Bible Pathway - Feb. 25, 2010
Highlights:
The daily and weekly offerings, the Sabbath and monthly offerings, and the offerings at the appointed feasts.
Verses for Today:
In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation (sacred assembly); ye shall do no servile (daily) work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. . . . And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation. . . . And on the fifteeneth day of the seventh month . . . ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days (Num. 29:1,7,12).The Israelites' civil year began in the fall with the Feast of Trumpets. This joyous day of blowing the trumpets (29:1) was followed 10 days later by the solemn Day of Atonement. This was followed by the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), which was also called the Feast of Ingathering because the work in the fields was finished. It was a time of great rejoicing and lasted for seven days, from the 15th through the 21st of Tishri (Sept/Oct) (Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:33-44). It was followed in eight days with a holy convocation on the 22nd (Num. 29:35).
The Feast of Ingathering was the last of the annual festivals. It marked the conclusion of the Jewish sacred year (29:12-40). Far more sacrifices were offered during this feast than during any other to give praise and thanksgiving to God for the abundant harvest. The prolonged, detailed account of the offerings reveals how important it is that we give praise to the Lord, that we should be to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12).
For seven days, all the residents of Israel dwelt in temporary booths (shelters) as an annual reminder of the 40 years when they dwelt in tents. The trees used for these temporary dwellings also had symbolic meanings. The trees provided shade, as well as reminded the people of the Lord's protection and provision. The palm tree was the emblem of victory and the olive tree was a symbol of peace and the presence of God (Neh. 8:15). The willow tree of the brook (Lev. 23:40) signified a thriving and blessed people, a reminder that a blessed man shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his (its) fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Ps. 1:3).
The life of a Christian is a journey. It should be a great adventure of daily going on with the Lord into deeper experiences and greater faith. With the Apostle Paul, let us each say: I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).
Thought for Today:
If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed (John 8:31).
Christ Revealed:
By the Tabernacles (Booths) (Num. 29:12-39; Lev. 23:34). The Word (logos, i.e. the sayings of God) was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek word translated dwelt means to "tabernacle or live in a tent temporarily."
Word Studies:
29:6 month =new moon; 29:7 ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein =you shall have a day of no work, but one of solemn fasting, soul searching, prayer, and repentance of all known sin.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd (retired) • Government Official: Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA) • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).
Optional Reading: Luke 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16
