Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it separate
• To observe/keep holy the Shabbat for in six days G_D created but on the 7th day he rested (Ex. 20:7 – 10; Ex. 31:16-17; Lev. 23:3)
• The remember that Shabbat shall be kept as a perpetual sign between Israel and G_D throughout all generations to recognize it is G_D who sanctifies Israel (Ex. 31:12)
• To rest and convocate on Shabbat in all dwellings (Ex. 16:23; Ex 23:12; 34:21)
• Not to perform common work on Shabbat (Ex. 20:9; Ex. 23:12)
• Not to travel unnecessarily on Shabbat outside the limits of one's place of residence or convocation (Ex. 16:29)
• That those who work on Shabbat shall be cut off from Israel (Ex. 31.14)
• To offer up an additional sacrifice every Shabbat of two lambs (Num. 28:9)
• To set the show-bread and the frankincense before the LORD every Shabbat (Ex. 25:30)
Commentary:
Frankly there have been books and books about Shabbat crafted over the years and rightfully so. All the same let us at least uncover the surface of Shabbat.
As we move into the commandments associated with G_D’s “times” we can see from Holy Scriptures just how integral the 7th day (Sabbath) is to all of creation itself. Yes indeed … the Shabbat is the commemoration of creation itself … the day wherein G_D restrained from creating by the works of his hands and rested.
The focus of Sabbath throughout Scriptures is prevalent and permeating. Sabbath … “shavat” literally means seven and is derived from the Hebrew root word for rest and is so paramount to the life and culture of Israel that it serves quite frankly as an anchor of understanding, blessing and faith. Our LORD Yeshua even pronounced that he himself is LORD of Shabbat.
The Sabbath is the linchpin of Israel's “holy days” … a weekly gift that essentially declares Israel to be a “free people” … non-slaves worthy of rest. The 7th day is by no means designed to be an hour long, go to service and get our religion requirement in for the week deal. Indeed not … it is a celebration of life in G_D … it is a Holy convocation/assembly!
The 7th day commemorates all of creation … and the creation of Israel itself. Only upon freedom from Egypt was Israel blessed with rest. But even more so the blessing from common work is not a mandate to sleep but rather a weekly appointment to come before and enter into the very goodness that is G_D.
Let us recall that Israel was not freed from Egypt to simply join the world or become like other nations … indeed not! Israel was freed from Egypt so that they could worship their LIVING G_D! This is the core of Sabbath. It is all about the rest and human revitalization that results from entering into the human to G_D relationship … at the right time and in the right manner!
As for Sabbath and us modern believers: Well it all depends if we view ourselves as being grafted into Israel? It all depends if we see ourselves as children of the everlasting covenant? It all depends if we view G_D’s word as being authoritative or subjugated to the doctrines of man? It all depends if we see the Sabbath commandments as the shadow of perfection of Yeshua who is the re-creation of existence … who is our freedom from sin and death … who is the eternal rest and inheritance of the freed people; can we see Mashiach in Shabbat?
Let us ponder the glory of Shabbat through Hebraic eyes for a moment and rid ourselves of replacement theology. Let us consider the fact that the first day … Sunday is not Sabbath. Let us realize that there exists no Scriptural basis for changing the Sabbath to any other day from the 7th day. Let us consider what possible motivations could have been at work … and remain at work … to get believers to abrogate such blessings while at the same time dishonor and disrespect the ONE who we worship and adore.
Please … I pray thee ponder upon this Shabbat of G_D! The Sabbath is fundamental to our very lives … seriously! There is frankly no real optimal way to explain Sabbath … in many respects Shabbat is like our LORD … simply must be experienced!
If any reader can glean only one thing from this entire work the author would be thrilled if that one thing was to set out in observing the sacred Shabbat … once you come you'll never go back!
Note: for a more detailed expose of the sacred Sabbath and the entire festival cycle please refer to this author's work: "The Biblical Festivals - Messiah's Aliyah of Glory" … also available through the Smashwords distribution channels at no cost!
