February 25
Read Numbers 28 - 29
In Today's Reading:
The daily and weekly offerings (sacrifices), Sabbath and monthly offerings (sacrifices), and the offerings (sacrifices) at the appointed feasts
The Israelites' civil year began in the fall with the Feast of Trumpets: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation (sacred assembly); you shall do no servile (daily) work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets to you (Numbers 29:1). This joyous day of blowing the trumpets 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 and the time had come for the people to rest from their labors. It was a time of great rejoicing and lasted for seven days, from the 15th through the 21st of Tishri (Sept/Oct) (see Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leviticus 23:33-44). It was followed by an eighth day of holy convocation on the 22nd which, though closely connected with the Feast of Tabernacles, was not a part of that feast for the people no longer lived in "booths."
The Feast of Tabernacles was the last feast of the religious year. For seven days, all the residents of Israel dwelt in temporary booths (shelters) as an annual reminder of the time when they dwelt in tents during their 40 years in the wilderness. 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 God's presence (see Nehemiah 8:15). The willow tree of the brook (see Leviticus 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 brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever (whatever) he does shall prosper (Psalm 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 (Philippians 3:14).
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.
Christ Revealed:
As the offering made as a sweet savor to the Lord (Numbers 28:2). Jesus willingly offered Himself as a sweet savor to His Heavenly Father. Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor (Eph. 5:2).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash · BP Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Government Official: Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA) · Country: Morocco (30 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Government very hostile to Christians and missions · 99+% Muslim; .5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7).
Optional Reading: Luke 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:11