Small Epiphanies Regarding Big Topics on Christmas Morning

For some reason, I awakened on Christmas morning in 2023, inexplicably with praise to God and a completely unexpected sense of joy based on nothing other than His attributes and perhaps the refreshment of rest.  In my moment of praise, I began considering God’s power and, because my thinking is often peculiar, I started reflecting on the fact that He is the source of all energy [and collaterally and very oddly started wondering if He is the E in the equation E=MC², and I quickly concluded that He is substantially more than that as the source of E, and I wondered how He could create the universe without energy yet being in existence, because energy could not exist as we know it in the absence of space—which, again, did not exist until He spoke the universe into existence; and I concluded that God must have created E with something other than E—perhaps just His Thought or His Word, which means that His Word is more powerful than all E that we know, because all E that we know came from His Word—which is amazing]. And I considered that the angels probably never contemplated and perhaps could not comprehend the immensity of the power of God until He created the universe, because before God created the universe, the angels could have experienced only a spiritual world—one without the fundamental elements of our physical existence: space, matter, time and energy. And when God spoke the universe into existence, for the first time, the angels were able to witness the magnitude of His power. Thus, the universe became a marvelous expression of His power. 

 

And I was thinking that the angels may indeed have seen themselves and even God physically for the first time at the creation, because space, matter, time and energy thereupon became evident. Imagine what it must have been like for the angels to have suddenly witnessed the shocking, visible, luminous presence of God for the first time—as time, space, matter and energy endeavored in its own way to define Him. Of course, the angels probably saw even their own luminescence from having been in the presence of God. This idea made me think about the passage in Job, where God was discussing with Job the creation event: “Where were you when I established the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? What supports its foundations? Or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7 HCSB) (emphasis added). Don’t you find it immensely interesting that God tells Job that the angels shouted for joy at the creation event.  We might perhaps think, before that point when time started, that it would have been difficult to surprise an angel.  Yet, at the point of creation, the angels were incited by what they witnessed to shout for joy.

 

Then, I kept reading the Job passage and saw this amazing question from God to Job: “Where is the road to the home of light?” (Job 38:19 HCSB). What a fantastic question (and coincidentally related to my preceding thinking about the speed of light being a factor of E). The question implies that all light has a home … a place of origination, and it also implies that there is a path to that place and that we could perhaps find it.

 

And I was thinking that because God is the source of all energy, He is obviously therefore the source of all light, which makes God’s question even more interesting, because He’s essentially asking Job if he knows how to find the way to God—the home of light.  And we know the answer to the question, because Jesus told us: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 HCSB). Thus, another way of thinking about salvation is to consider that Jesus is the way for us to get to the home of light.  Confirming this thought is the additional amazing statement of Jesus: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 HCSB).

 

And I considered further that just like the universe is an expression of the magnitude of God’s power, and just like light is an expression of energy, Jesus is the expression of the magnitude of the love of God. And just as the angels shouted for joy at creation, they were perhaps thoughtful and quiet when they witnessed the prophecies of the suffering of Christ and His subsequent glory, because the Apostle Peter tells us that the “[a]ngels desire to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12 HCSB). The angels are as intrigued as we are that God would create humans as beings, subordinate to even the angels, and with choice—knowing that we would very often make the wrong choices and knowing what He would do through Jesus to reconcile us—the subordinate beings who very often make wrong choices—to Himself.  And we know too in this regard, speaking of joy, that the angel of the Lord told the shepherds at the announcement of the birth of Jesus, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people ….” (Luke 2:10 HCSB). And Jude tells us why it was such good news that was a source of joy: because Jesus enables those of us who accept Him to stand in the presence of God … blameless … with great joy. (Jude 24-25 HCSB).

 

Although my Christmas epiphany thoughts were something of a stream of consciousness form of thinking, I think I can safely conclude from the thoughts that we share with angels the joy and wonder of the magnitude of the power and love of God—uniquely emphasized for us at Christmas time when we were given the gift of Jesus.

 

70th Jubilee Ram's Horn Announcement - October 1, 2025 - Is It a Significant Date?

It’s difficult to know what, if anything, this means, but it seems like it should be significant.  It appears that a date is coming that marks the 70^th Jubilee.

1. Leviticus 25:1-12 states that, beginning when the Israelites entered into the land of Israel, a ram’s horn announcement is to be made every 49^th year on the Day of Atonement—to announce the coming 50^th year, which is a jubilee year. 