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• That a single day be rendered as sunset to sunset … evening and day! (Gen 1:5)
• To observe Nisan 1 as the first day of the first month of the year (Ex. 12:2)
• To observe and proclaim G_D’s appointed times and holy convocations (Lev. 23:1-2)
• To celebrate the sacred festivals: Pesach; Chag HaMotzi; Yom HaBikkurim; Shauv'ot; Yom T’ruah; Yom HaKippurim; Sukkot (Lev. 23:4-44; Num. 28:11-30:1)
• To observe the three pilgrimage festivals of Chag HaMotzi, Shauv'ot and Sukkot (Ex. 23:14-17; Ex. 34:23)
• Not to go up to the festival without bringing an offering (Ex. 23:15)
• To bring all offerings, whether obligatory or freewill, on the first festival after these were incurred (Deut. 12:5-6)
• Not to forsake the Levites but their gifts (dues) should be given to them, so that they might rejoice therewith on each and every festival (Deut. 12:19);
• That the kohanim shall serve in the Sanctuary in divisions, but on festivals, they all serve together (Deut. 18:6-8)
• To rejoice on the festivals (Deut.12.12)
• Man shall not live beyond 120 years of age Gen (6:3)
Commentary:
Quite interesting is it not that the broader Festival commandments actually sit beneath the Sabbath commandment? Obviously this only cements the paramount importance of Sabbath … but we also see revealed that G_D’s appointed times, like Shabbat, are meaningful, eternal and integral to the human experience of G_D!
It should become apparent when we collectively view these commandments that G_D reveals his supreme authority over all creation. In mortal terms we know that our most precious commodity is “time” … a commodity that we have no control over. BUT … G_D … now here is power and glory … here is the AWESOME ONE who controls all things … even time.
And even more so than just controlling time itself … G_D controls the events bringing about his will and plan for creation within the very context of his divine calendar. And this is why Israel does not conform to the global calendar but still functions within the auspices of G_D’s calendar.
So … what if any points should be made since the vast majority of modern day believers in Mashiach operate not on G_D’s calendar but on the world's calendar and do not operate within G_D’s appointed times but celebrate festivals that were fashioned within man's doctrine/system?
Perhaps there really is only one question to be raised from the Hebraic vantage point … “Why do purported believers operate within a calendar framework that obviously runs counter to G_D’s calendar?”
This is the only question that needs to be explored. Please seek an answer that is deeper than “this is the way we do things” … please look for answers; you will in all likelihood be surprised!
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• Passover is to be observed on Nisan 14 at dusk (Lev. 23:5 – Num. 28:16)
• To offer up an additional sacrifice on Passover (Lev. 23:36)
• To slay the Paschal lamb (Ex. 12:6)
• Not to break a bone of the Paschal lamb (Ex. 12:46)
• Not to slaughter the Paschal lamb while there is chametz/leaven in the home (Ex. 23:18; Ex. 24:25)
• To eat the flesh of the roasted Paschal sacrifice on the night Pesach (Ex. 12:8)
• Not to eat the flesh of the Paschal lamb raw or sodden (Ex. 12:9)
• To eat the flesh of the Paschal lamb on it, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Num. 9:11)
• To discuss the departure from Egypt on the first night of Passover (Ex. 13:8)
• Not to take any of the flesh of the Paschal lamb from the company's place of assembly (Ex. 12:46)
• Not to give the flesh of the Paschal lamb to an Israelite who had become an apostate (Ex. 12:43)
• Not to give flesh of the Paschal lamb to a stranger who lives among you to eat (Ex. 12:45)
• That the uncircumcised shall not eat of the flesh of the Paschal lamb (Ex. 12:48)
• Not to leave any portion of the flesh of the Paschal sacrifice until the morning unconsumed (Ex. 12:10)
• Not to leave the part of the Paschal lamb that should be burnt on the altar until the morning, when it will no longer be fit to be burnt (Ex. 23:18; Ex. 24:25)
• Not to leave any portion of the festival offering brought on the fourteenth of Nisan unto the third day (Deut. 16:4)
• To rest on the seventh day of Passover (Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:8)
• Not to do work on the seventh day of Passover (Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:8)
• To observe the second Passover (Num. 9:11)
• Not to leave any flesh of the Paschal lamb brought on the second Passover until the morning (Num. 9:12)
• Not to break a bone of the Paschal lamb brought on the second Passover (Num. 9:12)
Commentary:
Dear reader there is not enough time or words to adequately address the glory of Pesach/Passover; we should however have no problem recognizing the awesome shadows of Mashiach Yeshua. We should have no problems recognizing that Pesach represents the grace and mercy bestowed upon Israel … G_D’s people … his elect! Mashiach is our grace … he is our calling out of Egypt … this world - olam hazeh. By his sacrifice are we redeemed so that we have the right to become children of G_D!
