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Home , Hephzibah, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 12, Isaiah 2, Isaiah 49, Isaiah 60

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ver and over again, God reveals Later, in the post-Exile period, to us that the Feast of Nehemiah read from the law and taught OTabernacles is a time of rejoic- the people about the Feast of ing! It portrays for us the millennial Tabernacles. They had forgotten the law 14 reign of Christ: a glorious golden and knew little or nothing of the Feast of age, the new world of the future. Tabernacles. But now they were discov- Understanding The holy convocation of the Feast of ering that the fall festival was one of the Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) was the most joy- “very great gladness” (Nehemiah 8:17). Tabernacles ous event of the year for the . For seven days they were required to Review live in booths made of branches, living 1. The Feast of Tabernacles is revealed ______out under the stars (Leviticus 23:40). as a great time of rejoicing. Doctrinal Statement: The Feast of Tabernacles brought an 2. Ancient lived in booths for ______end to the harvest season and a begin- seven days. ning to their celebration (Deuteronomy 3. The celebration of the Feast of This festival portrays the 16:13). It lasted seven days and was Tabernacles began at the end of the Millennium—the thousand observed from the fifteenth day through harvest. years of Christ’s reign on the twenty-first day of Tishri (Leviticus 4. The feast began on the fifteenth and earth. The true harvest of 23:34–35), according to the Hebrew cal- ended on the twenty-first day of Tishri. endar. 5. During the Feast of Tabernacles the mankind can now take In during the celebration of law was read. place. Without the influ- the Feast of Tabernacles, the Temple 6. The feast was a great time of glad- ence of Satan—the source area was filled with light from the torch- ness. of evil—all nations can be es of the worshipers. The twelfth chap- brought to God. For one ter of was chanted, and water Rejoicing Commanded thousand years, a “golden from the was poured out God intends that all mankind keep the age” shall reign: happiness upon the altar of burnt offering by the Feast of Tabernacles—each and every and peace shall be reality anointed priest. “Behold, God is my sal- family from every social strata and eco- and worldwide salvation vation, I will trust and not be afraid; nomic level. They are required to come shall be possible. This har- ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and and rejoice in the feast (Deuteronomy vest of persons is far larger song; He also has become my salva- 12:5,7,12; 16:14). It is also mandatory than the first one, just as tion.’ Therefore with joy you will draw for all grown males to appear at the feast the fall harvest is much water from the wells of salvation” (16:16). larger than the spring har- (:2–3). It is God’s overall intent that we vest in the agricultural It was during the Feast of Tabernacles should enjoy the very best of food and cycle. The Millennium that the law was read to all Israel drink at His feast (Deuteronomy 14:26) (Deuteronomy 31:9–11). because it portrays the wonderful abun- shall be the time when God As a reminder of their rescue from dance that will be available to all people sets His hand to save the , the Israelites lived in booths. during the millennial rule of Jesus world. It shall be a time of Once in the Promised Land, they were Christ. Of course, moderation in all rebuilding, the forging of a to meditate about the protection and things is God’s way. God does not like new modern society under guidance that they had received from overindulgence of any kind, but He does God’s laws. God during their years of wandering. want us to rejoice with all our heart. Home Study Course

Obedience to God’s command- of an infant child crawling safely representatives of their respective ments and revealed way of life will among poisonous snakes, or a small governments, to Jerusalem to wor- make the new world a place of hap- child putting his hand into a nest of ship the King, rejoicing joyfully in piness, peace, and prosperity beyond deadly adders without harm (Isaiah the Lord Jesus Christ (Zechariah our ability at this time to fully com- 11:8). 14:16–17). prehend. Those accounted worthy to God’s “holy mountain” means be in the first resurrection will have millennial Jerusalem. There will be Review at their fingertips all the powers and nothing in it that will hurt or destroy 1. God intends for all the families of possessions of God, to use for the because the whole earth will be the earth to keep the Feast of good of the whole created universe. changed, and the personal saving Tabernacles. When the Holy Spirit of God is knowledge of Messiah (Jesus 2. All grown males are to appear poured out freely it will be a mar- Christ) will be everywhere (Isaiah before the Lord during the Feast of velous thing to witness. The natures 11:9). Tabernacles. of men and animals will be changed All of these wonderful changes 3. God wants us to enjoy the best of (:6–9). God will even that will come about in the natures everything during the feast. change the internal digestive sys- of humans and animals is the major 4. Enjoying the best we can afford tems of carnivorous animals so they reason the Feast of Tabernacles is now during the feast portrays the will be able to receive their nourish- observed with such great rejoicing. abundance that will be available ment from vegetation (see Isaiah During the Millennium, which the during the Millennium. 11:7; 65:25). feast pictures, all the tribes of Israel 5. Obedience to God’s command- Looking into the future, Isaiah will keep the feast. Even Gentile ments and revealed way of life gives us another picture of the nations will join with Israel in the brings happiness. Messiah (Isaiah 11:1–2). The keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles 6. The natures of mankind and ani- “Branch” comes from the stem of (Zechariah 14:16). Christ and the mals will be changed during the (as did), indicating that elect who come up in the First Millennium. the Branch—the Messiah—would Resurrection will start immediately 7. It is this change of nature that will be a second David. David means to reeducate all the people of the bring great rejoicing during the “Beloved.” When the voice of the world through God’s holy days. The Millennium. Father from heaven said, “This is people will come to know the Lord, 8. All the tribes of Israel will keep my beloved Son,” He was stating His plan, and His purpose for all the feast during the Millennium. that Jesus was His second “David” mankind. But to receive this salva- 9. Gentile nations must also keep the (Matthew 3:17), fulfilling what tion, all will have to keep this festi- feast during the Millennium or suffer David represented. val, and it is of course commanded drought. Isaiah also prophesied that He forever (Leviticus 23:41). 10. In the beginning of the would sit on the throne of David The people of the nations that Millennium, Jesus Christ will have (:7). The feminine form of refuse to come up and be reeducated to rule with a rod of iron. the Hebrew word for “Branch” and indoctrinated with God’s way of 11. Representatives of all nations (netser) became the name of life, and in their ignorance continue will come to Jerusalem to worship Nazereth (netsereth). Therefore, to refuse salvation, will be punished the King, Jesus Christ. Jesus of (or Jesus the by receiving no rain on their land 12. If they do not come, they will be Nazarene in the Hebrew) would be (Zechariah 14:17). In the beginning plagued with a drought. No rain will Yeshua Hannetseri. Hannetseri can it will be necessary for Jesus Christ fall on their land. mean either “the Man of Nazareth,” to rule with a rod of iron (Revelation or “the Man of the Branch.” “And he 12:5). All Mankind Converted came and dwelt in a city called And if the nations still remain Many people believe today is the Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled stubborn, not obeying Jesus Christ only day of salvation, and all who which was spoken by the , and not coming up to keep the feast, are not saved now will be sent to an ‘He shall be called a Nazarene’” then God will plague them with no everburning hell. (:23). rain until they do come to obedience In previous lessons we have The millennial condition of the (Zechariah 14:18–19). learned that this is not true. It is earth, including man and animal, is In honor and respect of God, all God’s plan to call only a few to depicted clearly to us by the imagery nations will have to send emissaries, repentance at this time, and the

