The Fall Feasts of YHWH are almost upon us! Perhaps you’ve never celebrated them before but feel called to? Maybe you’d like to know more about why we should observe them? Possibly, you want to learn how to keep these holy days more accurately? Imaginably, you may just need to know when to honor these times? Even more so, it’s likely many of you want to learn of the prophetic, and end times implications of these amazing festivals!
Even if you’re a veteran to all this, and want a quick refresher; I pray this study would prove a blessing to you.
COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE (WHY)
There is a movement happening all around us – a growing group of believers who are being called out of the world and her ways. A departure from Babylon; (spiritual Egypt if you will) and leaving the error of her fornication (false worship & idolatry).
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues
Revelation 18:4
We have been warned to come out of Babylon, and this study will be an important portion of what that exodus actually looks like. Let’s quickly review the reason for Mystery Babylon’s coming destruction, as well as those attached to her and her ways:
According to the book of Ezekiel, she will be destroyed for this reason:
…and the shame of your fornication shall be exposed: and your ungodliness and your fornication brought this upon you, in that you went a-whoring after the nations, and did defile yourself with their devices
Ezekiel 23:29-30
What is the fornication/whoring mentioned?
“lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice, and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods”
Exodus 34:15-16
We, in this realm are joined as husband and wife through a covenant — marriage. Just as if we were to break that covenant, and go unto another, we would be fornication/whoring (committing adultery), so the same remains if we openly serve another god, or even attempt to serve Yah through false and unauthorized methods.
“but they mixed with the nations and learned to do as they did. Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds.”
Psalm 106:35 & 39
“you went a-whoring after the nations, and did defile yourself with their devices“
The word ‘devices’ is defined as: Link
Something devised, or contrived:
- Plan, procedure, technique
- A scheme to deceive
- Desire or inclination
As we know, Satan is the deceiver and he has certainly done his job with the masses, leading them to disobeying the commandments of Yahuah, particularly his Sabbath and His feast days, part of the very core of our walk and our show of allegiance to The Most High. Has the enemy used its devices by planning a scheme to deceive the world, especially believers? Absolutely.
Brothers and sisters, a monumental part of coming out of Babylon, is no longer celebrating pagan festivals, especially those under the guise of attempting to serve the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. What are we saying? It’s time to drop man-made traditions that inseparably serve another god, because he tells us not to worship him in the same way the nations do:
Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before you; and that you inquire not after their elohiym, saying, How did these nations serve their elohiym? even so will I do likewise. You shall not do so unto YHWH: for every abomination to YHWH, which he hates, have they done unto their elohiym; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their elohiym. What thing soever I command you, guard to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it
Deuteronomy 12:30-32
Christmas and Easter are perfect examples of pagan festivals that were mixed into the faith. These replacement days have made of none effect the command to keep his true Sabbath and feast days.
The amazing news, is YHWH is starting to wake a generation up and remove us far from this continued whoring (false worship).
“Then those of you who escape will remember me among the nations where they are carried captive, how I have been broken over their whoring heart that has departed from me and over their eyes that go whoring after their idols. And they will be loathsome in their own sight for the evils that they have committed, for all their abominations.”
Ezekiel 6:9
Some might say, “God knows my heart” and he knows I’m not worshiping the christmas tree. This is nothing new. Consider the time when the children of Israel were impatient with Moses being gone 40 days on Mt. Sinai. They wanted to make a feast to Yahuah, their way:
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to YHWH
Exodus 32:1-5
They attempted serving YHWH through the devices they learned in Egypt, and it did not go over very well. It’s time we served him the way he’s commanded it. Come out of her my people. Let us learn from the mistakes the ancients made.
“I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same supernatural food and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Messiah. Nevertheless with most of them Elohim was not pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to dance.” We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.”
1 Cor 10:1-8
As we prepare for the feast season, let us heed the words of the apostle Paul.
“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
1 Corinthians 5:8
This is a perfect time for introspection, and removing from your life what YHWH does not want.
THE FEASTS ARE FOR US TODAY
…Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.”
Jeremiah 16:19
Unfortunately, most believers have bought into the lie that the feasts are just “Jewish holidays” and not for the church.
