This issue of YAHSHUA'S WITNESS MAGAZINE
 was published for SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2005

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Inside this issue:

Why we should keep the Feast of YAHWEH
(by Jerry Healan)

The Feast of Trumpets
(by Jerry Healan)

The Day of Atonement
(by Jerry Healan)

The Festival of Booths Succoth
(by Dave Ganton)

The Great Last Day
(by Dave Ganton)

The Last Great Day-2
(by Jerry Healan)

Come to the feast!

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

What is Forgiveness? Part 2

 


WHY WE SHOULD OBSERVE THE FEASTS OF YAHWEH

Are Yahweh’s feast days important to be observed in this day and age 
or were they simply Old Testament and done away?

By Jerry Healan

The overall majority of the world observes the Roman calendar devised by Julius and Augustus Caesar with some renovations by the Roman Catholic popes, especially Pope Gregory.

  The United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan recently wrote an article stating that the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar was no longer considered to be primarily the calendar of the Western Christian world, but that it is being adopted by almost all nations of the world.

  Of course, the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar focuses on Sunday, the first day of the week, being the religious rest day. Its primary annual feasts are Jan. 1 (New Year), a floating holiday called Easter Sunday (the supposed resurrection of the Savior) and Dec. 25th (the supposed birth of the Savior).

  Even though these holidays are considered to be religious observances, there is no command in Yahweh’s word, the Holy Bible, to do such. Yahweh’s word sanctifies the seventh day Sabbath as the true rest day (order our free articles “Should A New Testament Believer Observe The Sabbath Day?” and “Just Who Was It That Sanctified Sunday Worship?”), and annual festivals predicated on observance of the new moon. Yahweh’s new year’s day was to occur on the new moon day closest to the vernal equinox.

  Yahweh’s commands were to observe the weekly Sabbath and annual Holy days which were called, singular, a moed and plural, moedim in Hebrew.

  The Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar is broken down into days, weeks, months, etc. Yahweh’s calendar is also broken down into days, weeks, months, etc.

  The Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calender has a seven day week. Yahweh’s holy calendar has a seven day week. As stated, the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar sets aside the first day of the week for rest and religious congregating. Yahweh’s holy calendar sets aside the seventh day of the week for rest and religious congregating.

  The Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar is also broken down into periods of time called months. Yahweh’s calendar is also broken down into periods of time called months. But where does this word month, English, Hebrew, or otherwise, come from? A quick look at Webster’s New World Dictionary reveals that the word month is etymologically derived from the word moon!

  One of the definitions given for month is: the period of a complete revolution of the moon with reference to some fixed point (in full, lunar month); esp. the period from one new moon to the next (in full, synodic month); equivalent to 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.7 + seconds.

  A quick look at Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance reveals that the same Hebrew word for moon is also used for month.

  Since Webster’s gives the definition of the word month as a period of revolution for the moon, which is Yahweh’s commanded way of determining a month, why is it that our months are not predicated as such? Shouldn’t this alert us that something is drastically wrong with the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar?

  In the beginning, Yahweh created the sun, moon and stars to be for signs (Heb. = Owth) and seasons (moedim) and for days and years (Gen. 1:14). Yahweh gave the sun to rule the day (Psa. 136:8) and the moon and stars to rule the night (Psa. 136:9).

  Furthermore, Psa. 104:19 says, “He appointed the moon for seasons (moedim): the sun knoweth his going down.”

  It is the lunar revolutions and phases which determine the time to observe Yahweh’s annual feasts days, but the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar overthrows this knowledge.

  The Psalmist cries out, “Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs. A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers. They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground. They said in their hearts, ‘Let us destroy them together:’ they have burned up all the synagogues of Elohim in the land. We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long,” Psa. 74:4-9.

  This Psalm is significant because it speaks of the enemy coming into the land, overthrowing the temple where Yahweh’s great name dwelt and then setting up their own signs. The final peoples to do such a thing were the Romans! They cast down the dwelling place of Yahweh’s name to the earth. They then began to introduce their own signs in place of Yahweh’s.

  The interesting thing about the word signs is that it comes from the Hebrew word owth (toAa). Remember that in Gen. 1:14 we read that Yahweh put the sun, moon and stars to be for signs (owth/toAa) and seasons (moedim). In Ex. 31:13 Yahweh stated that we are to keep His sabbaths because it is a sign (owth/toAa) between Him and His people. His sabbaths, of course, not only refer to the seventh day sabbath, but also the annual appointments (moedim) or feast days which are determined by the very items that He put in the heavens, to wit, the sun, moon and stars.

  Thus, we can easily begin to see that the Romans with their Cesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar are the real enemies of Yahweh.

  Again, when Psa. 74 states that they have burned up all the synagogues in the land, the word “synagogue” is translated from the Hebrew word moedim (appointments, feasts, meeting place, assembly, etc., etc.).

  The Romans did more than destroy the synagogues. They destroyed the meeting times (also called moedim) along with everything else. Here is the psalmist lamenting that these things are no longer being observed because of the introduction of the meeting places and times of the enemy. It is our purpose to restore as much of that which has been overthrown as we possibly can. We are seeking to return to the things that Yahweh commanded.