The Lord then spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you come into the land which I am going to give you, then the land shall have a Sabbath to the Lord. 3 For six years you shall sow your field, and for six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its produce, 4 but during the seventh year the land shall have a Sabbath rest, a Sabbath to the Lord; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 5 You shall not reap your harvest’s aftergrowth, and you shall not gather your grapes of untrimmed vines; the land shall have a sabbatical year. 6 All of you shall have the Sabbath produce of the land as food; for yourself, your male and female slaves, and your hired worker and your foreign resident, those who live as strangers among you. 7 Even your cattle and the animals that are in your land shall have all its produce to eat.

 

8 ‘You are also to count off seven Sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years, so that you have the time of the seven Sabbaths of years, that is, forty-nine years. 9 You shall then sound a ram’s horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall sound a horn all through your land. 10 So you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. 11 You shall have the fiftieth year as a jubilee; you shall not sow, nor harvest its aftergrowth, nor gather grapes from its untrimmed vines. 12 For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat its produce from the field. 

2. The Israelites entered into the land of Israel in about 1406 bc. (See  https://biblearchaeology.org/research/exodus-from-egypt/2954-the-biblical-date-for-the-exodus-is-1446-bc-a-response-to-james-hoffmeier).

            a.         1 Kings 6:1 – “Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year after the sons of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, that is, the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord.” 

            b.         Scholars believe that Solomon became king in the year 970 bc, so the 4^th year of his reign would be 966 bc.  Adding 480 years to 966, would mean that Israel departed Egypt in around the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (immediately after Passover) in 1446 bc. 

            c.         Considering that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, they would have entered into their land in around the date of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 1406 bc. (May 1, 1406 bc per http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/calendar/?roman=1406bc). This is the year that starts the jubilee clock according to Leviticus 25:1-12.  Note that the manna stopped, and the Israelites ate unleavened bread immediately after the Passover celebration immediately following their crossing of the Jordan and national circumcision. (See Joshua 5.)

3. 70 Jubilees from 1406 bc would mean that the ram’s horn announcement of the 70^th Jubilee year would be on Yom Kippur, 2025, or October 1. (See https://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/671893/jewish/When-Is-Yom-Kippur-in-2022-2023-2024-and-2025.htm)

            a.         The number of years in a Jubilee is seven sevens or 49.  70 times 49 = 3430.  Thus, there are 3,430 years in 70 Jubilees since the Israelites entered into their land. 

            b.         3,430 – 1406 (the years bc) = 2024; because there is no “0” year on the calendar, we must add 1 year to cover the missing calendar year “0”—bringing us to 2025.  (See the date calculator here: https://keisan.casio.com/exec/system/1247118517). Thus, our calendar year of approximately May 1 of 2025 (and more precisely, the start of the Feast of Unleavened Bread on April 12, 2025 (see https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/pesach-2025?i=on) marks 7 x 7 x 70 years from when the Israelites entered into their land; which means that the ram’s horn should sound on the next succeeding Yom Kippur to consecrate that year as the Jubilee year. 

            c.         The next succeeding new year begins on Rosh Hashanah, September 22, 2025 (see https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/rosh-hashana-2025), which means that Yom Kippur (the 10^th day of the 7^th month) is October 1, 2025. (See https://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/671893/jewish/When-Is-Yom-Kippur-in-2022-2023-2024-and-2025.htm). 

This date should mark a massive celebration in Israel and may have spiritual and prophetic significance on the calendar of God.

 

 

 

Where Do People Go When They Die?

Inasmuch as it appears that some are “destined to live” (Isaiah 4:3) and to “escape” (Daniel 12:1), the outcome of where each person goes upon death appears to depend on whether the person’s name is written in God’s book of life (Rev. 20:12, Daniel 12:1).

•   The full name of the book is “book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.” Rev. 13:8

•   The “worthy” victors will not have their names erased from the book of life. Rev. 3:5

o      Concern that erasure is even mentioned—a suggestion that a name could be erased. Psalm 69:28

o      A parallel to Satan who was “the seal of perfection” (Ezekiel 28:12) and the “anointed guardian cherub” appointed by God (Ezekiel 28:14) who was “blameless … until wickedness was found” in him (Ezekiel 28:15)—eventually becoming “an object of horror” that will “never exist again.” Ezekiel 28:19

•  Names appear to be recorded in the book of life from the foundation of the world. Rev. 17:8.

o   This is possible, considering that God is not bound by time.