2 Home Bible Study Course much larger harvest of souls will be Joel 2:24–25. ated a fall harvest festival (Exodus reaped during the Millennium. There is going to be a moderate 23:16). Paul reminds us that “all Israel outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the In Leviticus 23 we will find all of shall be saved,” meaning the vast benefit of those called to be in the God’s holy days summarized, majority of Israelites (Romans first resurrection and a larger out- including the weekly Sabbath. All 11:26). In addition, many people of pouring for the much greater harvest seven of God’s holy days portray for other nations will be converted. during the Millennium. The “rain” us His plan of salvation for mankind, “And many people shall go and say, falling on repentant hearts will pro- and they were given to His congre- Come ye, and let us go up to the duce righteousness. There will also gation at the very time the congrega- mountain of the LORD, to the house be an abundance of crops available tion (church) of Israel was first of the God of : and He will for the people on earth to rejoice in, formed. teach us of His ways, and we will even causing the desert areas of the The Feast of Ingathering is also walk in His paths: for out of earth to blossom as the rose. Best of known as the Feast of Tabernacles shall go forth the law, and the word all, the desert areas of the hearts of and the Feast of Booths of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah men will blossom and be full of (Deuteronomy 16:13; Leviticus 2:3). good things, restoring fellowship 23:40–44). It is clear that God’s intention is to with God. (:16–17; Isaiah The very word “Ingathering” call every individual on earth to His 44:3; John 7:37–39). invokes a picture of the gathering in banquet, the facts of the gospel and of a great harvest of souls (lives) for the love of God compelling them to Review a thousand years (Exodus 23:16). come. In the context of . Today is “a” day of salvation, not This feast, like all of God’s feasts, 14:23–24, those who would not taste the only day. is a commanded assembly, which is of the supper (salvation) were those 2. Today is “a” day of salvation for required whether one wants to Jewish leaders and their disciples the Firstfruits. assemble or not (Deuteronomy who turned down the offer by reject- 3. The Firstfruits will rule with 16:16; Exodus 34:22–23 and 23:17). ing Christ. The invitation is still Christ during the Millennium. God determines the place or places open to “whosoever will” come 4. The Millennium is a day of salva- appointed as feast sites, and only today. The Joel informs us, tion. God can change it when necessary God will pour out His Spirit on all 5. People of many nations will go to (Exodus 20:24). flesh. He goes on to say, “and your the mountain (government) of the We are also informed that we must sons and your daughters shall proph- Lord to be taught His ways. “surely rejoice,” also rendered “be esy, your old men shall dream 6. The law will go forth from Zion altogether joyful.” This is a com- dreams, your young men shall see and the word of the Lord from mand of God. When we do those visions” (Joel 2:28). Jerusalem. things that God requires us to do it Now is the time to “rend your 7. Those who reject Christ will not will automatically produce a life that heart, and not your garments” (Joel eat of God’s banquet. brings forth happiness. So all 2:12–13; also 22–27). We see, 8. God will pour out His Spirit on all mankind will ultimately be joyful portrayed in Joel 2:23, both spiritual flesh. and happy, whether they want to and physical abundance. This verse 9. Now is the time to repent. obey in the beginning or not can be translated and read in this 10. There is a moderate outpouring (Deuteronomy 16:14–15). manner: “For He [God] will give to of God’s Spirit for those in the first This annual feast continues for you that which gives instruction in resurrection. seven full days, God says, so that we righteousness; that is, He will send 11. There is a much larger outpour- may receive His blessing of our down to you the early and latter rain ing of the Spirit for the much greater increase and the blessing of the work as before.” The arrival of these rains harvest during the Millennium. of our hands. Therefore, we shall on schedule as in prior times would 12. The rain (Spirit) falling on surely rejoice (verse 15). demonstrate the blessing of God on repentant hearts will produce right- To make clear His plan of salva- the heart that was now prepared (by eousness. tion, God took the harvest seasons in repentance) before Him. the Jerusalem area as the picture of Not only will God supply renewed Feast of Ingathering! the spiritual harvest of lives. fellowship and renewed rain, but Promptly after bringing His peo- There are two annual harvests in also renewed provisions, as seen in ple out of Egypt, God formally initi- Palestine, the first one being the

