Hanukkah (Day 4): Yeshua's Birth and the Feast of Tabernacles

Revelation 12:1-4
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
It is 40 weeks from the eventful Hanukkah when the angel, Gabriel, announced to a young virgin named Miriam that she would miraculously give birth to the Son of Elyon. The Roman Senate is preparing to name Caesar Augustus as “Father of the Empire”, and all those who live under Roman control have been required to return to the place of their family origin to register their support for this resolution. Yosef, after himself being visited by Gabriel, has married Miriam, and they have made their way to Bethlehem. Providence has allowed them to make this journey at a time when Yosef was required to go up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the three pilgrimage feast of YHWH. Just as it is with Passover and with Shavuot, all Jewish men age thirteen or older are commanded to make aliyah to Jerusalem for Sukkot. Bethlehem is just a few short miles from Jerusalem, and it is common for the tiny village famous for being the birthplace of King David to handle the overflow that was common during the pilgrimage feasts. Most would overlook this little village, but it is comfortable for Yosef and Miriam, for it reminds them of Nazareth.
As they make their way south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, they pass the massive Herodium fortress which overlooks the main road, as well as the shepherd’s fields. Herod is a hard king. His paranoia has already caused him to murder his wife and one of his sons. He fears anyone who may threaten his throne. The religious leaders have told him that the prophet Daniel wrote that the Messiah would arrive on the scene very soon, and that thought consumes him. Yosef and Miriam are overwhelmed by the massive show of power that the fortress presents. In contrast, they see the shepherds who care for the flocks of sheep reserved for use in the Temple sacrifices, for that has become the trade of the men of Bethlehem. As they arrive in Bethlehem, the streets are filled with Sukkahs, where the men of Israel will dwell for the next eight days. Even without the Feast and the census, it would be difficult to find shelter in this small village. But tonight it is impossible. So Yosef tries to make Miriam comfortable in the Sukkah.
And as Israel begins the Feast of Tabernacles, the celebration of YHWH dwelling with Israel in the wilderness, “The Word became flesh and dwelt (Greek “skenoo”, the Hebrew equivalent is “mishkan” which means, “tabernacled”) among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).”
Eight days later, at the close of the Feast, when the people of Israel stand outside the Temple, shaking their dried lulavs, and shouting “Hoshiana Na! Please save us!”, Yosef and Miriam will bring the eight day old baby boy into the Temple for the rite of circumcision, and at that moment he receives the name, Yeshua, which means, “Yah is our Savior.”

Tags: hanukkah, sukkot, tabernacles

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 6:26am

Shalom and Happy Channukah!! (day 4)

I like the story (and music) from the movie The Little Drummer Boy better than this story.

Thanks for reminding me how important it is not to take whatever ideas we (humans) might come up with and try to force God's Word to prove it.

If God wanted us to celebrate Yeshua's birth date, He'd have made it perfectly clear. The early Church - Brit Chadashah - says nothing about any type of celebration for Yeshua's birth.

Just like Easter.

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Permalink Reply by Grafted Together on December 15, 2009 at 6:44am

Why is it that people on this board are so quick to jump to conclusions without researching facts? If you don't like what I'm writing, don't read it! The facts point to Yeshua being born on Feast of Tabernacles 4 B.C. (September 26). There were astronomical events that are Biblically recognized and described in Revelation 12:1-4. There are historical facts that point to this date as well. It makes sense as well, because of the facts that surround the birth of Yochanan (which I pointed out to you on the day 1 post). That would put his b'rit milah on the eighth day as commanded in Scripture (please take the time to read the volumes of information regarding the eighth day Sabbath following the Feast of Tabernacles before you dispute this. The day is called Hoshanah Rabbah and Yeshua celebrated it in John 10, even referring to the water libation. It is fact that the people would gather in Jerusalem with the lulavs taken down from their Sukkahs, line the path from the Pool of Siloam and shout "Hoshianah Ra", which means "Please save us!" on this day.) The male child was not named until the day of their circumcision, which would have been on this day. So it is a logical conclusion that on the very day that Yeshua is named (Yeshua meaning (Yah is our Savior), the people of Israel were crying out, "Please save us!"

Eliora Battziyon אליאורה בת-ציון said:

Shalom and Happy Channukah!! (day 4)

I like the story (and music) from the movie The Little Drummer Boy better than this story.

Thanks for reminding me how important it is not to take whatever ideas we (humans) might come up with and try to force God's Word to prove it.

If God wanted us to celebrate Yeshua's birth date, He'd have made it perfectly clear. The early Church - Brit Chadashah - says nothing about any type of celebration for Yeshua's birth.