Before Christ’s Death: Sheol/Hades/the Pit/Lower Parts of the Earth/Underworld

• The pit is likely the “bottomless pit” or the “underworld” or the “abyss” that is covered by the depths of the oceans. Ezekiel 26:19-20, Ezekiel 28:8

• There are places within Sheol/the Pit that are lower than others. Ezekiel 32:23

 A. If the person’s name is written in the book of life: Abraham’s side. Luke 16:22

• Considered to be a temporary habitation within Sheol where a person would not remain forever. Psalm 86:13, Psalm 30:3

o   King David, prophetically speaking about Jesus, said that God would not abandon him to Sheol … to see decay. Psalm 16:8-11 

o   From here, a person may via Jesus as the “path of life” find escape to the presence of God where there is abundant joy and eternal pleasures.  Psalm 16:11

•  Here a person avoids “crossing the river of death” where his or her soul enters into the Pit.  See Job 33:18 (statement of Elihu—the only person whose statements were validated by God).

 B. If the person’s name is not written in the book of life: the Pit/Hades in torment of flames of fire. Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 11:23, Job 33:18

• People who do not transition to life appear to stay here forever (perhaps even as it becomes cast into the lake of fire)—as if they never existed. Ezekiel 26:19-21, Ezekiel 28:19

• People here are unable to communicate with God. Psalm 28:1

• It is a place of disgrace for the dead considered to be “uncircumcised”—a place to which people “descend.” Ezekiel 32:18-30
• This is a place from which the righteous hope to be rescued. Job 33:14-30

• This is a place from which everyone would want to be redeemed. Psalm 103:4, Job 33:28

After Christ’s Death:

A. If the person’s name is written in the book of life: paradise. Luke 23:43, 2 Cor. 12:4, Psalm 16:10-11

• God’s tree of life is there. Rev. 2:7

B. If the person’s name is not written in the book of life: possibly a place called “Death” and separately, “Hades”; apparently also the sea holds some of the dead.  Rev. 20:13.

• Those who worship the antichrist are not named in the book of life. Rev. 13:8

 After the Great White Throne Judgment:

A. If the person’s name is written in the book of life: the new Jerusalem in the new heaven and new earth. Rev. 21:27

B. If the person’s name is not written in the book of life: thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15

• The full name of the place is the lake of fire and sulfur. Rev. 20:10, Rev. 21:8

• Those destined for this place will join the devil, the antichrist beast and the false prophet. Rev. 20:10.

o   Satan was prophesied to go there. Isaiah 14:12-15

• They will also join the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murders, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars. Rev. 21:8

•  This is referred to as the “second death.” Rev. 21:8

Passages and Considerations Regarding the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord

 Students of Bible prophecy recognize that God has ordained a period in the future wherein Jesus Christ will return to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to rule over all nations of the world for 1,000 years (see Revelation 20:4)—the millennial reign of Christ (see discussion regarding the Millennium).  Prior to this millennial period, God will judge the world.  The period of God’s judgment is referred to as the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21), and it culminates in an excruciating Day of the Lord—a particularly devastating period that is concluded by the Second Coming of Christ (Matt. 24:29-30).  Some of the critical considerations regarding this period along with their supporting Scriptures are noted below.

• The judgment constituting the tribulation is understood from a prophecy in Daniel 9 to extend for a period of 7 years. See Daniel 9:24-27.

• The prophecy indicates that 490 years (or 70 “sevens”—also referred to as “weeks”) were particularly ordained regarding the Jews, Jerusalem and the work of the Messiah; the prophecy is divided into 2 sections of time: 483 years (or 69 of the “sevens”) of the prophecy were fulfilled when the Messiah was “cut off” (which many Bible students understand to equate to the crucifixion of and ascension to heaven by Jesus); thus, 7 years (or 1 “seven”) of the prophecy remain; according to the prophecy the antichrist will enter into a 7-year (or 1 “seven”) covenant with “the many”; then 3.5 years into that covenant, he will break it and cause sacrifices to cease.  Thus, it appears that the covenant is with the people of Israel and may have something to do with the temple and sacrifices.

·         God will desolate the earth. Isaiah 24:1-13, 19-20

·         God’s desolation of the earth is heralded by the breaking of 7 seals (Rev. 6&8:1-5), the sounding of 7 trumpets (Rev. 8:6-9:21&11:15-19) and the pouring of 7 bowls of wrath (Rev. 16).  Each has its own consequence: 