It is quite important that we view Passover (and all Mo'adim) within the broader framework of the covenantal relationship and Israel. We cannot understand the festival mysteries and continuing fulfillment by Mashiach without looking at these same festivals within the context of their original revelation to Israel and keeping in mind that collectively these Mo'adim reveal G_D’s broader plan for humanity's reconciliation.
As such Pesach (falling in the middle of the first month) represents the beginning of G_D’s grand plan and will. Pesach essentially sets the stage for Israel's very existence. Pesach begins the extraction process of G_D’s people from the rest of the world … as John the Immerser declared about Yeshua … "behold the lamb of G_D who takes away the sins of the world!” Yes indeed the culmination of Mashiach’s Pesach offering begins with redemption for purposes of Israel's renewal … well at least an offer as much for anyone willing to come out of olam hazeh!
So what pray tell then is the connection between “Easter/Resurrection Day” and the original Pesach? Or pray tell what relevance is “Good Friday” to Nisan 14? These are valid questions and all believers are strongly urged to seek even more answers as to why between 150 Ce and 325 Ce (Council of Nicaea) the early community of believers fought over the issue of Festival celebration … and ultimately changed Pesach to Easter in order to celebrate the festival in alignment with the worldly/imperial Spring equinox and not in accordance to the Biblical commandment.
By the way please search the Scriptures and you will find that Pesach was the appointed time for Yeshua to be offered up … the very day was orchestrated by G_D! If the ordained day was of such importance then … why is it not important today?
When did G_D authorize the change in observance of Passover?
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• To eat matzah while celebrating unleavened bread for the seven days … Nisan 15-21 (Ex 12: 15
• To rest, not to work, on the first day of unleavened bread … Nisan 15 (Ex. 12:16; Lev. 23:7)
• To rest, not to work, on the seventh day of unleavened bread … Nisan 21 (Ex. 12:16)
• To hold holy convocations on the first and seventh day of unleavened bread (Ex. 12:16)
• To not appear empty handed before G_D during unleavened bread (Ex. 23:15)
• To remove chametz/leaven on the Eve of Passover (Ex. 12:15)
• That chametz shall not be seen in an Israelite's home during Passover (Ex. 13:7)
• That no chametz/leaven be in the Israelite's possession during Passover (Ex. 12:19)
• Not to eat chametz/leaven on Passover (Ex. 13:3)
• Not to eat any food containing chametz on Passover (Ex. 12:20)
• Not to eat chametz after mid-day on the fourteenth of Nisan (Deut. 16:3)
• To eat matzah on the first night of Passover (Ex. 12:18)
• That Chag HaMotzi regulations pertain to the home born and the sojourner (Ex. 12:19)
• To cut off from Israel either home born or sojourner who breaks the Chag HaMotzi regulations (Ex. 12:19)
Commentary:
Obviously the Festival of Unleavened Bread is virtually a foreign event to the typical modern believer. But again the question is why?
