After a long interval. Leviticus 23:23-44 After the busy harvest season ended and God's blessings of provision had been stored in barns and storehouses, the civil New Year began. The trumpets sounded throughout the land on the first day of the seventh month, calling the nation to the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall festivals. It started with Rosh Hashanah (the head of the year) as a call for ten days of self-examination and repentance. On this day, the Feast of Trumpets, no work was to be done, and the sons of Israel were to gather as a symbol of the re-gathering of Israel. It served as a memorial day, reminding them of the nation's past glory and the future promises to be fulfilled. The blowing of the trumpets was meant to inspire the people to seek the Lord. There was likely joy and thanksgiving for the Lord's provision for the harvest, and this day marked the beginning of a period of cleansing ahead of the solemn Day of Atonement ten days later.
The present period of grace spans the time between the start of the Church age, which began after the resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His return. When the Lord descends from heaven with a "shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God," a time of God's dealings with Israel as a nation will occur again. Today's Israel is a political entity, not a sign of spiritual revival leading to repentance. We can learn from the foreshadowing of future events that the Lord's return is near. When the trumpet sounds, the Church will be caught up to meet our Lord.
Many Jews consider Yom Kippur the most significant day of the year. The Day of Atonement took place after an eight-day interval on the tenth day of the seventh month. It was not a joyful celebration, but a solemn day of fasting, spiritual reflection, and rest from all work, all of which led to genuine repentance. The high priest had to prepare himself and gather the appropriate animals to be sacrificed for himself, his family, and the people. The two goats were present, and the people waited anxiously to see if God would accept the atonement for their sins. The "scapegoat" would be taken into the wilderness, and the other sacrifices would be offered because the blood of atonement had secured peace with God for another year. Fellowship was restored, and sin was covered on that day.
Israel has yet to endure a solemn period of serious consequences before establishing genuine fellowship with their Messiah. The tribulations during "the time of Jacob's trouble" will bring them to a point where they desperately seek the assurance that they will survive God's wrath. On that day, Israel will mourn and seek God earnestly. God will lead the nation to a place of supplication and a deep longing for His grace to be shown. It is then that Israel will finally "look on Him whom they have pierced." Many will be cut off before they repent and accept Christ. Ultimately, they will look beyond Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, to the One who is the Atoning Sacrifice. Ultimately, they will find victory through complete surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. They will mourn, but God will give them "the oil of joy for mourning." The nation will rejoice in the Lord Himself, not just have sins atoned, but will also have "a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness." Israel shall be saved.
Perhaps a form of the Judgment Seat of Christ can be envisioned here, as it will not be a day of salvation or celebration but a day of revealing the motives believers currently hold regarding their service to God. It is wise for us to understand that the sound of the trumpet at the rapture will take us to the time and place where we will give an account of the "things done in the body." That coming day is one of the motivating factors connected with our ministry of reconciliation during this harvest time.
The Feast of Tabernacles was the last of the seven feasts of Jehovah in the year. It was a week of rejoicing, as they remembered the forty years of living in tents in the wilderness. It marked a time of renewal as they camped out in booths designed for a week, enjoying the friendship and fellowship of friends and neighbors. This was a joyful season of celebration. The Feast of Ingathering, at the end of the harvest, signified they now had a period of rest. The Feast of Trumpets called them to ten days of reflection leading up to the Day of Atonement, which had its solemnity as the nation waited anxiously for signs of atonement for their sins. Five days later, the Feast of Tabernacles was filled with joy and gladness.
History records that worship and teaching occurred when the last of the Torah was read, and the reading restarted at the beginning of the book. Daily sacrifices were offered for each type of offering. They shared their history and renewed friendships. The lighting of menorahs and the symbolic drawing and pouring out of water represented God's blessings. This continued for seven days until the last great day. On that day, Jesus loudly proclaimed, "If any man thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink."
