Page 132 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

The Jewish leaders condemned Jesus, and He — burdened with the sins of all mankind — was led out of
the city to be crucified: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins — and not only our sins but
the sins of the world” (1 John 2:2, NLT).

The necessity of the Day of Atonement was rendered void by Jesus’ death on the cross — our debt has
been paid!

#7 Feast of Tabernacles or Booths — Leviticus 23:34
Celebration always follows the Day of Atonement. The Feast of
Tabernacles celebrates God’s provision and protection for the people of
Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness; for the seven
days of the feast, people live in temporary structures as they did in the
wilderness. The Lord himself was with the Israelites in the desert, in a
tented temple called the tabernacle, so the feast also celebrates his
presence as he tabernacles (dwells) with us. 178

Jesus is called Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew
1:23, NLT). He put on a temporary tabernacle — a human body —
to dwell on this earth and offer himself as a sacrifice.

This feast also points to the promise that God will return and rally with his people — in the person of
Jesus. Jesus will “tabernacle” with us. And when He does, he Has promised that there will be no more
death and suffering, that he himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). His
return is the final answer to the hope we’ve carried our entire lives. What a day that will be!

Religious Holidays in Israel Today

Passover
The most important holiday (Hebrew: Pesach) commemorates the famous event of the exodus of the
Children of Israel from Egypt. Passover eve is called “Leil Haseder,” celebrated in a grand dinner with the
extended family and telling the exodus story, known as the “Haggada.” Other common names: the
festival of Matza, a festival of spring. It lasts seven days. However, students are off school for up to 18
days, and many Jewish people are on vacation from work as well; thus, this is a common time of
traveling around the country or abroad.

Symbolic food: regular flour food is not allowed (nor is it sold in public); the Matza (flat unleavened
bread) is the traditional food that symbolizes Passover more than anything else.

Date: around April.
Season: early spring.
The basis for this holiday is found in the Bible.

Exodus 12:12 On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both
people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.

178 https://www.wycliffe.org/feast/7-feasts-that-point-to-christ

131