Tag: Moses

Mysterious Secret of the Hilazon

The Mysterious Secret of the Hilazon – Dyeing to be Holy.

This is part of the mystery of the Tzitzit (fringe), and not the Tallit (Prayer Shawl) itself. Scriputre shows that our Hebrew Savior, Lord Jesus/Yeshua did wear Tzitziot, (the plural of Tzitzit), on His Prayer Shawl. This was a matter of keeping Torah, the Law, the Instruction of God; and Messiah kept Torah perfectly!Numbers 15:37-41 verse 38, ‘And the Lord/YHVH/Adonai spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them throughout their generations fringes in the corners of their garments, and that they put with the fringe of each corner a thread of blue.”Each of the four corners of the garment, ‘Tallit’ (prayer shawl), had to have Tzitzit (fringe) on it. This was made very clear to the children of Israel. They were to look on fringes and ‘Remember (Zikkaron) the ‘Words’ of Torah.’ 

 For God to place this instruction in scripture, commanding His people to make the fringes with the blue thread, He was in effect saying: ‘You are a kingdom of priests to Me.’ This is echoed in Rev. 1:6: “He has made us kings and priests (lit. ‘a kingdom of priests’) unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” 

The scriptures also teach that it was a violation ordinarily for one to mix two fibers such as wool and linen.

The fringes were to be made of wool, but this blue thread was to be made of linen.

So only in this instance, did God allow this to be done. It goes without saying that wool comes from sheep and of course the significance that Jesus/Yeshua being not only the Shepherd but also the Lamb of God is not without deep meaning.

A talit gadol (or a talit katan) must be primarily white with black stripes and made from at least 51% natural fibers. ‘Who is this that comes from Edom, with DYED garments from Bozrah? This glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength? I that speak in righteousness mighty to save’. (Isaiah 63:1) The word tallit תַטִלּי is pronounced TAH-LISS by those who use the East European Hebrew dialect. The plural, “tallesim,” is pronounced as TAH-LAY-SIM.” The more modern Israeli pronounciation you will hear most often, is “TAH-LEET.” The plural is “tallitot.” Pronounced as TAHLEE-TOHT.” The fringes on the talit are “tzitzit.” Pronounced zeet zeet  “TSI-TSIT.”The term Tallit, or talith is two Hebrew words, “TAL, meaning “tent” and ITH, meaning “little.” The tallit, when wrapped around the shoulders and pulled over the head, forms for the owner a “little tent” or “prayer closet where he may meet privately with God. The Psalmist writes:

I will dwell in your tent for all ages; I will take refuge in the shelter of the corners of your Tallit.” Tassels added to the hem were not worn by commoners, but by the nobility or royalty. The second significance of the tzitzit, then, is that they showed the wearer to be more than a commoner. He was a noble, or a royal personage.Not just the presence of the tzitzit but their colors also carried meaning. The color was white, but among the white cords on each tassel there was to be one blue strand. This color combination was part of the trappings of royalty, as were the colors blue and purple:The third significance of the tzitzit, therefore, was in their colors. They spoke of royalty and kingship. Even today we talk of “royal blue” and “royal purple” from the custom of Roman emperors who wore purple mantles.

The Tzitzit had to have a cord of blue (techlet) in it, according to the command of God. Why Blue and where did the blue color come from?

Tekhelet or techlet is a blue dye mentioned 49 times in the Hebrew Bible/Tenakh.It was used in the clothing of the High Priest,the tapestriesof the Tabernacleand the Tassels.Blue stripes were to be used: as with techelet, the sages explain why tekhelet blue is so significant.

The symbolism of tekhelet is manifold;the rich blue colors recall the oceans and the sea. The sea is like the sky of the infinite Heavens, reminding us of God’s presence in the world and of the bond between the wearer and God;
 and the Heavens are like God’s Throne of Glory, (kisei ha’kavod), the foundations of which are said to be sapphire. It is also to remind us of God Himself and where the Divine Presence dwells.

In the old testament The tallith of a prophet or master teacher would have dark purple-blue threads in the corner tassel. People believed that the purple thread contained miracle power.This is why the woman with the issue of blood wanted to touch the hem of Jesus’ tallith or garment. When she was healed, Jesus said, “Who touched Me?…I felt virtue leave Me.” Then He told her, “Your faith has made you whole,” clarifying it was not a purple thread but her faith in Him as Messiah (see Matthew 9:20-22 and Luke 8:43-48). 

According to the Talmud, the color was obtained and dye produced from a marine creature. A species of snail called Murex trunculus,known as the Hilazon or Chilazon.

It took some 12,000 of these to fill a thimble with blue dye.

This small animal’s body contains a special gland.

The liquid from this gland was dried and became a powered dye.In Acts 16, Lydia, a resident of Thyatira;being a seller of purple, would have been a wealthy and influencial woman. The clients who purchased garments or fabric from her, were the very rich. (Acts 16:14-16:40)This color was so expensive, that all but royalty were to wear it. When Messiah Jesus/Yeshua haMashiach returns riding in the heavens on His majestic white war horse, He will be clothed in glorious royal, garments of a King.

The zitzit with one thread of blue.

Why Blue and where did the blue color come from?

Some three thousand five hundred years ago, Moses gave instructions for the making of “tekhelet” (blue dye) that was to be used in the veil that covered the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and in the ribbons along the edges of the tallit – the Jewish prayer shawl.

One of the contributions Adonai requested in the wilderness was blue which is tekhelet תכלת in Hebrew. Tekhelet blue, known as Divine Blue, identifying Israel and her God.Numbers 15:38, established the cord of blue as a necessity for all generations of Israel: “Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue.”

 Much of the Wilderness Tabernacle utilized tekhelet blue:


Exodus 26:1 “ten curtains of fine twisted linen and tekhelet blue”Exodus 26:4 “loops of tekhelet blue on the edge of the outermost curtain … likewise on the edge of the curtain in the second set.”

  • Exodus 26:31 “You shall make a veil of tekhelet blue…”Exodus 26:36 “a screen for the doorway of the tent of tekhelet blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen…”

  • Exodus 27:16 “a screen of twenty cubits, of tekhelet blue…” 

This fact alone is very curious, as the Israelites must have had access to a significant amount of this dye and they were in the wilderness! The interesting question is, did they bring it with them from Egypt? Was it part of the wealth of Egypt that they left with?This is probably the case as the coast of Egypt which included Goshen where they were enslaved was part of the Mediterranean Sea; and also as expensive as this color was to own, no doubt the Egyptians had it and it was something to be desired.Location of wilderness tabernacle and where they were in the wilderness at Mount Sinai.Here they received Torah and instructions for building the Mishkan.The distance from Goshen to Mediterranean Sea was about 40 kilometers, approx. 25miles.

Lost and Found — The Tale of a Snail

Tekhelet blue, known as Divine Blue, has come to symbolize the hope of redemption; with its loss and amazing rediscovery after nearly 2,000 years.

 Extracting blue and purple dyes from a snail that grew in the Mediterranean became an important industry for centuries. However, with the Islamic invasion of the Holy Land in the seventh century, the industry disappeared. For the past 14 centuries the formula has evaded Jewish scholars.

Thus, until recently, Jewish prayer shawls have had only black ribbons.