3 Home Bible Study Course spring grain harvest which pictures Jews” because the northern ten Please read carefully Mark the firstfruits, and the second one tribes of Israel had been dispersed 9:2–10, and you will see how it ful- which is much larger being the great and were no longer keeping God’s fills verse one. fall harvest (Feast of Tabernacles or holy days. Only (the Jews) The apostle Paul instructed the Ingathering). People will be born faithfully preserved the Old Corinthians, “Be followers of me, into the God Family all during the Testament Scriptures. even as I also am of Christ,” (1 thousand years (Millennium) upon John records Jesus telling His Corinthians 11:1). completing their life’s work. brothers to go to the Feast of It is no surprise, then, to find Paul According to God’s instructions, Tabernacles while He waited in keeping the Feast of Tabernacles as the first day of the Feast of Galilee. When He did go to the feast Jesus did (Acts 18:21). Tabernacles is a holy high day, and He went in secret because it was not In A.D. 50, Paul crossed over there is no ordinary work to be done. yet time for His death. He did not from Asia into Europe and began This annual Sabbath and its seven- want to be taken before His time, preaching the gospel at Philippi “on day festival is commanded to be and if He went with His brothers He the day of weeks” (according to the observed forever on the fifteenth day would arrive in a large entourage original Greek), or Day of Pentecost of the seventh month (Tishri) being openly seen and that would (Acts 16:13). Pentecost is also called according to the Hebrew calendar attract attention (John 7:2–10). the “feast of weeks” in (Leviticus 23:35,39,41). “Then the Jews sought Him at the Deuteronomy 16:10. feast.” The Jewish temple authori- Paul spent a few weeks at Philippi, Review ties, not the people who had come to then Thessalonica (Acts 17:1), 1. God initiated His fall harvest the feast, were searching for Him to Berea (verse 10), and Athens (verse immediately after bringing His peo- destroy Him (John 7:11–13). 16). Paul came to Corinth in the late ple out of Egypt. Jesus had been in attendance at the summer of A. D. 50 teaching in the 2. All of God’s holy days are summa- feast from the first day, but He did synagogue (Acts 18:4). For a year rized in Leviticus 23. not reveal Himself by teaching until and a half he continued to hold 3. The Feast of Ingathering is also about the midst of the feast (John meetings in the house of Justus known as the Feast of Tabernacles 7:14). Jesus was not just obeying the (verses 7,11). This brings us to the and the Feast of Booths. practice of observing spring of A.D. 52. By this time the 4. We are told we must surely rejoice the feast, but was also setting an Days of Unleavened Bread and at this festival. example for those who would be His Pentecost were past, and time was 5. The Feast of Tabernacles contin- followers in New Testament times. drawing near for the Feast of ues for seven full days. Jesus taught not only by preaching, Tabernacles. Only a feast of this size 6. The spring grain harvest in but also by His example. We must would make it worthwhile for Paul Palestine pictures the firstfruits. walk as He walked and also teach to go all the way to Jerusalem. This 7. The second fall harvest being the the world (:20; 1 John probably explains why he spent so much larger harvest pictures the 2:4–6; 1 Peter 2:21). little time at Ephesus after spending thousand years, or Millennium. The “traditions of the elders” He so much time at lesser places (verse 8. The first day of the Feast of always spoke against (Matthew 20). Tabernacles is a high holy day and 15:2,3,6,9). If anything in the law The Catholic version and even commanded assembly. was to be changed, He made it abun- some modern translations of the 9. God says the feast is to be dantly clear. Compare Matthew Bible omit Acts 18:21. Nearly all observed forever. 5:21–22: “You have heard...but I Greek manuscripts include it. The say...” He never gave any example manuscripts that leave it out are Jesus and Paul of animal sacrifice that we should those copied in Egypt and Italy Kept the Feast! follow or perform. However, He under the influence of Simon At the time of the ministry of kept each and every one of God’s Magus’ followers. They date from Jesus Christ we find some of the holy days. the days of the Emperor descendants of the Jews who It is quite apparent that Peter, Constantine, who forced his Sunday returned to Jerusalem during the James, and John were accustomed to and Easter on the followers of Christ time of keeping the keeping the Feast of Tabernacles by in place of God’s holy days. Feast of Tabernacles (John 7: 2). living in temporary shelters, or No one had a good reason to add John referred to it as the “feast of the booths (Mark 9:5). this verse, but many had a reason to