Since Mashiach Yeshua is the pure and perfect “bread of life” can we not see this unleavened bread as representing Mashiach’s perfect submission and obedience to the will of G_D … even unto death?
In the original context of this Festival gifted to Israel, we see the need to “exit” Egypt quickly without the benefit of leavening or raising the bread. Important to note is that in a Biblical Hebraic perspective “leaven is a metaphor for sin”. When we look at the larger picture we see a direct relationship between “coming out of olam hazeh by grace” and the mandate to follow a steady diet of pure unleavened bread … for purposes of "separation"!
For the modern believer of Mashiach we then need to question why the continued observance of this Festival in eating unleavened bread is not directly applicable to our mandate to stop ingesting the food of olam hazeh (sin) and move to a diet of Torah obedience!
We should readily recognize the pattern of personal and communal movement revealed by these Festival commandments. Upon being spared by grace we are commanded to respond with a change of ways. We are commanded to stop consuming the sin of this world and consume the bread of life which is the character of G_D as manifested in the life of Yeshua HaMashiach!
So … does anyone still think this is a Festival for the Jew only and not applicable to all believers in Mashiach? If we have indeed been pulled out of "this world" then "Unleavened Bread" is a permanent memorial to this separation!
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• To present the first fruits of the harvest to the Priest (Lev. 23:10)
• To offer the first fruits wave offering to G_D (Lev. 23:11)
• And in the day when ye wave the sheaf, ye shall offer a he-lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt-offering unto the LORD. (Lev. 23:12)
• To offer up the meal-offering on First Fruits (Lev. 23:13)
• Not to eat bread made of new grain before the Omer of barley has been offered up on First Fruits (Lev. 23:14)
Commentary:
In a general Hebraic perspective the Festival of First Fruits is the celebration of the early Spring crop … the presentation to G_D of the very first of the barley crop … the celebration that G_D controls life and sustenance for humanity … the celebration that G_D renews life!
Can there be any doubt whatsoever that this Festival is the true Biblical “Resurrection Day”? Don't see it yet … John 12:23 And Yeshua answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 12:24 Amen, amen, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit!
Mashiach is the “first fruits of the living” … Praise G_D! Mashiach is the High Priest who is eternally qualified and blessed with being the ONE who offers up the commanded priestly wave offering … just awesome!
In a pure Hebraic perspective the Biblical Festival of First Fruits, ordained by G_D, is in no manner appropriately replaced by Easter … this is the plain truth. In fact it is evident that “Easter” is a very poor "man-conceived" iteration/copy of the real Biblical Festival which sadly has its own roots in various pagan cultures as a "fertility festival" … including Rome!
Once again it is our responsibility … our obligation … our right to joyfully receive the gift of this Festival through Mashiach! As we can readily see this Festival is completely integrated with both Passover and Unleavened Bread. These Festivals are conjoined and designed by G_D himself to represent our very beginning … these are the early Spring Mo'adim and kick off our very lives and represent the promises to Israel contained within the eternal covenant.
Dear reader…please take in the Gospel account yet again while recognizing the relationship between these three Spring Festivals from a purely Biblical perspective! Can there be any doubt that G_D MOST HIGH depicted a pattern … depicted a plan within this specific orchestration which was of course executed perfectly by Mashiach? Is there any doubt that Mashiach took back his life on the very festival of First Fruits?
Yet again we are faced with the great question: “what was and remains the motivations behind keeping G_D’s children away from the very glory of Mashiach revealed through his appointed times?” Obviously there is a pattern in the question and sadly the answer as well!
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• To celebrate Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:16 Num. 28-26)
• To count forty-nine days starting from the day after bringing the first fruits wave offering … seven full weeks shall be counted (Lev. 23:15)
• On the 50th day to bring an additional first fruits offering on Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:15; Num. 28:26-27)
• To bring on Shauv'ot loaves of bread together with the sacrifices which are then offered up in connection with the loaves (Lev. 23:17-20)
• The priest shall present the sacrifices and make a wave offering to G_D (Lev. 23:20)
• To rest and convocate on Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:21)
Commentary:
Yet again we see the revelation of a Festival within what seems to be a purely “agricultural perspective”. BUT we already know that the picture painted once again focuses upon G_D’s willingness and desire to “renew” his creation … renew his people!
