Day of Atonement:
Is it the Ninth, Tenth, or Both?
Is it the Ninth, Tenth, or Both?
Part 4
M
any have through the ages, unwittingly repeated the lie that the holy appointed feast days were done away with at the cross. Many have said, "the feasts require a sacrifice and without a temple there can be no sacrifice." Therefore the feasts concluded at the cross.
This lie has been proactively perpetuated by the enemy of souls through religious leaders, imposing confusion on the work of redemption, the divine system that was orchestrated on behalf of mankind by both our Heavenly Father, Yahuwah, and His Son, Yahushua. The sacrificial system, the copy of the heavenly, referred to as the Old Covenant with the slaying of bulls, goats, lambs, and doves, did come to an end at the cross (never to be reinstituted) where type met antitype. The cross however, also marked the launching and not the terminating of the supreme and divine New Covenant system whereby mankind may be restored, by better things (Hebrews 12:24). These better things did not terminate, but commenced with the sacrificial death of the Son of Yahuwah, redeeming His kinsmen from the death they deserved, by bestowing upon them the life He deserved.
Thus the preordained, three part systematic ministry, of the Son of Yahuwah was launched:
First, He was to be the Lamb sacrifice for sin;
Second, the attending Priest (intercessor and advocate) for the forgiveness of sins;
Third, He was to take on the role as the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek once a year in the Seventh Month, for the complete eradication of sin. When these three ministries are finished, according to their appointed times, the Son of Yahuwah will take upon Himself the role of Prince of Heaven, and return for His faithful. He will take these faithful for a thousand years Sabbath or Sabbatical from earth, during a time of healing. At the end of this period the holy city, New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to earth, where all things upon earth will be created new. Our Redeemer and Savior will then be coronated as King and here on earth receive His kingdom. He will forever reside with His ransomed kinsmen, the bride to whom he was betrothed.
It is the Heavenly Father's faithful who will restore what has been lost and raise up the standard of truth once again. They will recognize that it was His son, Yahushua, who is the living lamb that was slain. He lives again that He may further fulfill the atoning work of the Priest and High Priest in the temple made without hands in the heavenly Sanctuary. The Redeemer, Yahushua (Jesus), is the summation of all the types and shadows, but only as they are systematically fulfilled in their order. It is this point-by-point sequence of salvation's restoration system that foretold in the time centric prophetic Feast days as they occur. So, by keeping the ordained and holy appointed feast days, His faithful worship their Heavenly Father in one accord with all the angels and the unfallen worlds, ever abiding in the preordained rhythm of His celestial lunisolar time-system, in preparation for the New Jerusalem, and their invitation to enter at the gate. By assembling with them on His appointed times, His faithful have in unity submitted their allegiance to their Creator, as the King of Kings.
Day of Atonement
The Ninth of the Seventh Month
The Tenth of the Seventh Month
This lie has been proactively perpetuated by the enemy of souls through religious leaders, imposing confusion on the work of redemption, the divine system that was orchestrated on behalf of mankind by both our Heavenly Father, Yahuwah, and His Son, Yahushua. The sacrificial system, the copy of the heavenly, referred to as the Old Covenant with the slaying of bulls, goats, lambs, and doves, did come to an end at the cross (never to be reinstituted) where type met antitype. The cross however, also marked the launching and not the terminating of the supreme and divine New Covenant system whereby mankind may be restored, by better things (Hebrews 12:24). These better things did not terminate, but commenced with the sacrificial death of the Son of Yahuwah, redeeming His kinsmen from the death they deserved, by bestowing upon them the life He deserved.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13-14 NKJV
Thus the preordained, three part systematic ministry, of the Son of Yahuwah was launched:
First, He was to be the Lamb sacrifice for sin;
Second, the attending Priest (intercessor and advocate) for the forgiveness of sins;
Third, He was to take on the role as the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek once a year in the Seventh Month, for the complete eradication of sin. When these three ministries are finished, according to their appointed times, the Son of Yahuwah will take upon Himself the role of Prince of Heaven, and return for His faithful. He will take these faithful for a thousand years Sabbath or Sabbatical from earth, during a time of healing. At the end of this period the holy city, New Jerusalem will descend from heaven to earth, where all things upon earth will be created new. Our Redeemer and Savior will then be coronated as King and here on earth receive His kingdom. He will forever reside with His ransomed kinsmen, the bride to whom he was betrothed.
In the presence of the assembled inhabitants of earth and heaven the final coronation of the Son of God takes place. And now, invested with supreme majesty and power, the King of kings pronounces sentence upon the rebels against His government and executes justice upon those who have transgressed His law and oppressed His people. Says the prophet of God: "I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:11, 12. Great Controversy, p. 666.
It is the Heavenly Father's faithful who will restore what has been lost and raise up the standard of truth once again. They will recognize that it was His son, Yahushua, who is the living lamb that was slain. He lives again that He may further fulfill the atoning work of the Priest and High Priest in the temple made without hands in the heavenly Sanctuary. The Redeemer, Yahushua (Jesus), is the summation of all the types and shadows, but only as they are systematically fulfilled in their order. It is this point-by-point sequence of salvation's restoration system that foretold in the time centric prophetic Feast days as they occur. So, by keeping the ordained and holy appointed feast days, His faithful worship their Heavenly Father in one accord with all the angels and the unfallen worlds, ever abiding in the preordained rhythm of His celestial lunisolar time-system, in preparation for the New Jerusalem, and their invitation to enter at the gate. By assembling with them on His appointed times, His faithful have in unity submitted their allegiance to their Creator, as the King of Kings.
. . . suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Great Controversy, p. 678.
Thy way, O God ['Elohiym, plural meaning both Father and Son], is in the sanctuary. . . Psalms 77:13
Thy way, O God ['Elohiym, plural meaning both Father and Son], is in the sanctuary. . . Psalms 77:13
Day of Atonement
Leviticus 23:31 defines the "Day of Atonement" as both a commandment and statute which is to be enacted at its appointed time, perpetually, without end, remaining through all time and sojourning. The descriptive term "sojourning" has a dual application. For those who were with Moses, they were sojourning in the Wilderness of "Sin-ai" seeking the Promised Land. However, from the abundant Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments we know that the "sojourning in the Wilderness of Sin-ai," was for an example or type of all people in all ages who continue to sojourn in the wilderness of sin of this world. Furthermore, this feast referred to as "Day of Atonement" didn't end when Israel arrived at the Promised Land. Verse 31 clarifies that this feast was to continue perpetually without end, for all time and sojourning.
We know from Scripture that it was kept continually to the time of the crucifixion of Christ, at which time many believe it ended there. However, if the feast "Day of Atonement" ended at the cross, then in like manner sin and forgiveness, would of necessity, had to end then as well. So you see we have a dilemma. Since neither sin nor forgiveness ended 2000 years ago, then this feast "Day of Atonement" which symbolizes mans sin along with our High Priest, Yahushua's mediation, and finally the forgiveness by the Father, and is therefore a necessity till the Lord returns.
Yahuwah's grace and forgiveness is still essential to all who would be saved. This feast "Day of Atonement" is in actuality the third phase in the process of Salvation's restoration. The plan was initiated in the Garden of Eden. But the first phase of Christ's Great Sacrifice of taking on himself our sin and penalty of death, to restore mankind, began at the cross. This fulfilled the feast of "Passover" and the feast of Unleavened Bread. Fifty days after his resurrection He was ordained in the temple above as our High Priest, mediating on our behalf, receiving our confessions and by His grace freely giving us pardon and forgiveness. This great work of mercy will not be fully ended until Yahushua our High Priest throws down the censer of incense. It is only then, that a crown is placed upon His head and He is clothed with garments of royalty. With not a moment to loose King Yahushua comes in the clouds of angels to take His faithful home to Heaven to live with our Savior for ever and ever. A mere one thousand years later, He will ultimately restore us to a future home on the earth made new. As is stated in Leviticus 23:27, the Day of Atonement is a rehearsal to confess sin and receive forgiveness. As long as life continues on this earth, His followers are still in need of confession and forgiveness. Therefore this feast "Day of Atonement" is still binding today, as we continue to sojourn in the world of sin, seeking the true Promised Land.
Does Sabbath ever include the dark of night? No. Were sacrifices ever given in the temple at dusk or after dark? It appears that the Passover Lamb was to be slain at sunrise, the beginning of dusk (twilight) of the First Watch, but never in the full darkness of the Midnight Watch. Yet many would try to make Leviticus 23:32 state that "Day of Atonement," specifically called a "day," is to begin at "night." Because there were many sacrifices to be performed by the High Priest, it would have been a difficult task for those present to stay awake. What appears to be happening is a mingling of truth with error, and in so doing, they perpetuate a lie.
We know from Scripture that it was kept continually to the time of the crucifixion of Christ, at which time many believe it ended there. However, if the feast "Day of Atonement" ended at the cross, then in like manner sin and forgiveness, would of necessity, had to end then as well. So you see we have a dilemma. Since neither sin nor forgiveness ended 2000 years ago, then this feast "Day of Atonement" which symbolizes mans sin along with our High Priest, Yahushua's mediation, and finally the forgiveness by the Father, and is therefore a necessity till the Lord returns.
Yahuwah's grace and forgiveness is still essential to all who would be saved. This feast "Day of Atonement" is in actuality the third phase in the process of Salvation's restoration. The plan was initiated in the Garden of Eden. But the first phase of Christ's Great Sacrifice of taking on himself our sin and penalty of death, to restore mankind, began at the cross. This fulfilled the feast of "Passover" and the feast of Unleavened Bread. Fifty days after his resurrection He was ordained in the temple above as our High Priest, mediating on our behalf, receiving our confessions and by His grace freely giving us pardon and forgiveness. This great work of mercy will not be fully ended until Yahushua our High Priest throws down the censer of incense. It is only then, that a crown is placed upon His head and He is clothed with garments of royalty. With not a moment to loose King Yahushua comes in the clouds of angels to take His faithful home to Heaven to live with our Savior for ever and ever. A mere one thousand years later, He will ultimately restore us to a future home on the earth made new. As is stated in Leviticus 23:27, the Day of Atonement is a rehearsal to confess sin and receive forgiveness. As long as life continues on this earth, His followers are still in need of confession and forgiveness. Therefore this feast "Day of Atonement" is still binding today, as we continue to sojourn in the world of sin, seeking the true Promised Land.