4 Home Bible Study Course omit it. Undoubtedly, therefore, the overcoming their own human limbs, eye sight, or even the loss of verse is authentic. nature, and bringing it into align- life itself. In Cox’s Literature of the Sabbath ment with God’s will. In comparison to the world Question, there are records of During this thousand years they humanity has always known, this Christians, their names being men- will not be pitted against Satan and a new world will certainly be a strange tioned, who kept the Sabbath and world that is totally upside down and place. We will not have to fear the holy days in England over four hun- backwards to God’s way of life. tyranny of world leaders ever again. dred years ago. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Be not Jesus Christ will rule all people with conformed to this world, but be benevolence, from the least to the Review transformed by the renewing of your greatest (Psalms 72:1–8; 12–14). 1. Jews were keeping the Feast of mind, that you may prove what the No one will be able to influence Tabernacles during the time of will of God is, that which is good His judgment by bribery of any Christ’s ministry. and acceptable and perfect” kind. And He will judge righteous 2. Only the Jews faithfully preserved (Romans 12: 2). judgment (Isaiah 11:1–5). the Old Testament Scriptures. In the future world of the There will be no mistakes in His 3. Jesus told His brothers to go to Millennium, God’s way will become righteous judgments, for He is with- the Feast of Tabernacles. the broad, popular way, and society out error. 4. Jesus went to the feast in secret in general will be going that way. As we have seen in other verses, because He did not want to attract Humanity today is being constant- there will be no fear of wild animals, attention to Himself. ly pressured to conform to this pres- for during this coming Millennium 5. The Jewish temple authorities ent evil world. In the new world the God will make a with the searched for Him to destroy Him. pressures brought to bear on society beasts, the birds, and the little crea- 6. Jesus was in attendance at the will urge conformity towards God’s tures of the ground (Hosea 2:18). feast from the first day. standard and overcoming the self, These categories of living creatures 7. Jesus was setting an example for building true spiritual character. are the same as those mentioned in all those who would be His follow- Jesus Christ will forcefully put Genesis 9:2. The context points out ers. down those who would fill the earth a separation from man by fear. Also 8. Jesus taught by example and by with violence. The fear of violence the bow and the sword will be bro- preaching. by warfare will be abolished for all ken in pieces. These were the two 9. Jesus always spoke against the time. “And He shall judge among main weapons during Hosea’s day traditions of the elders. the nations, and shall rebuke many (Hosea 2:18). 10. Jesus kept all of His Father’s people: and they shall beat their Much of the earth today suffers holy days. swords into plowshares, and their from such catastrophes as floods, 11. Jesus never gave any example of spears into pruninghooks: nation tornadoes, hurricanes, and earth- animal sacrifice that we should fol- shall not lift up sword against quakes. This also shall be changed low or perform. nation, neither shall they learn war because of the beautiful relationship 12. Peter, James, and John were any more” (:4). between the people and God. accustomed to keeping the Feast of It is difficult for people of our day Through a series of metaphors we Tabernacles. who have lived through two world are told that God will hear the skies 13. Paul kept the feast as Jesus did. wars, the Korean and Vietnam con- as they appeal to Him for rain (bless- 14. Paul traveled to Jerusalem to flicts, and the cold war of possible ing) on the earth, and God responds. keep the Feast of Tabernacles. nuclear annihilation to imagine The earth pleads to the heavens to never again needing to fear the total send rain (blessings), and the heav- A World Right Side Up destruction of years of fruitful labor. ens respond. Now the grain, the new The Feast of Tabernacles looks No more the waste of human life wine, and the oil seek the earth for forward to and portrays the created in God’s image. No more to its provisions, and the earth Millennium, which will be a most have our finest young men and responds (Hosea 2:18–22). encouraging and favorable time for women taken from our homes, to No one will be afraid to be out on people. Satan and his demons will have their minds twisted with hate the streets day or night (:2). have been imprisoned and there will for an enemy, real, unreal, or imag- Because of the Kingdom of God be no other overpowering obstacles ined, only to come home and have to (God’s government) and right edu- for people to deal with other than face a life handicapped by loss of cation, human beings will become a

5 Home Bible Study Course source of help for one another. 28:26). (Revelation 19:2). Nothing is more heartrending than People will be re-educated to have A great combined choir comes in to see an infant born deformed. In a godly fear (awesome respect) for response to the command from the the new world of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and God the Father throne to praise our God. Praise is God, established when Christ (Jeremiah 32:39–40). They will be deserved because He is the Lord, returns, parents will not have to fear of sound mind and mature in think- because He is omnipotent (all pow- giving birth to physically deformed ing, realizing that to break God’s erful), and because His reign is children, for God will forgive their laws only leads to degeneration in ready to begin on earth through iniquity and remember their sin no all areas of life (Philippians 2:5; 2 Christ. more (Jeremiah 31:29–30,34). Most Timothy 1:7). The great sounds that echo forth physical ailments can be contributed One of the fundamental teachings from this Hallelujah is like the sound to the sin of Adam and Eve, cen- of the Feast of Tabernacles is that we of many waters and like the sound of turies of wrong living, and wrong may “learn to fear God always” mighty peals of thunder. He is wor- eating habits (:2; Leviticus (Deuteronomy 14:23). thy of praise for He is the Lord; He 11:43). Children having children, is our God in a personal way; He is general dissipation, and the inges- Review the Lord God Almighty (Revelation tion of all kinds of drugs, which 1. The Feast of Tabernacles looks 19:6). We will see in the Marriage cause degeneration and genetic dam- forward to the Millennium. Supper of the lamb a marvelous par- age, is the cause of sickness. This 2. The world today is totally upside allel to the gloriously happy Feast of irresponsible way of life means down and backwards to God’s way Tabernacles. deformity and ill health for future of life. In the biblical model we find mar- generations. 3. We are under constant pressure to riage feasts lasting for seven days In the new world of the conform to this world. (Judges 14:2,10,12). Also the Millennium, those of a fearful heart 4. In the Millennium God’s way will Scriptures tell us the Feast of (having an awesome respect for be the broad popular way. Tabernacles runs for the same length God) shall be saved; the eyes of the 5. Warfare and violence will be abol- of time (Leviticus 23:34). blind shall be opened, the ears of the ished for all time. The first book of the Bible indi- deaf shall be unstopped, and the sick 6. We will not have to fear the tyran- cates the actual ceremony and the shall be forgiven their iniquity ny of world leaders. consummation always occurred on (:5–6; :24). 7. Jesus Christ will rule with benev- the first of the seven days (Genesis In the world today people shrink olence for all people. 29:22,23,27). from taking personal responsibility 8. There will be no need to fear wild From these scriptural examples we for their own actions and attempt to animals during the Millennium. see that Christ’s wedding day is indi- blame accidents and misfortune on 9. There will be no catastrophes cated in God’s holy day plan others (Exodus 21:29, 33; 22:6). from earthquakes, floods, inclement (Leviticus 23:35). These days, then, Personal responsibility will be weather, etc. have been set aside by God as the taught when the “law goes forth 10. People will not have to fear wedding anniversary of Christ and from Zion” (Isaiah 2:3). We are being out day or night. His Bride forever. responsible for our own actions and 11. Drought and famine will not According to the law of God a for the safety of others. We are our plague the nations. married wife is bound to obey her brother’s keeper. Accidents will be 12. The Feast of Tabernacles is to husband as long as he lives (1 few. teach us to “learn to fear God Corinthians 7:39). So it is expected Even the fear of drought and always.” of the Bride of Christ to obey Him famine, such as plague many nations forever (Ephesians 5:22–27,32). today, will be gone (Amos 9:13–14). Marriage Supper! It is understandable why Those who put their trust in God The Marriage Supper of the Lamb Nehemiah read the law to the people will dwell in confidence; their confi- is one of the most glorious events to on each and every day of the Feast of dence will be in Christ. They will be come in the near future. It takes Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:18; the ones who truly “know the Lord” place after the destruction of Deuteronomy 31:10–11). Those who because they obey Him. They will and the judgment of “the make up the Bride of Christ now not be taught to have confidence in great whore, which did corrupt the must learn the law in this life to be self, but in Jesus Christ (Ezekiel earth with her fornication” able to teach it in the Kingdom of