Event	Consequence
Breaking of 1st Seal Revelation 6:1-2	A white horse comes, and the rider has a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Breaking of 2nd Seal Revelation 6:3-4	A red horse comes, and the rider takes peace from the earth even such that people kill one another; and a large sword was given to him.
Breaking of 3rd Seal Revelation 6:5-6	A black horse comes, and the rider has a pair of scales in his hand, and it seems that the price of wheat and barley increase dramatically.
Breaking of 4th Seal Revelation 6:7-8	An ashen horse comes, and the rider’s name is Death, and Hades is following him; he kills ¼ of the people of the earth with sword, famine, plague and animal attacks.
Note that the heralds of the first 4 seals, these "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," may be the 4 spirits who patrol the earth and appease the wrath of God as described in Zechariah 6:1-8.  Some speculate that the rider of the white horse is the antichrist who, in a mimicking precursor to the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-16), appears on a white horse.
Breaking of 5th Seal Revelation 6:9-11	The souls of martyrs for God cry out for judgment.
Breaking of 6th Seal Revelation 6:12-17	A great earthquake occurs; the sun becomes black; the moon becomes like blood; a storm of asteroids strikes the earth; the sky is split apart like a scroll; every mountain and island are moved from their places; all on earth cry out for death rather than to face the Messiah.
Interlude Revelation 7	Angels halt wind from blowing on the earth. An angel seals 144,000 men from Israel on their foreheads. A multitude who came out of the Tribulation and whose robes have been made white by the blood of the Lamb cry out a praise to the Lamb, and the Lamb spreads His tabernacle over them.
Breaking of 7th Seal Revelation 8:1-5	An angel fills a censor with fire from the alter and hurls it to the earth with lightning, thunder and an earthquake.
Sounding of 1st Trumpet Revelation 8:6-7	Hail and fire mixed with blood are hurled to the earth; and 1/3 of the earth is burned up, and 1/3 of the trees are burned up, and all the green grass is burned up.
Sounding of 2nd Trumpet Revelation 8:8-9	A great mountain burning with fire is hurled into the sea; and 1/3 of the sea becomes blood, and 1/3 of the sea creatures die; and 1/3 of the ships are destroyed.
Sounding of 3rd Trumpet Revelation 8:10-11	A great star falls from heaven, burning like a torch on 1/3 of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The star is named Wormwood; and 1/3 of the waters become wormwood, and many people die from the waters because they are made bitter.
Sounding of 4th Trumpet Revelation 8:12	1/3 of the sun, 1/3 of the moon, and 1/3 of the stars are stricken, so that 1/3 of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for 1/3 of it, and the night in the same way.
Interlude Revelation 8:13	An eagle flies and announces 3 woes for those who live on the earth because of the blasts of the next 3 trumpets.
Sounding of 5th Trumpet Revelation 9:1-12	1st Woe - The abyss is opened and smoke darkens the air and the sun, and Abaddon’s (or Apollyon’s) scorpion like locusts come out of the smoke and attack all humans that do not have the seal of God on their foreheads, and they torment humanity for 5 months.
Sounding of 6th Trumpet Revelation 9:13-21	2nd Woe – 4 angels bound at the Euphrates River are released, and they release a 200 million horseman army (breastplate colors are hyacinth, fire and brimstone) that kills 1/3 of mankind with plagues of fire, smoke and brimstone. The 2 witnesses appear, are slain, are resurrected and ascend to heaven. An earthquake strikes Jerusalem; 1/10 of the city falls; 7,000 are killed.
Sounding of 7th Trumpet Revelation 11-12	3rd Woe – An announcement is made in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” The temple of God in heaven appears with the ark of His covenant. Signs appear regarding Israel, Satan, Christ and Michael, the archangel. (Rev. 12)  A woe is announced regarding Satan’s being on earth filled with wrath, because he knows his time is short.
Interlude Revelation 13-15	The beast from the sea and the beast from the earth appear. (Rev. 13) The Lamb appears with 144,000 special saints; angels appear declaring the gospel, doom of Babylon, and doom for worshippers of the beast. (Rev. 14)  One like the son of man reaps from the earth. An angel then reaps for the winepress. (Rev. 14)  Angels receive the 7 bowls of wrath to be poured out on the earth. (Rev. 15)
Pouring of 1st Bowl Revelation 16:2	Harmful and painful sores afflict everyone who has received the mark of the beast (the antichrist) and worshipped his image.
Pouring of 2nd Bowl Revelation 16:3	The sea is turned to blood and everything in it dies.
Pouring of 3rd Bowl Revelation 16:4-7	The rivers and springs of water are turned to blood.
Pouring of 4th Bowl Revelation 16:8-9	The sun scorches people with a plague of fire and heat.
Pouring of 5th Bowl Revelation 16:10-11	The kingdom of the beast is darkened, and pain and sores afflict people (possibly because sunlight provided healing and relief).
Pouring of 6th Bowl Revelation 16:12-16	The Euphrates River is dried up—preparing the way (to Israel) for the kings from the East (to attack Israel). Spirits of demons, like frogs coming from the mouths of Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet, summon nations to come and attack Israel (the Battle of Armageddon).
Pouring of 7th Bowl Revelation 16:17-21	An announcement is made from the throne in the temple in heaven: “It is done.”  The strongest earthquake in history strikes the earth. Cities fall. Jerusalem is split into 3 sections. Islands disappear.  Mountains fall. 100-pound hailstones fall upon the people of the earth.