Does Sabbath ever include the dark of night? No. Were sacrifices ever given in the temple at dusk or after dark? It appears that the Passover Lamb was to be slain at sunrise, the beginning of dusk (twilight) of the First Watch, but never in the full darkness of the Midnight Watch. Yet many would try to make Leviticus 23:32 state that "Day of Atonement," specifically called a "day," is to begin at "night." Because there were many sacrifices to be performed by the High Priest, it would have been a difficult task for those present to stay awake. What appears to be happening is a mingling of truth with error, and in so doing, they perpetuate a lie.
The Ninth of the Seventh Month
It is essential to understand that the phrase, "Day of Atonement," is more than a title, as it literally means the day of "at-one-ment." This word "day" #3117 (yowm) is defined as the warm hours between sunrise and sunset.
Notice below the Hebrew word translated as "the ninth" in Strong's Dictionary, #8672 (tesha`) means turn to the next or full number ten. Tesha` defines that the sacred hours of the "Day of Atonement" begin at the moment the "ninth civil calendar date" ends and the "tenth day" begins. A moment in time can only be defined when the dawn twilight, also known as the Fourth Watch, ends at precisely "sunrise." Both "sunrise and sunset" are precise moments in time that are visible and definable, and are recognized the whole world over. Think of it as a "changing" of the celestial guard. When the sun is gone, the moon and stars take over the watch. When the night is ending, sunrise breaks forth in glorious rays of light at the commencement of a glorious new day. Therefore, the Hebrew word tesha` is utilized by Moses as a second witness that the Day of Atonement was to commence precisely as the "ninth civil calendar date" ended and the "tenth day" commenced. This event is precisely marked by the coming forth of the sun at sunrise and not sunset as so many have traditionally believed.
The "tenth day" is only twelve hours in length and includes only the daylight, ending at sunset. We can know this because when the term "tenth" is used it is always referring to a "day" (#3007 yowm). When the term "ninth" is used there is no qualifying term of "day, therefore it refers to a completed "civil calendar date," which includes both the daylight followed by the night. Therefore, illustrating that the anticipated "Day of Atonement" begins only following the completed "civil calendar date of the ninth," at the sunrise for the "tenth day."
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Notice below the Hebrew word translated as "the ninth" in Strong's Dictionary, #8672 (tesha`) means turn to the next or full number ten. Tesha` defines that the sacred hours of the "Day of Atonement" begin at the moment the "ninth civil calendar date" ends and the "tenth day" begins. A moment in time can only be defined when the dawn twilight, also known as the Fourth Watch, ends at precisely "sunrise." Both "sunrise and sunset" are precise moments in time that are visible and definable, and are recognized the whole world over. Think of it as a "changing" of the celestial guard. When the sun is gone, the moon and stars take over the watch. When the night is ending, sunrise breaks forth in glorious rays of light at the commencement of a glorious new day. Therefore, the Hebrew word tesha` is utilized by Moses as a second witness that the Day of Atonement was to commence precisely as the "ninth civil calendar date" ended and the "tenth day" commenced. This event is precisely marked by the coming forth of the sun at sunrise and not sunset as so many have traditionally believed.
The "tenth day" is only twelve hours in length and includes only the daylight, ending at sunset. We can know this because when the term "tenth" is used it is always referring to a "day" (#3007 yowm). When the term "ninth" is used there is no qualifying term of "day, therefore it refers to a completed "civil calendar date," which includes both the daylight followed by the night. Therefore, illustrating that the anticipated "Day of Atonement" begins only following the completed "civil calendar date of the ninth," at the sunrise for the "tenth day."
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The Tenth of the Seventh Month
When a calendar date is mentioned as it is here in Leviticus 23:27 regarding the "tenth," it is always referring to an entire revolution of the earth. It has been discovered that a full civil calendar date incorporates the period from sunrise to sunrise, rather than sunset to sunset as the modern Jews and others continue to believe and teach. Leviticus 23:27 lays the foundation for the date upon which the "Day of Atonement" falls. It is clearly stated that it is to be on the "tenth day" of the month, counting from New Moon (#2320 chodesh). Then in the same breath Yahuwah continues to give clarification as to what is to be done during the "Day of Atonement" on the specific day of the "tenth" as listed below.
- On the “tenth” of the seventh month there shall be a “Day” of Atonement.
- A holy convocation.
- You shall afflict your souls.
- Offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
- You shall do no work on that same day.
- The soul that is not afflicted in that same day, he will be cut off from his people.
- You shall do no manner of work . . . it shall be a statute forever.
- It shall be a Sabbath of rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls.
Notice all of the above points are made with regard to the "tenth" calendar date. It is not until the middle of Leviticus 23:32 that any reference is made to the term "ninth" #8672. In contrast to the clearly identified duties listed to be done on the "tenth," is there any Scriptural support defining even one of them is to be done on the "ninth?"
- Zero
- Zip
- Nil
You guessed it! There is not one single item listed to be done on the "ninth," rather this Hebrew word that has been translated as "ninth" #8672 - tesha` appears to carry the meaning of "turning to the tenth" at the precise moment, which occurs at sunrise.
Notice that it is not until the middle of Leviticus 23:32 that the "ninth" is even mentioned. So this begs the question, "does the mention of the "ninth" in verse 32 automatically make it (the ninth) retroactive to include all the requirements listed specifically for the "tenth" civil calendar date, which were given previous to the mention of the "ninth?" No!
