8. Beholding the Purpose

---

The four indications that give witness to Creator-YHWH's existence (Creation, Humanity, Scripture and  YHWH’s Ever-Present Spirit), together they serve as the platform by which YHWH reconciles all things to Himself. This platform brings to the forefront the spiritual backdrop that exposes the depraved condition of the human heart-mind. Scripture is designed to define the consequences of disobedience while simultaneously offering a seemingly obscure, yet, profound hope for Humanity. Eventually, Scripture reveals that Yahoshua is the remedy for Humanity's dilemma, just as He proclaimed to His disciples while they were on the Road to Emmaus (as described in the previous section).

The following two sections, 'In Real Time' and 'Harvesting the Word in Light of the Harvest', will hopefully, with some degree of accuracy, punctuate how YHWH's purpose for our life unfolds in real time . . . bringing us closer to the unveiling and embracement of YHWH's Divine-Appointments. Although the message is quite simple, it is very difficult for many individuals to genuinely embrace and submit their will to Yahoshua’s message of reconciliation, this being the designated purpose for our life.

Bible quotations on this WebSite are from the NET Bible© (link) unless stated otherwise.

Click on the bold-underlinedword(s) that is joined with the word (link) to follow the WebSite Link that provides a definition, explanation and/or a related subject concerning the underlined word. Example: In the above section, WebSite Presentation and Vision, click on YHWH (link) for an explanation of the name YHWH and why it is used on this WebSite. 

Creator-YHWH is the Source and Sustainer of all Creation and is absolutely sovereign in His purpose and will. Scripture (Bible) delivers a written declaration of Creator-YHWH’s purpose for Creation. The sequence of events that unfold in Scripture give testimony to and supply an over-view of how He interacts with Humanity, by revealing His just and loving character in the midst of human situations and events. YHWH is very deliberate and prudent concerning the parameters by which we as individuals will, perhaps, encounter Him. He draws us to Himself in order to awaken us to our potential-calling. The development of each person’s relationship with YHWH abounds with unique inflections and revelations (aha moments) that specifically weigh-in and touch-on our heart at a very personal and pertinent level. Equipped with His piercing discernment and eternal wisdom YHWH decides when to personally reveal Himself to us as being the authentic ‘Source’ (enlightenment) and ultimate fulfillment of our life. The presence of His Light (Truth) exposes the futility of our own intrigue that, often sub-consciously, sets out to circumvent the designed order of His Creation, when we are in pursuit of our own perception of truth. Yep, His Light (Word) lays bare the folly of our ‘self-enlightenment’. 

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.   (Hebrews 4:12)

In order for us to encounter and properly engage in His sovereign-will, our human body functions as the vehicle that transports us from Point-A (our physical conception) to Point-B (our physical death). In between these two points we experience the wonderful gift of Time-Space-Matter where our body serves as a vessel that encapsulates the essence of life that has been bestowed to us by our Creator. Replete within this Breath-of-Life (Spirit) are gifts, talents, desires and inherent qualities that are expressions of the very likeness of our Creator’s divine essence, all of which we express through our gift of free-will. This divine structure that we call Life, ultimately reveals the depth of our character, as the intent of our will is played-out through our heart and mind.

Creation has been designed to provide a stage (a physical platform) whereby our thoughts and choices (the intent of our heart-mind) are made graphic. This animation vividly displays our use, or abuse, of the gifts that we have been given. Upon the completion of our life the very fabric of Time-Space-Matter will have unmistakably captured and accurately documented who and what we actually were in thought and action, during our lifetime. By means of our own volition we give witness (evidence) in real time to the quality of our spiritual character (moral essence) and thereby fulfill YHWH’s purpose to know (reveal) the heart-mind of each individual. This would be similar to when Abraham’s heart was revealed by his actions concerning the ‘sacrifice’ of his son Isaac.  (Read Genesis 22:1-19 to better understand Abraham and Isaac's experience.) 

The righteous and just standards of YHWH have been integrated throughout the fabric of Creation during the formation of Time-Space-Matter. They serve as a resounding testimony to YHWH’s upright (eternal) character and are therefore immutable. They accompany His perfect will as YHWH’s justice and mercy are duly measured-out as He carefully witnesses and judges over all matters concerning the fruition of each individual’s ‘heart and mind’. Each person (spirit-being) is impartially, thereby justifiably, subject to these eternal principles making each individual liable (pre-destined) to the very outcome of their own choices. Irreversible . . . and rightly so, for this is the realization of YHWH’s sovereign will, to know and to reveal the heart-mind of each individual.

Galatians 6:7-8 

7. Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 

8. because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 

Hebrews 4:13

13. And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 

14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

The dynamic and revealing purpose of Life, as described in the above overview, ultimately exposes Humanity’s inability to properly honor the gifts that we have been blessed with. All Humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, stand exposed before the righteousness of YHWH, for there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:22b-23) It is therefore vital to our spiritual-well-being that we are illuminated by YHWH’s Light (Truth). It is also crucial, because . . . you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. (James 4:14). 

Our illumination comes when we experience a personal-Divine-Appointment with our Creator.  This encounter is a direct result of YHWH pursuing His heart’s desire to draw us close to Him. The penetrating quality of His compassion and forgiveness express the depth of His love for us while simultaneously exposing the depraved will of our sin-nature. This Divine-Appointment specifically targets our consciousness concerning the responsibility and accountability of our choices due to our free-will. YHWH compassionately challenges us, seemingly begs us, to relinquish (renounce) the pursuit of our own destructive will while revealing the greater blessings of His eternal purpose and will. The rawness of this exposure is intended to reduce (humble) us to a heart of contrition with the aim of encouraging us to surrender to the method that YHWH has designed to legally purchase our sin-debt, that is, His Redemptive Plan. 