When the Romans conquered Israel in 63 BC they seized control of the production of tekhelet blue.  By the third century AD, under the Emperor Constantine, only Romans, and primarily royalty, were allowed to use and wear the tekhelet blue. Jews were prohibited from its use—especially after the Council of Nicaea which established harsh laws restricting Jews (and Christians) from observing biblical commandments from the Old Testament.

Jewish dyers went underground. By around 600 AD, as the Jews were scattered, persecuted, and confined to ghettos, the identity of the creature from which the dye was extracted and the process of producing tekhelet blue was lost all together.From that time until very recently, tallits, the traditional prayer shawl that held the tzitzit, or tassels, as commanded in Numbers 15:38, on its corners, could not contain the cord of blue. 

The sages believed the loss of the tekhelet blue was attributed to the disobedience of Israel, suggesting that its rediscovery would be a sign of restoration and signal the coming of Messiah in His glory to Israel.

The miraculous rebirth of Israel in 1948, and the reunification of Jerusalem following the Six Day War in 1967 inspired zeal and renewed hope among the Jewish People. They thought redemption may truly be at hand. The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has painstakingly recreated the Holy Vessels and Garments in anticipation of the rebuilding of the Holy Temple according to biblical descriptions. Missing were the tekhelet blue and the ashes of the Red Heifer.

Tekhelet Restored! 

Tekhelet, (Strong’s 8504) the color (violet). Strong’s feels this sapphire blue comes from the Cerulean mussel in which the dye was obtained.  This was the color, blue, representing the firmament of the heavens that was used as fabric and curtains to drape the ceiling of the Wilderness Tabernacle.  It was the Zohar, when it refered to tekeleth, that stated, “This color had to appear in the Tabernacle for this reason:”Genesis 1:6 – “And God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’” 

It was this dye, the color sapphire blue that became one of the rarest and most costly of dyes to be obtained in the ancient world.  It was always known to come from the gland of a snail in the Mediterranean, which disappeared soon after the destruction of the temple in 70 CE, and the process of how to extract it was lost. One source reports that in 1984, Irving Ziderman, a biochemist at the Israel Fiber Institute in Jerusalem, was able to identify the source of the ancient dye. After years of research, trial and error, he perfected the process, using the mucus of the “banded dye murex,” a spiny shellfish once thought to be extinct.Not until 1985, one Sabbatical week of years, was this snail rediscovered in the Mediterranean. Out of it came the royal purple and the royal blue.  It was also this blue dye that was used to dye the blue cord on each tzitzit, which was the hem or fringe of the prayer shawls of the Hebrews as commanded by HaShem.

Murex branfaris and Murex trunculus Snails 

 Numbers 15:37 – “HaShem said to Moses saying, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tzit-tzit on the corners of your garments, and with a blue cord on each tzit-tzit, You will have these tzit-tzit to look at and you will remember ALL the commands of the Lord, and you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lust of your own hearts and eyes.  Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.’”

 The secret to reviving this ancient formula to fulfill the commandment in Exodus 25:4 and produce tekhelet blue was a riddle waiting until the 1980s to be solved. 

The Biblical True Blue from the Murex Trunculus The Murex Trunculus snail had been identified in the early 20th century by the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. Ezekiel 27:7 speaks of Tekhelet blue from Tyre and the coastlands of Elishah. Archaeologists uncovered mounds of Murex shells in Tyre and the surrounding area that dated to the biblical period. Blue stains on large pots and vats from 1200 BC were tested, and found to be consistent with the modern day Murex trunculus. However, until the 1980’s all experiments on the Murex extract only yielded purple dye …

until one sunny day.

Otto Elsner, a professor at Shenker College of Engineering and Design near Tel Aviv, took the process outside in the sunlight, and found that the dye specimen turned a beautiful, perfect tekhelet blue.

As soon as the gland is exposed to oxygen, the liquid in that gland undergoes a fascinating chemical transformation from a clear liquid to a yellow, to a green, a greenish blue, aquamarine, then blue and ultimately ends up a dark purple the purple liquid is dried and then ground into a powder.  By exposing this new compound to sunlight, the blue described in the ancient Jewish sources is achieved.Dr. Baruch Sterman describes one of the most dramatic aspects of the tekhelet:

“The molecules of any specific color can be measured in exact wavelengths.  This measurement is read in increments called nanometers.  When the molecules of the blue color called Tekhelet, extracted from the murex trunculus snail are measured, the reading peaks at exactly 613 nanometers. What a marvelous coincidence that this number matches the total number of commandments in the Torah, written by the finger of God in sky-blue sapphire.”Because eventually the tekhelet was lost, until recently, an observant Jew could not fulfill the directive of gazing upon the blue cord or meditate on the “twist of blue” and recall the eternal Torah, hewn from sapphire under the Throne of Glory. However once again he can and very soon the non-Jew, who loves God, Torah and Israel, can look forward to the days when;

Zechariah 8:23 – “Ten men of all languages and nations will take hold of one Jew by the corner Tzit-tzit of his garment and say, ‘Let us go with you because we have heard that God is with you.’”

 

Once again—for the first time in almost 2,000 years, the Jewish People are able to fulfill this commandment in the Land of Israel. And once more, they wear a cord of blue in their tzitzit as commanded.

The Talmud (Menahot 44a) says that once every 70 years the shores of the land of Israel are visited by the segulit snail from which the tekhelet, used to mark certain religious items, was made.

On November 10, 1990, The Jerusalem Post reported that these snails had begun to surface by the thousands along the Mediterranean coast!!

Some Orthodox Jews believe the reappearance of the snails are a sign of the approaching of the Messianic Age. 

Today, in Israel those praying at the Western Wall are wearing prayer shawls with beautiful blue ribbons.

Below is a 2,000-year old textile that contains the mysterious blue dye described in the Bible.Isaiah writes: and come let us reason together that our sins though they be as scarlet, κόκκινον, can become as white as snow. 

This color of “sins like scarlet or κόκκινον, red as crimson” of Isaiah 1:18, is Tyrian or Phoenician purple, crimson of murex shellfish from φοινός phoinós “blood red” Mycenaean…

The miracle of this techlet is now being made once again in Israel. They have found the snail, (murex trunculus), that is needed to make the blue dye.

Today as we are literally seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled before our eyes; in so many ways and in such precise detail helps us to realize we are in close proximity to His appearance. Are we truly living by the fringe of a wing and a prayer?

Let’s continue praying with intent, ‘within tent’!

Remembering, taleh means lamb, and also comes from the word that means covering!

God provided Himself a lamb.

The Taleh Elohim the Lamb of God.

The Lamb is our covering –  The Taleh is our Taletha !

 

This small snail has returned to the waters of Israel, and is seen as a “Sign that Messiah is coming soon.”

Even so.. come Lord Jesus!Make sure we are ready when He does..

 

Please don’t leave this site without knowing you are saved and assured that you belong to Him; with a deep conviction that you know where you will go, when your body can no longer sustain you in this realm. 

Make certain Jesus is your Redeemer, Savior, Lord and soon returning King and that you have a personal relationship with Him. 

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

Its all about Life and Relationship not Religion.

NOT SURE?