As mentioned earlier in this series, within any given language, over long periods of time, words can loose their intended meaning, as well as take on a whole new ideology. In addition, this loss of meaning can be highly increased through the translating from one language to another. Therefore careful study and research is necessary under the direction of the heavenly Father to restore the intended meaning of ancient text.
Refer to article, "Lost in Translation."
A Two Day Feast of Atonement?
The name "Day of Atonement" speaks volumes. It's very name is "self evident" that it incorporates one day only and not two days as it has been assumed by so many, for so long. As mentioned earlier in this series, "The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth . . ." Councils to Writers and Editors, p. 35. If this great holy feast day were in actuality a two day feast, it would have been stated as such in all locations in Scripture. No where is this holy feast referred to as "days" (pleural) of Atonement.
There are only four references to the "Day of Atonement" in Scripture and each is written by the hand of Moses as He was instructed by Yahuwah. Certainly, he would not have intentionally contradicted himself in four statements he made regarding the "tenth" being the "Day of Atonement," when he recorded Leviticus 23:32, and the reference to the term "ninth."
Notice that it is not until the middle of Leviticus 23:32 that the "ninth" is even mentioned. So this begs the question, "does the mention of the "ninth" in verse 32 automatically make it (the ninth) retroactive to include all the requirements listed specifically for the "tenth" civil calendar date, which were given previous to the mention of the "ninth?" No!
As mentioned earlier in this series, within any given language, over long periods of time, words can loose their intended meaning, as well as take on a whole new ideology. In addition, this loss of meaning can be highly increased through the translating from one language to another. Therefore careful study and research is necessary under the direction of the heavenly Father to restore the intended meaning of ancient text.
Refer to article, "Lost in Translation."
A Two Day Feast of Atonement?
The name "Day of Atonement" speaks volumes. It's very name is "self evident" that it incorporates one day only and not two days as it has been assumed by so many, for so long. As mentioned earlier in this series, "The fact that certain doctrines have been held as truth for many years by our people is not a proof that our ideas are infallible. Age will not make error into truth . . ." Councils to Writers and Editors, p. 35. If this great holy feast day were in actuality a two day feast, it would have been stated as such in all locations in Scripture. No where is this holy feast referred to as "days" (pleural) of Atonement.
There are only four references to the "Day of Atonement" in Scripture and each is written by the hand of Moses as He was instructed by Yahuwah. Certainly, he would not have intentionally contradicted himself in four statements he made regarding the "tenth" being the "Day of Atonement," when he recorded Leviticus 23:32, and the reference to the term "ninth."
- Leviticus 16:29-31 – “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.”
- Leviticus 23:27-31 – “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”
- Leviticus 25:9-10 – “Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family.”
- Numbers 29:7-11 – “On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work. 8 You shall present a burnt offering to the LORD as a sweet aroma: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year. Be sure they are without blemish.”
Hebrew reckoning of time is inclusive, which literally means that any portion of a day is referred to as a whole day, and would be counted and documented as such.
For those who believe a "day" commences at dusk:
Example:
For those who believe a "day" commences at dusk:
- If the reference in Leviticus 23:32, is as has been assumed to be the “ninth” civil calendar date (#8672), and was intended by Moses to begin at dusk, then 12 hours of this calendar date of the “ninth” would be inclusive. In other words, this feast known as “Day” of Atonement, to be accurately recorded, must be called the “Days of Atonement,” or the two day feast of Atonement.
- If the reference in Leviticus 23:32, is as has been assumed to be the “ninth” civil calendar date (#8672), and was intended by Moses to begin at sunrise, then a full 12 hours followed by 4 night watches would need to be added to the civil calendar date of the “tenth” of Ethanim. As a result, it would be a “two day feast.”
However if this were the case, it would have been consistently recorded in all referenced passages as being a two day feast. But is this the case? Not even once. It simply cannot be both ways, a two day feast and a one day feast. It is one or the other. There is simply no evidence that the "Day of Atonement" was ever intended to be held on any portion of the "ninth civil calendar date."
The first Scriptural reference to the holy feast "Day of Atonement" is found in Leviticus 16:29. Yet it speaks only of the "tenth" counting from New Moon, and there is not even a word about the "ninth" or a single hint to a previous day, morning, night or evening. Also, please notice in Leviticus 16:29 that it is on the tenth counting from New Moon that they were to "afflict their souls, and do no work". This was not to be done on the "ninth." Also, Leviticus 16:30 states that, "on that day, the priest shall make atonement for you." Notice that this is referring to the "tenth" day that Israel was to afflict or humble their souls, and not on any other day.
Leviticus 25:9-10 states that every fiftieth year the Jubilee was to commence on the "tenth" calendar date of the Seventh Month, counting from the New Moon, on the "Day of Atonement." Notice that this verse is silent with regards to a "ninth" calendar date. In its blatant silence, volumes are spoken that the feast "Day of Atonement" was ordained and appointed to occupy the calendar date of the "tenth."
When in doubt, we can apply the principle of Scripture's weight of evidence. Four times Moses states that the "tenth day" is the Day of Atonement a holy convocation. One time (Leviticus 23:32) within these four separate statements, a secondary reference is made to the "ninth or turn to the tenth." But where is the weight of evidence? The evidence overwhelmingly defines the "tenth" to be the "Day of Atonement".