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God. wife, cannot be anything less than seven days. In a parable in the New Testament, fully God! “For I have espoused you 5. The Bride of Christ will obey Him Christ pointed our the necessity of to one husband, that I may present forever. an inner change brought about by the you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 6. Those who make up the Bride of Holy Spirit to ready one to take part Corinthians 11:2). The Bride must Christ must learn the law in this life in the Marriage of the Lamb be reborn Israel, who has made her- to teach it in the Kingdom. (Matthew 25:9–10). When Christ self ready. 7. You cannot buy or borrow spiritu- returns the Bride must be ready. You Spiritual Israel will rule over al preparation at the last minute. cannot buy or borrow spiritual physical Israel and all other nations 8. We must establish our own per- preparation at the last minute. We (Revelation 2:26–27; 3:21). sonal relationship with God now. must establish our own personal As fleshly Israelites and Gentiles 9. Unfaithful Israel of the Old relationship with God now. become qualified they will be born Testament committed adultery. In the Old Testament a continuing into the Kingdom of God. This will 10. The false church, the whore of problem of the Israelites was lack of take place all during the Millennium. Revelation 17 and 18, commits for- heart for obedience (Deuteronomy The entirety of addresses nication, because she was never 5:29; 29:4; Joshua 24:19). itself to the contrast between spiritu- married to anyone, let alone Christ. Once the new creature in Christ is al Israel, now married to Christ, and 11. God’s church is an Israelitish formed in us (2 Corinthians 5:17) by the physical Old Testament Israel church. the Holy Spirit, our new nature will during the preceding 3,000 years of 12. A Gentile-born person gains be permanent (:2; Jeremiah its history. Carefully read the first entry into God’s church by becoming 3:8,14; 31:32). six verses. The elect, or called-out a spiritual Israelite. Unfaithful Israel of the Old ones, have been desolate, but actual- 13. Christ must marry spiritual Testament committed adultery ly they are the truly converted few, Israel. (Jeremiah 3:8). In contrast, the great until the making of the New 14. Spiritual Israel, married to false church, the whore of Covenant, a marriage covenant. This Christ, will rule over physical Israel Revelation 17 and 18, commits for- chapter in Isaiah describes and and all other nations. nication. makes clear how Israel of the flesh 15. As Israelites and Gentiles of the The false church was never mar- never enlarged itself half so fast as flesh become qualified, they will be ried to Christ and was never God’s the church of converted Israel will born into the Kingdom of God. This church. multiply at Christ’s return, and dur- will be taking place all during the Believe it or not, God’s church— ing the Millennium. Millennium. the ecclesia, the called-out ones— The God Family, God the Father, never was a Gentile church. God’s Jesus Christ the Son, and all those Israel’s Responsibility church is an Israelitish church. A who are the called, chosen, and When Christ returns, a remnant Gentile-born person gains entry into faithful overcomers in this life, are people made up of Israel and Judah it by becoming a spiritual Israelite joyfully waiting for the majestic will be found seeking the Lord God (:11–12; Romans 9:4–5; things to come in the future. “Thou in tears. They are apparently eager to John 4:22). wilt show me the path of life: in thy enter into the sealed It is impossible for Christ to marry presence is fullness of joy; at thy by the blood of Christ. “Come, and another. He must remarry Israel. right hand there are pleasures for let us join ourselves to the Lord in a Note carefully that prior to the evermore” (Psalms 16:11). The perpetual covenant that will not be Marriage of the Lamb, “His wife” Millennium is only the beginning. forgotten” (Jeremiah 50:4–5). has made herself ready. So the Bride Christ’s blood will cleanse all is already, before marriage, His wife Review Israel, and they shall begin to live a (Revelation 19:7). 1. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb truly converted life in serving Him Because the wife of verse 7 is the takes place at Christ’s return. and others. As a result of their con- Bride, she must be spiritual—like 2. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb version they will reach the pinnacle Christ—if this is to be a true and per- parallels the Feast of Tabernacles. of success spiritually and physically, manent marriage. Kinds of animals 3. Marriage feasts lasted seven days expressing happiness and joy along cannot mix. Humans cannot marry in the Bible. with material prosperity before all anything less than human. 4. The ceremony and consummation the nations (:7–9). Therefore, the Bride of Christ, His always occurred on the first of the The small remnant of Judah (only

