Feasts of Jehovah, Part 2

Tuesday, January 18, 2011: Leviticus 23:26 – 28 (NKJV)

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

“Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.

What used to take place this day in the Temple? The high priest would enter the holiest of holies to make atonement for the nation.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011: Leviticus 23:34 – 36 (NKJV)

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it.

Why do many of other faiths still gather in Israel to celebrate this feast? It involves camping out, and is joyful, not solemn.

Thursday, January 20, 2011: Esther 9:26, 28 (NKJV)

So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, … that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.

What is the significance of Purim? The Lord’s protection over the Jews does not allow them to be wiped out: twice they have returned.

Friday, January 21, 2011: John 10:22 – 25 (NKJV)

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.”

What is the feast of Dedication? It is Hanukah, celebrating the cleansing of the Temple after it was desecrated. A miracle occurred: 1 day’s oil burned in the candelabrum for 8 days.