So three questions remain:
Each of the four Scriptures listed above contain qualifiers, certifying that the feast "Day of Atonement" occupies only the "daylight hours." This is because the term "day" (yowm) #3117 "warm hours of the day" is included each time Atonement is mentioned. This feast day in question, could easily have been called "night of atonement," if it were truly to occupy the darkness of night. Strikingly, Numbers 29:7-8 does not overtly state the word (yowm) #3117 "warm hours of the day" but rather it goes into detail regarding all the sacrifices to be administered:
The first Scriptural reference to the holy feast "Day of Atonement" is found in Leviticus 16:29. Yet it speaks only of the "tenth" counting from New Moon, and there is not even a word about the "ninth" or a single hint to a previous day, morning, night or evening. Also, please notice in Leviticus 16:29 that it is on the tenth counting from New Moon that they were to "afflict their souls, and do no work". This was not to be done on the "ninth." Also, Leviticus 16:30 states that, "on that day, the priest shall make atonement for you." Notice that this is referring to the "tenth" day that Israel was to afflict or humble their souls, and not on any other day.
Leviticus 25:9-10 states that every fiftieth year the Jubilee was to commence on the "tenth" calendar date of the Seventh Month, counting from the New Moon, on the "Day of Atonement." Notice that this verse is silent with regards to a "ninth" calendar date. In its blatant silence, volumes are spoken that the feast "Day of Atonement" was ordained and appointed to occupy the calendar date of the "tenth."
When in doubt, we can apply the principle of Scripture's weight of evidence. Four times Moses states that the "tenth day" is the Day of Atonement a holy convocation. One time (Leviticus 23:32) within these four separate statements, a secondary reference is made to the "ninth or turn to the tenth." But where is the weight of evidence? The evidence overwhelmingly defines the "tenth" to be the "Day of Atonement".
So three questions remain:
1) Are these four statements, which are all written by the hand of Moses, to be brought into harmony with a single statement, which on the surface appears to refer to the precise moment the ninth calendar date turns to the tenth?
2) Should one hold to the weight of evidence and ignore altogether this single reference to the word tesha` #8672 "ninth or turn to the tenth?"
3) Is there another option? There appears another option, this being that one can firmly hold to the weight of evidence, while seeking how the term, referred to as the "ninth or turn to the tenth" was intended by Moses to clarify the precise moment at which the "tenth" calendar date was to commence on this most holy and sacred feast, Day of Atonement?
2) Should one hold to the weight of evidence and ignore altogether this single reference to the word tesha` #8672 "ninth or turn to the tenth?"
3) Is there another option? There appears another option, this being that one can firmly hold to the weight of evidence, while seeking how the term, referred to as the "ninth or turn to the tenth" was intended by Moses to clarify the precise moment at which the "tenth" calendar date was to commence on this most holy and sacred feast, Day of Atonement?
Each of the four Scriptures listed above contain qualifiers, certifying that the feast "Day of Atonement" occupies only the "daylight hours." This is because the term "day" (yowm) #3117 "warm hours of the day" is included each time Atonement is mentioned. This feast day in question, could easily have been called "night of atonement," if it were truly to occupy the darkness of night. Strikingly, Numbers 29:7-8 does not overtly state the word (yowm) #3117 "warm hours of the day" but rather it goes into detail regarding all the sacrifices to be administered:
On the tenth (day was added by translators) of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work. You shall present a burnt offering to the LORD as a sweet aroma: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year. Be sure they are without blemish. Their grain offering shall be of fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for the bull, two-tenths for the one ram, and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; also one kid of the goats as a sin offering, besides the sin offering for atonement, the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, and their drink offerings. Numbers 29:7-11
These are an immense amount of sacrifices to be accomplished. Remember it was to be a holy convocation and an assembly of all the people. All were to be present and accounted for during all the sacrifices for the purpose of humbling their hearts in repentance and confession of sin. The sacrifices alone would have taken a minimum of three hours as the work was to be done by the High Priest. Would the heavenly Father require these sacrifices to commence at sunset, when visibility was dwindling, and following a long day of work, when men, women and children were tired and in need of rest? If on the other hand this Feast event commenced at sunrise, everyone would be fresh and ready to focus on the magnitude of the event at hand. The High Priest and his assistants would have full visibility, and all could freely attend the assembly. Ironically, what then would be the purpose of commencing any portion of this event on the "ninth?" I ask this question because there is not one single mention of either sacrificing, or humbling and afflicting souls until the "tenth." Perhaps, what isn't said speaks equally as loud as what is said regarding the "ninth" or "turn to the tenth."
Whenever a civil calendar date is used in counting from the New Moon it is always referring to the daylight followed by the night, unless there is a qualifier such as the word day or night, or even unto even. In the case of the word "ninth," neither the word "day" nor "night" are present as qualifiers, so it must be handled as a whole civil day, which would include both the day and the night. Therefore, if the "ninth" is to be included in with the "tenth" for the Day of Atonement as many believe, this would cause the feast, which is defined as a "day" to occupy a full civil calendar date plus the daylight hours of the "tenth day." So where does the discrepancy lie?
Calendar Dates Like Pages of a Book
Have you ever considered that "civil calendar dates" can be illustrated like pages in a book? For example, a civil calendar date is divided into two halves, such as when a book is open and there are two pages facing up. With books we give each page a separate number, but with civil calendar dates the two halves, "daylight and night," have the same calendar date. Together the day and the night make up the entire civil calendar date.
