7 DAY LONG FEAST 5 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF ATONEMENT


Based on: Lev. 23:40-43; Deut. 16:13; Patriarchs and Prophets, Desire of Ages: Nehemiah 8:9-17; Ministry of Healing 282


PURPOSE:
It was one of the three feasts that was mandatory attendance for all Jewish males. The others were Passover and Pentecost. (DA 65)

It was a thanksgiving celebration and a time to remember the tent life in the wilderness. “It was God’s design that at this time the people should reflect on His goodness and mercy.” DA 447.2

“In commemoration of their tent life, the Israelites during the feast dwelt in booths or tabernacles of green bought. These were erected in the streets, in the courts of the temple, or on the housetops.” DA 448

It was a prophecy of heaven. PP 541 It “was not only commemorative but typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but, as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth His reapers to gather the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat into His garner.” PP 541
PALM SYMBOL:
The palm branches had significance. Looking at the characteristics of this tree will help us see why God chose this tree.
In storm the palm tree can withstand great forces of wind. There are recorded evidences of palms standing when the wind was strong enough to lift and throw a pickup truck into a swimming pool, and push a large heavy truck over against a palm tree. What is the secret?
“Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. Christians indeed may be fitly represented by the palm tree. They are like Enoch; although surrounded with corrupting influences, their faith takes hold of the Unseen.” (RH, January 2, 1879)
“The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm-tree’s roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands.”
God wants palm tree Christians relying on Him through the worst of storms.
What does the Bible say about palm tree Christians? Psalms 92:12
The Palm is a symbol of victory:
When Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, there was a great celebration. “They cut down the spreading palm boughs, nature’s emblem of victory, and waved them aloft with loud acclamations and hosannas.” DA 570 In heaven, “ Each will receive “palm branches of victory, …when they surround the great white throne.” AA 153
Animal sacrifices: At every Feast of Tabernacles, “thousands of animals were slain.”

The bullock
“There is a picture representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription “Ready for either”—ready to toil in the furrow, or to be offered on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position of the true child of God –ready to go where duty calls, to deny self, to sacrifice for the Redeemer’s cause.—“Ministry of Healing.” Pp 497-502; Gospel Workers 294
“Deep are the counsels of God, and the finite mind seeks in vain to comprehend them.
The bullock standing between the altar for sacrifice and the plow in the furrow, –ready for either,– fitly represents the position which God’s people should occupy. The Lord has no place in His work for the indolent and self-indulgent. Like the men of Ephriam, there are many at the present day who are ready to work diligently to secure honor to themselves…” (ST, July 21, 1881 par. 10-12)
“All are required to do something for the Lord. They may interest persons to read; they may converse and pray with them. The minister who shall educate, discipline , and lead an army of efficient workers will have glorious conquests here, and a rich reward awaiting him when, around the great white throne, he shall meet those saved through his influence. 5T 306-308

Trumpets of silver:
“A “shrill blast upon their silver trumpets, and the answering trumpets, and the glad shouts of the people from their booths, echoing over hill and valley, welcomed the festal day.” Psalms 122:2 (Desire of Ages 448)

Silver: When Jesus comes in the sky He has a silver trumpet in one hand. EW16 “Then the silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud.” 1 Thes. 4:16

Silver: Ellen White saw in vision into the ark of heaven. Inside were seen grapes of Caleb and Joshua. Jesus took some to put on the table for those coming into heaven. She looked to see how many were left and it was the same amount as before. These grapes were on silver strands. It was a souvenir of the faith of Caleb and Joshua who urged the people to move in faith with God. For their faith they were almost stoned to death. God stepped in with judgments. Instead of rejoicing at the punishment, these two men took censers among the people with holy fire and incense and urged them to turn back to God and confess their sins before it was too late. These are the kind of people God wants. His missionaries, pastors, teachers must be like this. The fruit growing on them is this kind of attitude. Their character is like Jesus Who is praying and working to restore an ungrateful, spoiled, people on this earth. Ellen recorded this vision in Daystar magazine.

SILVER VINE:
At the entrance to the temple was a vine of gold and silver, with green leaves and massive clusters of grapes executed by the most skillful artists. This design represented Israel as a prosperous vine. DA 575
Silver coin
In the parable of the lost coin, Jesus pointed to the value of the lost person. “Many, many more would be recovered if they were labored for as represented in these parables.” Heavenly Places p. 323

Silver: Words of the Lord
The Bible says that “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalms 12:6. Jesus is the refiner and purifier of us during our trials. “We shall meet with reverses, affliction, and severe trials, for these are God’s tests. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and purge His people as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Con 93.1
Should we wear silver and gold like the world? James 4:4 “friendship of the world is enmity with God” Whoever is a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
I Peter 3:3,4. God’s adorning. “The dress of our people should be made most simply.” Evangelism 272
“Give to the world a living illustration of the inward adorning of the grace of God. Let our sisters dress plainly, …having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate. Evangelism 273 “If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your acts, will all be right. 1T 158
The palm tree Christian:
Palm Tree Christian has the victory over sin. The roots are deep in the Bible and all the Word of counsel we have been given. The fruit of faith is obedience.

THE CHRIST REMAINS UNKNOWN


The Real Thruth
.Jesus Christ is celebrated and worshipped by billions. Yet the true Christ remains unknown because, deceived, the masses worship the wrong Jesus—“another Jesus”! Who is the Jesus of the Bible? You have almost certainly never heard about the true Jesus Christ.