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://www.minimannamoments.com/welcome-come-taste-some-bread-of-life-bread-from-heaven/life-changing-information-guaranteed/

Life On The Fringe

Due to winter storms the internet connections were interrupted. To make up for a lost week here is a special post on this beautiful topic. Obviously there is always more to be discussed on every subject and time often prohibits in depth research, however some of the hidden mysteries and meanings are presented here.

God commanded His people to wear sacred fringes on the corners of their clothing throughout the generations. This was in reference to what we now call Prayer Shawl or Tallit.

What is a tallit?

A tallit (tal-LEET, literally “little covering”) is a rectangular prayer shawl with four fringes – tzitzit – one attached at each corner.

Most tallits have a neckband, called an atarah, that often has a blessing written across it which is spoken when putting on the tallit.

The Tallit actually inspired the design of the Israeli flag:

In Biblical times, in obedience to the book of Bamidbar/Numbers 15:38 – 41, men would attach the tassels to the four-cornered tallit, (cloak or gown), that was customarily worn.

ציצית

zitzit (tzee-tzeet)

(Hebrew plural is ziziyyot: fringes, or decoration).

“Speak to the children of Israel and say to them:  They shall make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments…  And this shall be tzitzit for you, and when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of God, and perform them.”  (Numbers 15:38–39)

The Hebrew words Yevovah Echad, meaning “God is one;” are numerically formed by the number of knots and wrappings in the tzitzit or fringe, which God said to “look at,” and remember His laws and not to sin against Him.

The knots and windings are also considered symbolic of the Shema (shem-ah): Shema Yisrael Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad — Hear Oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One [Deuteronomy 6:4]

In prayers, “Israel” refers to the Jewish people. It is shorthand for “Children of Israel.” “Eretz Yisrael” or the “Land of Israel” refers to the country.] The Shema is commonly referred to as the watchword of the Jewish faith. The recitation of this line is a important part of the morning and evening prayers.

Messiah Yeshua, God manifest in the flesh, is the garment or tallit of our souls. In Romans 13:14 we read: “…Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

When we receive His forgiveness, and obey His commands we are wrapped in the shekinah glory of God. We are sons of light, filled with God’s “light.” Yeshua said: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” John 14:9

“Make tassels for yourselves on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself.”  (Deut. 22:12)

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21 as a daily reminder of His plan for us and what He requires of our lives.When the SHEMA was said, the fringe was grasped in the hand. The SHEMA was a declaration of the nature of God. God is one. He is not like the heathen concept of a plurality of deities in the Godhead. This focus upon God’s nature and obedience to His commandments, kept the heart “fixed.”

The numerical value of the knots and wrappings literally spelled out SHEMA. This was an additional reminder that God is one, and He will never change.

The five knots can be viewed as representing the first five (Hebrew) words of the Shema. The last word, Echad, is represented by the windings between the knots. Echad means “one.” The windings bind the knots into a single unit.

Each Tzitzit is made from 8 strings, 7 white and one blue. ‘Seven’ is the number representing perfection in the physical realm. ‘Eight’, therefore, transcends the physical realm and symbolizes a direct link to the spiritual realm.

Each group of 8 strings is knotted 5 times to form a Tzitzit. There are five books in the Torah.

Each of the 4 tzitzit have 8 strings, making a total of 32 strings. Thirty-two is the numeric value of the Hebrew word for “HEART”. The tzitzit’s loose strings represent God’s ‘heart strings’.

The tzitzit with it’s blue thread represents first of all that God is one!

Messiah is not separate, God clothed/robed Himself in the flesh of Messiah.

Through the atoning of Messiah Jesus, God’s precious Lamb, the sins of the world were taken away, (Romans 3:23-26, Romans 6:23, Acts 2:38, 2 Cor. 10:3-7, I John 2:2, I John 2:1, 4:10, ) and now through right relationship with Him, we can walk in His power and authority. 

The garment now made to these specifications is the tallit, also spelled taleth, talet, tallis, talleisim, tallism or tallithim in Hebrew and Yiddish; and called a prayer shawl in English. The purpose for it is for everyone, including the wearer, to look at it and remember all the commandments of the Lord from Torah, the Five Books of Moses,

This list of 613 commandments picture includes the promises of God, so in Jesus day people would see all the power of God in that Fringe, called tzizit / tsitsit in Hebrew, when the prayer shawl was worn by an anointed man of God.

613 mitzvot (or 613 Commandments. Hebrew: תווצמ ג”ירת transliterated as Taryag mitzvot; TaRYaG is the acronym for the numeric value of “613”.) In Judaism there is a tradition that the Torah (i.e. the “Pentateuch”) contains 613 mitzvot (mitzvot in Hebrew means “commandments”, from mitzvah – הוצמ — “precept”, plural: mitzvot; from הוצ, tzavah- “command”).

According to the main source, of these 613 commandments, 248 are mitzvot aseh (“positive commandments”) and 365 are mitzvot lo taaseh (“negative commandments”). 365 corresponded to the number of days in a solar year and 248 was at that time believed to be the number of bones or significant organs in the human body.

We may think 613 Instructions for living a life before the Lord was too many, however although we are under grace there areand Jesus said

The laws concerning sacrifices are null and void because Jesus was the sacrifice.

And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. Hebrews 10:18.

The Corner Knots

Notice that the four corners are decorated with longer threads and with more knots than the remainder of the fringe. These longer fringes of this garment are identical and unique.

The names of God are recalled by the wearer utilizing the prayer shawl in the proper way.

Some of the names rendered by these knots are said to be:

The Names of God

Yahweh Jireh – Yahweh will see, or provide.

Yahweh Ropheka – Yahweh will heal thee.

Yahweh Nissi – Yahweh is my banner.

Yahweh Mekaddishkem – Yahweh Who shall sanctify you.

Yahweh Shalom – Yahweh (send) peace.

Yahweh Tz’vaoth – Yahweh of hosts.

Yahweh Shammah – Yahweh is there.

The symbolism of all this has been variously interpreted. On one view, the Hebrew word tzitzit has the numerical value of 600 (tzaddi = 90; yod = 10; tzaddi = 90; yod = 10; tav = 400; = 600 in total).

Also of interest is the fact that the hem of the high priest had bells and pomegranates hanging from it.The pomegranate is said to contain 613 seeds which was a reminder of the Torah.

Jesus our Messiah, Yeshua haMashiach, wore a prayer shawl, (tallit). Prayer shawls were worn at all times and not just when in prayer. Jesus /Yeshua demonstrated to us the pattern for us to follow, dependence upon His Heavenly Father,  Messiah’s nature was two-fold, as the God-Man.

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham.” Hebrews 2:14-16.

As a humble man, dependent upon His Father, He established a pattern for us to walk in. It is us who must be dependent upon the Lord. God often speaks using human “terms” which are familiar to us, such as “the right hand,” which is a phrase speaking of the position of power and authority.

The term tzitzit is related to the word “hatzatzah,” or “Looking at.” For God said:

“You will make these garments, and put fringe on the borders, and you will look at this, and remember that you must not do what your own heart and desires dictate, but remember that I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and I am the Lord your God.”

Like the 9 branched Chanukkah Menorah,

(see https://www.minimannamoments.com/who-lights-up-your-life/ for more details on Chanukkah.)

the Tallit also has a Shamesh/Shamash

The blue thread of the fringe, is called the SHAMESH / SHAMASH meaning servant. This is similar to the tallest servant candle that stands in the midst of the other candles, and is used to light the menorah.