Whenever a civil calendar date is used in counting from the New Moon it is always referring to the daylight followed by the night, unless there is a qualifier such as the word day or night, or even unto even. In the case of the word "ninth," neither the word "day" nor "night" are present as qualifiers, so it must be handled as a whole civil day, which would include both the day and the night. Therefore, if the "ninth" is to be included in with the "tenth" for the Day of Atonement as many believe, this would cause the feast, which is defined as a "day" to occupy a full civil calendar date plus the daylight hours of the "tenth day." So where does the discrepancy lie?
Calendar Dates Like Pages of a Book
Have you ever considered that "civil calendar dates" can be illustrated like pages in a book? For example, a civil calendar date is divided into two halves, such as when a book is open and there are two pages facing up. With books we give each page a separate number, but with civil calendar dates the two halves, "daylight and night," have the same calendar date. Together the day and the night make up the entire civil calendar date.
When you are done reading both pages that face you, you simply turn the page. With civil calendar dates, first comes the daylight followed by the night. While the night encompasses both periods of twilight, at its beginning and end, it ultimately comes to a close at precisely sunrise. If these were pages of a book, the turning of the page would represent sunrise. Notice that no page needs to turn at sunset, for the new beginning occurs at sunrise when the page symbolically is turned. A new civil calendar date begins when the first rays of the sun break forth and clothe the day. It is only then that a new "day" has begun along with a whole new "civil calendar date."
Analogy:
Imagine for a moment, a parent reading a story-book to a child. They are sitting with the book open on their lap. The book has a different image along with the text on each page. As each page is read, the images are also enjoyed. One page after another is read. After each page is read they quickly turn to the next page, to the next full open book position. The same is true after reading page 9 (illustrated below), the page is quickly turned to the full 10th page. While the page is being turned, and is in the straight up position, if asked what page they are on, they would naturally state, "page 10." The reason is that they had already completed reading text and viewing the images on page 9, and fully ready to commence the reading and viewing of page 10.
Imagine for a moment, a parent reading a story-book to a child. They are sitting with the book open on their lap. The book has a different image along with the text on each page. As each page is read, the images are also enjoyed. One page after another is read. After each page is read they quickly turn to the next page, to the next full open book position. The same is true after reading page 9 (illustrated below), the page is quickly turned to the full 10th page. While the page is being turned, and is in the straight up position, if asked what page they are on, they would naturally state, "page 10." The reason is that they had already completed reading text and viewing the images on page 9, and fully ready to commence the reading and viewing of page 10.
Example:
The image in the middle best illustrates what appears to be intended by Moses with reference to the "ninth or turn to the full number ten."
If you are studying only from a Bible translation, the word "day" will be seen in the text following the word "ninth." However, this word was added by the translators as they tried to bring meaning to the verse. In most cases this only confuses the truth. If we use any part of the civil calendar date of the "ninth" we must use the entire 24 hours. So, here again is a question. "Is the "Day of Atonement" on the "ninth" or on the "tenth," or both? If indeed "Day of Atonement" is on both, then please explain Leviticus 23:26-31, where it repeatedly refers to the "tenth?"
Is it possible that the "Day of Atonement" occupies the portion of time from the "ninth" at dark to the "tenth" at dark? It has been up until recently my historical belief that the "Day of Atonement" began with sunset of the "ninth" and ended at the sunset of the "tenth." Just because I held it as truth for a long time does not make it truth. But like so many things that are now being revealed, of necessity we must consider all the options. The truth is usually found within the "weight of evidence." If it were precisely from dark on the "ninth" to dark on the "tenth" then can it really be declared that the "Day of Atonement" is on the "tenth" counting from New Moon, if we are also including a portion of the 9th calendar date? This suggests a dark to dark position of 24 hours consisting of 12 hours of the night of the "ninth" and 12 hours of the daylight of the "tenth." Some of you may be thinking that this is absurd, as the Jews and other Sabbatarians already keep their days from sunset to sunset and reckon it all as the same civil calendar date. While this is true, the weight of evidence in Scripture does not teach a sunset to sunset "day" or "civil calendar date."
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does the Day Begin?"
When a calendar date is given, it refers to a full daylight followed by a complete night beginning at sunrise and ending the following sunrise. Because the term "ninth" #8672 tesha` is used in Leviticus 23:32, it appears to be highlighting a whole calendar date from sunrise to sunrise.
For example: When the children of Israel were led out of Egypt on the 15th. It was referring to a full civil calendar date. We know this to be true, because the day portion of the 15th was the Sabbath, then Yahuwah led Israel out of Egypt by night on that same civil calendar date, when the Sabbath was passed.
Some believe that the word immediately following the word "ninth" in Leviticus 23:32 is the word "day." Remember, as stated earlier the word "day" was supplied, and does not belong. The word immediately following the word "ninth" is the word "chodesh" which means New Moon or lunar month. So either it says, "as the ninth turns to the tenth of the New Moon" or "as the ninth turns to the tenth of the lunar month." Either way it is referring to the count from the beginning of the lunar month, and is clarifying the moment the change occurs from the "ninth to the tenth."
A Fast or a Feast Day?