  But there is even more reason to observe Yahweh’s sabbath and holy days. In Lev. 23 Yahweh commands, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts (moedim) of Yahweh, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations (miqra-qodesh), even these are my feasts (moedim). Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation (miqra-qodesh); ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of Yahweh in all your dwellings. These are the feasts (moedim) of Yahweh, even holy convocations (miqra-qodesh), which ye shall proclaim in their seasons (the rest of the annual feast (moedim) days are given in verses 5-38),” Lev. 23:2-4.

  There is a greater significance to the words feasts (moedim) and holy convocation (miqra-qodesh) than is actually realized by most.

  Yahweh’s feasts, which include the weekly Sabbath and the annual holy days, are called holy convocations (miqra-qodesh). The Hebrew word “miqra” is defined as something called out, i.e. a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

  Notice that the word has to do with the act, the persons, or the place. In the New Testament, the assembly is called the “ekklesia.” The word “ekklesia” is defined as from a comp. of 1537 and a der. Of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concr.) a popular meeting, espec. A religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Chr. Community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both). [IBID]

  The words miqra and ekklesia are both speaking of the same thing. They have to do with being called out specifically for a holy purpose. The Hebrew word “qodesh” simply means “holy.”

  The Apostle Paul writes, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in the Messiah Yahshua before the world began,” 2 Tim. 1:9.

  The Greek word for “called” is the Greek word “kaleo.” It is #2564 of Strong’s and is defined as “to call.” Notice that ekklesia is a derivative of this word. The word “calling” in the above Scripture is #2821 in the Greek Lexicon of Strong’s. It is the Greek word “klesis” and is defined as from a shorter form of 2564; an invitation (fig.).

  The Hebrew word “miqra” comes from the Hebrew word “qara” which means to call. Thus Paul’s writing could be be interpreted as, “Who hath saved us, and called (qara) us with an holy calling (miqra qodesh).

  With these definitions, we can determine that the Sabbaths and annual feasts are holy callings (miqra-qodesh), but called to what? Let’s explore the meaning of the word feasts (moed/moedim) just to see what they are for.

  The Hebrew word for feast is moed. Moed is #4150 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as from 3259; prop. an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; spec. a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand).

  We can already see how important this word is by its definition. By putting this word with the previous words (miqra-qodesh), we can see that they all are even more important and that the Sabbaths and annual holy days that they apply to are certainly very important.

  But now, let’s look at this root word #3259 from whence moed (#4150) is derived. It is the Hebrew word “ya‘ad” which is defined as a prim. root; to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by impl. to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or position), to engage (for marriage).

  Notice it closely! To ENGAGE FOR MARRIAGE!!! Remember that one of the meanings for “miqra” is A REHEARSAL! Therefore, the Sabbaths and annual holy days are a calling out, or appointments made beforehand for us by Yahweh so that we may rehearse for the wedding since we are engaged to Yahshua.

  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Would to Elohim ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with pious jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to the Messiah,” 2 Cor. 11:1-2.

  When we are called out of this world, repent, baptized and receive the Holy Spirit of promise, we are then set aside as a chaste virgin to be married to the Messiah. Yahweh has given us certain specific times to rehearse for the wedding! Those times are revealed in the Scriptures to be the weekly Sabbaths and annual holy days.

  In Mat. 22 Yahshua gives a parable concerning a king who made a marriage for his son and invited guests to the wedding. The King, of course, is the heavenly Father Yahweh, the Son is Yahshua.

  In the parable, the invited (called) guests were too busy to come to the wedding and made light of the invitation. They also treated the servants that were sent shamefully and slew some of them. Those who were invited (called) revealed that they were not worthy. The parable reveals that the King sent his armies and destroyed the invited guests.

  In Mat. 25 there is the parable of the 10 virgins. Five were wise and took oil in and with their lamps, but five were foolish and did not prepare by taking oil in their lamps.

  The Greek word for “foolish” is “moros.” Besides meaning “foolish,” it also means to be “dull, stupid, HEEDLESS, blockhead and absurd.

  Notice it! It means to be “heedless.” To be heedless means to NOT pay close attention to, to NOT take careful notice of, to be unmindful and even FORGETFUL.

  In Col. 2:16-17 we find that the Sabbath and Holy Days are shadows of THINGS TO COME! They remind us of Yahweh’s coming kingdom. They remind us of His plan in bringing that plan about. When we observe them, we are not only reminded, but we are practicing, rehearsing for the ultimate fulfillment of those things to come. We are, in effect, putting oil in our lamps and also building reserves.

  If we are unmindful of the Sabbaths and Holy Days, then we will have a tendency to forget about Yahweh’s kingdom and His plan. We will not be putting oil in our lamps, neither will we be practicing or rehearsing for the marriage of the Lamb.

  If we are not practicing or rehearsing for the marriage, then we will be as the foolish virgins. They were shut out from the wedding and told that Yahshua didn’t even know them.

  We have an opportunity to accept the invitation and prepare for the wedding. We are called out for this purpose. Therefore, let us not only observe the weekly Sabbath days, but the annual festivals as well, and prepare for the wedding!!!