From the Hebraic perspective this late Spring Festival is directly aligned to the giving of written Torah to Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. Let us shake off the scales beloveds … and accept the obvious: the giving of The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) through Yeshua on Shauv'ot to the early followers is also directly connected to Torah. Not the written tablets but the indwelling of Torah as written upon the believers’ hearts as declared within Holy Scriptures.
The counting of the Omer (the fifty days leading up to Shavu'ot after the Festival of First Fruits) is emblematic of the patient but eagerly anticipated release from our old burdens … our old way of thinking. In a Hebraic perspective the seven weeks and one day is a picture of the Yovel/Jubilee of Israel. The time when the inheritance is restored to Israel's people!
In a Messianic perspective this time of anticipation and preparation represents our refinement and the culmination of our testing in the wilderness. The giving of his Spirit moves us beyond the redemption, separation and renewal stages into an "indwelling state!" We no longer are a people that testify to his name through a public proclamation but rather we are a people reborn/in-dwelt of his Spirit and we now testify to his NAME through our obedience and conformance to his character and life.
For one minute do we think that the early followers of Mashiach were not thinking in terms of Shauv'ot? For one moment do we think that they were not preparing in one accord for something wondrous to occur? For one moment do we think that they considered this Festival to be something new? Do we think for one moment that these early followers would abrogate Shauv'ot for Pentecost? Hmmm!
Not coincidentally this Festival falls within the middle range of the seven month Festival cycle declared by G_D. Assuredly this renewal is of major importance to his plan and will for humanity but certainly it does not represent the end game. BUT we should continue to see the progression of revelation within the Festival mystery: Redemption … Separation … Renewal … Indwelling! Simply amazing!
So … what say us believers? Shauv'ot or Pentecost? The Yovel and Torah emblazoned upon our hearts in Spirit and truth or the 50th day after Easter? So … when do we think G_D sends his Spirit … on the very day that he ordained or on the day that man ordained? Hmmm!
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• To observe Yom T’ruah on the first day of the seventh month (Num. 29-1)
• To rest and convocate on Yom T’ruah (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1)
• That Yom T’ruah shall be a day of blowing of shofars … a day of shouting (Num. 29:1)
• To offer up an additional sacrifices on Yom T’ruah (Num. 29:1-6)
Commentary:
To understand this Festival in a Hebraic perspective we need to understand what shouting, shofar blowing and trumpet blasting was used for. Scriptures reveal to us that these soundings were affiliated with: the gathering and movement of the encampment; the offering of sacrifices to G_D, the call to battle and the declaration of G_D as King! In a nutshell the sounding is a plea for G_D’s remembrance! A plea to remember the promises of the eternal covenant! A plea to remember and bless Israel for the sake of G_D’s faithfulness in delivering his promises!
In the Hebraic perspective this Festival is the beginning of the “days of awe” … “Yamim Nora'im”! This Festival begins the final season of the Fall Festivals and serves as not only the request to have the people be remembered by G_D but as a wakeup call to all of Israel. A wake up call representative of what is still to come … a wakeup call serving as a gut-check as to our personal and communal status in relation to G_D!
It must be noted that over time this Festival became aligned with the traditional Jewish new-year and is theologically associated with the original creation believed to have occurred on this very day according Jewish tradition. The Festival carries significant importance to Israel.
As we put our Messianic perspective to this Festival it is quite difficult not to see the shadow of Mashiach’s return within this Holy Festival. It is difficult to not see the great gathering of the faithful promised within Holy Scriptures! It is difficult not to see the return of the Temple and the sacrificial system! It is difficult not to see the call to battle wherein Mashiach will take up his issues with the nations of the Earth! It is difficult not to see this Festival as ushering in the millennial reign of our King … Yeshua HaMashiach!