"Day of Atonement" is listed here in Leviticus 23 as one of the sacred holy appointed feasts. Yet many have followed the customs and traditions of men that seek to honor the heavenly Father Yahuwah by doing something that He has not sanctioned, such as fasting on a feast day. In both Leviticus 23:28 and Leviticus 23:31, the "Day of Atonement" is specified to be a day to honor Yahuwah by holding a feast, and not one single Hebrew word even alludes to fasting.
The purpose of this feast as stated in Leviticus 23:27 is to be a formal rehearsal to confess sin and receive forgiveness because of Yahushua's great sacrifice and His extended grace toward us. It is self-evident with regards to the very nature of this feast that it was not abolished at the cross. This is because confession of sins is still very much a current necessity among believers today. As long as there are sinners on earth, there is sin and a need of confession and forgiveness. As long as Christ our Priestly intercessor stands before His Father, the door of mercy remains open. The ministry of restoration of souls to Himself continues in the heavenly Sanctuary, as a perpetual daily and yearly event.
Does the Sabbath and Day of Atonement Occupy the Same Portion of Time?
Are both the "seventh-day Sabbath" and the "Day of Atonement" to occupy the same portion of a full "civil calendar date," but on their respective days of the week? It has already been discovered that the Sabbath commences at sunrise, contrary to the traditions of the modern Jews and other Sabbatarians.
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does a Day Begin?"
If the answer is yes, then both would occupy only a 12 hour period from sunrise to sunset.
Moses was instructed by Yahuwah to sacrifice two lambs each day. One was to be sacrificed in the morning and the other in the evening. This was the order of each day's sacrifices. Morning and evening, sunrise and sunset, at the exchange of light for darkness and darkness for light. . . In this way the Lord was showing His people that the day began at sunrise. There is no record that states the first lamb each day was sacrificed at sunset (evening), other than for the feast of Passover, which contains a whole different ideology.
Deuteronomy clarifies that "the going down of the sun" (sunset) is the beginning of "twilight."
Evidence from the Resurrection
Summary of All four Parts:
Part 1 - Time to Commence the Sabbath
Part 2 - What Even is and When Even is?
By learning what "even" is not, clarification is given to what it is.
Part 3 - "From Even unto Even"
Part 4 - Day of Atonement, Is it the Ninth or Tenth?
If you are studying only from a Bible translation, the word "day" will be seen in the text following the word "ninth." However, this word was added by the translators as they tried to bring meaning to the verse. In most cases this only confuses the truth. If we use any part of the civil calendar date of the "ninth" we must use the entire 24 hours. So, here again is a question. "Is the "Day of Atonement" on the "ninth" or on the "tenth," or both? If indeed "Day of Atonement" is on both, then please explain Leviticus 23:26-31, where it repeatedly refers to the "tenth?"
Is it possible that the "Day of Atonement" occupies the portion of time from the "ninth" at dark to the "tenth" at dark? It has been up until recently my historical belief that the "Day of Atonement" began with sunset of the "ninth" and ended at the sunset of the "tenth." Just because I held it as truth for a long time does not make it truth. But like so many things that are now being revealed, of necessity we must consider all the options. The truth is usually found within the "weight of evidence." If it were precisely from dark on the "ninth" to dark on the "tenth" then can it really be declared that the "Day of Atonement" is on the "tenth" counting from New Moon, if we are also including a portion of the 9th calendar date? This suggests a dark to dark position of 24 hours consisting of 12 hours of the night of the "ninth" and 12 hours of the daylight of the "tenth." Some of you may be thinking that this is absurd, as the Jews and other Sabbatarians already keep their days from sunset to sunset and reckon it all as the same civil calendar date. While this is true, the weight of evidence in Scripture does not teach a sunset to sunset "day" or "civil calendar date."
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does the Day Begin?"
When a calendar date is given, it refers to a full daylight followed by a complete night beginning at sunrise and ending the following sunrise. Because the term "ninth" #8672 tesha` is used in Leviticus 23:32, it appears to be highlighting a whole calendar date from sunrise to sunrise.
For example: When the children of Israel were led out of Egypt on the 15th. It was referring to a full civil calendar date. We know this to be true, because the day portion of the 15th was the Sabbath, then Yahuwah led Israel out of Egypt by night on that same civil calendar date, when the Sabbath was passed.
Some believe that the word immediately following the word "ninth" in Leviticus 23:32 is the word "day." Remember, as stated earlier the word "day" was supplied, and does not belong. The word immediately following the word "ninth" is the word "chodesh" which means New Moon or lunar month. So either it says, "as the ninth turns to the tenth of the New Moon" or "as the ninth turns to the tenth of the lunar month." Either way it is referring to the count from the beginning of the lunar month, and is clarifying the moment the change occurs from the "ninth to the tenth."
A Fast or a Feast Day?
"Day of Atonement" is listed here in Leviticus 23 as one of the sacred holy appointed feasts. Yet many have followed the customs and traditions of men that seek to honor the heavenly Father Yahuwah by doing something that He has not sanctioned, such as fasting on a feast day. In both Leviticus 23:28 and Leviticus 23:31, the "Day of Atonement" is specified to be a day to honor Yahuwah by holding a feast, and not one single Hebrew word even alludes to fasting.