In our submission to His Redemptive Plan, YHWH becomes the supreme-authority in our life and is therefore mutually authorized to fundamentally transform the core of our sin-nature-being. Our transformation from sin-laden to sin-forgiven is the result of His eternal essence (Seed) dwelling within us which causes our core-being ‘to be born again’. Under His covenant-covering we are renewed daily as He justifies and sanctifies us according to His perfect will and Grace. As YHWH molds us into the image of His Son (Yahoshua) our innate gifts and talents are transformed into the righteous works (fruits) of His salvation. It is with great pleasure that YHWH sets-apart His ‘Chosen’ from the disobedient (the common-ness of the world) in order to bear His image through His children. For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them. (Ephesians 2:10) The Salvation He offers us here on earth ultimately prepares us to dwell in His presence eternally.

We, as re-newed spirits after His own kind, must continually submit to His Spirit in order to properly honor and harvest His Word. By doing so our very being (meaning the remnant of His essence that sustains our existence) is ‘naturally’ drawn and eventually called to the In-Gathering of YHWH’s ultimate Harvest, that is, the gathering of His off-spring. His children are those who clearly emanate His righteous characteristics. There is nothing that can ‘snatch-away’ His Promises from us as long as we choose to remain In-Covenant with Him (an active relationship), for this is what infuses us to Him. (This is how Adam and Eve chose-to-fall from Grace in the Garden, by dishonoring their relationship with YHWH.) His Covenant with us is the Grace that empowers us to resonate as His kindred-spirit (free from guilt) and by the intrinsic authority (mercy) of this Gift we are found in the Lamb’s Book-of-Life.

On the other hand, by choosing to be ignorant to His Light (by neglecting our Covenant with Him) then we actually allow darkness to overwhelm us to the point where we no longer bear witness of His kindred-spirit. Remember, this is due to our own disrespect and dishonor of His Word. Therefore, by reason of our own culpability (blameworthiness) His just and impartial Spirit must say, depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. (Luke 13:27b / Luke 13:22-28 NKJV) 

Listen to King David’s words of advice to his son Solomon . . . 8. So now, in the sight of all Israel, the Lord’s assembly, and in the hearing of our God, I say this: Carefully observe all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may possess this good land and may leave it as a permanent inheritance for your children after you. 9. “And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the Lord examines all minds and understands every motive of one’s thoughts. If you seek him, he will let you find him, (He will allow Himself to be found by you), but if you abandon him, he will reject you permanently. (1Chronicles 28:8-9)

. . . so, how does He recognize us . . . 40. For this is the will of my Father—for everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him to have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” 44. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40, 44)

. . . and the same standard (Source) still applies to us today as when YHWH was beckoning Israel to Himself . . . 11. For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. 12. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. 13. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, 14. I will make myself available to you,’ says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a).

Ezekiel also gives testimony to YHWH’s passionate and continual call for Humanity’s repentance. 

Ezekiel 18:21-32

21. “But if the wicked person turns from all the sin he has committed and observes all my statutes and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 

22. None of the sins he has committed will be held against him; because of the righteousness he has done, he will live. 

23. Do I actually delight in the death of the wicked, declares the Sovereign Lord? Do I not prefer that he turn from his wicked conduct and live?

24. “But if a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and practices wrongdoing according to all the abominable practices the wicked carry out, will he live? All his righteous acts will not be remembered; because of the unfaithful acts he has done and the sin he has committed, he will die.

25. “Yet you say, ‘The Lord’s conduct is unjust!’ Hear, O house of Israel: Is my conduct unjust? Is it not your conduct that is unjust? 

26. When a righteous person turns back from his righteousness and practices wrongdoing, he will die for it; because of the wrongdoing he has done, he will die. 

27. When a wicked person turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will preserve his life. 

28. Because he considered and turned from all the sins he had done, he will surely live; he will not die. 

29. Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The Lord’s conduct is unjust!’ Is my conduct unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your conduct that is unjust?

30. “Therefore, I will judge each person according to his conduct, O house of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and turn from all your wickedness; then it will not be an obstacle leading to iniquity. 

31. Throw away all your sins you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why should you die, O house of Israel? 

32. For I take no delight in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

To ‘turn from all sin’ and to ‘observe all my statutes’ (verse 21 above) signified the importance of Israel remaining ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. They were required to walk in obedience to the Words-of-the-Covenant that had been established through Moses. These same requirements, to ‘turn from all sin’ and to ‘observe all my statutes’, are still necessary for us today in order for us to be ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. Both the ‘old’ and ‘new’ covenants are characterized by YHWH’s holy and righteous standards. Even so, the format of the ‘old’ covenant is not able to administer the superior qualities of the New Covenant realities, that is, its method of substantiation. The ‘old’ covenant format was arranged with a wide array of earthly imagery that represented a variety of roles, pre-figures, types (examples), shadows, symbolic ornaments, methods and rituals of daily living and worship. This imagery served as ‘handles’ that were intended to help us grasp and point us to the spiritual instructions and revelations that would come through Yahoshua’s ministry. This same imagery was ordained for a specific period of time and when their purpose was fulfilled, they would be required to yield their prophetic imagery to their ‘new’ covenant counterpart (antithesis). This transfer (transformation) was to unfold according to YHWH’s divine design, the ‘old’ would inevitably give-way to the new, the old becoming useless and obsolete in light of the superior quality and power of the life-giving substance contained in the New-Better Covenant structure. One example, of many, would be the animal sacrifices yielding their prophetic imagery to the substantial and ultimate sacrifice of Yahoshua on the Cross-torture stake. (13) When he speaks of a new covenant, he makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear. (Hebrews 8:13). Remember, this was written almost two thousand years ago. The process of the old disappearing, along with the old directives being transformed into the new directives of the better covenant, has long been realized.