In this “SHAMESH thread,” we see Messiah, our King; as the “Suffering Servant.” It was necessary that He suffer as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

It was as He humbled Himself, becoming obedient, even to on the cross, that God highly exalted Him, giving Him a name above every name.” (Phil. 2:9)

Meditate on the picture of Messiah Jesus praying at Gethsemane, see Him praying earnestly there, wrapped in His tallit as He prayed long into in the night.

He sweated great drops of blood, agonizing in prayer, the blood mixing with those tears that fell, rolling onto the rock at which He prayed, saying: “Father: If you be willing, remove this cup from Me…nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

As He grasped the fringe of His tallit, He knew within Himself: I am not alone in this. The father stands with Me. I and My Father are one. 

When you make His soul an offering for sin, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” (Isaiah 53:10)

Wrapping His tallit around Him, He asked His disciples to stay awake watch with Him and pray.

Everything about the tallit commands us to be “watchers,” who stand by day and by night….

Watchmen, whom God has set on the walls of Jerusalem; which shall never hold their peace, day nor night. Those that make mention of the Lord shall not keep silent! We will give Him no rest, till He establishes, and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in all the earth. (Isaiah 62:6) “Son of Man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them a warning from me, says the Lord.”

Not once since the Rock of Israel was born, had He experienced separation from His Heavenly Father. From the beginning that night in Bethlehem, when that same star filled sky that Abrahamlooked into and was shown descendants as the sands of the sea…was suddenly filled with angels, crying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men. He had known constant and uninterrupted connection to His Father.

Returning to the tassels or tsitsit that the Israelites were commanded to wear, they can be understood as extensions of the hem. The tassels, as shown in the illustrations, are part of the hem; they are simply extended threads of the embroidery of the hem. A tassel may hang free or it may be decorated with a flower head or bell at the end.

Understanding the significance in ancient cultures to the hem of the garment and the status of the wearer, we can understand its association with the glory, or rank of the individual. There are accounts in the New Testament of people being healed as they merely touched the hem of Yahshua’a garment. Symbolically, they touched His glory. When the woman with the issue of blood touched Christ’s hem and was instantly healed.Yahshua did not immediately know who had touched Him, but He sensed that “dunamis” or “miraculous power” had gone out from Him at her touch. Such marvels were prophesied of the coming Savior in the Old Testament, though the fullness of the message is obscured due to some poor translations.

Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings (kanaph – literally “borders”)…

Malachi prophesied that the Son of God would have healing in His “borders,” which is to say, the hem of His garment. Strong’s Concordance defines this word in the following manner. 

Kanaph (kaw-nawf’); from OT:3670; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle.

Although this word is appropriately understood as a reference to a bird’s wings in some passages, this is not always the case.

Exodus 19:4-5
“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings (kanaph) and brought you to Myself.”

Malachi 4, believed by the Jewish People to be about the coming of the Messiah, also contains a promise of healing: “…to you who fear My name, The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4:2) 

 “It shall be a tassel (Hebrew, tzitzit  ציצת) for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes…” (Numbers 15:39)

The aspect of the tallit, with it’s wings or extensions representing “prayer covering,” is crucial, as the one praying extends this “prayer covering” over individuals, and nations.

In speaking of the tallit, or four-cornered garment with fringe, the outer edge is called in Hebrew, “kanaf” or kanaph,” which is usually translated as “hem,” this term carries the more accurate meaning of “corner or wing.”

The fringes or tassels of a man’s robe, were symbolic of his authority. There is a lovely illustration of this in Ezekiel 16:6, in which God speaks of entering into covenant with Israel:

I spread my skirt over you and covered your nakedness: Yes I sware to you and entered into covenant with you; says the Lord God and you became mine.”

With His arms He will cover you, and under the corners of His tallit you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

Jesus prayed for His beloved Jerusalem, even as He rode into Jerusalem on the city on the little donkey’s foal. As the people strewed their garments in His way, and they cried: Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord! Peace, in heaven, and glory in the highest!

Wrapped in His talit, He rode, wiping tears from his eyes. With one hand on the donkey’s mane, and one holding those fringes in His hand. And he said:

If you had known, even in this your day; the things which belong to your peace! Now they are hid from your eyes! (Luke 19:38f)

Again, this phrase “skirt of him that is a Jew,” speaks of the “wing” of the tallit. This phrase “God is with you,” is similar to the concept of Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” It shows us that God will work powerfully through Yeshua haMashiach’s and the redeemed sons and daughters of Israel in the last days. The days will come when so great shall be the spiritual understanding concerning Messiah, that the very shadow of these passing by will produce healings, as we see in the days of the early Jewish apostles. (Acts 19:12)

Originally, the tallit may have appeared as an outer garment bearing the fringes commanded by God.  It probably resembled the abayah, the blanket worn by Bedouin to protect them from the elements, which has black stripes at the ends.

It was finer, however, and similar also to the pallium (rectangular cloak worn by Greek and Roman men).

The Hebrew word for corners of a garment or the bottom hem is kanaph, it is the same word used in the book of Job for the ends of the earth.

The requirement of fringes was and is to wear sacred fringes called tzizit / tsitsit which are tassles that hang down from the corners of their outer garments. This outer garment which was larger than the current prayer shawls and looked like a poncho with tzizit / tsitsit.

A poncho was similar to a sheet with a hole in the middle for the head. The front piece was tied behind the back, then the back was lapped over and tied in the front. This is the seamless garment in John 19:23.

Recent archaeological digs have found a number of these from biblical times. This garment served as a blanket as stated in Exodus 22:26 

After the Jewish People were exiled from Israel, their style of dress was influenced by their Gentile neighbors, and the tallit became a garment worn for prayer instead of a garment worn daily.

Under garment or robe was called a HALUK it was lighter weight.

Outer garment was the Tallit (prayer shawl) it was heavier weight.
 

Psalms 61:4  Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

The Tallit (prayer shawl) as a ‘closet’ 

The tallit is prayer shawl which when used to cover the head also creates a personal isolated space for prayer shutting out the world around you. The name Tallit comes from the two Hebrew word TAL meaning tent and ITH meaning little.

So we have talith as a LITTLE TENT and it is this that Jesus was referring to when He said:

Matt 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The Greek term PERIBOLAION, meaning “a covering,” carried with it the connotation of “Something thrown about one, such as a mantle or veil.”

By wrapping yourself in it, or by covering your head with it, you can create an individual tent for yourself to converse with God.

Greek word for closet is (tameion), which means “an inner chamber, or a secret room.”
 The closeting of oneself in the covering of the Tallit (prayer shawl) was a symbolic separation from the world around the Jewish man.

The tzitzit of the tallit katans of two Jewish men are worn outside, while the third man has tucked in his tzitzit.

Although you perhaps cannot see it, underneath their clothes is a poncho called the tallit katan which takes the form of a small poncho and is worn under the shirt, often over an undergarment so as not to actually touch the skin; and with the tzitzit coming out from beneath the shirt, Other ultra-Orthodox Jews also wear the tallit katan, and sometimes the tassels visibly dangle from under a regular button down shirt, sweater, and even a Tshirt.

