High Holy Days

The Sabbath Day was established by the Most High and sanctified (made holy) from the beginning of the creation. The Sabbath Day is observed from the evening of the sixth day (Friday) to the evening of the seventh day (Saturday).

Genesis 2:1-3  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  (2)  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.  (3)  And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

SCRIPTURES CONCERNING THE OBSERVATION OF THE SABBATH DAY

The Heavenly Father commanded us not to work on the Sabbath. It is a day of rest.

Exodus 20:8-11  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  (9)  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:  (10)  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:  (11)  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 

Leviticus 23:32  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. 

The Most High also commanded us not to kindle a fire for the purpose of cooking on the Sabbath Day.  The food that we eat on the Sabbath should be prepared before the Sabbath Day begins.

Exodus 35:1-3  And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.  (2)  Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.  (3)  Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day. 

Exodus 16:22-23  And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.  (23)  And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 

The Heavenly Father commanded us not to buy or sell anything on the Sabbath.

Nehemiah 10:31  And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day:… 

The Sabbath Day is also a day of fellowship. According to the commandments, this is the time we gather to hear the word of the Lord and receive his instructions.

Leviticus 23:1-3  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  (2)  Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.  (3)  Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. 

Luke 4:14-16  And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.  (15)  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.  (16)  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 

1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

The Destruction of Nicanor is the commemoration of the downfall of one of the greatest enemies of the children of Israel. When the Greek prince Nicanor vowed to destroy the temple of the Lord the priests of the “Most High” lifted their voices in prayer. The Heavenly Father hearing the prayer of his saints and the blasphemy of Nicanor destroyed and disgraced the Grecian prince by the hands of Judas Maccabeus and his brethren. Every year in the 12th month of the lunar calendar on the 13th day we celebrate this victory with feasting and gladness. It is a day to honor those who fought to keep the commandments of the Lord and the deliverance that followed.   We observe the day humbly in Christ remembering the words of our forefathers. “For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.” (I Maccabees 3:19).

II Maccabees 15:36  “And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus’ day.”

Scriptures Concerning the Destruction of Nicanor

From the Apocrypha I Maccabees 7, II Maccabees 14 and 15

II Maccabees 14:1- 2   After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a great power and navy, 2  Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.   

I Maccabees 7:1- 5   In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned there. 2  And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him. 3  Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their faces. 4  So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom, 5  There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain: 

II Maccabees 14:3- 4   Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar, 4  Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace. 

I Maccabees 7:6- 25   And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land. 7  Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king’s land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them. 8  Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king, 9  And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel. 10  So they departed, and came with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully. 11  But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were come with a great power. 12  Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to require justice. 13  Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel that sought peace of them: 14  For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong. 15  So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends. 16  Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote, 17  The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them. 18  Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made. 19  After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit. 20  Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king. 21  But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood. 22  And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel. 23  Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen, 24  He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country. 25  On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could. 

II Maccabees 14:5- 29   Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto: 6  Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the rest be in peace. 7  Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors’ honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither: 8  First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforesaid. 9  Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all. 10  For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet. 11  This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king’s friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius. 12  And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth, 13  Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple. 14  Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare. 15  Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his presence. 16  So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau. 17  Now Simon, Judas’ brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies. 18  Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword. 19  Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace. 20  So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants, 21  And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them, 22  Judas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference. 23  Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him. 24  And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart 25  He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life. 26  But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king’s successor. 27  Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch. 28  When this came to Nicanor’s hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault. 29  But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy. 

I Maccabees 7:26- 30   Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people. 27  So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying, 28  Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace. 29  He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence. 30  Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more. 

II Maccabees 14:30   Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor. 

I Maccabees 7:31- 35   Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama: 32  Where there were slain of Nicanor’s side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David. 33  After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king. 34  But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly, 35  And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great rage.

II Maccabees 14:31- 36   But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas’ policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man. 32  And when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought, 33  He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus. 34  After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner; 35  Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us: 36  Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.