Sadly, this is so far from the truth. We know the scriptures say this:
One ordinance shall be both for you of the assembly, and also for the stranger that sojourns with you, an ordinance forever in your generations: as you are, so shall the stranger be before YHWH. One Torah and one manner of law shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourns with you
Numbers 15:15-16
But the stranger that dwells with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am YHWH
Leviticus 19:34
Paul also teaches us that we are no longer ‘gentiles’ when we become believers in Messiah:
Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time you were without Messiah, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without Elohim in the world: But now in Messiah Yahusha you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Messiah. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of Elohim.”
Ephesians 2:11-13, 19
Paul also teaches we are the Seed of Abraham through faith in Messiah. The Seed of Abraham is and always will be Israel!
“And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.”
Galatians 3:29
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, my friend;”
Isaiah 41:8
Jewish Feasts?
Leviticus 23 states these are his feasts. They came from him, not the Jews.
These are the feasts of YHWH, even holy assemblies, which ye shall proclaim in their appointed times.
Leviticus 23:4
Giving up the world’s holidays may seem scary at first, or it may seem like you’re loosing something. HARDLY! His feasts are much more enjoyable and ultimately, fills the heart with lasting love! Not only that, but most of the brethren report a feeling of being recharged, or cups filled during the feasts of YHWH, as opposed to the pagan holidays, which leaves most broke, or in debt and staggering from all the chaos that just ensued. If you have not participated in an organized Sukkot yet, you are in for a real treat.
Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!”
Isaiah 30:22
One word of caution; as people continue to come out of the apostate church system, many have unfortunately migrated completely to the other side of the issue, Judaism. Judaism is filled with added man-made traditions that are just as bad (if not worse) than the system most have left.
Growing up in Judaism, I am well acquainted with all the added traditions that seem pleasant on the surface. We must remember that we were instructed not to add unto his word when it comes to serving him.
Mainstream Christianity has diverted from the true teachings of Messiah, just as Judaism left the way of YHWH thousands of years ago.
You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish anything from it, that ye may guard the commandments of YHWH which I command you
Deuteronomy 4:2
Remember, Messiah Yahusha didn’t rebuke the Pharisees and Saducees for keeping the Torah (law), but for elevating man-made traditions.
This people draws close unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men
Matthew 15:8-9
At this time, are you worshiping him according to His ways, or man’s ways?
FEASTS OUTSIDE JERUSALEM
Lastly, some have proclaimed we are unable to keep the feast in dispersion away from Jerusalem, however, I would simply like to bring to remembrance what our Messiah declared, as he should be the authority whenever any doctrinal disagreements arise.
The woman said to him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and you say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men must worship. Yahusha said to her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. Elohim is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:19-24
Also, remember the Israelites were commanded to bring their offerings and celebrate the feasts in Jerusalem, because the temple (which he places his name in) resided there. Thanks to the work of Yahusha our messiah, things have changed in this regard.
Do you not know that you are the temple of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you?
1st Corinthians 3:16
What? don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of Elohim, and ye are not your own
1st Corinthians 6:19
So if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also
Hebrews 7:11-12
Many have recognized the scriptures here isn’t painting a picture of a lawless society under the headship of YHWH through his Son. No, but merely a change in the priesthood and sacrifices.
THE FALL FEASTS
Now that we’ve established why, let’s move on to the ‘when’ discussion.
WHEN?
The calendar discussion seems to bring about more contention and frustration than any other topic within this growing community. Let me be clear, I will be merely sharing the best understanding I have at this point, and I have no desire to debate, strive about, or belittle anyone else’s calendar, I am simply here to share what I know at this time. If I’m wrong, pray for me. I believe debatable topics like the calendar are a test from on high — to see if we can really love one another, regardless of our differences. If you are on a different calendar, yet desire to walk in YHWH’s ways, you are my brother and sister and I love you.
As a preface, we must realize, that it was prophesied in Daniel 7, that the 4th Beast, or 4th Kingdom (Rome & Papacy) would be given the power to deceive many; particularly with time (calendar). Yes, Yahuah has allowed this to serve his purpose (more on this another time).