Because Yeshua wore his tallit, the border or hem of Yeshua’s garment had a particular appearance to it, due to the way in which the tallit was folded. This caused the corner tassels of the fringe to hang down. Taking hold of the “skirt” of him that is a Jew, speaks of taking hold of this outer or extended “wing” of the garment, which holds such deep significance. This is because it speaks of prayer.

Yeshua haMashiach as our Messiah, was a man of prayer. He prayed with “all manner of prayer.” He spent entire nights in prayer. His life was characterized by what many today call “prophetic prayer.”

As He prayed He saw things prophetically before they actually happened. He did the things which God commanded Him to, as they were seen through the eyes of His spirit.

Messiah praying prior to ministry to the crowds of people.

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

 Yeshua always prayed prior to praying for the sick. 
“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

He prayed after healing the sick. “And when he had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when evening was come, He was alone.” (Matthew 14:23)

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. Mark 6:46 Luke 22:45

These times of prayer refreshed Him. in the outstretched wings or extended talit, we see the concept of the extending of God’s authority, enfolding the believer, and the ministering of healing.

Those who understood it’s significance, and touched Him were made whole. The power of Messiah’s tallit, was in the authority of His divine person.

For us today, it’s in the shed blood of Yeshua, as the Lamb of God.

The word “salvation” speaks of healing for the whole man, body, soul and spirit. In Isaiah 53:4-5, we learn that Messiah took our sicknesses in His own body AND He bore our sins.

Lets continue living by the fringe of a wing and a prayer.

To Be Continued……..

 

IF….

…. Jesus/Yeshua Had Not Come… there would be no New Year according to the Gregorian calendar.

So-called because it was introduced in October 1582 by Pope Gregory Xlll, as a reform of the Julian calendar. It’s a solar-based calendar of 365 days, it was only adopted by Britain and its colonies 260 years ago! The biblically based lunar Calendar is the one still followed in Israel.It is 2018 only because of Jesus!

The year is dated because of His birth and even non believers reference His coming every time they say or write the year!

However if Jesus had not come our calendar would be as the calendar still is today in Israel counting from creation. According to that the year is 5778 but it would still be B.C.(Before Christ) or (AM = Anno Mundi meaning years since creation).Remembering that in Israel, the fall appointed time of Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” and that’s why it’s called The Jewish New Year (also known as Yom Teruah and often translated as Feast of Trumpets.)

This is not at all like the New Years celebrations in the western world. It occurs on the first day of the 7th month of the year.

When the Israelites were in Egypt, the Lord changed the beginning of their year from the fall to the spring month of Nisan for Passover/Pesach to be the start of the spiritual year. (Exodus 12:1-2)

However, since Jewish tradition holds that the birth of the world took place in the fall, they kept the New Year observance where it was. So in effect, they are celebrating the world’s birthday on Rosh Hashanah and have a second beginning in the Spring Appointed Times. (The Seasons are represented as Cyclical not linear.)A very interesting point is, the Hebrew year 5778 coincides with 2018 on the Gregorian calendar and is significant because it was in the year 2018 BC (or AM) that God made the first covenant with Abraham. (This was 70 years after Abraham’s birth in 1948 BC (AM).

Then we see the new independent state of Israel was established by the UN in 1948 (Gregorian calendar), so 2018 will also be a 70 year time frame (or a generation, see Psalms 90:10) Just imagine, if Jesus had not come, the Bible would end at Malachi or if read in chronological order it would stop after 2 Chronicles.It would probably only be available in the Hebrew language and maybe still only on kosher scrolls.The complete set Hebrew Scrolls Tanakh

Among other things too numerous to mention or count: There would be no New Testament, no churches or denominations, no choirs, Christian charities, no Christmas trees, no carols and symphonies, no one would be born again and there would be no evangelists, no missionaries.No ‘communion’ (as in bread and wine celebration) outside of Passover, Pesach.This was celebrated as part of the commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in ancient Egypt and their freedom and rebirth as a nation under the leadership of Moses. There would however still be the Holy Land and the children of Israel, the tribes and their descendants and the Jewish people. The term having come from the tribe of Judah – Yehudi – Judahite and shortened to Jew. It is written that all tribes will want to say they are from Judah collectively and not so much as individual tribes an example is Mordecai in the book of Esther, he was from the tribe of Benjamin but was known as Yehudi.That Hebrew language would be still intact as it is today and so is their faith that one day Messiah will come as promised in prophecy.

There would still bethere would still beTorah, Prophetic, Poetic and Historical Writings.

The history of God’s plan since creation would still be as it is.

How important is the old Testament then!

How foundational.

How significant are the Hebraic roots of our faith for they would stand even if Messiah had not come yet.

It makes one wonder if we would have converted to the faith of the Old Testament Patriarchs?

For if Jesus had not come we would be numbered among the heathen lost! 

Still the Jewish people would be, and are still, serving the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, celebrating the seven annual feasts, preparing and rehearsing for His promised appearing and keeping their covenant commandments.So what are we doing? Have we disregarded the Old Testament foundation in favor of ‘Penthouse’ believing? Are we guilty of thinking that somehow we are more ‘entitled’ by our new Testament faith in Jesus?

He came in fulfillment of the Jewish Scriptures not as a replacement, not instead of, but in addition to.A world without Jesus/Yeshua would be a world without born again believers, both Messianic Jews and Christian believers. No Christmas holiday or carols, no Turkey’s, presents or all the worlds commercialized accessories and distractions.

However we would still have the greater part of the Bible and could live by its instructions and guidance.The biggest obvious consideration is that our sins have to be paid for and that by a blood sacrifice.A life for a life. And the life is in the blood, so an innocent must die for each and every individual.

If Jesus had not come, believers in the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob would still be continuing to offer the necessary sacrifices today.

HoweverAnd by His life and death and resurrection, He fulfilled the promises in the bible of a coming Redeemer. One man’s life blood – God Himself, paid the price for our sins. Once for all and no more individual sacrifice is necessary.

However do we really comprehend it?

Do we appreciate it?

Do we understand it?

And do our lives reflect our appreciation and gratitude for what He did?

Or have we just grown accustomed and complacent with our faith and too easy-going in the gift of grace for the righteousness/ right-standing before the God of Heaven and earth?Do we have a deep remorse and hatred of the way we were before He graciously accepted us into the beloved. We are grafted in by His compassion He is calling the Goyim, the heathen, to be His own.Is living for our self the way we show Him our love? Is building our own reputation and kingdom/empire really part of His plan for us?

We aspire to be something, a somebody, to make a name for ourselves. It didn’t work out so well for those who tried it on the plains of shinar. Self-deception is subtle and is an easy slippery slope, the biggest problem being we don’t believe we are deceived or that we can be.

We help God out, because it’s taking too long or not going the way we want, we put words in His mouth, to justify our actions and decisions, and twist the truth of Scripture to fit our not so straight path.We use the tools of the world and its commerce to fulfill desires based on covetous, selfish ambition and aspire to a comfortable way of life.

Whatever we choose to believe will never change truth, for He said, I am the way the truth and the life.

For believers it should be His way or no way.

His way is clear, we are to live our lives as Jesus did and do the works of Him who called us and saved us.We are to preach the good news, make disciples, visit the prisoners and the sick, bring healing to them, deliver the oppressed, set spiritual captives free, feed the hungry, give to the poor, house the homeless, which of these did we do today? Which of these did we do this ChristmasWe are to bind up the brokenhearted, raise the dead, calm storms.

