by Barry W. Gaugler
What was the purpose for our heavenly Father giving His appointed times to the children of Israel? The purpose of each and every one of Elohim's appointed times, was to be a prophet example pointing to His Messiah. They were much more than just a celebration. Elohim was showing His children important keys to knowing His plan for His children Israel, that they would know the times and the seasons. So, what is the significance of this appointed time called Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles?
We know from Scripture, that the Messiah could not have been born anywhere near late December, for meteorological reasons. The Bible clearly records in Luke 2:8, that the shepherds were out in the fields watching over their sheep by night, around the time of Messiah's birth. The meteorological patterns today for this area of Judea, are known to be, just as they were around the time of the birth of Messiah. The lambs would be at risk in the cold weather, and have always been in shelter during the cold Judean nights of late December. This fact, makes it certain, that Yeshua could not have been born in late December according to Scripture.
So, if Yeshua (Jesus) was not born in December, does Scripture give us a clear indication, as to when He actually was born? Since Elohim does not change, and always works within the parameters of His appointed times. We can know according to Elohim's appointed times, the time period in which Yeshua was born. We know from Scriptures in Luke, chapter one, that the father of John the Baptist was a priest named Z'kharyah (Zacharias). He served in the temple burning incense during the course of Aviyah (1st Chronicles 24:10). He was chosen by the drawing of lots (Luke 1:9), as was the custom of the priests (See 1st Chronicles 24:5). The names of the different courses of priests that served in the temple are mentioned in 1st Chronicles 24: 1-19. Aviyah was the 8th course. Each course served in the temple for one week, with the 1st course starting in the 1st week, in month of Nisan, in the Spring (See 1st Chronicles 27:1 & 2). All priests served during Elohim's appointed feasts of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). After six months, the cycle would repeat, so each course would serve two weeks during the year.
With the above information, we can look at Scripture, and have a pretty good idea, as to when Messiah Yeshua was born. We know from Luke 1:11-20 that the angel Gabriel visited Zacharias while he was serving in the temple. We know from Scripture, that Aviyah served in the 8th course. That would have put Zacharias serving in the temple from the month of Iyar 7 to Sivan 5. That brings us right up the start of Shavuot (Pentecost) on Sivan 6. Since this is one of the three feasts in which Jewish men are required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, we know that Zacharias would have remained in Jerusalem for another week. Upon returning home, his wife Elizabeth soon conceived. If we add 40 weeks, or 280 days to this time (the normal gestation period for humans) it would put the birth of John The Baptist, right at Passover. (Remember, God always works within the parameters of His appointed times. Our heavenly Father never works according to manmade times and seasons. He works according to His schedule, not ours.)
When Elizabeth became pregnant, Luke 1:24 tells us that she remained in seclusion for five months. In verse 26 Gabriel appears to Miriam (Mary) in the sixth month and tells her she is going to conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son. He will be called the Son of God. The dialog continues through verse 37, and then in verse 38, Gabriel leaves her. Then in verse 39, it says, that Miriam hurried to the hill country to visit Elizabeth. John leaped in Elizabeth's womb upon hearing Miriam's voice. From these passages, we can determine that John would be born at least six months before Yeshua. That would put Yeshua's birth, right at the first day of Sukkot (probably late September, or early October according to our calendar). Now, remember this fact. Our heavenly Father always works within the parameter of His appointed times. (I know I am being redundant about this, but please bear with me. It is very important that this fact is embedded in your mind).
Let's examine the Feast of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is more commonly known among Gentiles. I will only highlight (for the sake of brevity) those verses, or portions of verses from Leviticus 23:33-43 which are most important to understanding, but I suggest you read it for yourself from your own Bible.
vs. 33-36: "ADONAI said to Moshe, 'Tell the people of Isra'el, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI. On the first day, there is to be a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.-----on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation;----- it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of work.'"
vs. 39: "But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of ADONAI seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest."
vs. 41-42: "You are to observe it as a feast to ADONAI seven days in the year; it is a permanent regulation, generation after generation; keep it in the seventh month. You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra'el is to live in a sukkah."
(All above verses from the Complete Jewish Bible)
Notice that Elohim says, it is a feast for seven days, but then He adds an eighth day. Why? If one has an understanding of Scripture, the answer becomes quite evident.
In Genesis 17:10-12a, Elohim says this to Avraham (Abraham);
"Here is my covenant which you are to keep, between me and you, along with your descendants after you: every male among you is to be circumcised. You are to be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; this will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. Generation after generation, every male among you who is eight days old is to be circumcised,-----."
From the above passages, it should be quite evident why our heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, added an eighth day at the end of the seven day feast of Sukkot. Since Messiah was to be born on the first day, of the feast of Sukkot (a holy day), does it not make perfect sense that the eighth day, or the day of Messiah's circumcision and dedication to Elohim, would also be on a holy day? The feast of Sukkot is an obvious prophetic feast, pointing to the birth of Messiah Yeshua. Many people today understand, that Yeshua was born in a manger. There was no room at the inn, because it was during Sukkot. Look at any picture of a manger, and you will soon notice exactly what it is. It's a sukkah, or a temporary dwelling in accordance with Elohim's commandment.
John:1:14 says;
"And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory, the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth."
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