WEDDING OF THE LAMB

While Jesus was attending the Feast of Tabernacles, He watched as thousands of animals were slain. He noticed that people had almost lost sight of the fact that it was sin which made it necessary. DA 589 He saw how they made these events scenes “ of bloodshed and cruelty”. DA 589 They did not realize it was a symbol of the blood of God’s dear Son, which was to be shed for the life of the world.” DA 589 This was prophesied in Isaiah 53.
It is important to realize this. Some go to the Jews to understand the meanings in the sanctuary. If they lost sight of meaning so long ago, is it not a more reliable source to see our answers in the WORD of God? The Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy by Ellen White have so much for us to study on these symbols.

Courtyard lamp lighting service
This was a reminder of the pillar of cloud in the wilderness where God led them. Again we can expect this blessing in the final days. (Isaiah 4:5&6; pp 283)
During the feast, Jesus cried out in a loud voice that He was this light. DA 463. Throughout the book of John, Jesus is referred to as the light.

Music Antiphony effect
Echo songs:1. Unto Thee O Lord, will I lift up my voice; 2. Echo His love, echo His peace, echo His praise through all of our days
In heaven, as God’s people enter the gates, columns of angels are singing echo songs. (Maranatha 300.4; 3SM 430;) “…the angelic choir strikes the note of victory and the angels in the two columns take up the song and the redeemed host join as though they had been singing the song on the earth, and they have been.” 3SM 431.3 “He sees the travail of His soul, and is satisfied.” SD 359
“All heaven is waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives set free at His resurrection followed. The heavenly host, with shouts and acclamations of praise and celestial song, attend the joyous train. (VSS 458) Voice in Speech and song (1988)
AS they drew near to the city of God, the challenge is given by the escorting angels—“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”
Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond—‘Who is this king of glory?’ …’The Lord strong and might, the Lord mighty in battle!’ “(VSS 458) (Psalms 24:7-10) They repeat this like an echo song to welcome King Jesus after His death and resurrection. With great joy, they shout “Worthy is the Lamb.” Rev. 5:12
“Songs of triumph mingle with the music from angel harps, till heaven seems to overflow with joy and praise.” VSS 459

Offerings:
All must bring gifts. The harvest done, people came with their tributes of thanksgiving. PP 540 There is an amazing statement that without continual beneficence there cannot be salvation. We become like God when we give abundantly.
“Without continual effort and constant activity, there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown.” MH 452 “It is unsafe to work in our own wisdom and trust to our own judgment.” 3T 325 “It cannot be accomplished without continual help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer…No one, not even God, can carry us to heaven unless we make the necessary effort on our part.” 5T344 “Christ is our model; imitate Him, plant your feet in His steps…We are not to condemn others; this is not our work; but we should love one another and pray for one another. When we see one err from the truth, then we may weep over him as Christ wept over Jerusalem.” Amazing Grace 78; Galatians 6:1
Reading of the law every day: In the court a priest was busy reading the law every day. People who did not have a copy of this document could come and listen and review the law of God. “Whenever the law is presented before the people, let the teacher of truth point to the throne arched with the rainbow of promise, the righteousness of Christ. The glory of the law is Christ; He came to magnify the law, and to make it honorable. Make it appear distinct that mercy and peace have met together in Christ, and righteousness and truth have embraced each other…” 5BC 1133.5
Rainbow: Genesis 9:16 shows the rainbow a symbol of a covenant that is everlasting. It is for every living creature of all flesh on this earth. “It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure.” DA 493 Christ is represented as the “One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head.” 7BC 989 The rainbow is an “assurance that our prayers shall be answered.” (ST, Oct. 10, 1892 par. 1)

Under the Symbols Key you can find many references.
Golden Vessel & Silver Trumpets
“At the first dawn of day, the priests sounded a long, shrill blast from their silver trumpets, and the answering trumpets, and the glad shouts of the people from their” leafy dwellings. They joined the others at the courtyard and followed with palm branches singing and shouting. “Then the priest dipped from the flowing waters of the Kedron a flagon of water, and, lifting it high, while the trumpets were sounding, he ascended the broad steps of the temple, keeping time with the music with slow and measured tread, chanting meanwhile, ‘Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” Psalms 122:2 (Desire of Ages 448)
He bore the flagon to the altar, which occupied a central position in the court of the priests. Here were two silver basins, with a priest standing at each one. The flagon of water was poured into one, and a flagon of wine into the other; and the contents of both flowed into a pipe which communicated with the Kedron, and was conducted to the Dead Sea. This display of the consecrated water represented the fountain that at the command of God had gushed from the rock…”DA 449 & Voice in Speech and Song chapter 71.
They sang Isaiah 12: 2 &3 while doing this. “The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song;” “therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Isa. 12:2,3. When the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, blood and water flowed. It showed His death was from a broken heart. Our sins were heavy on Him as He paid the price of separation, so we could enjoy eternal life.
THE ROCK smitten so the river could flow
The smitten rock typified Christ, Who was to be wounded for men’s transgressions, that the stream of salvation might flow to all. AA 315

Silver containers: Word of God
The tube connected back to the brook Kedron where Jesus crossed over during that night of His prayers, capture, and crucifixion on Friday. The story of His gift of salvation is to be told first in the home, then village, and then it is to go to the world. Mathew 28:19 & 20 This must happen before Jesus can come.
White Robes: symbol of Character of Christ
Crown: symbol of victory
Palm: symbol of those who’s faith is firm in the WORD, drinking of the living water.
Red border: symbol of martyrs with special stories to tell of assistance during affliction.