·       Celebrations will cease. Isaiah 24:7-11, Rev. 18:22-23

·       People are scorched. Isaiah 24:6, Rev. 16:8-9

·       All are subject to judgment. Isaiah 24:2, 4, 18

·       The Day of the Lord and Tribulation are for judgment. Isaiah 24:5, Isaiah 30:27-28&30-32, Isaiah 35:4, Psalm 110:5-6, Joel 3:2&12, Obadiah 16, Zephaniah 3:8, Ezekiel 39:21

·       The sun and moon will be impacted. Isaiah 24:23  They will become dark. Joel 3:15, Isaiah 60:2, Rev. 8:12, Matt. 24:29

·       The antichrist will destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, first permitting the sacrifices and then halting them and desecrating the temple. Daniel 9:27, Zech. 14:2, 2 Thes. 2:3-4, Matthew 24:15-16

·       Messiah will battle and defeat all nations. Zech. 14:1-5, Zech. 12:9, Rev. 19:19-21

·       An earthquake will level the land, except for part of Jerusalem. Zech. 14:10, Rev. 16:17-21.  The mountain of the House of the Lord will remain. Isaiah 2:2

·       All of armies of nations will essentially panic, fight each other and rot while standing when Messiah arrives. Zech. 14:12-13, 15

·       Great wealth will be collected at the battle of Armageddon. Zech. 14:14

·       We do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will return. Matt. 24:42

[Updated 9/24/2021]

Why the Rapture Could Occur at the End of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

The Rapture is the gathering of believers constituting the Church (also known as the Bride of Christ) from Earth by Jesus--generally described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.  I have previously presented here reasons suggesting that there will, indeed, be a Rapture and that it occurs prior to the antichrist's entering into a 7-year covenant with "many"(Daniel (9:27)--a 7-year period commonly referred to as the Tribulation (with the last 3.5 years constituting the "Great Tribulation").  Although many people believe that the Rapture will indeed occur prior to the Tribulation, everyone wonders if there is a particular time that it will occur.  Many seek to correlate the Rapture to the special festivals and events that God established for His chosen people, the Jews.  In this regard, I note that there are a number of considerations suggesting that the Rapture could occur at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Festival of Booths and Sukkot), the final day of which is denominated by the Jews as Hoshanah Rabbah (which means the "The Great Supplication"):

1. The Feast of Tabernacles is a commemoration of God's having rescued His people from Egypt and protecting them, leading them and having them live in booths in the wilderness--which could be a parallel to the exodus of believers constituting the Church from the Egypt of this world and being protected by God in chambers in heaven.  See Leviticus 23:41-43 and Isaiah 26:20-21.

2. The feast is for 7 days--which could represent a parallel to the 7-year period of God's special protection of the Church from the Tribulation.  See Leviticus 23:41 in light of the 7-year period of Tribulation identified in the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27 (identified as a final "seven" or "week") that awaits the Jews in the future. It is followed by a day of rest (Lev. 23:36), which could represent the start of the millennial reign of Christ that follows the Tribulation.

3. During the millennial reign of Christ, Gentile nations are invited to come to Israel to worship Jesus during the Feast of Booths--a suggestion that Gentiles are uniquely invited to participate in and celebrate this particular feast.  See Zech. 14:16-19.

4. The Feast of Tabernacles is a celebration of harvest--which could represent an amazing parallel to the concept of God's people, like crops, being gathered to Him--such as at the Rapture.  See Leviticus 23:39 in light of the following consideration: There are 2 distinct "crop" (i.e., people) gatherings described in Amos 7:1-6: (1) the King’s crop (which, contextually, would represent the Church as the Bride of Christ--believers in Jesus who are raptured prior to the arrival of the “locusts”—the trials of the Tribulation), followed by (2) the spring crop, which would accordingly represent the Jewish saints who die during or otherwise survive the Tribulation, having rejected the mark of the beast and having refused to worship the image of the beast; interestingly, the prophet Amos speaks of the second group distinctly as “Jacob”—i.e., the Jews.