  When we turn to the Caesaro-Romano-Gregorian calendar to observe those days, we have a tendency to neglect and forget Yahweh’s commanded days and seasons. Actually, we must choose which we had rather observe.

  Which will it be for you? Do you still desire to revel in the days and ways of this world and its pagan Roman calendar which have replaced Yahweh’s commanded days in most people’s lives? Or will you prepare for the opportunity to attend the wedding of the Lamb of Elohim and maybe even be His bride?       JH

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  The annual feast days are enumerated in the book of Leviticus chapter 23. There were three times a year when all the males of Israel were to appear before the dwelling place of Yahweh. Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread have been fulfilled and changed somewhat by Yahshua. The Feast of Weeks or Sabbaths has also been fulfilled in type by the giving of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost raising up the Firstfruits assembly (Acts 2). The next feast day to be fulfilled will be the Feast of Trumpets which takes place in the seventh month or moon of Yahweh’s calendar.

By Jerry Healan

The command to observe the Feast of Trumpets is found in Leviticus 23:23-25. Believe it or not, there are twelve themes associated with this one feast day even though there are only three verses associated with it in the book of Leviticus. It takes a study of the complete Scriptures in order to distil these twelve themes.

#1—Memorial

  The first theme of trumpets is found in Lev. 23:24, “In the seventh month, in the first of the month, shall ye have a sabbaton, a memorial of blowing of trumpets.”

  The Hebrew for “memorial” is “zikrown.” Interestingly, Yahweh gave Israel three very important memorials before, during and after their deliverance from Egypt.

  The first memorial was His name, given to Moses before He sent Him into Egypt to bring them out (Ex. 3, esp. vv. 13-15).

  The second memorial was the Passover (Ex. 12, esp. v. 14), given to them during their deliverance.

  The third memorial was the seventh day Sabbath (Ex. 16; 20: 8-11, esp. v. 8).

  A search of the Scriptures reveals that the number seven is extremely important to Yahweh. The seventh day of the week was hallowed (made holy) and set aside as a rest day in the very beginning.

  In Genesis 21 we find that the number seven is associated with making an swearing an oath, a witness, and a covenant (esp. v.v. 23-24, 27-32).

  The first day of the seventh month is found to be extremely important, because even though it is the fourth high day of the sacred calendar year, it begins the seventh month wherein the final four annual high days are contained and observed. That has to be very significant with Yahweh when the number seven is involved. The seventh month contains the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh annual high days.

  Interestingly, this first day of the seventh month is a “sabbaton,” a rest day in like fashion to the seventh day Sabbath. This first day of the seventh month begins the month wherein the other feast days are contained which reveal the completion of Yahweh’s plan of salvation. Yahweh will remember (zikrown) His oath to the creation. The word “zikrown” not only means “memorial,” but it also means “to remember.”

  We have appointed a day that we call “Memorial Day.” It is established so that we will “remember” all those who have served our country, especially those who have given their lives for it and to preserve our freedom. But the Feast of Trumpets is a far, far, far greater “Memorial Day.” The observance of this day reminds us that He will, sometime in the future, fulfill His word of promise to His creation to bring into reality the Kingdom of Heaven to this earth.

  #2—The Hidden Day

  The new moon of the seventh month is usually the most difficult new moon to spot. The Jews make this a two day feast because of this.

  Before Yahshua ascended on high, the disciples gathered to Him asking, “Master, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power,” Acts. 1:6-7.

  In the book of Mark, chapter 13, verses 31-37, Yahshua His disciples that no one but the Father knows of that day and hour, not the angels, nor even Yahshua Himself.

  Many men have made fools of themselves by trying to figure out when the Messiah will return to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. This author was a member of a work, the Worldwide Church of God, which prophesied that 1975 would be the year of the appearance of the Savior. When this failed, a new study supposedly revealed that their figures were off about 10 years. But 1985 has come and gone and the Savior still hasn’t appeared.

  Another man prophesied that Yahshua would return around Passover in the early to mid 1990’s. He even went so far as to say if He didn’t appear, then he would be found to be a false prophet. When one uses this own man’s words against him, he is the one who is excoriated while the false prophet continues his work. The WWCG did the same. Excuses have to be made. The sheep are gullible and swallow the excuses hook, line, and sinker. The false prophets continue to flourish.

  Yahshua explained that no one knows when He will appear. He explained that He would come as a thief in the night (see Mt. 24:36-42, 25:13; Mk. 13:31-37; Rev. 3:3, 16:15). The key is to be observant, alert, awake, vigilant, and ready at all times.

  #3—The Day of Yahweh

  Both Israel and Judah have turned away from their Creator, Father, and Husband Yahweh in accordance with the Scriptures. Their own History proves this fact. The Feast of Trumpets represents the intervention of Yahweh into not only the world’s affairs, but to correct and chasten the Hebrews for their waywardness. The Feast of Trumpets represents the “Day of Yahweh.”

  Isaiah proclaims, “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of Yahweh, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man (Adam) shall be humbled, and the haughtiness (Heb. = ruwm [Rome?] of men shall be bowed down, and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of Yahweh of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty he shall be brought low: and upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, and upon all the high (ruwm/Roman) mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. For the loftiness of man shall be bowed down and the haughtiness (Rome) of men shall be made low: and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day,” Isa. 2:10-17.

