The Feasts of Yahweh (The LORD)
Before we begin, it is our sincere hope and prayer that you read everything that has been written here and search out the scriptures to verify everything. This teaching is not intended to be negative toward believers in the Church, rather, it is our hope that you see the truth, beauty, wisdom, and prophecy revealed from our loving Heavenly Father to His people.
In today’s world there are many believers in Messiah who observe the festivals of “Christmas” and “Easter”. But here is a question. Where in the Bible are we instructed to keep these festivals? The answer: NOWHERE! There is not one place in the entire Bible that has Christmas or Easter in the text. The only exception to this is one place in the King James Bible, where the Greek word “Pascha” meaning “Passover” was mistranslated as “Easter”. Acts 12:4 is the ONLY place where Easter was incorrectly translated and the New King James Version has made the correction. So what Feasts should we keep and are they scriptural?
The Biblical Feasts of Yahweh (the LORD)
According to the Bible, Yahweh (Translated “LORD” in most English Bibles) instructs His people to celebrate the following Feasts/Festivals: (1) Passover, (2) Feast of Unleavened Bread, (3) First Fruits, (4) Shavuot, (5) Yom Teruah, (6) Yom Kippur, and (7) Feast of Tabernacles. These seven feasts are located throughout scripture, mainly in Exodus 23, Leviticus 23, Numbers 28 & 29, and Deuteronomy 16. Let us now take a closer look at each of Yahweh’s Feasts to get a better understanding of what they are all about.
(1) PASSOVER & (2) UNLEAVENED BREAD
According to the word of Elohim (translated “God” in most English Bibles), Yahweh has instructed us to observe and keep the Passover:
“In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.” (Leviticus 23:5-8)
We are instructed by Yahweh to keep/observe the Passover on the 14th day of Aviv/Abib (Nisan in the current Hebrew Calendar) starting in the evening. We are instructed to eat unleavened bread for seven days. We are instructed to have a holy convocation on the first and seventh day of unleavened bread and to do no servile work. The first and seventh days were to be observed much like the Sabbath in which no work was to be performed. (If you would like more information concerning the Sabbath, click on the following web link below). http://www.returnoftheremnant.comhttps://static.secure.website/wscfus/7961607/uploads/What_does_the_bible_say_concerning_the_Sabbath_revised.docx
So where did the Passover originate? The Book of Exodus (12:1-13:10) tells the story of how Yahweh delivered His people out of the land of Egypt and redeemed all the firstborn of Israel by protecting their homes and causing the destroyer to “pass over” the homes which had the blood of the Passover Lamb on their doorposts. On that day, the 14th of Aviv, the Israelites would take the Passover lamb that they had in their homes from the 10th of Aviv and slaughter the lamb at twilight. They then took the blood of the sacrificed lamb and applied it to the lintel and doorposts of their homes. That very evening the Israelites would eat the Passover lamb along with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. During this time, those who did not have the blood of the Passover Lamb on their doorposts were not protected from the ”destroyer” who slew the first-born in the home.
It is important that we continue to “remember” this “Feast of Yahweh” as it is written:
“And this day shall be unto youfor a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD {Yahweh} throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.” (Exodus 12:14) {emphasis mine}
“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever.” (Exodus 12:17) {emphasis mine}
When the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was still standing, special burnt offerings, sin offerings, and grain offerings were offered to Yahweh during the days of unleavened bread (Num 28:17-25). Yahweh’s people would come to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to offer their Passover Lamb and to keep the Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1-3). They would also observe the instructions of eating “unleavened” bread).
“Observe the month of Abib (Aviv), and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night. Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there. Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life. And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning. Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt. And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents. Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein.” {emphasis mine} (Deuteronomy 16:1-8).
According to scripture, this is the first of three pilgrimage feasts that all adult Israelite males were to appear before Yahweh in Jerusalem.
“Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.” (Exodus 23:14-17)
It is important to note and understand that our Messiah was THE Passover Lamb for us as He died for our sins on Passover! We will discuss this further when we search out if Messiah kept the Feasts or not. We will also answer the question regarding how we should observe this feast while the Temple is not currently standing towards the end of this teaching.
(3) First Fruits
During the feast of Unleavened bread, Yahweh instructs His people to bring to Him the First-Fruits of their harvest.
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.” (Leviticus 23:10-11).
This “First-Fruits” offering before Yahweh would have included other offerings such as a burnt offering and a meal offering. It was to be presented in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (where Yahweh has put His name) during the feast of Unleavened bread. According to scripture, this offering would have taken place on a Sunday, the day after the regular Sabbath which would fall during the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is also the day to begin the “Counting of the Omer”; a fifty day counting that leads to the next feast day, Shavuot.