7 Home Bible Study Course one tribe) returning from ’s offspring were to Israel and Judah will seek the Lord does not fulfill become so numerous as to be God with tears. the prophecy of the previous verses. uncountable. “And I will make thy 2. They will be eager to enter into They never gained great prosperity, seed as the dust of the earth: so that the New Covenant. and they did not even reach the if a man can number the dust of the 3. All Israel will be converted. degree of wealth Israel had under earth, then shall thy seed also be 4. Israel will be God’s delight. David and Solomon. When these numbered (Genesis 13:16). 5. When the nations see Israel’s suc- verses are fulfilled, all twelve tribes This great growth will take place cess, they will seek the teachings of of Israel shall be saved (Romans during the Millennium (Isaiah the Lord God from Zion. 11:26). 60:22; Ezekiel 36:11). 6. God will bring to pass His prom- Israel will be God’s delight (Isaiah God set the boundaries of all nations ises to Abraham during the 62:4–5). The name or character of according to the number of the chil- Millennium. Zion in the past was “Forsaken” and dren of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:8). 7. Israel will devote herself to teach- “Desolate.” Its new name and nature God, of course, knew from the ing the nations. will be “” (“my delight is beginning the great growth the chil- 8. The people of Zion will have the in her”) and “Beulah” (“married”). dren of Abraham would experience double portion that belongs to the Verse 5 can be translated this way: and planned accordingly. heir. “As a young man marries a maiden, It is during the Millennium that so shall your ‘Builder’ marry you: God brings to pass His promise to A Temporary Dwelling And as a bridegroom rejoices over Abraham (Genesis 13:16). The A tabernacle is a temporary the bride, so shall your God rejoice descendants of Jacob were to be a dwelling. God commanded the over you.” Compare this with Psalm blessing to all nations (Genesis Israelites to build temporary huts or 147:2, where God builds Jerusalem 28:14). “booths” out of tree branches and and gathers the outcasts of Israel. This future explosive growth of live in them during the Feast of Originally, God intended for Israel Israel into every part of the world is Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40–42). It to be an example to the nations. By described by God as a “breaking is these booths that make this festi- Israel’s obedience to God’s laws and forth” (Isaiah 54:2–3). All nations val distinctive. It was to be the Feast statutes all nations would see the will either serve Israel or perish of Tabernacles or a festival of tem- wisdom of living the way that pro- (:12). Israel shall possess porary dwellings. At the feast, we duces happiness and success the wealth of the world (Isaiah may stay in hotels, motels, or hous- (Deuteronomy 4:5–6). 60:5,11). The word in verses 5 and es, but they are temporary dwellings In the future, the nations of the 11 should be “wealth,” not “forces.” during the feast. A temporary world will be so impressed with Israel will not exploit the nations, dwelling such as a tent or camper Israel’s successful way of life they but it will rather be a cooperative made of any material would qualify will say, “Come ye, and let us go up association of all nations. Each as a “booth” also. Why do we do to the mountain of the LORD, to the nation will do what is best suited for this, and what is it we are intended to house of the God of Jacob; and He it according to its talents. Israelites learn from this experience? Let’s will teach us of His ways, and we will devote themselves to teaching learn from the Scriptures the great will walk in His paths: for out of and ministering God’s blessings to spiritual significance of Tabernacles. Zion shall go forth the law, and the the nations (:5–6; compare This manner of living in booths word of the LORD from Jerusalem :22–23). keeping the Feast of Tabernacles (Isaiah 2:3). :2 says much It must not be overlooked that the was to be a continual reminder of the same thing. people of Zion will have the double Israel’s forty-year sojourn in the It is only after this teaching of the portion that belongs to the heir. wilderness and deserts south of ways and laws of God through Israel Their own land will be restored to Palestine (Leviticus 23:42–43). that the world will be filled with them and they will rejoice in their During that period, the Israelites “fruit” (:6). This is not only inheritance, which will bring them lived in temporary dwellings (verse an indication of an earth filled with a everlasting joy never to be dishon- 43). great population, but nations that ored again (Isaiah 61:7). What do the Old Testament will produce the spiritual fruit of Scriptures tell us is the significance righteous character through the Review of dwelling in booths? “For we are example of obedience set by Israel. 1. When Christ returns, a remnant of strangers before thee, and sojourn-