  Jeremiah calls this day “the day of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7), but he adds that he shall be saved out of it.

  Ezekiel speaks of the end that is coming. Yahweh says that he is going to pour His fury out upon the land of Israel because the rod of violence and pride has budded and blossomed into a rod of wickedness. The trumpet will be blown, but none will go to battle because of the wrath of Yahweh that will be poured out upon the multitude (Ez. 7).

  Zephaniah declares that the day of Yahweh is a time of the trumpet and alarm (1:16). It is a day of wrath, trouble, distress, wastness, desolation, gloominess, clouds and thick darkness (1:15). The blood of men will be poured out like dust and their flesh will be as dung (1:17). Yahweh will make a speedy riddance of all who dwell in the land (1:18).

Zechariah declares that all nations will come against Jerusalem to battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, the women ravished with half of the city going into captivity.

  These along with many other places in the prophets declare the wrath and fury that Yahweh will pour out upon the earth because of the waywardness of man. He will begin His judgment upon the houses of Israel and then will turn upon the non-Hebrew nations. But He will eventually deliver Israel out of it.

  #4—The Opening of the Gates

  Yahweh had warned Israel that if they refused to obey Him, He would make their heaven as brass and their earth as iron (Dt. 24:23). He also declared that Israel’s brow was brass and their neck iron (Isa. 48:4).

  Interestingly, Yahweh overthrew Israel placing them under the power of world ruling governments which were gold (Babylon), silver (Persia), brass (Greece) and iron (Rome) in succession.

  The Greeks were democratic in governmental form, while the Romans were republican. Does this ring a bell with you? Isn’t that the form of our government and most governments in Europe and other parts of the world to this day?

  Furthermore, the Christian religion is Greek (brass) in nature. Thus, the prophecy of turning their heaven into brass has also been fulfilled. The Greeks hated the Hebrews and anything associated with Yahweh, because they wanted to exalt their supreme dety, Zeus! Christianity has been deceived to do this very thing. They are, therefore, shut up behind the gates of brass and iron to this day.

  It is prophesied, “Thus saith Yahweh to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, Yahweh, which call thee by thy name, am the Elohim of Israel. For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me,” Isa. 45:1-4.

  Cyrus was the king of Persia who overthrew Babylon. While Persia was in succession with the metallic kingdoms of Daniel chapter two, it was during the time of the reign of the Persian kings that a contingency of Hebrews returned to the land to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. Thus, Cyrus is a type of the Messiah Who will intervene in world affairs in the latter days to overthrow the last two metallic kingdoms of Greece and Rome. The kingdoms of brass and iron.

  All of the people of the earth have been shut up behind the gates of brass and iron. The brass and iron are typology of the governments and religions of Greece and Rome. Soon, Yahweh is going to open those gates and set the people free through the true Messiah Yahshua.

  The book of Psalms proclaims, “Oh that men would praise Yahweh for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder,” Psa. 107:15-16.

  When these gates of brass and iron are finally broken asunder, then the gates of righteousness will be opened, “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will Elohim appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in Yahweh for ever: for in Yah Yahweh is everlasting strength,” Isa. 26:1-4.

  How can we achieve this righteousness spoken of here in Isaiah? Through the true door to righteousness, Yahshua the Messiah, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep….Then said Yahshua unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture,” Jn. 10:1-2, 7-9.

  “And to the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name,” Rev. 3:7-8.

  It is also in the book of Revelation that a trumpet is sounded and a door is opened (Rev. 4:1) to reveal things that should take place hereafter. The sounding of a trumpet on the day of Trumpets will break asunder the leaved gates of Babylon the Great; the gates of brass and iron, setting the people free to enter into the door, the gate of righteousness.

  #5—Yowm HaDin—the Day of Judgment

  Each month was attributed to one of the tribes of Israel. The seventh month was attributed to the tribe of Dan. Dan means to judge.

  Peter writes, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying Yahweh that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not...Yahweh knoweth how to deliver the righteous out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished,” 2 Pet. 3:1-3, 9.

  “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of Sovereign and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of Yahweh the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of unrighteous men,” 2 Pet. 3:1-7.

  A day of judgment is coming at the end of this age. That judgment is specifically to be trumpeted in against Babylon and its successors, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear Elohim, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,” Rev. 14:6-8.

  The Babylonian system will fall. This system is filled with the merchandising of a great overburdening political and religious system. The kings and merchants of the earth are especially involved in this great system. While Babylon began as a head of gold, its latter end is shown to be filled with devils, foul spirits and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird (Rev. 18:1-10).

  Her judgment, when it comes, will come swiftly, in one day, the day of trumpets. Her judgment will come in one hour. (Rev. 18:10)

  While Yahweh’s people must live under this system until the appearance of the kingdom of heaven, they must not take part in its political and religious evils.

  #6—Trumpets Signify Revelation

  Yahshua began to reveal things to the Apostle John through the sound of  a great voice as of a trumpet (Rev. 1:10).

  The book of Revelation is composed of seven seals, seven trumpet plagues and seven vials. Yahweh will reveal His judgment on the Babylonian systems of this world and also reveal who His people are during this period of time.