This divine arrangement of the covenants requires a change, a transformation, of both the Covenant and the Covenant-Holder, in order to maintain and demonstrate YHWH’s righteousness according to His original design. This similar principle was taught by Yahoshua in one of His parables. 17. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the skins burst and the wine is spilled out and the skins are destroyed. Instead they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17). It is spiritually impossible for the Old-Covenant-wineskins (format) to sustain (bear) the New-Covenant-wine (Spirit). 6. But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, since the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6). Any mingling of the covenants disfigures the distinct features and purpose of each covenant, just as the blight of adultery defaces the intended fidelity (wholeness) of marriage. Only when an individual is born-again, as proclaimed in the gospel-testimonies of the ‘new covenant’ writings of the Bible, is a person then able to be ‘In-Covenant’ with YHWH. This ‘new-birth’ draws us near to YHWH, resulting in greater intimacy with Him. This influence, due to our intimacy with Him, challenges the dominion that our flesh-mindset has over us. This challenge draws us into the blessed discipline (practice) of sanctification, where we become more familiar with His character, due to His influence in our daily life and the challenges He presents us with, our maturing process. The deliberate act of obeying YHWH’s commandments (Torah) finds its higher calling, as our own will becomes increasingly compliant to the will of YHWH. 

As we become more and more like Yahoshua, a character trait is developed within us that causes us to willingly yield to the will (righteousness) of YHWH, naturally. The transformation of our will is actually how (10b) I (YHWH) will put my laws in their minds, and I will inscribe them on their hearts, (Hebrews 8:10b) . . . to the extent that we fulfill, and thereby, uphold the morality and righteous principles of Torah . . . (21) God made the one who did not know sin (Yahoshua) to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.(2Corinthians 5:21). This is the higher calling of the New Covenant standards that have been established and exemplified through the better ministry and sacrifice of Yahoshua Messiah. No amount of ‘doing’ on our part (through our own volition and limited understanding) will bring this transformation (salvation) to fruition . . . 5. He saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5). Yet, if the righteous attributes of YHWH, as enumerated by Torah, aren’t being demonstrated in your life naturally, to the point where you . . . 27b. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself . . . (Luke 10:27b) . . . then something is out of order. Are you possibly neglecting your covenant agreement (requirements), that is, have you . . . 23b. been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God (1Peter1:23b) . . . or, are you attempting to apply the old Torah format of righteousness to the new covenant structure of righteousness, (attempting to pour new wine into old wineskins) based on your own volition and understanding of obedience, possibly interpreting obedience to YHWH as being Torah Observant to the Mosaic covenant structure . . . 9b. not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law (Torah), but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness. 10. My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:9b-11) . . .  or, are you attempting to live-out your own interpretation of (self) righteousness, ignorant to the possibility that you are tallying your good deeds, with a misled hope that you might out-weigh your bad deeds,. . . or, have you simply missed the boat completely. 10. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are clearly identified: anyone who does not practice righteousness [who does not seek God’s will in thought, action, and purpose] is not of God, nor is the one who does not [unselfishly] love his [believing] brother (1John 3:10 Amplified Bible). 

Hebrews 7:11-19

11. So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood—for on that basis the people received the law—what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order? 

12. For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well. 

13. Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar. 

14. For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 

15. And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 

16. who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life. 

17. For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 

18. On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless, 

19. for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. (Galatians 3:21)

It is the old-Adam-nature that tarnishes the principles (righteousness) of Torah and will continually do so, which solidifies our condemnation before YHWH. We must still practice His righteousness, yet it is not possible to fulfill the New Covenant format by being Torah observant (Old Covenant format) or by walking in ‘a’ righteousness that is reasoned-out by human understanding (the flesh), even if aspects of Torah are included. 3. For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,4. so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4). 

The new format by which YHWH implements His righteousness (the new wineskin) can only receive an individual that is born of the Spirit (new wine). Remember, YHWH achieved (accomplished) what Torah could not do because Torah was weakened-tainted through the Adam-nature-flesh. YHWH did this by clothing His Spirit in the likeness of the sinful Adam-flesh, that is, He manifested (expressed) Himself in the human cloak of Yahoshua, and by doing so He condemned sin in the flesh. The condemnation conveys a ‘court of law’ scenario where sin’s ability to execute judgment on Humanity’s sin in the flesh, as required by Torah’s righteous standards, is now satisfied by Yahoshua’s sacrifice. This means it is rendered powerless, that is, for those who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. In this fruitful environment of forgiveness (a clear conscience) we will not only fulfill the righteous requirement of Torah, we are given the liberty to exceed the limitations that the flesh imposed upon the Torah observant, the previous format. That’s right, if we accept it, we are given the liberty to fulfill (complete, walk-in) YHWH’s righteousness, as enumerated in Torah and to excel (go beyond the limitation of Torah) by walking-in the Spirit as exemplified by Yahoshua. Remember, Yahoshua (Jesus) has become the guarantee of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22), this being the general theme of the Book of Hebrews, and to a large degree, for the Bible as well.

Simply Surrender to His Gift!

Choose the Light and Live! 

Leviticus 23:1-2 of 44

1. The LORD spoke to Moses: 

2. “Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘These are the LORD’s appointed times which you must proclaim as holy assemblies—my appointed times.

                                                                  * * * 

Leviticus chapter 23 identifies the weekly Appointed-Time of Shabbat and the seven annual Appointed-Times of YHWH. Within the historical and covenantal context of YHWH's relationship with Israel, the Appointed-Times were uniquely tailored to fit YHWH's purpose for Israel's calling. They were deliberately set-apart from the other families and nations of the world and, to a large degree, the Appointed-Times served as markers to identify Israel as YHWH’s 'chosen' people. The design and purpose of this relationship eventually reveals a recurring character trait of YHWH; He seems to enjoy hiding His will in plain sight. When YHWH declared to Israel, these are my appointed times, He knew that Israel’s calling would serve as a prototype (a standard example) for a much greater calling. Therefore, the symbols of the Appointed-Times are woven throughout the ordained order of His Creation. They are manifested in the seasons and the harvest of the crops which result in bringing people together in holy convocations and fellowship. Each Appointed-Time is adorned with prophetic symbolism and intertwined with covenantal promises.