8 Home Bible Study Course ers, as were all our fathers: our days faith and obedience. Many failed the 13:31–32). Similarly, the Kingdom on the earth are as a shadow, and tests and were unable to enter the of God began small but will eventu- there is none abiding” (1 Chronicles Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). ally fill the whole earth. 29:15). “By faith he sojourned in the Still, God managed to turn the rest of Perhaps this understanding land of promise, as in a strange them into a nation submissive to explains why the universe apparent- country, dwelling in tabernacles God’s government. During the ly has no end! with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with Millennium the whole world will be During the Millennium the earth’s him of the same promise: For He tried and tested and similarly estab- population will increase rapidly, mil- looked for a city which hath founda- lished under God’s government, the lions being converted and born into tions, whose builder and maker is Kingdom of God. the Family of God. God” (Hebrews 11:9–10). Forty is the number of trial and No longer will the universe be “Sojourn,” in the dictionary, is test. Israel in the wilderness was a subject to destruction, sin, or death. defined as “a temporary stay.” type of all people who will go gives a small hint of Abraham was a stranger or alien in through tests during the Millennium what it will be like. It will be a new the Promised Land, living in a tem- in overcoming their human nature heaven and a new earth inhabited porary manner all his days. God had and developing godly character. solely by spirit beings. “There shall not yet given him any inheritance As we keep the Feast of be no more death, neither sorrow, there. Canaanites occupied the land. Tabernacles, God wants us to realize nor crying, neither shall there be any Dwelling in booths indicate that that Israel’s testing in the wilderness more pain: for the former things are we are just like Abraham, Isaac, and was a type and example for us (1 passed away” (verse 4). Jacob. God has not yet given them or Corinthians 10:6). We are sojourners us an inheritance. We are still only in a spiritual sense, as Abraham, Review heirs to eternal life, eternal inheri- Isaac, and Jacob were physically. 1. A tabernacle is a temporary tance of land, and the Kingdom of Peter wrote that we should “as dwelling God commanded Israel to God. sojourners and pilgrims, abstain build out of tree branches. Israel’s forty years of wandering in from fleshly lusts which war against 2. It is these “booths” that make the the wilderness was meant from the the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Feast of Tabernacles distinctive. beginning to be only a temporary God has called us out of spiritual 3. Living in booths during the feast state (Deuteronomy 8:2)—until all Egypt, or this evil world, into His was a continual reminder of Israel’s of that rebellious generation were church. We consider our citizenship forty year sojourn in the wilderness. dead (Numbers 14:29,33–34). to be in heaven (Philippians 3:20). 4. Israel lived in temporary The rebellious Israelites in the Before we can enter God’s spiritu- dwellings during the forty years in wilderness are a type of all carnal al rest we must be tested. We must the wilderness. rebellious people. It becomes clear strive to enter the Kingdom of God. 5. Our lives on earth are as tempo- that God commanded Israel to live in “Let us therefore be diligent to enter rary as a shadow. booths during the Feast of that rest, lest anyone fall after the 6. Dwelling in a hotel or motel, etc., Tabernacles to portray the same example of disobedience” during the feast reminds us that, like Millennium it represents, to be a (Hebrews 4:11). Also, remember 1 Abraham, we are heirs only. period in which conditions are still Corinthians 10:11: “Now all these 7. Israel’s testing in the wilderness is only temporary. things happened unto them [the an example for us as we keep the We see also that the forty years in Israelites in the wilderness] for feast. the wilderness were symbolic of the ensamples: and they are written for 8. God has called us out of this evil Millennium. our admonition, upon whom the world, as He called Israel out of After Israel escaped from Pharaoh ends of the world are come.” Egypt. (a type of Satan) the nation was It is of great interest when we 9. As sojourners and pilgrims we given a temporary period of isolation come to realize there will be no end must abstain from fleshly lusts. from Satan’s influence. In like man- to the increase of God’s Kingdom 10. There will be no end to the ner, so will the whole world enter a (Isaiah 9:7). The Kingdom begins increase of God’s government. period of rest from Satan’s rule for like the proverbial grain of mustard 11. The universe will no longer be one thousand years. During the forty seed, the smallest of all seeds, which subject to destruction, sin, or death. years Israel was in the wilderness, grows into the greatest of all herbs 12. There shall be no more death, the people faced various tests of and becomes a tree (Matthew sorrow, crying, or pain.