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And he shall speak great words against the most High and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel 7:23 & 25
This has come to pass. Not only has Rome changed the commandments of YHWH, but it also controls the world’s calendar; time, at least in human affairs. The current calendar that the world operates on is the Gregorian, created by Pope Gregory XIII and introduced in 1582, which replaced the Julian calendar, another one of Rome’s devices. Link
“The reform also altered the lunar cycle used by the Church to calculate the date for Easter” (Wikipedia)
This was a major move in altering the observance of Passover in favor of the pagan festival of Ishtar (easter). The word easter is used is in Acts 12, however, when we look at the Greek, the word used was ‘pascha’ which is Passover. This is one of many deceiving ‘devices’ of the Beast. Link
“And Elohim said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for appointed times (feasts) and for days and years”
Genesis 1:14
With this in mind, we must go by Yahuah’s calendar as he described in the scriptures. While Rome’s gregorian calendar is solar only, The Most High’s is a Luni-Solar, using the Sun for Days, the continuous 7 day Sabbath for weeks, the Moon for months and a combination of the aforementioned and the Stars for years. Here is our introduction to the calendar, and how it operates, according to our current understanding.
Side note, here is why we cannot agree with the Dead Sea Scrolls – Zadok Priestly Solar Calendar at this time:
Here is our downloadable calendar PDF. It covers 2024-2025. POTV-CALENDAR-21-25-update
The dates are shown on the gregorian calendar for easy reference:
Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets)
Yom Teruah will be celebrated at the sighting of the new moon on Oct 3rd at evening (sunset). The festival will last until the evening (sundown) on Oct 4th. This time period is a Sabbath rest, no work is allowed.
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
The Day of Atonement will be celebrated from the evening of Oct 12th to the evening of the 13th. This time period is a Sabbath rest, no work is allowed.
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Sukkot will be celebrated from the evening of Oct 17th until the evening of Oct 25th.
Sabbaths
Evening of Oct 17th until the evening of Oct 18th.
Evening of the 24th until the evening of the 25th.
These time periods are Sabbath rests, no work for gain is allowed.
This study will be a quick overview of each of the 3 Fall feast days. The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Sukkot (Tabernacles). There is so much to learn about each one; specifically how they all pertain to our messiah Yahusha! Alongside this, there is a wealth prophetic implication within each one, that we could spend 2-3 hours on each feast day, so for this study, we will do a brief overview of each. I would highly encourage you all to do further study when time permits. Here is a link to our Feast Day playlist, where you can learn more about each one.
YOM TERUAH (FEAST OF TRUMPETS)
The Command
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall you have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein: but you shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahuah
Leviticus 23:24-25
When
I will be making references to the Gregorian calendar dates, only so you can understand what I am saying and learn when to celebrate them based of what you know now. The first day of the 7th month starts with the New Moon sighting.
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day
Psalm 81:3
What is the New Moon? Unfortunately, there’s nothing in the 66, or even 80 book cannon that tells us specifically what constitutes the New Moon. Yet, the ancient book of Enoch that was quoted by Jude and Peter, and also referenced by our Messiah on several occasions, does.
“And this is how she rises. And her first phase in the east comes forth on the thirtieth morning: and on that day she becomes visible, and constitutes for you the first phase of the moon on the thirtieth day together with the sun in the portal where the sun rises. And the one half of her goes forth by a seventh part, and her whole circumference is empty, without light, with the exception of one-seventh part of it, (and) the fourteenth part of her light. And when she receives one-seventh part of the half of her light, her light amounts to one-seventh part and the half thereof. And she sets with the sun, and when the sun rises the moon rises with him and receives the half of one part of light, and in that night in the beginning of her morning [in the commencement of the lunar day] the moon sets with the sun, and is invisible that night with the fourteen parts and the half of one of them.”
Enoch 73:4-7“And on the first day she is called the new moon, for on that day the light rises upon her.”
Enoch 77:12“…again she wanes till all the light vanishes and all the days of the month are at an end, and her circumference is empty, void of light.”