5. The Apostle Paul, in describing what we understand to be the Rapture, explains that it begins at the sound of a final trumpet blast: "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed"  I Cor. 15:52 (emphasis added).  Paul also notes the trumpet in 1 Thes. 4:16: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God ...."  Many Bible scholars and students struggle to understand the meaning of this trumpet blast, considering that it is a critical marker of the Rapture and believing that it must correlate to one of the Jewish celebrations.  In this regard, Psalm 81, which many consider to be a celebration of both the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles, includes the celebratory invitation to blow the trumpet: "Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day" (Psalm 81:3)--the full moon marking the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  The shofar is accordingly blown on the final day of the feast, Hoshanah Rabbah (see the article on The Shofar in War and Worship; see also the article regarding The Secret of the 15 Steps--particularly at "Secret #4), and could well mark the trumpet blast described by Paul.  (Of course, the shofar is also blown on Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur as well, and there are certainly considerations pointing to these days as well.)  While the shofar is blown at these events, it is noteworthy to consider that, distinct from the shofar blasts, there are also special blasts from metal trumpets.  In Numbers 10, we see the following discussion: "The Lord spoke further to Moses, saying, 'Make yourself two trumpets of silver, you shall make them of hammered work; and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and breaking camp. ... And when you go to war in your land against the enemy who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, so that you will be thought of by the Lord your God, and be saved from your enemies. Also on the day of your joy and at your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the Lord your God.'”  Numbers 10:1-2&9-10. Thus, it is possible that (a) these trumpets are the trumpets described by Paul and used by God as a summoning of the "congregation" of the Church at the Rapture, (b) these trumpets are the trumpets described by Paul and used by God to mark the "day of our joy"--which could coincide with any of the Jewish feasts or first days of the month--at the Rapture, or (c) these trumpets represent a parallel to the trumpets used by God to summon His Church at the Rapture.

6. The Feast of Tabernacles is a 7 day feast to the Lord that starts with a day of restful celebration. Leviticus 23:34-36, 41.  There is no question that for believers who are to be raptured, they will enjoy a time of celebratory rest that culminates in the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. Rev. 19:7-10--which occurs prior to the Second Coming of Christ to Earth to begin His millennial reign. Rev. 19:11-19.

7. Jesus made a special announcement on the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles: "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.'" John 7:37.  Jesus' statement is akin to the statement made to John in Revelation: "Come up here" (Rev. 4:1); the statement made to John is considered by many to be a pre-Tribulation Rapture like invitation.

8. It is customary for Jews in their celebration to perform a ceremony similar to the one performed in connection with the overtaking of Jericho, in that during each day of the festival, they conduct a prayer ritual called the hoshanot, in which the congregants walk in a circle around a Sefer Torah holding a branch of a palm tree, and on the 7th day they encircle it 7 times.  In Joshua 6:3-5, the final circuit is followed by a trumpet blast and shout.  The final trumpet on Hoshanah Rabbah would represent this trumpet blast that together with the shout of the archangel could align with the explanations provided by Paul.  And just like Rahab and her family were saved from the destruction of Jericho (Joshua 6:25), so the Church would be rescued from the destruction that will be the Tribulation.

Thus, while there are a number of candidates for the time at which the Rapture might occur, there is no question that the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Hoshanah Rabbah, must be on the list of possibilities.

Biblical Considerations and Passages Regarding the Millennial Reign of the Messiah

Many passages from Scripture address the future millennial reign of the Messiah.  The listing below is not comprehensive, but it allows you to see the pervasiveness of the discussion in Scripture regarding this special time.  Christians, of course, recognize the Messiah as Jesus Christ.  Many of the Scriptures refer to the One performing the works variously and fairly interchangeably as the Messiah, the Servant, the Son of David and God.  I have compiled Scripture references into categories and concepts for convenience.  

The Reign

·        The Messiah will stand on the Mount of Olives, and it shall split in two at His arrival. Zech. 14:4

·       The Messiah, sometimes referred to as Yahweh, will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. Isaiah 24:23, Psalm 2:6-9, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 14:7 (and matching verse Psalm 53:6), Psalm 50:2, Psalm 87:1-3, Psalm 99:2, Psalm 102:13&16, Psalm 110:2, Psalm 132:13-14, Psalm 134:3, Psalm 135:21, Zech. 8:1-3, Isaiah 2:2-4, Isaiah 12:6, Isaiah 18:7, Isaiah 33:5&20-22, Isaiah 40:9-10, Isaiah 52:7-10, Isaiah 59:20, Isaiah 62:11, Joel 3:16-17&21, Obadiah 21, Micah 4:1

·       The Messiah is from the line of David. Isaiah 9:7, Zechariah 6:12-13, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezek. 34:23-24

·       The Messiah, before He reigns, is marred to the point of not looking human.  Isaiah 52:13-15 (see also verses 7-10 for context that it’s the Messiah; see also Isaiah 53).  Israel will look upon the Messiah—recognizing that they are the ones who pierced Him, and they will mourn for Him. Zech. 12:1-14

·        This may be what is described in Scripture as the Kingdom of God. Matt. 26:29, Mark 14:25

·       Everyone will know the Messiah. Heb. 8:11

·       The Messiah will rule over all nations. Psalm 2:8, Psalm 9:8, Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 7:14 & 27, Zech. 14:9, Isaiah 2:4

• His reign shall continue on Earth for 1,000 years.  Rev. 20:4  After this period, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations, enticing them to attack Christ (Rev. 20:7-9); all participants in this rebellion along with Satan will be defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire. Rev. 20:9-10.  Thereafter, the Kingdom of Jesus will be moved to a new heaven and a new earth.  Rev. 21-22.

