The Feasts of the Lord- Part 2
In the previous post, we discussed the seven feasts of the Lord established by God in Leviticus. Although they were to be followed by Old Testament believers, these feasts have prophetic meaning for the New Testament Christians. We looked at the four Spring feasts, and discovered their prophetic significance has already been fulfilled. Now we turn our attention to the three Fall feasts, which have yet to be fulfilled.
Trumpets
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 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. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. Leviticus 23:23-25 (KJV)
The feast of Trumpets is the first of the fall feasts. It marked the beginning of the new year for the nation of Israel. It was an assembly celebrated by the blowing of trumpets and ceasing from work. This feast points to the rapture of the New Testament believers. The last trump (or trumpet) will sound and Christ will appear in the air to take us to heaven for seven years (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). During that time, the earth will experience seven years of tribulation. The Feast of Trumpets was an assembly in Jerusalem, but our assembly will be in heaven.
Day of Atonement
And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. Leviticus 16:29-31 (KJV)
This was an annual day of rest, fasting, and sacrifices to atone for the sins of the priests and the people. Those who repented had their sins covered (atoned) for a year. For those who did not repent it was a day of judgment. This prophetically points to the seven year tribulation period noted in Revelation 5-18. This period of severe hardship and judgment on the earth will end at the second coming of Christ when He returns to earth, bringing His saints (us) along with Him (Revelation 19:11-21, Jude 1:14-14).
Tabernacles
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein…. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever 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 23:33-36, 41-43 (KJV)
Tabernacles was a feast to commemorate the Lord’s faithfulness in dwelling with them in the wilderness when the Israelites lived in tents after leaving Egypt. It was a week of celebration during which the Israelites renewed their commitment to the Lord to trust Him for guidance and protection. To the Christian, it points to the 1,000 year millennial reign of Christ during which we will rule and reign together with Him on earth (Revelation 20:4-6, Revelation 5:10, II Timothy 2:12, Isaiah 65:19-25)
We’ve looked at all seven of the Lord’s feasts and their New Testament significance. We’ve seen the fulfillment of the first four feasts and we eagerly await the last three, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets, the rapture of the church. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