Christianity is not just a free ticket to heaven to then go ahead and live as we please. Grace is not free and neither is salvation, for we are set free to serve Him and further His kingdom, not ourselves in our own.If Jesus had not come we may have something of a legitimate excuse, that we don’t know any better but He did come and so we are without excuse.

As we begin 2018 Anno Domini on the Gregorian calendar take a moment to think how it would be if Jesus had not come!Time is one of the greatest gifts we have been given. What we do with it will have a huge impact on our final destination.

This time of year people make resolutions to improve their lifestyles, let us start learning to live in His presence, and to operate out of His shalom, where love abides and faith matures.

If God was in a hurry He would have not said over 2000 years ago, ‘I’m coming soon’.

He exists outside of our time and space and that is hard for us to comprehend.

We live our lives by the clock and without realizing it, it can bring us into bondage.

But in due season. Gal 4:4

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Romans 5:6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

We will be accountable for how we spent the time we have been given according to 2.Cor. 5:10

 It is a phrase that has the connotations of ‘satisfaction.’ Abraham died as a man at peace with himself, at peace with God and at peace with the world. He was contented with all that God had done with him and in him, at an old age that was good and mature and content. In verse7 ‘Now these are the days of the years of Abraham which he lived.’ For it implies that he had lived every day to the full in the will of God not one day was wasted of the days that had been given him. According to The JPS Torah Commentary on Genesis, the meaning of this phrase in Genesis 25:8 is “old and contented.” The commentary continues, “Such a summation of a life is found with no other personality in biblical literature. The phrase describes not his longevity, which is otherwise mentioned, but the quality of his earthly existence.”

And also in Job 42:17 so Job died, being old and full of days /years.

The civil year of 5778 according to Israel began in October at Rosh Hashanah and the spiritual new year according to scripture, begins in April at Passover with the sacrificial death of an innocent lamb.  As we go forward into ‘2018’ and continue in 5778, let any resolution we make begin with a grateful heart of thanks that HE CAME; and let the number of this year reminds us how long ago that was.Let’s try to remember that, ‘New Beginnings’ come from the Grace of God, not from dates or resolutions.

That they come from His Mercies, that are new each day. Not the day itself.

Let the next year be 365 days be FULL according to the will of God for us.

It may not be what we wanted to hear but its what we need to hear!

It’s a rallying call to the troops, time to renew our commitment to the Lord. It’s an alarm bell to wake up the sleeping ‘ecclesia’, we are the ‘called out ones.’

For the day is far spent.. Luke 24:29 Now is the time to let Him in, to abide with us and your salvation/redemption is nearer now than when you first believed. Rom 13:11

The times are serious and so is God!

Then as we realize Jesus did come, let’s make this year one where our resolution is; to spend more time in His presence and in doing His will. Fulfilling His plans and purposes instead of our own.

Let’s not be too busy this year. God is obviously not in a hurry, He has no daily rush hours. He is not driven, desperate or in a panic and looking for a way to make things happen!His presence is now, believing in faith is for now.

Today is the day of salvation, so share the gospel with that person you keep meaning to!

He is the ever present God. I am that I am.

He is Jehovah Shalom.

He moves, acts and abides in Shalom. Where there is nothing missing or broken.

He doesn’t rush through life.

He is life.

It is impossible to live life as we were meant to live it, if we are too busy rushing around.

We are too busy because of the decisions we have made, that brought us to where we are at this moment.

So this year we have an opportunity to make decisions that will enable us to be less busy. It’s our choice.

Choose this day.. choose life.  The treasures revealed from His Word, are not simply for information but include messages to be lived and ways to develop a relationship with the Father.

They are to be experienced which is the most important aspect. Let God impress upon our hearts the precious truths which are essential to the life of every believer who truly desires to follow Jesus/Yeshua our Messiah.

Lets pray that we comprehend all that it means to be a disciple. And as we learn about Him, let our central focus be, to know Him and the power of His resurrection in our personal relationship with Him, for we are required to apply His words to our lives, daily.

Thank God Jesus Came!

May His Shalom surround guard and keep you year in and year out!

 

Endings Are Simply New Beginnings

The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as

Shemini Atzaret,

(Rejoicing in the Torah scriptures)

and brings us to the end of the 7 Appointed Times of the Lord for this annual cycle.

However it is also the beginning of a new calendar cycle and comprises the time in between the last feast and the next, first feast, which is not until the Spring. 

As we come to close of the 7 Annual Appointed Times of the Lord, a few last thoughts remain including an ‘8th day’ mystery, a ‘roof revelation’ and a couple of intriguing points to ponder.

As believers it is important to see the relevance to us.  The instructions and ultimate plan of God as laid out in the old covenant/testament.

Then with the understanding and insights we gain, what we read in the renewed covenant/testament scriptures, begins to make more sense, as we see that everything in God’s Word is connected.

(Prov. 4:7 encourages us, ‘get wisdom, get understanding’.)

Every Hebrew year has two cycles or groups of holy days\ appointed times set in by our Heavenly Father. (As discussed in previous posts.) He has not changed them nor has He told us not to follow the pattern. This is because they all point prophetically to Jesus. Who Himself attended the Feasts, as well as His being their literal fulfillment. They are connected not only in their purpose and themes but also in their timing.

“You shall dwell in sukkot (huts) for seven days . . . so that you will know, for all generations, that I had the Children of Israel dwell in sukkot, when I took them out of the Land of Egypt; I am God, your God” (Lev. 23:42 -43)

 For 40 years, as the Israelites traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous clouds of glory surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert.

Ever since, God’s kindness is remembered at Sukkot/feast of Tabernacles and trust in His providence is reaffirmed by dwelling in a sukkah, a hut of temporary construction. Also called the feast of Booths which is the meaning of Hebrew word Sukkot,it celebrates the fall harvest with the third first fruits of the growing season. During Sukkot, and each family built a Sukkah, (which is the singular of Sukkot;) or booth, outside the home. This is an activity still practiced today. Lev. 23:39  

It is a flimsy structure of palm branches that provide little else but shade. Heavy rain would penetrate the walls and roof. The family eats all meals inside, it’s a room where visitors and strangers can come.

Sukkot Guests – Ushpizin – אושפיזין

The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret, the 8th day assembly.  Sukkot is a holiday of immense joy, where complete trust in God is expressed, and confidence from Yom Kippur is celebrated in having received a ‘good judgment’, for the coming year. God is our ultimate protection – just as He protected the Israelites in the desert with the Clouds of Glory He will protect those who obey His Word. (Exodus 13:21).During this week Ex. 33:12–34:26; Ezek.38:18–39:16; Rev. 21:1–22:21 are read because according to teachings, this war will be waged during the month of Tishri, same month in which the holiday of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) falls.

Interestingly enough, the war that is described in Ezekiel is similar to the war described in (Zech. 14:16–17). In Zechariah we learn that the Gentiles who survive the war against Israel, will be required to keep Sukkot annually, by coming up to the Holy City of Jerusalem to worship the Lord.Sukkot in Jerusalem  at the Western (Wailing) Wall.