Enoch 78:14
This is the reason why the dates we celebrate are one day off from the majority, who follow the Jewish calendar. The current standard is the ‘blank’ or ‘dark’ conjunction moon being the first day, whereas Enoch states the sliver is day one and the ‘blank’ or conjunction moon is the last day of the month. If you’d like to know more about why we believe Enoch can be relied upon in this manner, please see this study:
Take a look at the picture below. The evening of Oct 3rd will be the sighting of the New Moon crescent. From the Evening of the 3rd to the evening of the 4th will be the Feast of Trumpets. This is the first day of the 7th month of Yahuah’s calendar (how we understand it).
Why we calculate evening to evening (another hotly debated topic). If we disagree, I love you nonetheless!
How
Now that we have established when, let’s talk about how, or rather, what we actually get to do!
Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) is the day of blowing the Shofar, or also, the day of shouting, or making loud noises; a sounding of the alarm if you will. We will be gathering together on the evening of the sighting of the New Moon, and when we do, we will be making a lot of noise!
To sight the New Moon, on Oct 3rd, at sundown, look to the west. It should appear something like this (a very slim sliver):
Hopefully we will all have clear skies that night, but if perchance you don’t, celebrate anyway, this month, there is no other possibility of another day being the New Moon. If you have your Shofar ready, let her sound off with all you have; this is a warning to all, that the day of Yahuah is near and judgement is impending.
Set the trumpet to your mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of YHWH, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my Torah.
Hosea 8:1
Some believe this is the day of the great Trumpet blast that starts the Day of Yahuah (commonly known as the Day of the Lord) A great reminder of our need to repent and attach ourselves to him and his ways.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a shofar, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Isaiah 58:1
Elohim is gone up with a shout, Yahuah with the sound of a Shofar. Sing praises to Elohim, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For Elohim is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. Elohim reigns over the nations: Elohim sits upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the Elohim of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto Elohim: he is greatly exalted.
Psalm 47:5-9
Okay, so now really blow that shofar! Why? Here’s why:
And in the day of your rejoicings, and in your solemnities, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings and your consecrated victims, and they shall be for a good memorial to you before the Yahuah your Elohim; for Satan shall be troubled at the sound of your festive notes: I am Yahuah your Elohim
Numbers 10:10 Aramaic
The Feast of Trumpets is a day of no work, including commerce (buying and selling, causing others to work for gain). If you have like-minded believers near you, get together, bring food to share with one another, and praise YHWH during this “Holy Convocation“.
This applies to all of his appointed times
If you haven’t gathered with a group of people blowing multiple shofars, you haven’t lived yet! Don’t have fellowship? Live alone? Celebrate anyways; I’m willing to imagine YHWH will be pleased with any effort we put forth towards his day. It’s been a long time since a large group of people have come back to his ancient path, desiring to serve him in spirit and in Truth. Let us give him something to smile about in this dark world.
Join us live on 10/4/24 at 1pm CST as we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets with another fellowship in the area, Seed of Abraham.
Again, this Shabbat is from the evening of Oct 3rd, until the evening of the 4th. This is a feast day unto YHWH and is also speculated to be the real timing of the birth of Yahusha (evidence).
The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) calls for an offering made by fire to YHWH. While we will be sharing a meal with friends and loved ones, we should consider that we are not in a time of animal sacrifices, but spiritual ones. We turn to scriptures to guide us on what we should do for this feast, and the others.
You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim by Yahusha Ha’Mashiach
1 Peter 1:5
More specifically:
Wherefore Yahusha also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to Elohim continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name
Hebrews 13:12-15
Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O YHWH, and teach me Your judgments.”
Psalm 119:108
Take with you words, and turn to YHWH: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips
Hosea 14:2
Consider this for a moment, in ancient times the Israelites were required to offer an animal sacrifice daily to YHWH, as a show of our love and dedication to him. However, during the Sabbaths and feast days, YHWH required not only the regular daily offering, but other offerings in addition to them.
In our generation, we should serve him daily; morning, noon and night. However, during these feast days, we should give even more than we do daily. More praise, more prayer, more worship, and, even more meals, time and memories shared together.
Why?
The Feast of Trumpets should be a joyful day of blowing the Shofar, or making a loud noise, not working, sharing a meal with family and friends but most importantly, giving YHWH praise to his name with our lips and hearts. HALLELUYAH!