Unaware to Israel, these appointed days of celebration and reverence were concealing a profound mystery. When the prophetic qualities of YHWH’s covenants (those which He instituted with Humanity throughout history) are united with the prophetic qualities of each Appointed-Time (those which He instituted with Israel), they actually serve as an outline, a divine rehearsal for 'The Greatest Story Ever Told'. This of course, is referring to the Messianic Gospel, the Good News of YHWH’s Salvation. When the prophetic qualities of each covenant and the prophetic qualities of each appointed-time are brought together in their divine union, the dynamic qualities of YHWH's Better-Covenant are unveiled. This is the culmination of pre-messianic history spanning from the Genesis-Creation to the onset of Messiah’s ministry. This would have been exactly what Yahoshua proclaimed to His disciples while ‘On the Road to Emmaus’, when he interpreted to them the things written about himself in all the scriptures. The continual rehearsal of the Appointed-Times under the ‘old covenant’ format, served to honor and preserve the essence of their envisioned resolution. That is, until the pre-ordained expression of the Appointed-Times would be realized through the Power of the Cross. At this point, the Divine-Appointments take-on their Gospel attire (the shadow giving way to the Light) and, to a large degree, serve as markers to identify the Followers of Messiah as YHWH’s authentic 'Chosen' people. This identifies the mature-authentic Israel and signifies the progression of YHWH’s will, concerning both the restoration of our proper fellowship with YHWH and the reinstatement of the earthly dominion that Adam and Eve lost through their disobedience and separation from YHWH.

So, when YHWH proclaims, These are my appointed times, He knows exactly what He is talking about. The journey of this WebSite is to explore the Promises that are concealed within the old structure of the Appointed-Times, in order to experience and celebrate the fruition of the Better Covenant that are manifested in His Divine-Appointments. Remember, the rehearsal of the Old Covenant Appointed-Times was preserving the essence of YHWH’s will until the Power of the cross animated the substance of YHWH’s Divine-Appointments. 

                                                                  * * * * *                             

First Appointed-Time 

Leviticus 23:3 of 44

3. “‘Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy assembly. You must not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord in all the places where you live. 

                                                                  * * *

Shabbat (Sabbath), set-apart on the seventh day of the week (a.k.a. Saturday), is the first Appointed-Time of YHWH. This sacred event was initiated, then ordained by Elohim (God) Himself. It could be said, that He was the first to ‘observe’ Shabbat.

Genesis 2:2-3

2. By the seventh day God finished the work that he had been doing, and he ceased on the seventh day all the work that he had been doing. 

3. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he ceased all the work that he had been doing in creation.

This set-apartness (distinction) from the remaining six days of the week, stands as an acknowledgment, a testament to YHWH’s accomplishment of Time-Space-Matter. The very fabric of Creation is saturated with the will of YHWH. Each sequence of Creation described in Genesis chapter one, is loaded with intent and purpose in order to prepare and supply the platform for the next sequence to unfold according to the set order of Creation. Although Shabbat is the culmination of the six-day accomplishment of Creation, it simultaneously provides the platform for the next sequence of YHWH’s will. The cyclical motion of the recurring seven days provides a perpetual cycle of Time (hours, days, weeks, moons, seasons, etc.) while continually giving testimony to the theme of Creation (form and structure, new-beginnings, etc.).

When Israel entered In-Covenant with YHWH, the hand of YHWH guided them (commanded them) to honor the very same action that their Creator had exemplified in the advent (the coming into existence) of the original creation. The following reference to Shabbat is a quotation from what is often referred to as ‘The Ten Commandments’, or more accurately, the Words-of-the-Covenant, the Ten Words.   

Exodus 20:8-11

8. “Remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy. 

9. For six days you may labor and do all your work, 

10. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your cattle, or the resident foreigner who is in your gates. 

11. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. 

It is physically and spiritually impossible to alter or re-arrange Shabbat from its ordained and prophetic order without adulterating YHWH's set-apart purpose for Shabbat. It is situated with great intentionality in order to honor Creation's intended function. While Creator-YHWH was forming Time-Space-Matter, as outlined in Genesis One, He infused the natural and spiritual ‘DNA Codes' throughout the entire structure of Creation. The symbolic use of the term ‘DNA Code’, in this context, is referring to the fact (the reality) that, when YHWH establishes something by His Word, then it will without doubt unfold according to those exact parameters, just as the directives of the DNA Code for a human being will only allow for the formation of a human being, etc. The natural ‘DNA Code’ unravels into the physical platform of Time-Space-Matter, as ordained by YHWH. This physical platform is used to manifest the spiritual ‘DNA Code’ that unfolds into the ultimate form of life, Eternal-Life, as imparted to us through Yahoshua. The determination of His Word remaining true to its original purpose, is verified in the following verses.

Isaiah 46:9-10 

9. Remember what I accomplished in antiquity. Truly I am God, I have no peer; I am God, and there is none like me, 

10. who announces the end from the beginning and reveals beforehand what has not yet occurred; who says, My plan will be realized, I will accomplish what I desire. 

When Moses recapped the Words-of-the-Covenant (the Ten Commandments) to Israel, this is what He said after declaring the proper observance of Shabbat.

Deuteronomy 5:15 

15. Recall that you were slaves in the land of Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there by strength and power. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

YHWH was fully aware of the historical (the original context) of Shabbat, yet He used this sacred ordination to commemorate and celebrate Israel’s liberation from slavery. What a great honor for Israel to be recognized by and united with YHWH in His sacred (set-apart) day. YHWH was also fully aware of Shabbat having a much more profound and farther-reaching significance, as it finds a greater fulfillment in the substance . . . of Christ. The weekly Seventh-Day Sabbath represents completion, rest and cessation from the routine activities of the six previous days of work. Yet, our spiritual-rest is situated in the redemptive work of Yahoshua, our spiritual-being actually rests in His accomplishment concerning the Salvation that He has brought to us . . . Recall that you were slaves to sin and that YHWH your Elohim brought you out of bondage by His strength and power. That is why YHWH your Elohim has commanded you (to continue) to observe the Sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:15, revisited in Light of the Gospel.

We honor YHWH when we willingly recognize and celebrate Shabbat in the framework by which He ordained its function from the beginning of time . . . embracing it in its current capacity as it has now expanded into the perpetual realization of the Better Covenant in Messiah . . . which encourages us to anticipate its yet greater fulfillment, the prophetic vision when we will shed this mortal shell, to enter His eternal rest. !! Shalom !!