Gog and Magog – Challenge to the Restoration of Israel

“This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, My hot anger will be aroused.”  (Ezekiel 38:18)

Gog is a chief prince living in the land of Magog (Ezekiel 38:2).  Many scholars believe Magog refers to Russia.  The invading land of Gomer is often believed to be Germany.
Several lands in the coalition army are easily identifiable: Iran (Persia), Northern Sudan (ancient Ethiopia or Cush), Libya (Put), and Turkey (Togarmah).

The nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 will unite and come upon Israel “like a cloud that covers the land” for the purpose of looting the wealth that she has amassed in what was a desolate land only seventy years ago.

The war that is described in Ezekiel is similar to the war described in the 14th chapter of Zechariah, where we learn that the Gentiles who survive the war against Israel will be required to keep Sukkot annually by coming up to the Holy City of Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles [Sukkot].  If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain.”  (Zechariah 14:16–17)

Psalm 27 presents a clear connection between Sukkot and God’s protection of Israel and those who trust in Him:

“For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle [sukkah]; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.”  (Psalm 27:5)

The word translated here as tabernacle is the Hebrew word sukkah (סכה).  When evil threatens God’s people, He will hide them in His sukkah, inaccessible from the enemy on the rock of His presence.

Now that is a promise we can trust in during these last days!
Gog and Magog are also mentioned in the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) Rev. 16, in connection with Armageddon and the final battle between the forces of good and evil.

This war with Gog and Magog is not the same war described in Ezekiel 38 but a final end-time battle after the thousand-year reign of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).The Son of David, Jesus/Yeshua, will come again — this time as our conquering Messiah to defeat the invading forces forever.  All who have believed in their Savior, Yeshua, will inherit eternity in the New Jerusalem — a revived Garden of Eden complete with trees of life and pure living water that will be good to eat and drink forever.

A Roof Revelation.

An inner connection between Sukkot are the names Gog and Magog.

The Hebrew word Gog means roof and there is a huge difference between a real roof and the roof of the Sukkah which would not withstand wind and rain.

By building sturdy walls people have power to make themselves safe and secure against earthly elements and people and so are deluded and self deceived into thinking they can make themselves secure against the things from God and his power to direct matters.

They take their fate in their own hands and protect with their own strength with no need to depend on God.The war of Gog and Magog is also a battle of Gog the roof, against Sukkah, it’s a fight of the illusion of the roof which is manifest as human greatness, a pride which never allows rest. Its fight against the Sukkah truth of the joyful confidence and carefree Shalom which comes only from placing complete trust in God’s protection and faith focused on his provision alone. The word Gog when prefixed with an M is then Mgog or Magog; it expresses the concept of projecting something and represents earthly wisdom and the human philosophical notion, that man can both isolate and insulate himself against God’s heavenly power.

It has origins back in the land of Shinar when Nimrod stirred the people to build a tower that would survive another flood and so avoid God’s judgment while they lived as they pleased.

Another very interesting connection to this season is.. 

the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is called “the season of our joy” and “the feast of the nations.” With this in mind, in Luke 2:10 it is written, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings [basar in Hebrew; otherwise known as the gospel] of great joy  which shall be to all people. So, we can see from this that the terminology the angel used to announce the birth of Jesus/Yeshua, were themes and messages associated with the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles).

     In Luke 2:12, the baby (Yeshua) was wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. The swaddling cloths were also used as wicks to light the vats of oil within the court of the women during the festival of Sukkot, another association with the festival of Sukkot.
In Luke 2:12 The word manger is Greek word phatn’e. It is the same word translated as stall in Luke 13:15. By seeing how the word is used in Luke 13:15, we can see that the Greek word phatn’e means a place for hitching cattle.

The Hebrew word for stall is marbek, which can be found in Amos 6:4 and Malachi 4:2. In Genesis 33:17 it is written that Jacob journeyed to Sukkoth and made booths (the word booth in this passage is the Hebrew word sukkah; the plural is sukkot) for his cattle.
Due to cultural traditions we have little idea in the west, what a manger is. In Israel a manger is a hollow space cut out of a large rock and not the wooden structure in the previous picture.

The area is filled with food usually for sheep and goats.

(This reminds us also of another place of protection  ‘I will put thee in the cleft of the rock’. Ex. 32:22)So we can see from these passages how the word booth (sukkah or sukkot) was used by Jacob for his cattle in Genesis 33:17, and how the Greek word for manger or stall, phatn’e, was also used to refer to hitching cattle in Luke 13:15. Phatn’e is the same word translated as manger in Luke 2:12, where Yeshua was laid at the time of His birth.During the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles), God required that all male Jews come to Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) (Deut. 16:16). For this reason, as well as the census being conducted, the city would have been overcrowded with people and could explain why Mary (Miryam) and Joseph (Yosef) were unable to find lodging in and around Jerusalem (Yerushalayim) (Lk. 2:7). Bethlehem, the place where Jesus/Yeshua was born, is only about four miles from Jerusalem.Some Bible scholars believe that this holiday is a more accurate birth date of Jesus. God is said to have dwelled (tabernacled) with the Jews as they wandered for 40 years in the desert. How appropriate it would be if our Messiah was born during this feast. This would bring insightful meaning to the Messianic name Emanuel, which means God is with us, prophesied by Isaiah (Isa.7:14)

We know our Messiah was made manifest into a temporary body when He came to earth. Is it possible He also was put into a temporary dwelling? The fields would have been dotted with Sukkot during this harvest time to provide temporary shelter animals. The Hebrew word ‘stable’ is also called a Sukkoth (Gen. 33:17). Later when the scriptures record Mary and Joseph were in a house, the time for the sukkah would have been past.Further interesting facts concerning the birth of Jesus/Yeshua occurring during Sukkot, is in Matt. 2:1. Scripture says that wise men come from the East to visit Him. The land of the East is Babylon, where the largest Jewish population was at the time of the birth of Jesus/Yeshua.

These Jews were descendants from the captivity when King Nebuchadnezzar defeated Israel and took the Jews to Babylon to serve him. Babylon is referred to as the land of the East in Gen. 29:1 and Jud. 6:3.The wise men in Matt. 2:1 were possibly teachers/rabbis. The rabbis, also called sages, are known in Hebrew as chakamim, which means wise men. The word in Matthew 2:1 in Greek is magos, which is translated into English as Magi. Magos in Greek is the Hebrew word ravmag. Ravmag comes from the Hebrew word rav, which means rabbi. It should also be noted that the Greek word magos can also mean scientist, counselor, scholar, or teacher. The rabbis were scholars or teachers of the Jewish law. Jesus/Yeshua was referred to as Rabbi, or Teacher in John 1:38,47,49; 3:2. So, it’s a possibility that the wise men were Jewish rabbis coming from Babylon to witness the birth of Jesus/Yeshua. 

“What made the rabbis make the journey from Babylon to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Yeshua?” The answer is given in Matt. 2:2, as it is written, “…we have seen His star in the east….”As we have read, one of the requirements during the time of Sukkot was to build an outside temporary shelter and live in it during this festival season. It had to be built with an opening in the roof so the people could see the stars in heaven. This is another reason why the rabbis would be looking for, and thus seeing, the star in the sky when it appeared.