Some say this day is could be the day of the resurrection:
“For The Master himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet The Master in the air: and so shall we ever be with The Master.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Yom Teruah is the announcement of the coming Day of Yahuah (Day of the Lord):
Blow ye the Shofar in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of YHWH comes, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there has not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: And YHWH shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executes his word: for the day of YHWH is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Joel 2:1-11
And the fall of the nations:
Now Jericho was shut up from within and from without because of the people of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And YHWH said to Joshua, “See, I have given into your hand Jericho, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. And seven priests shall bear seven shofars of Jubilee before the ark; and on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, the priests blowing the shofars. And when they make a long blast with the horn of Jubilee, as soon as you hear the sound of the shofar, then all the people shall shout with a great shout (teruah); and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him.”
Joshua 6:1-5
DAY OF ATONEMENT (YOM KIPPURIM)
The Command
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before YHWH your Elohim. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that does any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. You shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 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 you celebrate your sabbaths
Leviticus 23:27-32 Septuagint
When
The Day of Atonement is celebrated from the evening of the 9th day of the seventh month until the evening of the 10th day of the seventh month. Take a look below:
We will be celebrating the Day of Atonement from the evening of the 12th of Oct until the evening of the 13th of Oct. Below is a link for our live-stream broadcast at 5:30pm cst on 10/13:
How/Why
Not many are aware, but the Day of Atonement stems from the Book of Enoch, where the Fallen Angel Azazel is made the scapegoat – he was the original cause of sin and rebellion of the 200 watcher-class angels, and the leading astray of mankind. Let’s take a look:
And again YHWH said to Raphael: ‘Bind Azâzêl hand and foot and cast him into the darkness: and make an opening in the desert, which is in Dûdâêl, and cast him therein. And place upon him rough and jagged rocks, and cover him with darkness, and let him abide there for ever, and cover his face that he may not see light. And on the day of the great judgement he shall be cast into the fire. And heal the earth which the angels have corrupted, and proclaim the healing of the earth, that they may heal the plague, and that all the children of men may not perish through all the secret things that the Watchers have disclosed and have taught their sons. And the whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azâzêl: to him ascribe all sin Link
Enoch 10:4-8
We see: Azazel, Sin, Judgement and the Desert. With these terms in mind, let’s take another look at the Torah, regarding this most somber day. Leviticus 16 is all about the Day of Atonement, and I’d recommend all of you reading it on your own during this day, but for now, we will peek at a few passages from it:
Then he shall take the two goats and set them before YHWH at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And Aaron shall cast lots over the two goats, one lot for YHWH and the other lot for Azazel. And Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for YHWH and use it as a sin offering, but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before YHWH to make atonement over it, that it may be sent away into the wilderness (desert) to Azazel
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness (desert): And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness (desert)
Leviticus 16:7-10 & 21-22
Once a year, the High Priest alone was allowed into the Holy of Holies, in order to obtain forgiveness for the people. Also, during this day, one goat was sacrificed for sins while the other was sent out to wander the wilderness (desert), as Azazel was judged to abide in. Regardless of this past ritual, praise be to YHWH for sending his beloved son, Yahusha to atone once and for all, our sins and to be fully reconciled back to him, HALLELUYAH!
My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yahusha Ha’Mashiach the righteous: And he is the atonement for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world
1 John 2:1-2
Brothers and sisters, we were bought with a heavy price. This is a day to remember what Yahusha our Messiah has done for us; he was reviled, mocked, spit upon, beaten and even laid down his own life down for us.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
John 15:13
This is a day of ‘afflicting one’s soul’. Considering we are living post-crucifixion, I believe this is a time to remember his suffering.
But Elohim demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us
Romans 5:8
Some say this is a day for fasting (as depriving one’s self from our very basic needs, such as food and water is afflicting) and others say it’s not. As for me and my house, we are convinced that fasting and a broken and contrite heart is the proper way to conduct yourself on this High Holy day. As with all maters, take counsel with YHWH in prayer for direction.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Aha′va, that we might afflict ourselves before our Elohim, to seek from him a straight way for ourselves, our children, and all our goods
Ezra 8:21
And he humbled H6031 you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of YHWH does man live.
