The Mystery and Prophetic Significance of God’s Seven Appointed Feasts
The Seven Feasts are God's Key to Understanding All Major Future Prophetic Events! Though not talked about much, it has been widely acknowledged that there is a definite correlation between the seven Jewish feasts of the Lord and the fulfillment of Jesus first coming and second coming. The Bible calls the seven feasts God's "appointed times." Moedim (מועדים) are seven appointed times of great significance in the Jewish calendar. The word moedim is the plural of the Hebrew word mo-ahd, which means "appointed time" or "to set an appointment". These moedim are also known as mikra'ei kodesh, which means "times in which holiness is proclaimed".
The Prophetic Calendar: Spring and Fall Feasts
The Bible tells us directly in Colossians 2:16-17 that the "feast" or "festival" (which refers to the feasts of the Lord) are foreshadowing of things to come. Of the seven feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Booths or Tabernacles—four have been fulfilled, and the next three will be. This involves a fascinating study of the seven feasts of Israel where we explore the natural, spiritual, and prophetic meanings.
The spring feasts represent the first advent of Jesus Christ as the Suffering Servant, Lamb of God, Messiah ben Joseph. The fall feasts represent His second advent as the Conquering Lord, Messiah ben David. The summer gap between the first three feasts and the last four feasts represent the two thousand year delay of the return of Jesus and is the Church age.
Comparison of the Seven Feasts and Their Fulfillments
| Feast Name | Hebrew Name | Prophetic Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|
| Passover | Pesach | Jesus crucified |
| Feast of Unleavened Bread | Chag HaMatzot | Jesus buried |
| Feast of First Fruits | Yom HaBikkurim | Jesus resurrected |
| Feast of Weeks | Pentecost / Shavuot | Holy Spirit poured out |
| Feast of Trumpets | Rosh Hashanah | Rapture / 2nd Coming Announcement |
| Day of Atonement | Yom Kippur | 2nd Coming |
| Feast of Tabernacles | Sukkot / Booths | Millennial Kingdom |
The Four Spring Feasts
Passover (Pesach): Jesus is often referred to as the "Passover Lamb," signifying his sacrifice on the cross to redeem humanity, mirroring the Passover lamb sacrificed by the Israelites in Egypt. It involves the sacrifice and consumption of a lamb, unleavened bread (matzah), and the retelling of the Exodus story.
Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): This feast, following Passover, represents the need to remove sin from one's life, aligning with the concept of Jesus' sinless life. Symbolically, the removal of leaven represents the removal of sin and impurity from their lives. It serves as a reminder to live in righteousness and to rely on God’s provision.
Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim): Jesus' resurrection is seen as the "firstfruits" of the harvest, signifying the first of many who will be resurrected through him. It involved the offering of the first sheaf of the barley harvest to God as a sign of gratitude and trust in His provision.
Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): The descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples at Pentecost is seen as the fulfillment of this feast, representing the outpouring of God's Spirit on believers. It also marked the completion of the wheat harvest.
The Three Fall Feasts
Discover the future prophetic events to occur during the seasons of the three fall feasts. These are characterized by transitions in the harvest cycles and the return of the King.
Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This feast foreshadows the "trumpet call" announcing the return of Jesus at the second coming. It is characterized by blowing the shofar (a ram’s horn). Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): This represents the prophetic parallel of the Second Coming.
The Feast of Booths (Sukkot)
Based on Leviticus 23 and John 7, this ancient celebration, like Israel’s Thanksgiving, reveals God’s provision, protection, and ultimate plan through Jesus Christ. On the fifteenth day of this seventh month and for seven days is the Feast of Booths to the Lord. As noted in the scriptures:
- You shall dwell in booths for seven days.
- All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt.
- On the first day shall be a holy convocation; you shall not do any ordinary work.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Biblical prophecy, connect with God’s promises, or experience the power of the Holy Spirit in a fresh way, this study will provide profound insights into how the Feast of Booths points to Christ and what that means for us today.