  Paul writes, “For the Sovereign himself (Yahshua) shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in the Messiah shall rise first,” 1 Thes. 4:16.

  Interestingly, the word “voice” in the above verse is translated from the Greek word “phone” (fo-nay). It comes from another Greek word “phaino” and promotes the idea of “disclosure” (revelation).

  This voice is the voice of the archangel or “chief messenger.” All of the writings of Moses, the Psalms, Prophets and Apostles focus on the “chief messenger” of Elohim, to wit: Yahshua the Messiah. This will be revealed in its entirety in that day of trumpets when the last or seventh trumpet is blown in heaven.

  #7—Trumpets Signify War

 Trumpets not only signify the judgment of the great whore, Babylon, “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto Yahweh our Yahweh: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand,” Rev. 19:1-2, but they also war against her seed, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.   His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of Yahweh. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty Yahweh. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND SOVEREIGN OF SOVEREIGN. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great Elohim; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh,” Rev. 19:11-21.

  Zechariah is inspired to write, “Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man. And Yahweh shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Sovereign Yahweh shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. Yahweh of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar,” Zech. 9:12-15.

  Please notice who will be making war against whom. Of course, the head over it all will be Yahweh, but His people are Zion who will be raised up against Greece. Shouldn’t this tell us something about those who want to continue to promote the Grecian names and faith?

  In Zechariah 14 we find that the feet of Yahweh will stand upon the Mount of Olives in that day of trumpets, judgment and war. This is the very place from whence Yahshua ascended into heaven. The disciples watched Yahshua ascend until a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). He will come again to the Mount of Olives with the sound of a great trumpet and with the clouds of heaven (Rev. 1:7) to make war against the kingdoms of this earth.

  #8—Trumpets signify Resurrection

  Paul writes, “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Elohim; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory,” 1 Cor. 15:50-54.

  Again, he writes, “For Sovereign himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in the Messiah shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Sovereign in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Sovereign. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thes. 4:16-18.

  The Jews call the Feast of Trumpets “Rosh HaShanah.” “Rosh” means head, chief, first, etc. “Ha” is simply the Hebrew letter “hei” which generally stands for the article “the” when placed at the beginning of a word. “Shanah” has various meanings. It can mean a year, or the beginning of a year. It can mean to alter or change. It also means to fold, i.e. duplicate or transmute.

  Because of this term “Rosh HaShanah,” the Jews begin the civil year on the feast of trumpets. However, in the spiritual realm of things, it would signify “the first (rosh) resurrection (shanah).”

  This is one of the most important themes of the Feast of Trumpets.

  #9—Trumpets Signify Coronation

  Trumpets were blown when the kings of Israel were anointed to their position (1 Ki. 1:39, 2 Ki. 9:13, etc.).

  The Feast of Trumpets signifies the coronation of Yahshua as King of Kings and Sovereign of Sovereigns.

  Yahshua told Pilate that He was born to be King of the Jews (Jn. 18:33-37). But He told His disciples that He had to go away into a far country (heaven) to receive His kingdom and then to return (Lk. 11:15-19).

  In Revelation 5, the Heavenly Father is sitting on His throne with a scroll sealed with seven seals. Yahshua, as the Lamb of Elohim comes and takes the scroll out of His hand and begins to remove the seals from the scroll. Yahshua is, at this time, functioning as the Lamb of Elohim, but has not yet been coronated.

  In Revelation 11 we read, “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of Yahweh and His Anointed (Messiah); and He shall reign for ever and ever’.” (v. 15)

  This is when Yahshua will be coronated as King of Kings and Sovereign of Sovereigns. After the seventh trumpet is blown, He is shown with a crown on His head and a sickle in His hand (Rev. 14:14). He reaps the earth (vv. 15-16). He then descends upon the white horse with His heavenly armies following Him to take His power and rule over the earth (Rev. 19:11-16).

  #10—Trumpets Signify Marriage

  Adam’s bride, Eve, was made from a rib which was taken from his side while he was asleep (Gen. 2:21-22). Sleep is a type of death (Jn. 11:11-14). Yahshua is the second Adam (1 Cor. 15:45-47). He was put to sleep (death), a spear pierced His side (Jn. 19:34), from whence came blood and water. Blood is for atonement. Water is a type of the Spirit (Jn. 7:37-39).

  Adam’s wife was made flesh and blood. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 15:50). Yahshua’s (the second Adam) bride is to be made Spirit.

  When we are called, repent of our sins and baptized, we become espoused (engaged, betrothed) to Yahshua (2 Cor. 11:1-2). In our world, an engagement ring is given as a token of the upcoming marriage. During the wedding ceremony the wedding ring is added to the engagement ring as a final seal that the wedding is complete.

  Those who are called to become Yahshua’s bride are given an earnest of the Spirit, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in the Messiah. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the evangel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Eph. 1:12-14.

  Upon the resurrection or change from physical, mortal corruptible flesh to spiritual immortality and incorruption, the marriage of the Lamb to His bride will take place wherein they will receive the Holy Spirit of Yahweh without measure, “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto Yahweh our Elohim: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped Yahweh that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our Elohim, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for Almighty Yahweh omnipotent reigneth.  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of Elohim,” Rev. 19:1-9.