Just like Easter.

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Permalink Reply by Grafted Together on December 15, 2009 at 6:50am

Another thing...

I'm not asking anyone to celebrate or not to celebrate the birth of Yeshua. I'm simply putting His birth in its historical context, which shows the massive poetry and creativity of the Father.

Now if I were you, I'd go watch The Little Drummer Boy. Its a much better use of your time time. Don't waste it on these "stories" that I'm coming up with. (After months of study and research into it.)

David Jesse said:

Why is it that people on this board are so quick to jump to conclusions without researching facts? If you don't like what I'm writing, don't read it! The facts point to Yeshua being born on Feast of Tabernacles 4 B.C. (September 26). There were astronomical events that are Biblically recognized and described in Revelation 12:1-4. There are historical facts that point to this date as well. It makes sense as well, because of the facts that surround the birth of Yochanan (which I pointed out to you on the day 1 post). That would put his b'rit milah on the eighth day as commanded in Scripture (please take the time to read the volumes of information regarding the eighth day Sabbath following the Feast of Tabernacles before you dispute this. The day is called Hoshanah Rabbah and Yeshua celebrated it in John 10, even referring to the water libation. It is fact that the people would gather in Jerusalem with the lulavs taken down from their Sukkahs, line the path from the Pool of Siloam and shout "Hoshianah Ra", which means "Please save us!" on this day.) The male child was not named until the day of their circumcision, which would have been on this day. So it is a logical conclusion that on the very day that Yeshua is named (Yeshua meaning (Yah is our Savior), the people of Israel were crying out, "Please save us!"

Eliora Battziyon אליאורה בת-ציון said:
Shalom and Happy Channukah!! (day 4)

I like the story (and music) from the movie The Little Drummer Boy better than this story.

Thanks for reminding me how important it is not to take whatever ideas we (humans) might come up with and try to force God's Word to prove it.

If God wanted us to celebrate Yeshua's birth date, He'd have made it perfectly clear. The early Church - Brit Chadashah - says nothing about any type of celebration for Yeshua's birth.

Just like Easter.

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Permalink Reply by Grafted Together on December 15, 2009 at 7:21am

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is condemnation before investigation." - Edmund Spencer

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 7:37am

Shalom truly Shalom

I'm enjoying most of your articles. I'm not interested in the Rabbim opinions (talmud) so I skippped reading over that one. Yeshua NEVER quoted any of the rabbim or talmud as the basis for truth. ALWAYS Torah / Tanakh. Even when the rabbim brought up talmud, Yeshua always responded with the truth from Torah, Tanakh.

If you'd like to make a rule that only ordained Rabbinic, or well established Rabbinic opinions like Talmud can be shared in your discussions, I'll hold my own opinions to myself. Talmud is opinion. Many of which are clear violations of Torah. They were written by rebellious religious leaders during the Babylonian exile (I know they were striclty ORAL before the writing down of them).

I'm looking for opportunities to discover TRUTH as revealed by God, in Torah. Some times through discussion with you, or others. Always revealed by God in Torah Tanakh/ Brit Chadashah. Yochanan's Gospel mentions several of the Feasts of God, yet in none of the accounts of the Gospels are there any mention of Sukkot events associated with the birth of Yeshua. (Sukkot is a BIG DEAL, one of the 3 required annual pilgrim festivals, and Yosef was a zaddik.)

The waving the lulav at Sukkot and the people shouting Hoshiana brings up another point I've been pondering. Since that is recorded in the Gospels as what was happening a few days before Yeshua's sacrifice, (some celebrate this time as Palm Sunday)
was He actually crucified on or around the time of Yom HaKippurim instead of Pesach?

Pesach celebrates our deliverance by God,
when the First Born were protected from death by the sacrifice of the blood of the lamb.
Yeshua is the First Born.
(I know he's also called the Lamb of God by Yochanan)

Of course, it also makes more sense that if He were sacrificed on Pesach, he would have risen on the Feast of First Fruits. As He is called "The First Fruits", the First Day of the Week after Pesach. (Sunday)

Yom HaKippurim IS the Day of the Atonements. Yeshua is the atonement for our sins.

All this points to the reconstruction theories of the Gospel accounts, (including that the orginals were written in Hebrew.) Have you read any of Dr Robert Lindsay's work? studied it for yourself? Or David Bivin?