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is no work or device or knowledge (Romans 8:23). Our Fleshly Tabernacles or wisdom in the grave where you Once we have accepted Jesus Another vital understanding to are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Christ as our personal Savior and consider is that our present physical Christ said, “Do not labor for the received God’s Holy Spirit, we are bodies are tabernacles, only tempo- food which perishes, but for the food then a new creature in Christ. rary. We live our physical lives in which endures to everlasting life” “Therefore if any man be in Christ temporary shelters. (John 6:27). he is a new creature: old things are The apostle Peter wrote, “Yea, I Those God calls at this time are passed away; behold, all things are think it meet, as long as in this being trained, tested, and judged. become new” (2 Corinthians 5:10). tabernacle [body], to stir you up by The size of our reward will be based We must never do anything to putting you in remembrance; on our fruits in this life. “For we harm the new creature we now are. Knowing that shortly I must put off must all appear before the judgment As new creatures in Christ, we are this my tabernacle, even as our Lord seat of Christ, that every one may even more anxious to be clothed Jesus Christ hath showed me” (2 receive the things done in his body, with our spiritual house in the Peter 1:13). We find many people according to that he hath done, Kingdom. today living their lives contrary to whether it be good or bad” (2 Abraham dwelt in tabernacles, yet this simple truth, living as though Corinthians 5:10). longed for the permanency of his they will never lay their tabernacle Our tabernacles are a continual home in God’s Kingdom: “By faith (body) down, acting as if they are reminder to us that we are mortal. he sojourned in the land of promise, immortal. While God created physical life to as in a strange country, dwelling in The apostle James warned against be appreciated and enjoyed, He did tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the this approach to life: “Come now, not intend that we should be totally heirs with him of the same promise: you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow satisfied with it. For he looked for a city which hath we will go to such and such a city, Many people experience a desire foundations, whose builder and spend a year there, buy and sell, and for something better than this physi- maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9–10). make a profit’; whereas you do not cal life. What they really desire, and Paul says we should do the same: know what will happen tomorrow. may not be consciously aware of, is “For here we have no continuing For what is your life? It is even a eternal life with God. God gives us city, but we seek the one to come” vapor that appears for a little time this deep desire for His Kingdom. (Hebrews 13:14). and then vanishes away” (James He also designed the feast to foster What great joy we will experience 4:13–14). and enhance this longing for Him. when we finally inherit eternal life These temporary tabernacles we Through the Feast of Tabernacles and receive our permanent home in live in are a constant reminder of our we see the great contrast between the Family of God! own mortality. Just as our sojourn at God’s way and Satan’s ways. We the feast will end, so will our physi- long for our spiritual house in God’s cal lives. Therefore, we have a limit- Kingdom. “For we know that if our Review ed time to prepare for the earthly house of this tabernacle were 1. We must live our lives with the Millennium and the Kingdom of dissolved, we have a building of understanding that life is short and God. God, an house not made with hands, precious. These thoughts, coupled with the eternal in the heavens. For in this we 2. We must grow up in Christ and hope stirred by the sermons and fel- groan, earnestly desiring to be prepare for the Kingdom of God. lowship we will receive at the Feast clothed upon with our house which 3. What is greater or more valuable of Tabernacles, build urgency in us. is from heaven” (2 Corinthians than salvation and ruling with We must make the best possible use 5:1–2). Christ? of time. Physical life does not last This physical life makes us groan 4. Those God calls at this time He is forever. “Redeeming the time, at times. Our earthly bodies become training, testing, and judging. because the days are evil” frail, old, crippled, or diseased. 5. We should labor for the spiritual (Ephesians 5:16). We groan also because of our food that endures to everlasting life. What is more valuable to us than manifold struggles with our “fleshly 6. The new creature in Christ longs salvation and preparing to rule with lusts, which war against the soul” (1 for the Kingdom of God. Christ? “Whatever your hand finds Peter 2:11). This, then, causes us to 7. Like Abraham, we wait for the city to do, do it with your might; for there groan for the Kingdom of God that has foundation, built by God.

10 The Church of God International 14 OME BIBL Understanding HStudy CourseE the Feast of Tabernacles True or False Questions

1. The Feast of Tabernacles is eight will never change. Test days long. 8. During the Millennium, if a child Yourself 2. The Israelites were commanded to puts his hand in an adder’s nest he live in booths seven days. needn’t fear. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 3. It was not necessary to read the law 9. The saving knowledge of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles. Christ will be everywhere during the Check your answers Millennium. with the answers found 4. The people of Nehemiah’s day con- at the end of the test. sidered the feast as a great time of 10. Other nations will continue to cel- gladness. ebrate their own beliefs during the Detach the return Millennium. coupon at the bottom of 5. It is not necessary for all people to the page and mail back keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 11. Those nations who refuse to keep the feast will receive no rain on their to us. We will 6. All grown males must attend the land. send the next lesson Feast of Tabernacles. in the series to you. 12. Jesus will rule with a rod of iron. 7. The natures of men and animals Continued on next page

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13. Today is the only day of salvation. 27. Jesus never really intended to set an example of feast-keeping for us. 14. People will receive salvation all during the Millennium. 28. God’s way will be the broad popular way during the Millennium. 15. The law will go forth from the capital cities of the nations. 29. Will God really make a covenant for His people with the beasts of the field? 16. People of many nations will go to God’s mountain “government” to be taught His ways. 30. We will not have any fear during the Millennium except for floods and earthquakes. 17. The Millennium is not a time of salvation. 31. Marriage feasts were seven days long according to 18. The vast majority of Israel cannot possibly be the biblical model. saved. 32. The marriage ceremony and consummation took 19. Hardly any of the people of other nations will be place on the first day of the seven days. saved. 33. The Marriage Supper takes place after the 20. If you have sons and daughters who prophesy Millennium. they shall be severely punished. 34. God’s church is a gentile church. 21. We should rejoice at the feast, but it isn’t com- manded. 35. A Gentile person gains entry into God’s church by becoming a spiritual Israelite. 22. The Feast of Ingathering is also know as the Feast of Tabernacles. 36. Israel lived in temporary dwellings for forty years while in the wilderness. 23. God’s feast days are commanded assemblies. 37. Living in booths at the feast reminded Israel of 24. God determines the place or places appointed as their living in temporary shelters. feast sites. 38. Abraham found the city he was looking for. It was 25. The feast is commanded to be observed any time Old Jerusalem. we desire. 39. Our bodies are only temporary dwellings. 26. Jesus never spoke against the traditions of the eld- ers. 40. The Feast of Tabernacles is to teach us to “learn to fear God always.”

Answers to True or False Questions:Score Yourself: Miss 0–3 = Excellent; Miss 4–6 = Good; Miss 7–9 = Fair

39. True; 40. True 40. True; 39.

2. True; 33. False; 34. False; 35. True; 36. True; 37. True; 38. False; 38. True; 37. True; 36. True; 35. False; 34. False; 33. True; 2. 3 True; 31. False; 30. True; 29. True; 28. False; 27. False; 26. False; 25. True; 24. True; 23. True; 22. False; 21. False; 20.

14. True; 15. False; 16. True; 17. False; 18. False; 19. False; 19. False; 18. False; 17. True; 16. False; 15. True; 14. False; 13. True; 12. True; 11. False; 10. True; 9. True; 8. False; 7. True; 6. False; 5. True; 4. False; 3. True; 2. False; 1. Answers:

All Scripture quotations taken from the New except as noted. Text: Loren Chamberlain.