I Maccabees 7:36- 38   Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying, 37  Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people: 38  Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.

II Maccabees 14:37- 46   Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews. 38  For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews. 39  So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him: 40  For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt. 41  Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword; 42  Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth: 43  But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them. 44  But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place. 45  Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock, 46  When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.

I Maccabees 7:39- 42   So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him. 40  But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed, saying, 41  O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them. 42  Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.

II Maccabees 15:1- 35   But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day. 2  Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days. 3  Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept. 4  And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept: 5  Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king’s business. Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done. 6  So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him. 7  But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him: 8  Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty. 9  And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful. 10  And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithal the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths. 11  Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them. 12  And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the Jews. 13  This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty. 14  Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God. 15  Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus, 16  Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries. 17  Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger. 18  For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple. 19  Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad. 20  And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings, 21  Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy: 22  Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand: 23  Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them; 24  And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus. 25  Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs. 26  But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer. 27  So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered. 28  Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness. 29  Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language. 30  And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor’s head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem. 31  So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower, 32  And shewed them vile Nicanor’s head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty. 33  And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple. 34  So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled. 35  He hanged also Nicanor’s head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

I Maccabees 7:43- 49   So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor’s host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle. 44  Now when Nicanor’s host saw that he was slain, they cast away their weapons, and fled. 45  Then they pursued after them a day’s journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets. 46  Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.  47 Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanor’s head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward Jerusalem. 48  For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept that day a day of great gladness. 49  Moreover they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the thirteenth of Adar.

II Maccabees 15:36- 37   And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus’ day. 37  Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.

I Maccabees 7:50   Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: (8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread is an ordered feast that commemorates the great deliverance of the children of Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptians by the Most High sending the destroyer to smite the firstborn of Egypt.

Exodus 12:21-24 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the Passover. (22)  And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. (23)  For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. (24) And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 

Exodus 12:29-31 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. (30) And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. (31)  And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. 

Leviticus 23:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Leviticus 23:4-8 These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. (5) In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’S Passover. (6) And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. (7) In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. (8) But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

When you examine the scriptures, you find the lamb that was killed as the Passover was a sacrifice.

Exodus 12:26-27 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? (27) That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

According to the new covenant Christ is our atonement and has reconciled all of our sacrifices by dying and shedding his blood as the last and perfect sacrifice.

Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

More specifically, concerning the lamb that was killed as the Passover, Christ in life and also in the way he died was symbolic of the sacrifice of the Passover. A quick examination of the following scriptures supports Christ symbolism as the Passover Lamb.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 

1 Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 

Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. (53) And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. (54) And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 

Exodus 12:5-6 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: (6) And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. 

1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: 

Our forefathers observed this day by removing all leavened bread out of their dwelling place. In these times, we must observe this ordinance according to the teachings of Jesus Christ by purging our minds of perversions, and wickedness and keep the feast in soberness, sincerity, and truth.

Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14)  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

This day was established to commemorate the great battle that Simon waged against the enemies of the Most High God and Israel. The day was established as a day of gladness, honor and a day to be memorialized. It was not sanctified or ordained as a high day, or a solemn day (Sabbath).

1Ma 13:52  He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.

1st Maccabees 2:64 “Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.”

Those were the words of the Levite priest Mattathias who rose up as the defender of his people Israel during the time of the Greek occupation of the holy land. Upon his death, his sons rose up in his stead to fight the battles of the people and give honor to the laws of the Heavenly Father. Although Mattathias chose his son Judas to be the captain on the battlefield, he also gave mention of the role his son Simon would fulfill after his death.

1st Maccabees 2:65 “And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.” 

After the death of his brothers Judas and Jonathan, it was Simon who revived the spirit of his people by standing up in their stead to continue the struggle against oppression and wickedness. Most notably was his campaign to reclaim Gaza from Greek invaders.

1st Maccabees 13:43 “In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.” 

After reclaiming the cities, Simon cleansed them of idols and re-established the law of the Most High God. The victory itself was so great as to merit a yearly observance of the time when the Lord granted his people victory against a great enemy.