  #11—Trumpets Signify Shouting

  The day of Trumpets is called in the Hebrew “yowm teruah.” This day not only has to do with the sound of trumpets, but it also has to do with shouting with voices. This day signifies the overthrow of the kingdoms of this world and the establishment of the kingdom of heaven.

  Those being overthrown will be shouting in grief, pain, sadness and sorrow because their world will be ending. Those inheriting the kingdom of heaven will be shouting for joy and rejoicing because their reign will begin. They will be full of praises for Yahweh.

  There will be the mournful, painful shout of those who will be losing their lives. But there will also be the joyful, rejoicing, praising shouts of those who are loosed from the bands of death and the grave into everlasting life.

  There will be the sad and mournful shout of Satan, the god and king of this world, and his followers, as he is deposed, bound and cast into the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3). But there will be the joyful shouts, praises and rejoicing of Yahshua’s people as their Great King is coronated—LONG LIVE THE KING!!!!

  There will be the shouts of war, and finally, there will be the mourning of the great whore as her dark, idolatrous ways are exposed and destroyed, while the saints of Yahweh’s kingdom will be rejoicing because of the marriage made in heaven and the great light that will be shining forevermore.

  #12—Trumpets Signify the Kingdom of Heaven

 When the seventh angel sounds his trumpet there will be great voices in heaven saying (shouting), “ The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Yahweh, and of his Messiah; and he shall reign for ever and ever,” Rev. 11:15.

  While the day of trumpets will be filled with a great commotion, great voices, thunderings and lightenings, war, sadness and mourning for some, but with great joy and rejoicing for others, the truth of the matter is that once finished, it will serve to bring in peace and rest to this earth that has not been since the Garden of Eden.

  The Prophet Isaiah declares, “The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh,” Isa. 2:1-5.

  Micah also declares almost the same thing as Isaiah, “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of Yahweh shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of Yahweh of hosts hath spoken it,” Micah 4:1-4.

  Again, Isaiah is inspired to write, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of Yahweh shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of Yahweh: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious,” Isa. 11:1-10.

  THE SHADOW

    It is declared in the book of Colossians, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body of the Messiah,” 2:16-17.

Many people refuse to observe the feasts of Yahweh in today’s world. But the Feast of Trumpets is a shadow of things yet to come. There are tremendous and significant themes associated with this day. Observing this day annually reminds us; is a memorial, of a coming event. As we observe it, we learn so much more about the good news of the kingdom of heaven.

  These twelve themes of the Feast of Trumpets can be expanded upon in much greater detail. So much more than an article in a magazine can provide. We have given you a base, a foundation upon which you can expand in your own studies of Scripture. If we will repent and begin to observe the days that Yahweh commanded for our admonition, won’t they help us to be more prepared for that which is to come?

  Remember that the news of this world and its history are of events that have already past. But Yahweh’s news, while it may be about things that are past, it is also about future events which He will usher in at the time of His choice. Let’s observe this most important day as well as the other commanded days so we can be reminded of that which will take place in the near future.

  May Yahweh bless you to see these things. HalleluYah!!!!!

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  The Day of Atonement is the fifth annual Holy Day commanded by Yahweh and the book of Leviticus chapter 23. This day is termed “Yowm Kippur” by the Jews. It is also considered by them to be the “holiest” day of the year. What can we discover about this annual feast day that Yahweh instituted for the House of Israel’s observance?

By Jerry Healan

The Day of Atonement should not only be a most important day to our Jewish brethren, but it is also a most important day to other Hebrews and non-Hebrews alike.

  “And Yahweh spake unto Moses, saying, 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 Yahweh. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before Yahweh your Elohim. 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 for ever 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,” Lev. 23:26-32.

  Yahweh commanded this day to be a day of affliction of one’s soul. But how do we afflict our soul? We know that the Jewish people observe this day by abstaining from food and drink for a 24 hour period.

  David proclaimed, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom,” Psa. 35:13.

  The words “afflict” and “humbled” are translated from the same Hebrew word “anah.” Anah is defined as, a primitive root (possibly rather ident. with 6030 through the idea of looking down or browbeating); to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows):--abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for 6030), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for 6030), speak (by mistake for 6030), submit self, weaken, X in any wise. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Hebrew Lexicon, #6031)

  Fasting is a way that we can humble, abase, chasten and afflict ourselves. Moses fasted for forty days and nights twice. Yahweh proclaimed that Moses was very meek, above all men on the face of the earth (Num. 12:3).

  Yahshua the Messiah fasted for forty days and nights in order to humble Himself so that the master of lies, sin and pride, Satan, could be defeated spiritually (Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 4:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13).

  Yahweh declares, “Thus saith Yahweh, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith Yahweh: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word,” Isa. 66:2.

  The Hebrew word for “poor” in the above Scriptures is “aniy” which is a derivative of “anah.” It also has to do with being “afflicted,” “humble,” and “poor.”

  When we are well fed and strong, there is a certain amount of pride about us. But when we are afflicted, humbled, hungry and thirsty, we begin to realize how weak we really are. A 24 hour fast not only afflicts and humbles us, but when we fast, the body goes into a rest mode. Fasting actually helps eliminate poisons and other harmful deposits which are in the body.

