relationship should be so close, that it reminds people of newlyweds. As you discover Yahuwah's purpose for marriage you will find your love for your spouse will grow.
The Feast of Sukkot is an exciting, joyous, and intimate time with our Savior, as we look forward to His Return and the celebration of our wedding. Our celebration should be an outflow of our desire to see Him someday.
Practical Restoration
The Fall Feasts, Biblical Holidays
The Fall Feasts, Biblical Holidays
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Welcome to the “Practical Restoration” area of our website. The Practical Restoration pages are designed to help you put into practice the Restoration points covered throughout this website. They are specifically designed for those who are already familiar with Restoration and desire help in getting started. If these ideas are new to you, please refer to our home page where you will find information on the various Restoration areas.
This page contains practical information on how to celebrate the Fall Feasts.
This page contains practical information on how to celebrate the Fall Feasts.
Building Our
Sukkah
Sukkah
Website:
© Copyright 2004 - 2011
On Eagle's Wings Inc.
All Rights Reserved
© Copyright 2004 - 2011
On Eagle's Wings Inc.
All Rights Reserved