·       The Messiah (also called the Branch of David) will build the Temple, and he will rule from a throne as a king and also be a priest and counselor. Zechariah 6:12-13; Jeremiah 23:5-6, Acts 2:29-36, Isaiah 33:6, Micah 4:3

·       The Messiah will repair the Tabernacle of David. Amos 9:11

·       The Messiah will establish His sanctuary among His people from this point and continuing forever. Ezek. 37:26-28, Psalm 9:7

·       Martyrs and saints will reign with the Messiah during this time. Rev. 20:4-6, Daniel 7:27, Rev. 5:10. Jesus’ disciples will also reign with Him—judging Israel. Matt. 19:28 [I used to hold to the opinion that those who reigned with Christ were only those who were martyred for Christ during the Tribulation, and that believers constituting the Church or the Bride of Christ would not return with Christ to reign with Him on earth, but would, rather, remain in the New Jerusalem--separate and distinct from the Jews until the end of the millennial reign of Christ.  However, Revelation 5:9-10 shatters this opinion and suggests that even believers constituting the Church will return with Him to reign with Him on earth.]

·       The Kingdom of Messiah will be everlasting. Daniel 2:44, Daniel 4:3, 34; Daniel 6:26, Daniel 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7, Luke 1:33

 

The Earth

·       The earth will be refreshed when the Messiah arrives. Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-7, Amos 9:13, Zech. 8:12

 

Healing

·       People will be healed when the Messiah arrives. Isaiah 35:3-6

·       Living water will flow out of Jerusalem. Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18

·       There will be no death. Zech. 8:4

 

Peace

·         There will be peace. Zech. 8:12&16, Zech. 9:10, Isaiah 2:4

·        Even the animals will live in peace. Ezek. 34:25, Isaiah 65:25 (although this verse could be applicable only to the New Jerusalem in the new heaven and new earth)

 

Justice and Honor

·       The Messiah will require that people live honorably, justly, truthfully and peacefully. Zech. 8:16-17, Psalm 99:4

·       People will not fear crime, danger or injury. Zech. 8:5 Particularly in Israel. Isaiah 60:18

 

The Highway

·       There is a special highway from Egypt to “Assyria” that presumably passes through Jerusalem. Isaiah 11:16, Isaiah 19:23, Isaiah 35:8-10, Isaiah 49:11, Isaiah 62:10

·       It is called the Highway of Holiness. Isaiah 35:8

 

People and Worship

·       People will be joyful. Isaiah 35:10

·       All nations will worship the Messiah. Psalm 99:9, Psalm 100, Psalm 102:15&21-22, Isaiah 24:14-15, Isaiah 30:29, Isaiah 60:1-3

• The nations are particularly invited to worship at Sukkot--also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths (which is curious, because it commemorates God's protection of the Jews as they wandered in the wilderness; however, it also celebrates the harvest).  Zech. 14:16-19

·       The kings of the earth will be silent on account of Him. Isaiah 52:15

·       Probably because they will eventually join Satan to attack the Messiah, the praise of many will be pretentious—because of the apparent power of the Messiah. Psalm 66:3

·       Many things will be dedicated to the Messiah. Zech. 14:20

·       There will be sacrifices in Jerusalem. Zech. 14:21

·       There will be many celebrations. Zech. 8:19

·       Nations will seek the favor of the Messiah. Zech. 8:20-22, Isaiah 2:2-3

·       Many people will seek His instruction. Micah 4:2

 

Special Blessings for Israel

·       The land of Israel will be restored from its desolation. Ezek. 36:33-36

·       Jerusalem and Israel will be made a notable item of God’s delight. Isaiah 62:1-7&12

·       The Messiah will particularly rule over His people, the Jews. Ezek. 37:24

·       The Messiah’s reign over His people, the Jews, from this point will continue forever. Ezek. 37:25