Interestingly, the day of First-Fruits was the day which Messiah appeared alive before Mary at the tomb (John chapter 20). Messiah was “raised from the dead” by our Heavenly Father at the end of the Sabbath beginning the day of First-Fruits (according to the Biblical reckoning of time –“sunset to sunset”). The Apostle Paul also refers to Messiah as the “First Fruits” of the dead.
“But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah's at his coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) {emphasis mine}
(4) Shavuot (Feast of Weeks)
Yahweh instructs His people to count seven complete Sabbaths (seven sevens) after the waving of the first-fruits (also called the “Waving of the Omer”) and to celebrate the Festival of Shavuot on the fiftieth day.
“And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:15-17)
The English word “Sheaf” from the above scripture comes from the Hebrew word “Omer”. The word “Omer” means “a dry measurement equal to that of two liters”.
Just like the first and seventh day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, this day of Shavuot is also a day of rest. Shavuot is the second of the three pilgrimage feasts that all adult Israelite males were required to attend at Jerusalem (Exodus 23:14,16). Along with the offerings and sacrifices presented by the High Priest to Yahweh, Yahweh instructs His people to have a holy convocation and to do no servile work.
“And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.” (Leviticus 23:21)
While the Second Holy Temple was still standing, many Israelites that were scattered throughout the earth who made a long journey to Jerusalem would stay for all four of the feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First-Fruits, and Shavuot) commonly called the “spring feasts”.
During the seven weeks following the Exodus out of Egypt, Yahweh’s people prepared themselves for receiving the Torah (Yahweh’s Instructions) at Mount Sinai. It is generally accepted by Biblical scholars and Jewish sages that the Torah was given at Mount Sinai on this day, Shavuot. It was also on this day that the disciples of Messiah received the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4), exactly fifty (“Pentecost” in Greek means “fifty”) days from “First-Fruits”!
(5) Yom Teruah
Now we enter in to what is commonly called the “Fall Feasts”. Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Feast of Tabernacles all occur in the seventh month of the Hebrew Calendar (known as “Tishri”). Yom Teruah (also known in Judaism as “Rosh Hashanah”) is celebrated on the first day of the seventh month. Yahweh instructs His people to observe this day with a blowing of Trumpets. It is a day in which to have a holy convocation and to do no servile work.
“And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.” (Numbers 29:1)
“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.” (Leviticus 23:24) {emphasis mine}
Of the seven Biblical festivals, Yom Teruah is the only festival celebrated on the New Moon (In Hebrew- “Rosh Chodesh”) which would be the first day of the month.
“Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.” (Psalms 81:3-4)
Like all of the Feasts, Yahweh’s people are instructed to blow the trumpet (or a ram’s horn, called a “Shofar” in Hebrew). The blowing of shofars is to be used for a “memorial” (Leviticus 23:24), used in battle (Numbers 10:9), or used on Yahweh’s festivals to be remembered before Yahweh. The blowing of Shofars can also be seen in the following thought: that by blowing them, Yahweh would remember His covenant relationship with Israel and the promises He had made to His people. In Judaism, the sages teach that in the future, Messiah will come and regather all of Israel back to their homeland.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem. “ (Isaiah 27:13)
In the Artscroll Siddur, there is a prayer that is said three times a day by the Jewish people. It is found within the “Amidah” or “Shemoneh Esrei” (Meaning eighteen) prayers entitled: “The Ingathering Of Exiles”- as it is written:
“Sound the great shofar for our freedom, raise the banner to gather our exiles and speedily gather us together from the four corners of the earth to our land. Blessed are You, YHWH (Yahweh), who gathers in the dispersed of His people Israel.”
How wonderful is that- to see the Jewish people making petition before Yahweh on our behalf! They have been praying this prayer for centuries!!
This day of Yom Teruah is also known in Judaism by three other names: “The Day of the sounding of the Shofar”, “The Day of Judgment”, and “The Day of Remembrance”. It is believed in Judaism that on this day, Elohim sits in judgment of the whole universe.
(6) Yom Kippur
Sometimes called, “The Day”, or “The Great Day”, Yom Kippur is commonly defined as “The Day of Atonement”. According to scripture, Yom Kippur was to be observed on the evening of the ninth day of the seventh month (at sunset) until the evening of the tenth day of the seventh month (at sunset).
“Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 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 doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye 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 ye celebrate your sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:27-32) {emphasis mine}
So how does one “afflict” oneself? It is generally understood and accepted through Biblical scholars that “afflicting” oneself in this regard would be to “deny” self. One way of denying self is through “fasting”. During Yom Kippur, an observance of a 24 hour fast where you “humble” yourself physically (through abstaining from physical food), mentally, and spiritually (through heart-felt prayers of repentance before Yahweh) is generally practiced. Messiah Yahshua also had this to say concerning “fasting”:
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. “ (Matthew 6:16-18)
We should also come before our Heavenly Father on this day through fasting and prayer and to pour out our souls to Him!
(7) Feast of Tabernacles (Booths / Sukkot)
The last of the seven annual feasts is the Feast of Tabernacles, also called the “Feast of Ingathering”, “Feast of Booths”, or “Sukkot”.
“And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:””…On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:” (Numbers 29:12, 35)
“Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 23:39-43)
According to the commandment, Yahweh’s people are to dwell in tents/booths (“Sukkahs” in Hebrew) for the duration of the Feast to remind all generations that Yahweh made the children of Israel dwell in tents/booths when he brought them up out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of slavery. It is a time of thanksgiving and rejoicing before Yahweh!
So did Messiah Yahshua (translated “Jesus” in most English Bibles) observe the Feasts of Yahweh (YHWH)?
During the time when our Messiah, Yahshua of Nazareth (the Hebrew name “Yahshua” means “Yah is salvation”) walked the earth, these feasts were still being observed. There are many scripture verses in the gospels and the apostolic scriptures showing that Messiah Yahshua, His disciples, Rav Shaul (Paul), and many others continued to “Keep” these feasts, even AFTER our Heavenly Father raised His Son, Messiah Yahshua, from the dead!
As a child, the scriptures record Yahshua keeping the Passover:
Luke 2:41-42 “Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.”
While preaching and healing the masses, Yahshua continued to observe the Feasts.
John 2:23 “Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.”
John 4:45 “Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.”
This “Feast” recorded in John 4:45 was none other than the “Passover” that was written in John 2:23. Not only did Yahshua observe the “Passover” and “Feast of Unleavened Bread”, so did His disciples.
Matthew 26:17 “ Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?” Matthew 26:19 “And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.”
Mark 14:12 “And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?”
Many of those not only living in Judea and Galilee, but also those in the dispersion (Diaspora) came to Jerusalem to observed the Passover and Unleavened Bread, as instructed by Yahweh. There are over 24 verses alone in the gospels containing the word “Passover” and at least 2 more verses in the Apostolic scriptures. There are also 5 verses in the gospels containing the words “Unleavened Bread” and 2 more verses in the Apostolic scriptures.
So what about the other Feast days of Shavuot & Tabernacles as recorded in Exodus 23? (We already listed Unleavened Bread). We see accounts of Shavuot (translated “Pentecost” in most English Bibles) and Tabernacles throughout the Apostolic scriptures and the Gospel of John. These Feasts were still being kept by observant Jews and those scattered in the nations (“Diaspora”) along with the Disciples of Yahshua and the Apostle Paul. There is Biblical evidence that the Feasts were still being kept by those who believed in Messiah long after Yahshua was resurrected from the tomb.
John 7:2,14,37 “…feast of tabernacles was at hand.”“…Now about the midst of the feast (Tabernacles) Yahshua went up into the temple, and taught.””…In the last day, that great day of the feast (of Tabernacles), Yahshua stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” (Emphasis Mine)
Acts 2:1 “And when the day of Pentecost (Shavuot) was fully come, they (Yahshua’s Disciples) were all with one accord in one place.” (Emphasis Mine)
Act 18:21 “But (Paul) bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.” (Emphasis Mine)
Act 20:4-6 “And there accompanied him (Paul) into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.”
Act 20:16 “For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost (Shavuot).”
1Co 16:7-8 (Paul says) “For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost (Shavuot).” (Emphasis Mine)
So why should we observe these seven Festivals of Yahweh?