We can understand the longing of souls when we see that this form was repeated year after year, and then the people would return home only to repeat the same routines the following year. The Lord Jesus offered living water that those who believe in Him can now receive. He is the true Succoth (booth; shelter), the God who gives us safety. He is the Great Physician, cleansing us from sin and impurity—the Balm of Gilead. For the Jews, a day will come when they will share in the blessings of the Millennium with their Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will sit on the throne of David, and His kingdom of peace will be universal.
Reflecting on what God has done is meaningful, not a waste of time. When we pause to consider how the Lord has blessed and protected us, we are amazed by His work of grace, which has made it possible for us to be accepted through Christ. By God’s grace, we are forgiven and no longer just dwell on earth but now have our citizenship in heaven. During our celebrations, we remember the promises of the future. Each day, as future events unfold, we become more aware that the sound of God's trumpet and a shout will call us to Him. The work we have been doing will end, and God's promises will be fulfilled.
Israel will face hardships; payday always follows rejection. That nation will eventually turn to God in sincere repentance. During their "trouble" period, they will be called to reflection. Then, their Messiah will appear, and they will see Him whom they pierced. He will speak peace to their souls when the sound of trumpets reaches their ears. The solemn occasion of the Day of Atonement will pass, and they will find peace in their land. They will be gathered from all over the world, and all nations will marvel at God's grace toward His earthly people. The King of kings will sit on David's throne, and peace will reign on earth. National leaders will come to Him who is Lord of lords, and Israel will experience national rebirth.
Those who form the Church and have experienced resurrection and life will be with the Lord in His glory and share in the kingdom as His bride. There will be much to do in His service to fulfill all of God's purposes. Every stiff knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. Just as Israel looked back to specific feasts, we look back to what Christ accomplished. From the Passover Feast onward, we recognize we are now hidden in Christ. We look forward with joy as we anticipate the day when, as King, Jesus will reign.
Leviticus 23:37-38. “These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything upon his day: besides the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and besides all your vows, and beside your freewill offerings, which ye shall give unto the Lord.” 19 SPECIAL DAYS. The nation stops: the claims of culture have their place, especially when God appoints – Days, times, and ways to celebrate – not of moral depravity and wild independence. People need to meet together – in social settings, rest, refreshment, and remembering: All are part of the psyche of a nation that is called to thanksgiving.
The nation remembers: history is one of the most outstanding teachers of our identity and uniqueness. The Passover: the blood of the paschal lamb, the bitter herbs, unleavened bread. We look back to deliverance by God’s Almighty Hand – His arm made bare. And from my vantage point, I look back and remember my Savior – my Lord.
The nation eats: just as in the past, the bread is flat – unleavened, like in Egypt. This nation is different; this nation is to be pure; this nation must be ready to obey. Day after day – seven days in all – for all to remember righteousness has a cost. We are to be holy, righteous, and godly in our daily lives. Remember this—and eat.
The nation prepares: the harvest is nearly here; what better time and way to remember? Remember the labor needed to prepare and plant; give God the first who sends the rain. Remember, the corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, and in dying, brings fruit. I remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, and I waved Him before my God.
The nation reviews: the barley is in, and the wheat harvest is about to start; take one day; One day for God, fifty days later, to show joy and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Recall on this day, the life-giving power God alone can give – and make life grow. The Holy Spirit has come – and is within; His power is at work that is beyond our ability.
The nation hears: the business year begins today, the first day of the seventh month. Ram’s horn trumpets are sounding all over the land; special trumpets of beaten silver – The sound is heard – lay down the shovel, the hoe, the pitchfork – bring an offering. Let joy be heard today and every day as we think of all the ways God has led us until now.
The nation fasts: and the whole country goes silent. The souls of all are humbled in them. A solemn gathering takes place as the priest goes into God's presence. With bated breath, each person waits, watches, and listens – he hears the bells – relief! For fellowship between us and our God, we give thanks for the blood shed!
The nation camps out, tree limbs are cut down, and happy children anticipate family time. Under the boughs by day and under the stars by night – the nation expresses trust in God. After seven days of living outside as their ancestors did, the children learn to trust God. I, too, remember – and want to pass on to my children and grandchildren - that I trust my God!