1st Maccabees 13:51 “And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.“ 52 “He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.”

1Ma 13:1-53 1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it. 2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together. 3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen. 4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone. 5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren. 6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice. 7 Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived. 8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother. 9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about. 11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward. 13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.14 Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.16 Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.17 Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people. 18 Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.19 So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go. 20 And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went. 21 Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals. 22 Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad. 23 And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there. 24 Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land. 25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers. 26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days. 27 Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before. 28 Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren. 29 And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea. 30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day. 31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him. 32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land. 33 Then Simon built up the strongholds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein. 34 Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil. 35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner: 36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: 37 The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a steadfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted. 38 And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own. 39 As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid. 40 And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us. 41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year. 42 Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews. 43 In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it. 44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city: 45 insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace. 46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy. 47 So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving. 48 Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwelling place for himself. 49 They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine. 50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions: 51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel. 52  He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company. 53  And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.

The Most High commanded his people (the Israelites)  remember and reverence his Sabbaths Exodus 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

More specifically the beginning of every month the Most High established as the New Moon Sabbath

Psalms 81:3-4 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. (4) For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of  Jacob.

2 Chronicles 2:4  Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. 

It is by the new moons we understand the proper times and seasons to keep the High Holy Days.

Psalms 104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.    

Ecclesiasticus 43:7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection. 

The New Moon Sabbath was established by the perfection of the Most High’s word and is meant to be observed forever    

Isaiah 66:23  And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. 

On the first day of the seventh month according to the new moons the Most High commanded us to keep the Sabbath of the Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets.

Leviticus 23:23-24 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,    memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.

These High Days as well as the other High Holy days were created by the wisdom of the Most High and it is commanded that we keep these days as it is written.

Ecclesiasticus 33:7-9   Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun? By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he altered seasons and feasts. Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of them hath he made ordinary days. 

According to the book of Leviticus the 23rd chapter, the Feast of First Fruits is observed on the 50th day after the beginning of our harvest and coincides with the ending of the Passover. It is because of the numbering of the 50 days that the Feast of First Fruits is also known as Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks.

It was during this time that the Israelites presented the First Fruits of their harvest to the priests of the Lord.

Numbers 18:12 (First Fruit = the best)

Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.  

Like many of the biblical feasts in the bible, the true understanding of their meaning is only fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we begin to understand that this feast day was symbolic of his resurrection from the dead and the conversion of those who would believe on his name. 

1st Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 

Just as the best of the fruits of the earth was presented to the priests of the Lord, so was Christ risen from the dead and presented perfect before the Heavenly Father. It is through the example and teaching of Jesus Christ that a man can repent, be converted from their sins and become the firstfruits or best of them that dwell on the earth.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 

Revelation 14:4 These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.  

In the book of Acts the 2nd chapter the Apostles of Christ received the gifts of the holy spirit and ministered to all those who travelled to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Pentecost. Those who repented in the name of Christ became the true firstfruits unto God leaving us an example of faith.

The Day of Atonement was an annual gift to the children of Israel where our forefathers would fast, sacrifice, release a scapegoat and pay half a shekel yearly to receive forgiveness  for their sins. With the advent, death and resurrection of Christ, how should the Children of Israel keep this feast day in present times? Let's examine how we kept it before Christ.

Leviticus 23:26-32  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (27)  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 the LORD. (28)  And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.  (29)  For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.  (30)  And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. (31)  Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (32)  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.

Afflicting your souls means to fast so we fasted, rested and came together as a congregation.

Two goats were used on the Day of  Atonement. One of the goats along with a bullock were sacrifices and the other was released as a scapegoat to take on the sins of Israel.

Exodus 30:10-16  And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD. (11)  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12) When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. (13)  This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.  (14)  Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. (15) The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. (16) And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Every man that was at least 20 years old had to pay half a shekel to the sanctuary. In these present times, there is no sanctuary (it was destroyed in 70 A.D.), the Most High is not accepting animal sacrifice and through the sacrifice of Christ, we are granted forgiveness for our sins.