For other examples of the word seven and its usage, see Biblical Numerology (link). 

                                                               * * * * *

Leviticus 23:3 of 44 

4. These are the LORD’s appointed times, holy assemblies, which you must proclaim at their appointed time. 

                                                          * * *

The remaining seven Appointed-Times are recognized once a year, according to their designated time. Passover is situated within the onset of the biblical new year, its announcement is clearly observed by the arrival of the vernal signs of the season, that is, the sprouting and newness of Spring. Along with its announcement of the new year, it also initiates the sequence of events that methodically set into motion the remaining six Appointed-Times.

Deuteronomy 16:16

16. Three times a year all your males must appear before the Lord your God in the place he chooses for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Shelters; and they must not appear before him empty-handed.

Since the Old Covenant Appointed-Times preserve the essence of YHWH’s will until the Power of the cross animates their prophetic substance, let’s see how the symbols (the rehearsal) play-out in light of YHWH’s Divine-Appointments of the Gospel.

                                                         * * * * *

First Annual Appointed-Time

Leviticus 23:5 of 44

5. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, is a Passover offering to the LORD. 

                                                                * * *

As mentioned earlier, Pesach (Passover) is situated within the onset of the biblical New Year. It is nudged each year, by the arrival of the vernal signs of the season, to carefully prepare, and to adorn itself for YHWH’s holy convocations. The love and will of YHWH are embedded within the cyclical motion and the recurring expressions of YHWH’s Appointed-Times, continually wooing Humanity to embrace His saving grace. Remember, YHWH perpetually bound Pesach to the prophetic arrangement of Shabbat’s eternal purpose. While Shabbat served as the commemoration of Israel’s liberation from their slavery in Egypt, it also played the role of a rehearsal, pointing to Humanity’s liberation from the slavery of sin . . . ultimately pointing to our liberation from the confines of this human body, the promise of eternal life.

Therefore, the Passover lamb that the children of Israel sacrificed in Egypt, which helped propel their liberation from slavery as recorded in Exodus chapters 12-14, actually served as the shadow of the greater Passover sacrifice that was yet to come. Yahoshua's sacrifice on the cross (torture stake), which happened on Passover Day, initiated Humanity’s liberation from our slavery to sin, identifying Yahoshua as the authentic Passover Sacrifice. The event of the Exodus Passover still retains its historical and prophetic purpose, yet in light of the better sacrifice that has come in Yahoshua, the shadow can no longer have preeminence over the real (ultimate) event. Meaning, through His sacrifice we no longer walk in the shadow, nor are we limited to the boundaries of the Passover that YHWH had previously established under the Mosaic (Old) Covenant. This transformation of the shadow giving way to the light, applies to all of the Appointed-Times. As Followers of the Better Covenant, we must submit and dedicate ourselves to live in Messiah, that is, to accept and live under the guidance and provision of the Better (New) Covenant. Passover, in its prophetic stature, is the Day that YHWH instituted, from before the creation of Time-Space-Matter, and from there forward, eagerly anticipated the Passover-of the-Cross for centuries. This spiritual reality over-shadowed the Passover-of-the-Exodus far before the ‘birth’ of the nation of Israel and before the promises were ever given to Abraham. It was carefully crafted and subsequently ordained to be the rehearsal for the authentic event of the Cross. Now that we have been called to live-out the substance (authority) of the Cross in our daily life, the annual appointed-time (day) of Passover now plays its proper role to acknowledge and commemorate the long-awaited and set-apart event of Yahoshua’s crucifixion and its life-giving power. Of course, this follows in-step with YHWH’s consistent character trait to establish a memorial for His Appointed-Times so His chosen people (children) can remember and celebrate its realization. We are instructed (guided) to cease from our usual activities (the same principle established with Shabbat) in order to soak-in the mysteries that He reveals to us, then to share this enlightenment with believers and non-believers alike, when the opportunity arises.  

When the celestial bodies (the stars, moon, sun, etc.) properly align themselves in the heavens, according to the Word of YHWH . . . when the dormancy of Winter is energized by the vibrancy of Spring on planet Earth, according to the Word of YHWH . . . then Look-Up! These two events, (the new moon that aligns with the sprouting vegetation of Spring-time) serve as shofars (trumpets), sounding in unison to the inhabitants of the Earth that the Word of YHWH has begun to release His cycle of vernal (Spring-like) characteristics upon planet Earth. A cycle of fresh-ness and new-ness, a restoration of hope and the resounding promise of reconciliation that all take root in the rested soil and the tested heart of the committed Believer. Within two short weeks of the blasting of these shofars, the annual Passover is ushered in, blessing those who attentively respond to the invitation. The celebration of the vernal atmosphere represents the initiation, the thrust and the fulfillment of YHWH’s will (His heart’s desire) to sow His seed in order to successfully harvest the fruition of His children, separating them from the tares of this world, that is, from the workers of iniquity. As adherents of the Better Covenant, we no longer focus on the ornaments, symbols and events of the Appointed-Times in the context of the previous covenant. Instead, we honor the substance by commemorating Messiah's sacrifice, we celebrate the salvation that accompanies it and we also find rest in the accomplishment of His righteous works that are a result of His Mercy and Grace. The peace and security that we find in His Grace are all the more enhanced when the illusion that we can achieve enough ‘good’ works to outperform (to counterbalance) our ‘bad’ works, is finally severed from our understanding of what salvation actually is in Messiah. His restoration and salvation is made obvious in us as His Spirit animates our clay vessels (our human body), this signifying that His presence is upon us (Immanuel / Elohim - God is with us). This example of Passover as described above alerts us and moves us to be attentive, so that in our daily life . . . when YHWH (represented by the celestial bodies) is moving, then we, as professing Believers (represented by the earthly elements), willingly respond in accordance to His will.