Deuteronomy 8:3
In my opinion, this is a proper day for reading Psalm 22 and perhaps some of the gospel accounts of his crucifixion. Here is a snippet of what he suffered for us, which should cause some affliction of your heart:
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture
Psalm 22:13-18
Truly, what an amazing wonder he’s done for us; let us never forget.
On a lighter note, one of the most exciting future implications of the Day of Atonement comes with the Year of Jubilee. The Jubilee was the releasing of the captives and all debts to be forgiven. Remember when we read Joshua 6?
And when they make a long blast with the horn of Jubilee, as soon as you hear the sound of the shofar, then all the people shall shout with a great shout (teruah); and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him
Joshua 6:4-5
Many believe this will be the announcement of the coming 2nd Exodus and return to the inheritance:
And you shall number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto you forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a Jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family
Leviticus 25:8-10
Deuteronomy 30 contains a monumental prophecy about the times we are living in, right now. A time when many would wake up and come back to his Torah with all their hearts — that this would be the marker in time right before we are regathered and given our inheritance. These are exiting times brethren!
So it will be when all of these things have come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have placed before you, and you call them to mind in all the nations where YHWH your Elohim has scattered you, and you return to YHWH your Elohim and obey Him with all your heart and soul in accordance with everything that I am commanding you today, you and your sons, then YHWH your Elohim will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where YHWH your Elohim has scattered you. If any of your scattered countrymen are at the ends of the earth, from there YHWH your Elohim will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. YHWH your Elohim will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will be good to you and make you more numerous than your fathers
Deuteronomy 30:1-5
Oh what a day that will be!
So to recap, from the evening of the 12th of Oct, to the evening of the 13th, do not work, don’t buy or sell and if you are in agreement with our understanding, abstain from food and keep this as a somber time of prayer and supplications to YHWH through his son Yahusha.
This is what we will be doing at our local congregation: we all fast from the evening of Oct 12th and gather together before sunset on the 13th. We will bring some basic food (but not eat right away), discuss the somberness of this day, and afflict our souls together for the last portion of the day. When evening comes we will break our fast together and then give praise to YHWH for sending his amazing son as an atonement for us; HalleluYah. Here again is the link to our gathering:
SUKKOT (FEAST OF TABERNACLES)
The Command
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto YHWH. On the first day shall be a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work therein. Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein
Leviticus 23:34-36
When
This year, Sukkot will begin on the evening of the 17th of Oct (when the 15th day begins, after sunset), and end on the evening of the 25th of October. The ‘First day’ (sabbath) will be the evening from the 17th to the 18th of Oct. The ‘Eighth day‘ (sabbath) will be the evening of the 24th to the evening of the 25th. On these two days there is no work to be done, except meal preparation (Example given in Ex 12:16). Those two days are times of ‘holy convocations’ or gatherings.
How/Why
Growing up, this was my favorite festival of all. This feast is literally the most fun of all of YHWH’s seven feast days. Part of the commandment in the Torah regarding this day is to rejoice! It truly grieves my heart for those who call the Torah a burden, as they don’t know what they are missing out on!
You shall keep the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) seven days, after that you have gathered in your threshing floor and your wine: And you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within your gates. Seven days shall you keep a solemn feast unto YHWH in the place which YHWH shall choose: because YHWH shall bless you in all your increase, and in all the works of your hands, therefore you shall surely rejoice
Deuteronomy 16:13-15
For many, this is a time to gather in large groups and literally go camping for a week (plus a bonus 8th day!).
A concept to remember about this feast
We need to relive the time in the wilderness when the children of Israel had to live in temporary dwellings, or booths:
You shall dwell in Sukkas (booths) seven days; all that are Israel born shall dwell in Sukkas: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in Sukkas, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am YHWH
Leviticus 23:42-43
But the stranger that dwells with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am YHWH
Leviticus 19:34
If you don’t have a group to Sukkot with, no worries, just put up a tent or lean-to, or any type of temporary shelter in your backyard and spend some extra time with YHWH, away from our comfy modern lifestyles in Egypt. This is a good thing for us to do, after all, we are waiting for the greater exodus, aren’t we? I hope we all are ready to give up these modern comforts at his command (myself included). Quite frankly, this is good training for the days ahead.