  THE DAYS OF AWE

  On the first day of the seventh month of Yahweh’s calendar, the trumpets are blown. This represents the ushering in of the era or period of time termed “The Day of Yahweh.” The period of time between the Feast of Trumpets and Atonement (ten days) is called the “days of awe.”

  The Prophet Joel declares, “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of Yahweh your Elohim, and cry unto Yahweh, Alas for the day! for the day of Yahweh is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come,” Joel 1:14-15.

  The Feast of Trumpets will, sometime in the near future, signal in this Day of Yahweh and the ensuing destruction upon the earth. The “Ten Days of Awe” could possibly be a period of ten years, a year for a day, wherein the trumpets are blown by the angels to begin this intervention and destruction.

  Notice in the book of Revelation that seven angels have seven trumpets which comprise the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1-2). The first angel blows his trumpet and hail and fire mingled with blood are cast upon the earth. A third of the trees and all green grass is burnt up (Rev. 8:7).

  The second angel sounds his trumpet and a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea. This could be a great asteroid or meteor. A third part of the sea becomes blood and a third part of the sea creatures perish while a third of the ships are destroyed (Rev. 8:8-9).

  The third angel sounds and a great star falls from heaven. This smites a third part of the rivers and fountains turning them to wormwood. Men died because of the bitter waters (Rev. 8:10-11). Interestingly, the disaster at Chernobyl, Russia could be quite significant here as Chernobyl, in Russian, means “wormwood.”

  The fourth angel sounds and a third part of the sun, moon and stars are smitten. In this scenario, it seems that the earth will speed up its rotation so that there will only be a 16 hour day rather than the usual 24 hour day.

  The fifth angel sounds and the star which had fallen from heaven (Rev. 8:10) is given a key to the abyss from which smoke like a great furnace issues forth, and strange locust-like creatures come out of the abyss to torment the men who have not been sealed with the name of Yahweh in their foreheads (see Rev. 7:1-15; 14:1; 9:1-12).

  The sixth angel sounds his trumpet and the River Euphrates (the river and spirit of Babylon) is dried up making way for another great army of two hundred million men to slay the third part of men (Rev. 9:13-21).

  Even after all of these horrific plagues poured out on mankind, those who have not been sealed by the Spirit and name of Yahweh will not repent of their evil deeds.

  The seventh angels sounds and the kingdoms of the world fall. The kingdom of Elohim will begin to rule, but the seventh trumpet is also composed of seven vials full of the wrath of Yahweh, which are to be poured out (Rev. 11:15—16:21).

  OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT

    While much is taking place during these eventful days of plagues the opportunity to repent is presented to the people. Between the time the seventh trumpet is sounded and the seven vials of wrath are poured out, an angel flies through the midst of heaven proclaiming the everlasting evangel to the people of the earth. He declares, “Fear Yahweh, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him That made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters,” Rev. 14:6-7.

  While the Feast of Trumpets has to do with the opening of the gates of heaven, the Day of Atonement signifies the closing of those gates. People are going to be given an opportunity to repent and give Yahweh the glory that He deserves during the days of awe. Once the Day of Atonement is fulfilled, the gates are closed and no more opportunity to repent is given. The unrepentant will suffer the seven vials of the wrath of Almighty Yahweh.

  In His message to the Assembly of Thyatira, Yahshua gives the idolatrous woman who has the spirit of Jezebel space to repent. But she repented not, therefore, He proclaimed that He would kill her children with death (Rev. 2:20-23). Thus, a period of time to repent is given, but when that time has past, there is no more space or opportunity given for repentance.

  ATONEMENT’S ACTIVITIES

    On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was to take two kids of the goats from the flocks of Israel presenting them to Yahweh. One was to be for Yahweh and the other for the scapegoat (Heb. = azazel). Lots were to be cast to determine which would serve in its capacity (Lev. 16:7-8). Notice that the choice is not left to man. The choice only belongs to Yahweh. Man will always choose the wrong one.

  The goat for Yahweh is a type of Yahshua Who is our atonement (Ro. 5:11). The goat for “azazel” is for Satan. Some may dispute this, but a look into the term “azazel” with its primitive words and meanings is quite revelatory.

  The term “azazel” comes from a combination of two Hebrew words “azaz” and “azal.” “Azaz” means to be stout, impudent, harden, prevail, strengthen self, etc. “Azal” means to go away, hence to disappear. It is generally translated as fail, gad about, go to and fro, be gone (spent). (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

  Who is said to go to and fro, walking up and down (gadding about) in the Scriptures? “Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them. And Yahweh said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it,” Job 1:6-7. (see also Job 2:1-2)

  Satan is the one who goes to and fro, walking up and down in the earth. He is the one who is hardened, impudent, stout, etc. He seeks to strengthen himself and even exalt himself above the stars of Elohim and even to sit on the throne of Yahweh (Isa. 14:12-14).

  The Scriptures are written in parables, metaphors, types, etc. In the book of Zechariah chapter three we have a very similar scenario. Yahshua the high priest, son of Josezedek is standing before Yahweh and Satan is at Yahshua’s right hand, “And he shewed me Yahshua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him,” v. 1.