Yahweh’s Prophetic Plan of Mankind through His Appointed Feasts
These seven feasts show Yahweh’s plan of redemption, salvation, and restoration.Passover is the feast of redemption and salvation. Just as the blood of the lamb on the Israelite doorposts protected them from death (redemption) and delivered them from slavery, Messiah’s blood (as the lamb of Elohim) redeems us from slavery and represents our “salvation”. Yahshua (is the Hebrew name of our Messiah translated as ‘Jesus’ in our English Bibles. In Hebrew, Yahshua means “Yah is salvation”). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is the second feast. Leaven in the Bible symbolizes sin. Unleavened bread represents our Messiah, who was without leaven (sin), and poured himself out for us as the perfect, sinless sacrifice to die for our sins. Yahshua is the “bread of life” (John 6:35).First fruits is when the Israelites would bring in the early crops from their spring planting and “wave the sheaf” before Yahweh. Yahshua fulfilled this feast as Yahweh resurrected His Son from the dead to be the First (Acts 26:23) of the First-Fruits. Fifty days from First fruits brings us to the next feast, Shavuot. Shavuot is when the Israelites would bring in the first fruits of the summer harvest. Two loaves of leavened bread would be waved before Yahweh. Not only was the Torah (Elohim’s instructions for His people) given to Moses and the children of Israel, but also the Holy Spirit was given to the Disciples on this Feast day after Messiah Yahshua was taken up to be with His Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Father (John 20:17). These first four feasts reveal how Yahshua fulfilled the plan of Almighty Yahweh. Yahshua was crucified on Passover, buried during Unleavened bread, resurrected on First fruits, and sent the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) on Shavuot.
So we see the Feasts/ Holy days of Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Shavuot were fulfilled through Yahweh’s Son, Messiah Yahshua, at his first coming as the suffering servant (“Moshiach Ben Yosef” – Messiah Son of Joseph). The remaining feasts/ Holy days of Yom Teruah (feast of trumpets), Yom Kippur, and Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled at the second coming of Messiah Yahshua as the conquering King (“Moshiach Ben David” – Messiah Son of David). Yahshua will come back to earth on Yom Teruah:
”For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be (Messiah Yahshua). For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man (Messiah Yahshua) in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man (Messiah Yahshua) coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:27-31)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
”For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ (Messiah) shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Yahshua will judge the nations and proclaim liberty throughout the land of Israel and return believers to their inheritance (Jubilee) on Yom Kippur:
Yahshua fulfilled his first coming in Isaiah 61:1, recorded again in Luke 4:16-21.
“And he (Yahshua) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
Yahshua fulfilled Isaiah 61:1 at his first coming, and he will fulfill Isaiah 61:2 at his second coming:
“To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;” (Isaiah 61:2)
The “acceptable year” is the Year of Jubilee, when Yahweh’s people will return to the land and dwell within it.
This occurs on Yom Kippur every fifty years, as scripture says.
”Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile 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 jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession.” (Leviticus 25:9-13)
So how does this line up with Yom Kippur at the final Jubilee of Messiah’s second coming?
“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:22-28)
Messiah will then hold the Feast of Tabernacles with his bride, the body of Messiah (the Whole House of Israel)!
“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, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD 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 the LORD 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)
Messiah will set up the kingdom on earth, rule the nations, and we will reign with him!
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ (Messiah), and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
Nowhere in scripture is it written that these Feasts have been replaced by something else. These Feasts are found throughout scripture: Leviticus 23:4-44, Deuteronomy 16:1-16, Exodus 23:14-19, Num 29:1,7,12,and 35. These feasts are recorded in scripture showing that the Israelites observed them: Joshua 5:10-11, 2 Kings 23:21-23, 2 Chronicles 30:15-21, Ezra 6:19-22, to name a few. Our Messiah, Yahshua of Nazareth, observed these Feasts. The gospels show Messiah Yahshua celebrated Passover {Luke 2:41-42, John 2:23}, and Tabernacles {John 7:2}, and most importantly, OUR MESSIAH WAS THE PASSOVER SACRIFICE! If our Messiah did not honor these Feasts or changed them in any way, then according to scripture (Deuteronomy 18:15-20) he could not be the Messiah! Yahshua even said that:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
Last I checked, the earth was still HERE and therefore the instructions of Yahweh (YHWH) are STILL IN EFFECT !!!!
Even after Messiah Yahshua was crucified, Passover was still being observed well into the 2nd century AD. Eusebius (263-339 AD), an early Roman historian and Bishop in Caesarea (314 AD) relates that Polycarp, a disciple of John, had held to the Passover as an institution handed down by John, the last living original apostle of Messiah. Polycarp taught observance of the Passover as the early body of believers had observed it. Eusebius said Polycarp did so because this was the way “he had always observed it with John the disciple of our Lord, and the rest of the apostles, with whom he associated” (Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, 1995, pp. 210-211). These believers of the Messiah of the second century were still following the example of Messiah Yahshua (1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6) in observing the Passover.
For additional information including the history regarding Passover and Easter, please read the article titled “So what about Christmas and Easter?” located at http://www.returnoftheremnant.com/teachings.html
So how do we observe the Feasts of Yahweh if we don’t have the Temple in Jerusalem?