Will we be ready? Or will we be murmurers and complainers like the first Exodus when our modern conveniences are gone?
On a lighter note, do you like to decorate? Well this is your time to shine!
And you shall take 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 you shall rejoice before YHWH seven days
Leviticus 23:40
We had plenty of these items to gather in Southern California where I grew up, but we don’t have those types of plants in SW Missouri, so we improvise with other items. We had a most excellent time, praise be to YHWH!
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Most of us are far removed from an agricultural lifestyle, however, Sukkot is a festival of the harvest:
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 YHWH seven days: on the first day shall be a Shabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Shabbath
Leviticus 23:39
Just as we were commanded in the Feast of Trumpets to offer a sacrifice, we are also commanded to do the same with Sukkot:
Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH: on the eighth day shall be a holy assembly unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHWH: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein
Leviticus 23:36
Once again:
By him (Yahusha) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to Elohim continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name
Hebrews 13:15
Sing and give praise to him like there is no tomorrow!
Something to keep in mind; this celebration was made for the fair climate of the land of Israel, and in our dispersion, this isn’t realistic for every climate. My only suggestion would be to do what you can, when you can, and as always, take it to YHWH in prayer. DON’T FORGET — HAVE FUN AND PRAISE YHWH!
Yahusha’s Declaration During Sukkot
In the last day, that great day of THE feast, Yahusha stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believes on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
John 7:37-38
What a prophetic image, pointing to the Tree and the river of life proceeding out of the midst of New Jerusalem, where YHWH and Yahusha will ‘Tabernacle’ (dwell) with us! Remember, each feast points to our messiah and this one is no exception. Even though we are waiting for the full fulfillment of this, he did come and tabernacle amongst us already!
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth
John 1:14
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of YHWH and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for YHWH Elohaynu gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever
Revelation 22:1-5
HalleluYah!
Lastly, it is also very interesting that this will be celebrated by all nations during the Reign of Yahusha and his saints. This is one of the many reasons I believe the 1000 year reign hasn’t happened yet:
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, YHWH of Hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoever will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, YHWH of Hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith YHWH will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles
Zechariah 14:16-19
Can you even begin to imagine what that would look like? All the nations of the earth assembling around New Jerusalem, camping, singing, eating, drinking, blessing, dancing and celebrating our creator? WOW, just wow!
Unbelieving or Unequally Yoked Spouses
I can’t speak for YHWH here, but only from experience. If you have a spouse who’s just not quite with you on this journey, be a light to them. Don’t be angry or bitter or rude if their eyes haven’t been opened yet. Perhaps this is a test for you both?
“For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
1 Cor 7:16
Think about it, we are to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves’. Well, this is your closest neighbor. YHWH loved us and sent his son for us while we were yet sinners, blind and deaf. Can you love your spouse and be a good example to him/her, even in the face of ridicule or hatred for wanting to keep YHWH’s ways? Husbands, keep the feast with your children. If your wife doesn’t want to celebrate, don’t force it. Did YHWH force you? What I wouldn’t recommend, is allowing your wife to talk you out of celebrating his day.
Wives with unequally yoked or unbelieving husbands, I would never suggest you rebel against them, but do as much as you can, when you can. Prayer and fasting leading up to these days for deliverance is highly recommended. Who knows if YHWH would hear you and open your husband’s eyes. I’ve heard and seen testimony after testimony. YHWH is good!
Brothers and sisters, I hope this was an encouragement to you and your family and I pray that you will be keeping his Feast days (regardless of what calendar you observe) and praise him for all he has and will do for us for all of eternity, as these set-apart days are a blessing and a gift to us! Remember, this video only covered some of the basics of each feast which points to Messiah. For more in-depth studies on each feast day, see this playlist:
All esteem and glory to Yahuah through Yahusha.
Yahuah bless you and keep you,
Yahuah make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
Yahuah lift up his countenance upon you and give you Shalom
Invitation to Sukkot 2024
Ancient Path Revivals
Sukkot in Lebanon, MO: Oct 16th-27th