In addition, there was a prophecy in Numbers as it is written, “…a star shall come forth from Jacob…” (Num. 24:17 NAS). King Herod inquired about where the Messiah would be born in Matt.2:4. (He was told in Bethlehem vs 6, based upon the prophecy in Micah 5:2.) In Matt. 2:10 it is written, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Once again, remember that Sukkot is called “the season of our joy.” In Matt. 2:2, the rabbis saw the star from the East. Salvation was seen by the Jewish people as coming from the East. Jesus/Yeshua descended from the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5). The tribe of Judah was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness.

Finally, in Luke 2:32, Jesus/Yeshua is called a light to the Gentiles. Once again, Sukkot is called “the festival of lights” and “the festival of all nations.”

Therefore, by studying and understanding the festival of Sukkot and the themes and messages that God desired to be conveyed during this festival, it enables us to read the Bible in a new light; and to ponder the possibility that Jesus/Yeshua may have been born during the season of Sukkot and that He is the Star we are all called to see with our (spiritual) eyes!


Sukkot (Tabernacles) is called the Feast of Ingathering. Jesus/Yeshua told us that the harvest represents the end of the age (Olam Hazeh). This is found in (Matt. 13:39; Rev. 14:15; Joel 3:13). The harvest refers more specifically to people who choose to accept the Messiah Jesus/Yeshua into their hearts and lives. (Matt. 9:35-38; Lk 10:1-2; Jn 4:35-38; Rev 14:14-18). God is gathering both Jews and non-Jews together to accept the Messiah Jesus/Yeshua into their lives. Most of the people on earth have not accepted Jesus into their lives and are in the valley of decision (Joel 3:13-14). Jeremiah sorrowed for a people who were not a part of the harvest in Jer. 8:18-22. vs. 20 “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” To those who do accept the Messiah, they will experience the real Sukkot (Tabernacles) during the Messianic age, the Millennium. Both Jew and non-Jew will live in the Messianic Kingdom. No doubt there will also be immortal people such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. There will be mortal people as well who will live with them, who are the people who lived through the seven-year tribulation period, the birthpangs of the Messiah, or the Chevlai shel Mashiach, and who accepted Jesus/Yeshua into their hearts and lives. What a joy it will be living with the Messiah during the Messianic era!


Olam habah = the world to come.  …tabernacle of God is with men…” (Rev 21:1-3)

Sukkot (Tabernacles) is known as the festival of ingathering and the fruit harvest. In Rev.7:9-17, we can see those who have come through the great tribulation period and who became believers in the Messiah during that time (Rev. 7:14). In Rev. 7:15, they “dwell” with them.

Tishrei is the 7th month, the number of completion.   (Lev. 23:23–44)

The book of Revelation is filled with number 7 and has similarities to the events in this month. Tishrei begins with Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets. (Rev. 8:2; 14:7; 19:16; 20:4; 21:3; 22:5)There are 7 angels with 7 trumpets.

Tishrei also has Yom Kippur, the Day of Judgment. In Revelation, judgment comes as man stands before God face to face, on Yom Kippur so too. God is proclaimed King in Tishrei and also in Revelation.  If we believe we are grafted into the Olive tree of spiritual Israel, then we are also included in the 7 Appointed Times and their fulfillment.There is reason to believe that during the time when the Temple stood, a total of 70 sacrifices were offered during the seven days of Sukkot which are celebrated in the Land of Israel.

Maybe the 70 bullocks sacrificed represented the 70 nations of the world as they were divided into by God after the confusion of languages at the destruction of the tower at Babel with Nimrod on the plains of Shinar.
Would this mean that Israel was interceding for nations of the world, not just herself?
These offerings were then considered an offering for world peace.

Tishrei closes with another day of mystery.

The final, 8th day, of this feast is known as Shemini Atzaret, Yom haSh’miyniy’Atzaret, The 8th day assembly. In Israel, the 8th day is a day that speaks of eternity and the Bible ends in Revelation with that same day, the day of eternity where we will reign forever with Him. The plans and purposes of God have only perfect ends.

The gathering of the 8th day;

The last day of the spiritual year;

The day after the end – is the day that represents the beginning of all eternity.
All Scripture is written on kosher scrolls not in books. So to understand the reference in Revelation, consider that the Torah scroll (the first five books of the Bible) has been continually unrolled throughout the year for each weeks reading. At the end of the year there is a rolling back of all that has been unrolled over the course of the year!

In Revelation it states that the heaven shall be rolled up like a scroll, this is an image written in the prophecies of revelation concerning the end of the ages. (Rev. 6:14; 20:11, 22)The sky is rolled up at the end of the present age and earth and heaven have fled away before eternity is ushered in. The old has gone, the scroll finished, for the story is completed and the day after the end, Shemini Atzeret is the 8th day and is the day forever starts, it’s the beginning of eternity.

Olam habah the world to come.Before the scroll is rolled up, the last words written are from the final reading in Deuteronomy. They are concerning the end of a particular journey.When Moses climbed the mountain to view the land of promise just before his life on Earth is complete and he goes to be with God. he was looking towards the place where the Temple would one day stand. The exact same location that Abraham had to be willing to sacrifice his only son and where Jesus would also be our sacrificial lamb.

The End Is Also The Beginning.

The journey through the wilderness is over and the Israelites are about to cross Jordan to enter the promised land with Joshua leading them.
(Joshua is a type of Jesus) and so Shemini Atzeret reminds us of the future day when our journey through the wilderness and our existence on earth will be complete and this old world will pass away to reveal the new and Jesus will lead us into our promised land.

Its clear the old must be left behind before we can enter into the new, our life here is only the journey on the way to the destination. As the scroll is rolled up, be ready to catch the first glimpse of the unfathomable glory that awaits us.

The 8th day is about resurrection and leaving the old life, a day of transcending, of breaking out of the limitations of the finite and into the realm of the infinite. Of transcending the old, overcoming the ultimate limitation, death, and thus every limitation.

The day after the end of the old life, the old existence and the power to live beyond it.

So the day of the resurrection and the day of the beginning of eternity are in inexorably joined together.The Hebrew Holy Day of Resurrection was First Fruits and the Resurrection is the First Fruits of the Age to Come. The first manifestation of the 8th day – Heaven.One last fascinating point as food for thought to ponder upon.

Several Bible scholars believe its possible that the first Thanksgiving in America was based in part on Sukkot. The Pilgrims were familiar with the Bible and the Feast of Tabernacles. They were also thankful for God’s protection in the new land. The first Thanksgiving holiday is reported to have been in October, (Sukkot is usually in this month), and lasted for three days.
The harvest of the earth is ripe …” (Rev 14:14-16) “

Messiah fulfilled an intermediate fulfillment of all three Fall Feasts at His first coming:

1.) Announcement: Yom Teruw’ah, ushering in the King.

2.) Circumcision: Yom Kippur, removal of the veil (foreskin) called “face-to-face.”

3.) Dwelling with us: Sukkot; dwelt with us in a corruptible body.Messiah will fulfill all three Fall Feasts completely at His second coming: 

1.) Husband Ushering in the Bride: Yom Teruw’ah.

2.) Husband removes veil from the bride’s face: Yom Kippur.

3.) Husband consummates the marriage with the 4th cup: Sukkot; Dwells with bride for 1,000 years of Sabbath rest. 

Peace – Shalom to all who love His Word at this season of rejoicing.

It’s time to fellowship with the King!