Currently, the altar and Temple are not standing in Jerusalem (destroyed in 70 AD) but we should “set-apart” these days in honor of Yahweh our Elohim. Our motive in celebration should be as Elohim originally intended- to remember and honor Yahweh that He is our Creator and our Elohim. Our desire should be to draw close to Him through relationship, not “man-made religion”. Yahweh said that His feasts were to be celebrated forever (Leviticus 23)! Yahweh does not change (Malachi 3:6) and therefore He still desires for us to worship him through love and obedience. Throughout scripture, Yahweh desires obedience over that of animal sacrifice.
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.“ (Matthew 9:13)
“But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.” (Matthew 12:6-7)
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)
“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2:9)
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
“Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not; but a body hast thou prepared me: whole-burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin thou didst not require.” (Psalms 40:6 (39:6)) {Brenton Bible Translation}
“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” (Hebrews 10:5)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” (Psalms 107:21-22)
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalms 141:2)
“The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 33:11)
Even though the temple is not standing in Jerusalem, we are to be a living sacrifice to Yahweh through love and obedience to Him and to His word. Yahweh has always wanted love and obedience from his people. Abraham was one of those who believed and obeyed Yahweh:
“Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” (Genesis 26:5). “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.“ (James 2:23).
According to our Heavenly Father, keeping the Feasts are important! He says that they are to be a perpetual statute FOREVER throughout your generations. By keeping the Passover and unleavened bread, we remember the story of the Exodus and how Israel escaped from Egypt (Deuteronomy 16:3 – the “bread of affliction” and coming out of Egypt “in haste”). We should also look at Passover and unleavened bread as how Almighty Yahweh brought each one of us up out of our own slavery to sin into His glorious light! We commemorate Yahweh onShavuot for blessing us with the “Feast of the Harvest” (Exodus 23:16), the First-fruits of the crops. We should also thank Him for the giving of the Torah to Israel at Shavuot (Feast of Weeks). We keep theFeast of Tabernacles by living in “Sukkahs” (temporary shelters) for seven days to remember how Israel lived in temporary shelters in the wilderness and to celebrate the “Feast of Ingathering”, by thanking Yahweh for blessing us with the fruit of our labors. We are to rejoice before Yahweh and to remember that HE made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when He brought them out of the land of Egypt, and that He is Yahweh our Elohim!
Observing these Feasts is a dress rehearsal for us (as the bride) while we wait for the return of our “bridegroom”, Messiah Yahshua! It is also recorded in scripture that in the future we will still be honoring Yahweh’s feast days: (See Zechariah Chapter 14 and Ezekiel Chapter 45).
One important point to remember is that these “Feasts” were and are “The Feasts of Yahweh”. They are not just “Jewish feasts” for only the Jewish people as ALL people who identify with the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are instructed to keep these Feast days and Holy convocations!
“One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance forever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.” (Numbers 15:15-16)
“Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 24:22) “One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.” (Exodus 12:49) {emphasis mine}
Unfortunately, some of the early “church fathers” changed the Feast days of Yahweh (council of Nicaea, 325 AD). They also changed the Sabbath day from the 7th day to the 1st day, “Sun-day” (the day of the venerable sun). We have written another teaching concerning the Sabbath day on our website www.returnoftheremnant.com . We would highly encourage you to download the teaching and study out the Sabbath as well.
So to recap, Yahweh’s Feasts (1) Were and are to be observed and celebrated “Forever”, (2) Messiah Yahshua, His Disciples, and early believers continued to observe and keep Yahweh’s Feasts well after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, (3) His Feasts reveal His Prophetic plan for mankind –redemption, salvation, and restoration, through His Son, Messiah Yahshua, (4) Even though the Temple is not standing, His Feasts are not done away with- we can still draw near and be a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1), (5) Yahweh’s Feasts are not only for the Jewish people but for all those who desire to follow Him and His word.
“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Messiah our passover is sacrificed for us: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 5:6-8) {emphasis mine}
I would now like to leave you with this scripture from the Apostle Paul to ponder and pray about:
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that think he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:1-12) {Reference these verses with Ezekiel 20:33-44}
May you be blessed as you continue to search out Yahweh’s truth. If there is anything you don’t agree with or have questions about, please email us at returnoftheremnant@gmail.com All praise, honor, and glory to Yahweh… Shalom Aleichem.
REFERENCES:
KJV Bible
Brenton Bible
The Complete Artscroll Siddur
The Feasts of Israel Bruce Scott