Hebrews 9:6-14  Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. (7) But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (11)  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The rituals and ordinances that we read about under the old covenant were imposed on us until Christ came and died for us. We are now in the time of reformation.

Reformation - The act of changing to a better state, form, etc.; to improve by alteration, substitution, abolition, etc. 

We should not be sacrificing goats, bullocks or any other animals because Christ's blood cleansed us from our sins so we no longer need animal sacrifice. This is the reformation that Hebrews 13:10 mentioned. We are now the living sacrifices through obedience to Christ's teachings and service to the Most High.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We no longer have to give a half a shekel to the sanctuary primarily because it does not exist in its physical form and we are now redeemed by the blood of Christ!

1 Peter 1:18-21 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Fasting - We should not fast on the Day of Atonement for forgiveness of sins because Christ and repentance is the only atonement the Most High is accepting in these last days.

Romans 5:10-11 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Remember that Christ was a gift to the Children of Israel. If it were not for his sacrifice, we would be dead for the sinful lives we lead prior to repentance. We are to keep the Day of Atonement as a Sabbath commemorating the marvelous works of repentance that Christ has wrought and focusing on repenting and sinning less as the day approaches.

As with the other High Holy Days, the Feast of Tabernacles is yet another day about the great deeds that the Most High did and would do for the Israelites through Jesus Christ. This page will examine the origins of the Feast and how we should observe it in these times through the Lord and Savior.

Hebrews 9:8 “The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:”

When our forefathers kept the feast of tabernacles or booths, they knew it only as a time to commemorate the heavenly father causing the children of Israel to dwell in booths for forty years in the wilderness. They celebrated the history of when the Lord lead us into the land of promise with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, but this day stands for much more than that. The Feast of Tabernacles actually represents how Christ lead our forefathers through the wilderness to the promised land in the past and how he in this day and time is leading us to the true promised land (kingdom of heaven) if we are willing to repent and follow his example!

Leviticus 23:1-2 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.”

Leviticus 23:33-36 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 34  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. 35  On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36  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.”

Leviticus 23:39-43 “Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. 40  And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.” 41  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. 42  Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43  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.”

Nehemiah 9:12 “Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go”

Exodus 13:21-22 “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22  He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”

Nehemiah 8:14-18 “And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: 15  And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. 16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.”

These scriptures explained how our forefathers kept the feast in the past by building booths and dwelling in them for the duration of the feast. What was the purpose of building the booths? What did the booths represent? How do we keep the day now in Christ? The following scriptures will answer these questions and more.

Deuteronomy 8:2-6  2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, [so] the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 6Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

1Corinthians 10:5-11 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for [their bodies] were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted 7 And do not become idolaters as [were] some of them. As it is written, ["The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11Now all [fn] these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

All throughout the time of our forefathers wandering in the wilderness the Lord suffered them to hunger, thirst and dwell in booths rather than homes. This was a harsh trial that the Lord suffered our people to endure as a test of humility and proof of who would place their faith in him and who would rebel. Although our father dwelled in booths the scriptures still tell us that with most of them God was not well pleased.

1Corinthians 10:6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

With those words comes a better understanding. The celebration of this feast is not about building booths. It is about us learning from the wicked examples of the past. The Lord is not pleased when our people live in disobedience and sin. But with righteousness and repentance, the Lord is well pleased. What did we learn from building the booths that would lead us to Christ? The scriptures that follow will show us the answer to that question and how to keep the day in Christ.

1Corinthians 10:1-11 “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Revelations 14:1-5 “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” 

These days we are not to sacrifice or build a physical booth to keep the Feast. We are to remember the sacrifice that Christ made and acknowledge that it was Christ that led us then as he is leading his true followers now. By repenting, keeping the commandments, and following his example, Christ is leading us through the current wilderness of the nations into the Kingdom of Heaven.