Stating the obvious then, Yahoshua's sacrifice was ordained (planned) during the formation of Time-Space-Matter, meaning, the purpose of Yahoshua's sin-sacrifice was integrated within the foundation of the physical creation of the Earth. The Day of His sacrifice, Passover, was etched in the 'blueprint' of creation before the physical expression actually came into existence. Yahoshua's sacrifice on the cross (torture stake) is therefore the authentic Passover, clearly making the Exodus Passover in Egypt, a type, a shadow or a copy of the real thing. It is therefore impossible for an Appointed-Time to be . . . ignored, abolished, done away with, fulfilled (as to imply that it is no longer significant), or that it is of the old covenant (as to imply that it is outdated) . . . considering Messiah (the Gospel message) is the arrival of the real thing. When the real thing has come, obviously, it has come to stay! In other words, the old covenant Appointed-Times were pre-anniversaries or rehearsals, concerning the actual events pertaining to our salvation. Since the pre-anniversaries have given-way to the authentic anniversaries we no longer observe or keep (guard) the Appointed-Times according to their ‘old’ covenant costume (context). Instead we live-out, daily, the principles and liberation imparted to us by Yahoshua, as initiated by His Passover-Blood. This fulfillment in Yahoshua is the authentic Appointed-Time that has arrived, that which was established from the foundation of the earth. Therefore, it has been YHWH’s intention, all along, for His chosen people to commemorate and celebrate His authentic Divine-Appointments, in the light of their prophetic fulfillment and realization. 

                                                                   * * * * *

Second Annual Appointed-Time  

Leviticus 23:6-8 of 44

6. Then on the fifteenth day of the same month will be the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days you must eat unleavened bread. 

7. On the first day there will be a holy assembly for you; you must not do any regular work. 

8. You must present a gift to the LORD for seven days, and the seventh day is a holy assembly; you must not do any regular work.

Unleavened Bread unfolds the very next day after Passover. These two appointed-times are often denoted as one in the same, the one day of Passover along with the seven days of Unleavened Bread. Some folk refer to the combined eight days of these two appointed-times as Passover, while others refer to these combined eight days as Unleavened Bread. Their immediate proximity to one another on the biblical calendar conjoins these two appointed-times. 16. “‘On the fourteenth day of the first month is the Lord’s Passover. 17. And on the fifteenth day of this month is the festival. For seven days bread made without yeast must be eaten. 18. And on the first day (of Unleavened Bread) there is to be a holy assembly; you must do no ordinary work on it. (Numbers 28:16-18). The following quotation from Luke seems to confirm this tendency (tradition) to refer to them as one in the same. 1. Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. (Luke 22:1). Although these two appointed-times work in unison with one another, they definitely serve different roles regarding their placement in the sequence of YHWH’s seven annual appointed-times (as declared in the current reading of Leviticus 23).

In reference to Israel, that is, Abraham’s physical lineage under the Mosaic Covenant), the greater unity of these two appointed-times is exhibited in their mutual roles concerning Israel’s liberation from Egypt. 

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

1. Observe the month Abib and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in that month he brought you out of Egypt by night. 

2. You must sacrifice the Passover animal (from the flock or the herd) to the Lord your God in the place where he chooses to locate his name. 

3. You must not eat any yeast with it; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast, as symbolic of affliction, for you came out of Egypt hurriedly. You must do this so you will remember for the rest of your lives the day you came out of the land of Egypt. 

4. There must not be a scrap of yeast within your land for seven days, nor can any of the meat you sacrifice on the evening of the first day remain until the next morning. 

5. You may not sacrifice the Passover in just any of your villages that the Lord your God is giving you, 

6. but you must sacrifice it in the evening in the place where he chooses to locate his name, at sunset, the time of day you came out of Egypt. 

7. You must cook and eat it in the place the Lord your God chooses; you may return the next morning to your tents. 

8. You must eat bread made without yeast for six days. The seventh day you are to hold an assembly for the Lord your God; you must not do any work on that day.

How beautiful are these instructions! There is a touch of intimacy, due to our involvement, that accompanies the process of acknowledging the beginning of the New Year (or any new moon). Although the cycling of the moon is obvious, pinpointing the proper timing (commencement) of the new moon requires some personal attentiveness on our part. YHWH obviously designed the ‘season’ of Israel’s exodus to coincide with the moon (the season) that signifies the beginning of His new year; for in that month he brought you out of Egypt by night. This pivotal time period reverberates with freshness, new beginnings, liberation, reconciliation, and life, which accentuates and re-engages them with the event of Israel’s liberation from slavery. By being attentive to YHWH’s command (guidance) to observe Passover and Unleavened Bread, the luminaries of the heavens (the stars, the moon and the sun in the sky above) portray a sense of YHWH observing, guiding and watching over Israel at all times, a promise for us also. This being a more subtle notion than the precedence of leadership (guidance) that was demonstrated by the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that initially guided them in their wilderness journey to the Promised Land. Observing the movement of the heavens would continue to be an important part of their lives, since agriculture (clearly subject to the seasons) would have been a fundamental means of their survival and prosperity. This would have been especially crucial in the initial years of their arrival to their new homeland. Awaiting the arrival of the proper season to recycle last-year’s seed, would serve as a perpetual reminder that would bind the monumental event of their liberation to the New Year. YHWH is a well-ordered steward over His creation, with the distinguishing quality to renew, re-cycle, refurbish, re-use, reclaim, recover and restore, all of which converge on His reconciliation (harmony), which continually re-establishes His ordained order. When His ordained order is implemented (obeyed) properly, nothing goes to waste or is useless (a feature of salvation), this being true and applicable for both the physical and spiritual realms. The appointed-time of Unleavened Bread symbolizes this cycle, where the release of the leaven (repentance from disorder and chaos) is then recycled into an environment that allows for His restoration (transformation) to be enacted; as in the transitioning of the four seasons, all of which point to the New Covenant target to be born of water and the Spirit, you must be born again, that is, re-born, re-newed. 