David Jesse said:

Why is it that people on this board are so quick to jump to conclusions without researching facts? If you don't like what I'm writing, don't read it! The facts point to Yeshua being born on Feast of Tabernacles 4 B.C. (September 26). There were astronomical events that are Biblically recognized and described in Revelation 12:1-4. There are historical facts that point to this date as well. It makes sense as well, because of the facts that surround the birth of Yochanan (which I pointed out to you on the day 1 post). That would put his b'rit milah on the eighth day as commanded in Scripture (please take the time to read the volumes of information regarding the eighth day Sabbath following the Feast of Tabernacles before you dispute this. The day is called Hoshanah Rabbah and Yeshua celebrated it in John 10, even referring to the water libation. It is fact that the people would gather in Jerusalem with the lulavs taken down from their Sukkahs, line the path from the Pool of Siloam and shout "Hoshianah Ra", which means "Please save us!" on this day.) The male child was not named until the day of their circumcision, which would have been on this day. So it is a logical conclusion that on the very day that Yeshua is named (Yeshua meaning (Yah is our Savior), the people of Israel were crying out, "Please save us!"

Eliora Battziyon אליאורה בת-ציון said:
Shalom and Happy Channukah!! (day 4)

I like the story (and music) from the movie The Little Drummer Boy better than this story.

Thanks for reminding me how important it is not to take whatever ideas we (humans) might come up with and try to force God's Word to prove it.

If God wanted us to celebrate Yeshua's birth date, He'd have made it perfectly clear. The early Church - Brit Chadashah - says nothing about any type of celebration for Yeshua's birth.

Just like Easter.

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 12:42pm

Shalom Tammy and Happy Channukah! We are celebrating day 4 in our home. Later I'll blog on the cool blessings God is bringing through this experience.

Personally I choose to avoid distraction and deception. If it's not important in how God instructs us how to be, or how we relate to God, then it's stealing my time and resources to where I could be either learning, teaching and/or living the abundant life.

When we allow the Spirit of God's Holiness to be in control, He produces in us (naturally) love, joy, peace, etc (Galatians 5:22-23) This is my litmus test, My barometer. How is something affecting God's relationship to me, as my own Lord and Savior. If that's off, then I must be on the wrong track.

Tammy Henson said:

Wow. Are we a bit defensive here? I actually do like the cartoon Little Drummer Boy. I'm not going to get involved in this tit for tat whatsoever because it's way over my head but one thing I do know is Eliora doesn't come on the site making harsh judgments or opinions. Actually, she rarely comes on the site saying anything at all unless she can back her game. So, I don't hink she is making comments just because that is what she believes. These are thins she studies & feels she knows the facts as much as you feel you know hers. I, however, don't feel she is coming at you in as harsh a way as you are at her. She never said anything offensive so I don't see why this can't be a mere discussion of the great minds instead of a defensive conversation.

Also, I must say, there aren't many things on here that we don't read whether we like it or not. That's why we're members here. I'm not going to avoid a discussion because I may not like it. I am going to avoid this conversation because I haven't researched into it & can't comment on the intellectual side of things. I can comment on how we treat others though through this conversation. The conversation holds no validity if it's offered up in pride & not in love.

David Jesse said:
Another thing...
I'm not asking anyone to celebrate or not to celebrate the birth of Yeshua. I'm simply putting His birth in its historical context, which shows the massive poetry and creativity of the Father.
Now if I were you, I'd go watch The Little Drummer Boy. Its a much better use of your time time. Don't waste it on these "stories" that I'm coming up with. (After months of study and research into it.)

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 2:00pm

whenever you do a Bible study, there will be somebody to discuss new thoughts and insights with, and help you. if it's not me, God will provide. Always. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Tammy Henson said:

Amen Eliora. I hear the humility in your words always. I also see the Spirit speak through you as well. One day, I'm going to look up your Bible Studies & try to attempt them some day. Jessica said she enjoyed it the few times she used it. . Love you sister & thank you for all the work you do for the Savior. I'll say MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Eliora Battziyon אליאורה בת-ציון said:
Shalom Tammy and Happy Channukah! We are celebrating day 4 in our home. Later I'll blog on the cool blessings God is bringing through this experience.
Personally I choose to avoid distraction and deception. If it's not important in how God instructs us how to be, or how we relate to God, then it's stealing my time and resources to where I could be either learning, teaching and/or living the abundant life. When we allow the Spirit of God's Holiness to be in control, He produces in us (naturally) love, joy, peace, etc (Galatians 5:22-23) This is my litmus test, My barometer. How is something affecting God's relationship to me, as my own Lord and Savior. If that's off, then I must be on the wrong track.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Claus on December 15, 2009 at 2:12pm

hey, I also agree that Christ wasn't born on Christmas, and that it was PROBABLY closer to if not on the day of Tabernacles, but maybe..just maybe so that situations like this don't occur over liberties of belief statements like I believe are it is probable should be added into the conversation. I'm not saying they should be, I'm just saying it could help those who have no idea about the subject to not get offensive.