Is this not then a Festival of great importance to all believers of the G_D of Israel … Yeshua HaMashiach? In any manner do we not believe in or await the anticipated return of our King? In any way do we want the day of “remembrance” to pass us by while we remain ignorant to its critical importance in our lives? In any manner do we want to be counted amongst the sleepers or do we want to commemorate our personal and communal awakening?
These questions may sound rhetorical yet they are assuredly not. Our very heritage, be we natural born or grafted in, mandates that we march to the trumpet blast of G_D as given to Israel. Sadly this very important Festival apparently does not even merit a replacement day in the church environment … there has been a complete missing of the proverbial boat! In the churches there is not even a call of remembrance made to G_D on this ordained day of remembrance! How utterly sad!
Rest assured however the Festival remains prominent and obligatory for Israel … obligatory not really being a true reflection of how the Festival is viewed and revered by Israel … like all other Festivals Yom T’ruah is cherished by Israel!
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• To observe Yom Kippurrim on the 10th day of the seventh month (Num. 29:7)
• To observe, on Yom Kippurrim, the service appointed for that day, regarding the sacrifice, confessions, sending away of the scapegoat, atonement for the altar, sanctuary, priests, people and all Israel. (Lev. 16:3-34)
• To offer up additional sacrifices on Yom Kippurrim (Num. 29:7-8)
• To offer the sin offering in addition to the atonement offering on Yom Kippurrim (Num. 29:11)
• The High Priest shall bathe and attire himself in the Holy garments (Lev. 16:4)
• The High Priest shall perform the ritual of the sin offering and the scapegoat (Lev. 16:7-10)
• The High Priest shall make atonement for himself and his family (Lev. 16:11)
• The High Priest shall perform the ritual of incensing the Holy of Holies so that he dies not in the presence of THE LORD (Lev. 16:12-13)
• The High Priest shall sprinkle the ark cover with blood of his bullock sin offering (Lev. 16:14)
• The High Priest shall sprinkle the ark cover with blood of the goat sin offering … for the people (Lev. 16:15)
• The High Priest shall make atonement for the Holy Place and the tent of meeting and the altar (Lev. 16:16-20)
• The High Priest shall confess all the sins of the people of Israel and transfer them to the live goat set aside for Azazel before taking it to the wilderness (Lev. 16:21-22)
• The High Priest shall cleanse himself and offer the burnt offerings to THE LORD to make atonement for himself and the people (Lev. 16:23-25)
• The bullock and goat of the sin offerings shall be taken outside the camp and burned whole (Lev. 16:27)
• Not to do work and convocate on Yom Kippurrim (Lev. 23:31)
• To afflict your souls in solemn rest (Lev. 16:29; Lev. 23:32; Num. 29:7)
• Both the home born and the sojourner shall observe Yom Kippurrim (Lev. 16:29)
Commentary:
There is no doubt that real justice herein cannot be given to this awesome Festival! (Note: as is the case with this entire sectional discourse). Viewed by Israel as the most sacred High Holy Day Festival, it is evident that “forgiveness from sin” is paramount to the covenantal relationship between Israel and G_D! Forgiveness of sin has been and continues to be the key to our reconciliation.
In Messianic terms Yeshua is everywhere as we view these commandments. Mashiach is the “kapporah” … Mashiach is Kohein HaGadol that can intercede behind the veil … Mashiach once again is everywhere!
But let us remember that this Festival, though centric to atonement, is conversely just as centric to “judgment” applicable to those people(s) to whom the “kapporah” sadly does not apply. As such we then need to discern the shadow of the “White Throne Judgment” within this Festival. We need to see the Book of the LAMB as synonymous with the Book of Life!
In Hebraic thought Yom Kippurrim is the day when the names of the “forgiven/righteous” are inscribed into the Book of L