The above paragraph pries open our awareness to the intended intimacy that YHWH has harmonized within the structure of His Appointed-Times. Observe the month Abib and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in that month he brought you out of Egypt by night. The word ‘observe’ (in the previous verse) comes from a Hebrew word that unfolds into a word-picture that depicts: “to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:—beware, be circumspect.” The word ‘month’ obviously refers to the moon, in this case, the beginning of the month, specifically the new moon. It can also refer to the period (full duration) of the moon cycle. The word ‘abib’ is a Hebrew word, it is not the proper name of a month, instead it designates a specific period of time when the event “of ear-forming, or green sprouting” are underway with certain crops (plants). If the weather conditions follow their normal pattern, then the rivers (Jordan) would also be rising to supply water to the green growth. The New Moon that coincides with these vernal (Spring-like) features sets the New Year’s re-creation into motion. The ordained-order of YHWH’s creation would also initiate and validate the temple rituals according to their appointed timing and set-apart format. During times of drought, war, tragic events, or when the natural timestamps of the earthly elements (the greening of the plants and the rising of the rivers) would be difficult to properly synchronize with the appropriate new moon, then the dominant luminary, the Sun, plays its role to verify the accuracy and keep the proper order of the appointed-time of Passover in its appropriate season. YHWH has used the Earth’s relationship to the sun to designate four distinct stations (seasons) that serve as reference points that are able to be observed without modern technology. In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox (Spring) sets the new year into motion, when day and night are roughly equal in duration . . . the summer solstice experiences the longest days and shortest nights . . .  the autumnal equinox (Autumn/Fall) is when day and night are roughly equal in duration (a second time) . . . and the winter solstice experiences the shortest days and longest nights. The Sun, the New Moon and the Green-Growth of the plants all work in unison to ensure that Passover and Unleavened Bread set the New Year into motion at the ordained appointed-time; they are the three witnesses that have been appointed by YHWH. The New Year and the Passover-Exodus are synonymous with one another, they are inseparable. Although the term ‘equinox’ is not distinctly used in the Bible, the obvious occurrence of YHWH’s seasonal pattern clearly distinguishes the method that YHWH uses to set-in-motion his new year according to His original design, we just happen to call this set-apart event, the equinox. 

Observe the month Abib and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in that month he brought you out of Egypt by night. Now let’s re-visit this verse, Deuteronomy 16:1, in light of the ‘New Covenant’ realities: “Be attentive to the new moon that aligns with the sprouting and ear-forming of the early-blooming plants and keep the Passover to YHWH your Elohim; preserve it, for it is under this moon (during this month) that Messiah was offered up for our sins, that is, He was sacrificed to deliver us from the bondage (destiny) of eternal damnation.” Torah has trained us to observe this Passover-moon by means of Israel’s Exodus, clearly serving as a prototype-example. YHWH completes (fulfills) our training by maturing the targeted purpose of the Passover-moon, because it is the act of the Cross that initiates the advancement of our salvation. Just as the Passover-Exodus propelled Israel into the wilderness of their liberation, similarly, the Passover-Lamb propels us into the journey of our salvation through the Cross. It is impossible for (almost) any aspect of Torah to be abolished or to be entirely done away with, because its very essence is righteous, holy and spiritual since YHWH is the Creator of its structure. For the most part, the principles, rituals and structure of Torah were designed in a way to copy, in order to point to and then ultimately find their resolve in the fruition of Messiah’s accomplishment, meaning they are transformed by taking on their Gospel attire. This was the purpose of Torah all along, as well as the ‘Old Covenant’ section of the Bible, to point to the authentic (real) substance found in Messiah. The arrival of Passover and Unleavened Bread serve more as a transitional period, initiating the acknowledgement of the authentic design and purpose of the Divine-Appointments, rather than mishandling them by ‘abolishing’ them. The resolution, the determination of this process, was instituted from the beginning of Time-Space-Matter, before Torah, before Abraham, before Adam, and before physical creation came into being. Therefore, all of Creation has been fashioned, to some degree, after the heavenly substance that finds its true purpose in the culmination and embodiment of Messiah. For this reason, it is impossible for Passover and Unleavened Bread to simply ‘go away’, because they are YHWH’s ordained ‘handles’ (markers, memorials, banners) that confirm the substance of the mystery that has been expected since the Fall of Adam and Eve. To abort them, by not understanding their purpose, is to bring dishonor to YHWH’s original plan which jeopardizes the continuity and testimony of His ordained Word and Promises. As a matter of fact, the Appointed-Times serve as an outline to one of the greatest features of the prophetic Word of YHWH in all of Scripture. When their prophetic counterparts are fulfilled in their New Covenant setting, their annual commemoration, just as they were instituted in their Torah setting, serve to elaborate on the sequence of events (the divine outline) that demonstrates how the Gospel has been designed to unfold through the substance of Messiah and that it continues to unfold, unabated. 

Exodus 13:8-10

8. “You are to tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 

9. It will be a sign for you on your hand and a memorial on your forehead, so that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth, for with a mighty hand the Lord brought you out of Egypt. 

10. So you must keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year.

What a practical guideline to practice in order to perpetuate the intrinsic value and enduring thrust of our Salvation in Messiah, just as Israel had done regarding the event of their liberation from slavery. It will be a sign for you on your hand . . . is the result of Israel (us) engaging in the preparation and the participation of the celebration. This means that our ‘hands’ are directly involved because we are literally obeying and physically walking-out the commandment . . . and a memorial on your forehead . . . refers to our involvement, causing us to remember, to think and to meditate on the importance of the event, imprinting it in our memory (upon your forehead) . . . so that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth . . . indicating that our physical and mental involvement causes us to verbally express (to give testimony to) how this commandment increases our understanding of the actual event of our liberation while developing our relationship with YHWH. Our willful obedience highlights the active presence and guidance that YHWH has in our life. This interaction with our Creator serves as a testimony to our children and to the ‘world’, helping them to understand Who YHWH is. Remember, the Exodus-Passover was fashioned after the Messianic-Passover which was ordained before Time-Space-Matter. This means the Exodus-Passover serves as a prelude that provides some ‘fore-knowledge’ to how the authentic Appointed-Time is to be observed. To intentionally, or ignorantly, disregard the commemoration of the Appointed-Times in their New Covenant setting is just as far off center from YHWH’s will, as it is to observe them in their Torah (Old Covenant) setting. The original purpose (fruition) of observing the Divine-Appointments, in light of the New Covenant, is, so that the Word of Messiah (YHWH) may be in your mouth, that is, fulfill our calling to embody and proclaim His salvation. 

