Significance of the 7 Jewish Feasts
Significance of the 7 Jewish Feasts
By Dennis Huebshman
There are people who believe the Jewish Feasts given by God to Moses in Leviticus 23 are no longer significant. These are the same people who believe the Jews were replaced by Christians after Calvary.
Not so. One only has to read Romans 11:25 for the answer to this. “For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited. A partial hardening has happened to Israel UNTIL the full numbers (fullness) of the gentiles has come in. (emphasis mine)
Even though the Jewish people still celebrate the Feasts, their connection to the Messiah isn’t a foregone conclusion. Many still relate the Feasts to the time Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after leaving Egypt. As I have said in previous messages, Messianic Jews (those that believe in Jesus as Messiah) are in the minority – possibly as low as 1% of the Jewish worldwide population. By the end of the 7-year tribulation, the surviving Jews will ALL believe and accept Yeshua (Jesus) as their Savior. Sad part is only about 1/3 of the total population going into the tribulation will survive to the end of it.
The Seven Feasts are: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles. The first three Feasts represents the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. The order of feasts is laid out in specific order by God to simulate what will take place. The final feasts are Rapture followed by Tribulation period and the Coming of the Lord and His reign on earth.
Starting with Passover, (Pesach) this represents the crucifixion of Jesus. In Egypt, it represented the sacrifice of the spotless lamb, so the Angel of Death would pass over the homes that had the blood displayed as instructed. Today, Jesus is our Spotless Lamb that was sacrificed.
Unleavened Bread, (Hag Hamtzah) represents the burial of Christ. In Egypt, bread was to be made without leavening in preparation for leaving Egypt rapidly when the time came.
First Fruits, (Bikkurim) is resurrection from the grave. In Leviticus, it was to represent the First Portion of the harvest. Jesus is our First Fruit as He was first to rise in our new Covenant which by the way does not replace the Abrahamic covenant.
Pentecost, (Saavuot) is the arrival of the Holy Spirit 50 days after the resurrection. The original was when God met with Moses on Mt. Sinai.
Trumpets, (Rosh Hashanah /Yom Teruah) announcements to be made. In Numbers 10:2, God told Moses to have two trumpets of silver from a single hammered piece made for assembly and directing travel. Today, we await this trumpet to signal the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4). It will be very rapid, and I believe only heard by those who have accepted Jesus. Some believe this may be a shofar, but whatever it is it will be calling us to Jesus in the clouds. Note: this is NOT any trumpet in the 7 Trumpet Judgments of Revelation. This is the last trumpet as given in 1 Corinthians 15.
Atonement,(Yom Kippur) represents the Second Coming of Christ where He actually sets foot on the earth. In the Rapture, believers rise up to meet Him in the Clouds. In Moses’ day, sacrifice was made to atone for the people’s sins. This also signifies satan being defeated at the end of the Tribulation.
Tabernacles, (Sukkot) represents Jesus’ 1000-year reign on earth. In Moses time, temporary shelters were set up as a celebration of their leaving Egypt, and they were to be lived in for 7 days each year. In the future, all earth’s inhabitants will have to go to Jerusalem to worship the Lord annually. (Zechariah 14:16)
Even though Christians do not celebrate the Jewish Holiday Feasts, they are very significant as you can see. It’s good to know what their original meanings were and now as to how they pertain to believers.
The only things that have not occurred are the Rapture, 7-year Tribulation and Jesus’ return to rule and reign from Jerusalem for 1000 years. After that, the final judgments will take place.
For Christians, our most important action is to accept Jesus as our Perfect Sacrifice for all our sins; ask for forgiveness and to have Him send the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. If this is sincerely done, we will be saved and not condemned – Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13 and Romans 8:1.
We are at the threshold of the Trumpet that is about to sound. Just looking at Bible prophecy and comparing it to what’s happening today is our greatest sign of this event’s rapid approach. The alignment of the Ezekiel 38 coalition is in place for the first time in history. Lawlessness, people turning away from the Lord, increased earthquake and volcano activity, wars and rumors of war and changes in the weather pattern just to name a few.
No, we will not know the day or hour (Matthew 34:36) but are commanded to know the season (Matthew 24: 32-33 parable of the fig tree). Believers can take heart in knowing what the Lord has provided so we can be ready. Non-believers will be sent a deluding influence, so they will believe what is false (2 Thessalonians 2: 11-12). I believe a delusion has already been sent resulting in all the unrest we see in the world today. It’s actually getting worse every day.
The time to accept Jesus is NOW! The price has been paid in full with His precious blood. If you haven’t already, now would be a great time to confirm your reservation for the most wonderful gift you will ever receive. To reject Jesus is to guarantee you place at the Great White Throne Judgment – and that’s the one where there will be no believers.
Make the right choice and we hope to see you in the clouds soon!
Maranatha – Shalom