Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

May they prosper who love you

- Psalm 122:6

Category: The Fall Feasts

The Symbol of Water

Water was crucial during Israel’s journey, first the parting of the Sea and then as they trudged through the desert.

The Symbol of Light

There was a full moon the day Israel left Egypt.  But the pillar of fire of God gave them light and protection.

The Good Shepherd

Through Israel’s journey, one of the ways God revealed Himself was as a Good Shepherd to guard, protect, provide and to bring them into perfect rest.

The Wave Offering

The wave offering of the branches symbolized their gratitude for God’s faithfulness in providing plentiful harvests all year.

The Feast of Tabernacles

At sundown October 10th, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) begins. Succoth is the last of the feasts of the fall, and completes the Levitical cycle.   This is a double holiday as it’s also the start of the Shabbat.

Atonement Achieved

When the Day of Atonement ends at sundown, many are uncertain if God forgave their sin.  One rabbi said, “We can’t be sure we hope so; we just act as though He has.  God is merciful.”

Bore and carried away sin

The first goat bore the sins of the people, but the second goat carried them away and into the wilderness. 

Two Identical Goats

The second unique feature of this holy day is the sacrifice; two identical goats were required.  The High Priest would symbolically transfer the sins onto the head of the goats.

The High Priest

There are three unique features of the Day of Atonement; today we will consider the High Priest.  Yom Kippur is the only day of the year that the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies. There he made atonement for the nation of Israel by putting the blood of the sacrificial goat on the mercy seat. 

The Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) begins at sundown on September 24th.