Topical Bible: Month: Ethanim (October): Feasts Held In

◄ Month: Ethanim (October): Feasts Held In ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Ethanim, known in the modern calendar as October, is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the feasts and religious observances commanded by God to the Israelites. The name "Ethanim" is mentioned in 1 Kings 8:2, where it is noted as the month during which Solomon's Temple was dedicated: "And all the men of Israel assembled before King Solomon at the feast in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month" .

Feasts Held in Ethanim:

1. Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah):
The month of Ethanim begins with the Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah in later Jewish tradition. This feast is a sacred assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets, as commanded in Leviticus 23:24-25: "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts. You must not do any regular work, but you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD'" . This day is a time of reflection and preparation for the solemn days that follow.

2. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
Occurring on the tenth day of Ethanim, the Day of Atonement is the most solemn day in the Hebrew calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Leviticus 23:27-28 instructs: "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God" . This day emphasizes the need for reconciliation with God and the cleansing of sin.

3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Beginning on the fifteenth day of Ethanim and lasting for seven days, the Feast of Tabernacles is a time of great rejoicing and celebration. It commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God's provision. Leviticus 23:34-36 states: "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work'" . During this feast, the Israelites dwell in temporary shelters, or sukkot, to remember their dependence on God.

Significance:

The month of Ethanim is a time of both solemn reflection and joyous celebration. It encapsulates the themes of repentance, atonement, and divine provision. The feasts held during this month serve as a reminder of God's covenant with His people and His faithfulness throughout their history. These observances continue to hold spiritual significance for many believers, symbolizing the hope of redemption and the promise of God's eternal presence.

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Leviticus 23:24,27
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall you have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
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Nehemiah 8:13-15
And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
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