Overview:
Tebeth is the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to parts of December and January in the Gregorian calendar. It is a winter month in the Jewish year, typically characterized by cold and rainy weather in the land of Israel. The name "Tebeth" is derived from the Akkadian word "tebitu," meaning "to sink," likely referring to the sinking of the sun during the winter solstice.

Biblical References:
The month of Tebeth is mentioned explicitly in the Bible in the book of Esther. In Esther 2:16 , it is recorded: "She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign." This verse marks the time when Esther was brought before King Xerxes, leading to her becoming queen. The events of the book of Esther are significant in Jewish history, as they set the stage for the celebration of Purim, although Purim itself occurs later in the year.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Tebeth falls during the winter season, a time when agricultural activities in ancient Israel were minimal due to the weather. The rains of this period were crucial for the success of the upcoming spring harvest. The month did not have any major festivals or feasts prescribed in the Torah, but it was a time of preparation and anticipation for the agricultural year ahead.

Religious Significance:
While Tebeth does not contain any major biblical feasts, it is a time of reflection on God's providence and faithfulness. The story of Esther, associated with this month, highlights themes of divine intervention and deliverance. Esther's rise to queenship during Tebeth is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use individuals for His purposes, even in foreign lands and under challenging circumstances.

Modern Observance:
In contemporary Jewish practice, Tebeth is a relatively quiet month, with no major religious observances. However, the Tenth of Tebeth is observed as a minor fast day, commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:1 and Jeremiah 52:4. This fast is a time for reflection and mourning over the events that led to the destruction of the First Temple.

Conclusion:
Tebeth serves as a reminder of God's providential care and the unfolding of His plans throughout history. The events associated with this month, particularly in the book of Esther, encourage believers to trust in God's timing and His ability to work through seemingly ordinary circumstances to achieve His divine purposes.Esther 2:16
So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Nave's Topical Index

Syriac Calendar.
... Month / Syrian / Hebrew. October / Tishri prior / Tishri, or Ethanim. ... December /
Canun prior / Chisleu. January / Canun posterior / Tebeth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/syriac calendar.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles.
... [3056] This month answers to Sivan, which began with the new moon of June.--Tr.
[3057] C. reads "fourteenth.". ... p. 492.]. [3080] January: the Jewish Tebeth. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching 2.htm

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