  In verse 8 Yahshua is told that he and his fellows are “men wondered at.” This should be translated as “men of symbol.” In other words, this event here is symbolic. Yahshua the high priest is symbolic of Yahshua the Messiah, the heavenly High Priest. He is called the son of Josedek. “Josedek” is a combination of two Hebrew words “Yhw” (Yahuw) and “tsadaq.” “Yhw” is a shortened form of the name Yahweh, while “tsadaq” has to do with righteousness, just, justification, etc. Thus, Yahshua is the son of the Righteous Yahweh.

  Looking back at Zech. 3:1 we notice that if Satan is at Yahshua’s right hand before the angel of Yahweh then Yahshua is on the angel of Yahweh’s right hand and Satan is on His left.  Yahshua is the right hand of Yahweh’s power.

  But Satan is at Yahshua’s right hand to “resist” him. The Hebrew word for “resist” is “satan.” The name Satan is a proper noun. The word “satan” translated as resist is a common noun. In other words, Satan is in the process of “satanizing” Yahshua.

  But the lot is cast, Satan is rebuked and Yahshua is cleaned up.

  THE NEW TESTAMENT FULFILLMENT

  Yahshua’s one sacrifice was the fulfillment of all of the sacrificial offerings of the Old Testament. He is our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7). He is the morning and evening sacrifice. He is the holocaust offering, the meat offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, the trespass offering, the drink offering. He is also the offering for atonement.

  Remember that the things of the Old Testament were types, parables, symbols, metaphors, etc., of the things that Yahshua would fulfill. They were only shadows of the real. The lot was cast for Yahshua before the foundation of the world. The high priests were involved with the selection of the goats of old. The high priests were involved with the selection Yahshua to be the sacrifice.

  When Yahshua stood before Pilate, another was also brought with Him. His name was Barabbas. Barabbas was the physical representative for Satan or the “azazel” for he was a murderer, robber and seditious (rebellious) person. (See Mt. 27:15—17; Mk. 15 ;6-7; Lk. 23:16-19; Jn. 1-38-40).

  The chief priests and elders encouraged the people to demand that Yahshua be destroyed and Barabbas be released (Mt. 27:20).

  Noticing back in Job chapters one and two, Satan appears as one of the sons of Elohim before the throne of Yahweh. Barabbas is Aramaic which means Son (Bar-) of the Father (abbas).

  The choice and sacrifice of the Day of Atonement took place at that time.

  THE PRIESTLY FUNCTION

    However, the high priest was to take the blood of the slain goat behind the vail in order to cleanse the holiest place. The Holy of Holies wherein the ark of the covenant was placed was a type of the throne of Yahweh in heaven. The pollutions, iniquities, sins of the Children of Israel have polluted Yahweh’s dwelling place. He was to cleanse all of the tabernacle from the sins of the Children of Israel (committed under the sway and influence of Satan the Devil). The final cleansing was to be the altar of sacrifice.

  Once all is cleansed, the live goat was to be taken, the high priest was to place his hands upon the head of the live goat placing all of Israel’s sins thereupon and he was to be taken into the wilderness, to a place not inhabited by the hand of a fit man (Lev. 16:20-23).

  Yahshua is presently in the heavens making atonement for the heavens which have been defiled by Satan’s rebellion.  Upon His return, Israel and the earth will also be cleansed. Yahshua has taken upon Himself all of the sins of the Children of Israel. He has paid the penalty. He will soon return and place those sins right back squarely on the head of the one who originated rebellion, sin and murder, Satan the Devil.

  Satan will then be taken alive and cast into the abyss, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season,” Rev. 20:1-3.

  This will complete the picture of the sacrificial activities on the Day of Atonement.

  ISRAEL’S RESTORATION

    There is more to the story of the Day of Atonement, however. The Children of Israel were to number their years. It appears that they would begin to number on the Day of Atonement. They would number six years and then have one year, the seventh year as a land Sabbath. They were to number seven sabbatical years, or forty nine years and then on the Day of Atonement they were to blow the trumpet of jubilee, “And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. 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,” Lev. 25:8-10.

  This is extremely important to understand. Notice that every man was to return unto his possession. (See v. 13 also)

  This is only a physical representative of the spiritual type. Yahweh declares in Ezekiel chapter 37 that He is going to resurrect all of Israel from the grave and restore them to the land.

  Yahweh will resurrect His firstfruits on the Feast of Trumpets at the sound of the seventh trumpet. But it appears that He will resurrect and restore Israel to their former estate, their former possession in the day of Jubilee!

  This is good news! This is great news! The continuance of this world depends upon Yahweh’s intervention to establish His kingdom of heaven on this earth. But Yahshua’s disciples also understood that the kingdom was to be restored to Israel (Acts 1:6).

  Yahweh’s Feast Days are extremely important to understand! They outline to us His great plan of salvation. They not only serve to instruct us concerning that plan of salvation, but they warn us away from evil. Let us approach these up-coming feast days with great anticipation! Let us approach them with joy and rejoicing. But let us also be sober and vigilant because we are much, much nearer to their fulfillment. We must witness these things to a mortal, corrupt and dying world whether they will be received or not.

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