The description for the remaining five Appointed-Times (first-fruits, feast of weeks, trumpets, atonement, and tabernacles) have not been completed yet. Please scroll down, remaining in the blue background, and continue reading at the sub-title, 13. YHWH’s Appointed Times (Moedim).

Leviticus 23:9-14 of 44

Third Annual Appointed-Time

9. The LORD spoke to Moses: 

10. “Speak to the Israelites and tell them, ‘When you enter the land that I am about to give to you and you gather in its harvest, then you must bring the sheaf of the first portion of your harvest to the priest, 

11. and he must wave the sheaf before the LORD to be accepted for your benefit—on the day after the Sabbath the priest is to wave it. 

12. On the day you wave the sheaf you must also offer a flawless yearling lamb for a burnt offering to the LORD, 

13. along with its grain offering, two-tenths of an ephah of choice wheat flour mixed with olive oil, as a gift to the LORD, a soothing aroma, and its drink offering, one-fourth of a hin of wine. 

14. You must not eat bread, roasted grain, or fresh grain until this very day, until you bring the offering to your God. This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all the places where you live. 

Leviticus 23:15-22 of 44

15. “‘You must count for yourselves seven weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day you bring the wave offering sheaf; they must be complete weeks. 

16. You must count fifty days—until the day after the seventh Sabbath—and then you must present a new grain offering to the LORD. 

17. From the places where you live you must bring two loaves of bread for a wave offering; they must be made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine wheat flour, baked with yeast, as firstfruits to the LORD. 

18. Along with the loaves of bread, you must also present seven flawless yearling lambs, one young bull, and two rams. They are to be a burnt offering to the Lord along with their grain offering and drink offerings, a gift of a soothing aroma to the LORD. 

19. You must also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two yearling lambs for a peace-offering sacrifice, 

20. and the priest is to wave them—the two lambs—along with the bread of the firstfruits, as a wave offering before the Lord; they will be holy to the LORD for the priest.

21. “‘On this very day you must proclaim an assembly; it is to be a holy assembly for you. You must not do any regular work. This is a perpetual statute in all the places where you live throughout your generations. 

22. When you gather in the harvest of your land, you must not completely harvest the corner of your field, and you must not gather up the gleanings of your harvest. You mus

Leviticus 23:23-25 of 44

23. The LORD spoke to Moses: 

24. “Tell the Israelites, ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you must have a complete rest, a memorial announced by loud horn blasts, a holy assembly. 

25. You must not do any regular work, but you must present a gift to the LORD. 

Leviticus 23:26-32 of 44

26. The LORD spoke to Moses: 

27. “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It is to be a holy assembly for you, and you must humble yourselves and present a gift to the LORD. 

28. You must not do any work on this particular day, because it is a day of atonement to make atonement for yourselves before the Lord your God. 

29. Indeed, any person who does not behave with humility on this particular day will be cut off from his people. 

30. As for any person who does any work on this particular day, I will exterminate that person from the midst of his people— 

31. you must not do any work! This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all the places where you live. 

32. It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must humble yourselves on the ninth day of the month in the evening, from evening until evening you must observe your Sabbath. 

Leviticus 23:33-36 of 44

33. The LORD spoke to Moses: 

34. “Tell the Israelites, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Shelters for seven days to the LORD. 

35. On the first day is a holy assembly; you must do no regular work. 

36.For seven days you must present a gift to the LORD. On the eighth day there is to be a holy assembly for you, and you must present a gift to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly day; you must not do any regular work.

Leviticus 23:37-38 of 44

37. “‘These are the appointed times of the Lord that you must proclaim as holy assemblies to present a gift to the LORD—burnt offering, grain offering, sacrifice, and drink offerings, each day according to its regulation, 

38. besides the Sabbaths of the LORD and all your gifts, votive offerings, and freewill offerings which you must give to the LORD.

Leviticus 23:39-43 of 44

39. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you gather in the produce of the land, you must celebrate a pilgrim festival of the LORD for seven days. On the first day is a complete rest and on the eighth day is complete rest. 

40. On the first day you must take for yourselves branches from majestic trees—palm branches, branches of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and you must rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 

41. You must celebrate it as a pilgrim festival to the LORD for seven days in the year. This is a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you must celebrate it in the seventh month. 

42. You must live in temporary shelters for seven days; every native citizen in Israel must live in shelters, 

43. so that your future generations may know that I made the Israelites live in shelters when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 23:44 of 44

44. So Moses spoke to the Israelites about the appointed times of the LORD

So . . . the newly wed wife says to her newly wed husband, on their wedding day, now that the courtship (the engagement) period, which was pointing to our marriage, has been fulfilled and is now complete . . . we can just ignore, abolish and do away with the realization of the marriage. That’s right, there is no need to acknowledge the purpose of our commitment to one another nor do we need to commemorate our wedding day with any outdated anniversary. You see, they've been done away with because we are now living in the 'spirit' of marriage. The anticipation, the symbols and the preparation of our betrothal period are just frivolous works in light of what it means to live in the spirit of marriage . . . therefore, we don’t need to follow-through or honor the significance and purpose of our betrothal period. But remember, I’ll expect you to fulfill my wants and needs, that is, I expect the same benefits that would be realized in a committed marriage. The newly wed husband . . . shocked, devastated, speechless . . . wondering what just happened? How backward would that be for him to receive such a delivery from his new bride? So, how does YHWH (our Husband) deal with our ‘enlightened ignorance’ when we, perhaps, respond in a similar manner regarding the fulfillment of His ‘marriage’ with us, His bride? This is especially true when we disregard His pre-ordained Divine-Appointments, the eight biblical holidays laid-out in Leviticus 23. This eight-step-outline (the Appointed-Times / feast days) are the realization (the substance) that has unleashed the blessings regarding ‘The Greatest Story (Marriage) Ever Told’.