And Eliora, shame on you for being so rude in your initial comment. This brother obviously put his heart into the topic and article. You could have been a little more hospitable. Even I'm known for being a little forward, but your comment is insultful and disrespectful. Their is a great principle in the Bible that applies to both sides.

"let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath day." Col.2:16

and all of 1 Cor.8-look for the principle of those weak in the faith and strong. I'm not saying who is the weak and strong here just the principle.

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 2:48pm

May Peace with God fill your every thought "Shalom"

Jason,

My opinion was not meant to be insulting nor disrespectful to anyone.
I made NO personal comment about the author at all.
I do not bother with insinuations Nor sarcasm.
Please accept any words of mine at face value.

It was simply my own opinion of the purely fantasy part of his story. There is absolutely NO biblical basis for that part of it. The Bible is the basis for reality, truth, sanity. And it is infallable in the original language (Hebrew). Virtually every English version is an interpretation of the Hebrew text. Personally I learn best when I understand the context of the original writer and audience, and the culture.

In Talmud there are alternate opinions on virtually every opinion (interpretation). There is a saying that when you get togther two rabbis, you'll get at least 3 opinions.

I often learn much through discussion. Both by discovering what it floating around as a belief in my own thoughts, and also whatever new facts someone can share with me. I've followed 3 out of 4 posts in this series.

I am thankful and blessed by the factual aspects that have been shared. And I've saved much of that information.
The opinions are up for discussion. This is a discussion forum.
otherwise the author could have chosen to either block all comments, or to moderate any comments.

I truly enjoyed the movie The Little Drummer Boy, it is a fantasy. The product of someone else's imagination. I had been personally mouring the end of Christmas for our lives for the past couple of months (After I'd discovered the truth about the pagan origins of our traditions and rituals back in the spring when I also was learning about Easter, which God forbids our copying or assimilating into worship of Him, in several places in the Bible.)

But as the rest of the people still caught up in it get closer to the event. I'm experiencing the blessings of no longer being opppressed by those deceptions. (John 8:31-32)

Happy Channukah! (today is day 4)

Jason Claus said:

hey, I also agree that Christ wasn't born on Christmas, and that it was PROBABLY closer to if not on the day of Tabernacles, but maybe..just maybe so that situations like this don't occur over liberties of belief statements like I believe are it is probable should be added into the conversation. I'm not saying they should be, I'm just saying it could help those who have no idea about the subject to not get offensive.

And Eliora, shame on you for being so rude in your initial comment. This brother obviously put his heart into the topic and article. You could have been a little more hospitable. Even I'm known for being a little forward, but your comment is insultful and disrespectful. Their is a great principle in the Bible that applies to both sides.

"let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath day." Col.2:16

and all of 1 Cor.8-look for the principle of those weak in the faith and strong. I'm not saying who is the weak and strong here just the principle.

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Permalink Reply by Eliora BatTziyon אליאורה בת-ציון on December 15, 2009 at 3:31pm

as far as I can tell, I'm the only person who has been insulted and persecuted in this discussion and who has endured accusations. These were all based upon interpretion of the person reading, and not based upon any of the actual words I've written.

I'm not responsible for how someone else receives information, only for the intention of my own heart. Truth. In love. Accept that or not, is entirely up to the person receiving it. We have free will. There seemed to be misunderstanding and it took me by surprise, but I did eventually understand that the veiled accusation was sarcasm. No one actually accused me of it, but was reacting to me as if I had been sarcastic. It was the only conclusion I could come to and tried to deal with the real problem. (misunderstanding, misinterpretation: more opinions.) Obviously everyone is entitled to express their opinions, but I'd rather not have to deal with personal attacks and veiled accusations. It would be much easier on me if people would just be honest and straighforward.

Again. I made no personal comments about anyone. At any time. Certainly no insults. I only dealt with the subject matter that was fantasy (opinion).

Tammy Henson said:

Forgive me Eliora for jumping in. Once I reread your reply, I as well felt it came off a bit sarcastic and if anyone understands sarcasm, IT THE QUEEN of sarcasm - Tammy. It's like saying you enjoyed Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer better than what David had shared. As you stated, this is a discussion forum for discussion but it's not intended to be used as a whipping post when we disagree regardless of how true or untrue their comments may be. We are to gently pull them back not talk down to them. To be honest, I've never seen you do this before but I don't see you often so I'm just going to take for granted that you didn't mean it as harsh as it came across.

In His Love
Tammy