·       Israel will be particularly blessed. Amos 9:14, Micah 4:7, Zech. 8:12-15, Psalm 14:7 (and matching verse Psalm 53:6), Psalm 69:35-36, Psalm 132:15-17, Eze. 34:14-15&26-30, Ezek. 36:8-12, Ezek. 39:25, Joel 3:1, Zeph. 3:14-20, Isaiah 60:5-7&10-17

·       Peace in Israel will be permanent. Amos 9:15

·       The Messiah will gather Jews to Israel. Zech 8:7-8, Ezek. 34:11-13, Ezek. 36:24, Ezek. 37:21-22, Ezek. 39:27-28, Psalm 50:5, Micah 4:6, Zeph. 3:19-20, Isaiah 14:12, Isaiah 60:4

·         Jews will be honored. Zech 8:23, Psalm 126:2-3, Micah 4:7

·       The Messiah will provide a unique cleansing and salvation of Jews. Ezek. 36:26-29, Ezek. 37:23-28, Ezek. 39:29, Psalm 133:3, Isaiah 40:11

 

Satan

·       Satan is bound in the bottomless pit during the 1,000-year period. Rev. 20:1-7

 [Updated 9/24/2021]

21 Facts about the Antichrist (Plus 10 Additional Considerations)

Here are 21 facts regarding the antichrist as provided by Scripture; knowing these facts will help the world to recognize the antichrist when he appears:

1.  Also called “the beast” - Rev. 17:11
2. Is a national and/or international leader—like a president or king - Rev. 17:11
3. Will rule with 7 other leaders (as an 8th king) - Rev. 17:11
4. He with the 7 other leaders, will lead a 10 nation union - Rev. 17:12
5. Curiously, he “was” (before around 90 AD, when the Book of Revelation was written), “is not” (at around 90 AD), and will come again - Rev. 17:8 (a parallel to Jesus) [Is he a resurrected Antiochus IV Epiphanes--the Seleucid emperor, ruling over the areas now known as Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Turkey, who referred to himself as "God Manifest," outlawed the reading of the Torah and sacrificed a pig to desecrate the altar in the temple in Israel? (See https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Antiochus_IV_Epiphanes.) A resurrected Nimrod--the "mighty hunter," and founder of the first cities of the area now known as Iraq, who tradition suggests built the Tower of Babel to escape another flood from God? (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod.) A resurrected Nero Ceaser--who ordered the destruction of the temple in Israel and tortured Christians? (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero)] (Revelation 17:11 clarifies that this beast who "was, and is not" is the 8th king)
6. He is called “the little horn” - Dan. 7:8 (just like “the little horn” in Dan. 8:9 is considered to refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes)
7. Will come from “the abyss”—a place that even demons fear - Rev. 17:8, Rev. 11:7, Luke 8:31
8. Will strike down God’s 2 witnesses - Rev. 11:7
9. Will be given authority to act for 3.5 years - Rev. 13:5
10. He speaks arrogantly - Dan. 7:8
11. Will blaspheme God and those who dwell in heaven - Rev. 13:6, Dan. 7:25
12. Is given authority over everyone on earth - Rev. 13:7
13. He will intend to change religious festivals and laws - Dan. 7:25
14. Will conquer saints - Rev. 13:7, Dan. 7:25
15. Everyone except the saints will worship him - Rev. 13:8
16. A mark of the beast is required of everyone in order to buy or sell, and the mark is the name of the beast or his number, which is 666 - Rev. 13:16-18
17. Is also referred to as “man of lawlessness “ and “son of destruction” - 2 Thes. 2:3
18. His coming is in accord with the activities of Satan--with deception and wickedness - 2 Thes. 2:9-10
19. He will sit in the temple and proclaim himself to be God, defiling the temple - 2 Thes. 2:4, Matt. 24:15-16
20. He will enter into a 7 year covenant and break it after 3.5 years - Dan. 9:27
21. He will be thrown alive into the Lake of Fire at the arrival of Jesus - Rev. 19:20

Further, if Daniel 11:36-45 relates, as many Bible scholars believe, to the antichrist, the following additional considerations would apply:

1. He will exalt himself above and boast against all gods, including the God of gods - Dan. 11:36
2. He will do as he pleases -  Dan. 11:36
3. He will be successful in what he does until the end of his time - Dan. 11:36
4. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or any other god - Dan. 11:37
5. He will show no regard for the desire of women [some translations: the god desired by women] - Dan. 11:37
6. He will honor a god of fortresses [possibly a new god that he creates] with gold, silver, precious stones and treasures - Dan. 11:38
7. He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god - Dan. 11:39
8. He will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will make them rulers over the many - Dan. 11:39
9. He will parcel out land for a price - Dan. 11:39
10. Details of his final battles are described in Dan. 11:40-45.

Updated 11/17/2021