The purpose of this feast as stated in Leviticus 23:27 is to be a formal rehearsal to confess sin and receive forgiveness because of Yahushua's great sacrifice and His extended grace toward us. It is self-evident with regards to the very nature of this feast that it was not abolished at the cross. This is because confession of sins is still very much a current necessity among believers today. As long as there are sinners on earth, there is sin and a need of confession and forgiveness. As long as Christ our Priestly intercessor stands before His Father, the door of mercy remains open. The ministry of restoration of souls to Himself continues in the heavenly Sanctuary, as a perpetual daily and yearly event.
Does the Sabbath and Day of Atonement Occupy the Same Portion of Time?
Are both the "seventh-day Sabbath" and the "Day of Atonement" to occupy the same portion of a full "civil calendar date," but on their respective days of the week? It has already been discovered that the Sabbath commences at sunrise, contrary to the traditions of the modern Jews and other Sabbatarians.
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does a Day Begin?"
From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord's name is to be praised. Psalms 113:3 NKJV
The Mighty One, God the Lord, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth. Psalms 50:1-2 NKJV
For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations," says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:11 NKJV
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. John 11:9 NKJV
The Mighty One, God the Lord, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God will shine forth. Psalms 50:1-2 NKJV
For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations," says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:11 NKJV
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. John 11:9 NKJV
If the answer is yes, then both would occupy only a 12 hour period from sunrise to sunset.
Moses was instructed by Yahuwah to sacrifice two lambs each day. One was to be sacrificed in the morning and the other in the evening. This was the order of each day's sacrifices. Morning and evening, sunrise and sunset, at the exchange of light for darkness and darkness for light. . . In this way the Lord was showing His people that the day began at sunrise. There is no record that states the first lamb each day was sacrificed at sunset (evening), other than for the feast of Passover, which contains a whole different ideology.
One lamb you shall offer in the morning and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight Exodus 29:39-40 NKJV
Deuteronomy clarifies that "the going down of the sun" (sunset) is the beginning of "twilight."
. . .there you shall sacrifice the Passover at twilight, at the going down of the sun. . .
Deut 16:6 NKJV
Deut 16:6 NKJV
Darkness was always equated with spiritual blindness and evil. All illustrations and word pictures used by Yahushua depict that He was present in the light. Light was truth, and light had no partnership with darkness.
So the question is, "what day of the month is the feast "Day of Atonement?" May your decision be that which is based on Scripture's weight of evidence?
So the question is, "what day of the month is the feast "Day of Atonement?" May your decision be that which is based on Scripture's weight of evidence?
Evidence from the Resurrection
According to most New Testament Bible translations, it is implied that our Savior, Yahushua, was resurrected "early in the morning" on the first day of the week, at which time the tomb was found by the women to be empty. However, the Greek word "proi" #4404 identifies this phrase "early in the morning" instead to mean- "the Fourth Watch of the night," and not the morning at all. Matthew 20:1; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1-2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1.
So what difference does this make? Contrary to the tradition of the Jews and Saturday Sabbatarians, the weight of evidence in Scripture declares that the night is always the second half of a civil calendar date, rather than the first half (Genesis 1:1-5). Since night was ordained to follow daylight, then the Fourth Watch of the night was the very last portion of the civil calendar date of the 16th, a prophetic criteria that the true Messiah was to meet. The Fourth Watch of the night is synonymous with the twilight of dawn. The assumption that the day commences at sunset and terminates the following sunset has withheld the Jews and Saturday Sabbatarians from perceiving, that indeed Christ was in the tomb three days and three nights. In addition, those following Roman time-keeping, are also not able to rightly divide the ordained division of days, and solve Christ's riddle of three days and three nights.
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does the Day Begin?"
One empirical truth is that Christ our Savior was resurrected on the 16th lunar civil calendar date of Abib, which was the first day of the lunar week. However, His resurrection implicitly occurred during the Fourth Watch of the night of the 16th. This added an additional (24 hour) solar revolution of time in which He was retained in the tomb. Christ's resurrection precisely fulfilled the typified service of the Feast of First Fruits, also known as the Wave Sheaf Offering, occurring on the 16th civil calendar date of Abib (Leviticus 23:11). The weight of evidence declares that Christ was resurrected during the "night" that followed the daylight of the 16th of Abib, and not during the night that followed the daylight of the 15th. From earth's darkest hour, when all hope seemed gone, our Savior was called forth, while it was yet dark, demonstrating that He was truly the "light of the world." It was through Him, and Him alone, that the shackles of darkness and sin in this world was to be broken, that the pure and unadulterated light of truth and righteousness may shine forth to all who would receive it.
It has always been assumed that Mary went to the tomb to embalm her Savior just before the sunrise of the 16th. Is it conceivable that Mary and the other women may have specifically waited until both the seventh-day Sabbath and the Feast of First Fruits were past prior to setting out for the tomb during the Fourth Watch of the night on the 16th rather than the 15th?
So what difference does this make? Contrary to the tradition of the Jews and Saturday Sabbatarians, the weight of evidence in Scripture declares that the night is always the second half of a civil calendar date, rather than the first half (Genesis 1:1-5). Since night was ordained to follow daylight, then the Fourth Watch of the night was the very last portion of the civil calendar date of the 16th, a prophetic criteria that the true Messiah was to meet. The Fourth Watch of the night is synonymous with the twilight of dawn. The assumption that the day commences at sunset and terminates the following sunset has withheld the Jews and Saturday Sabbatarians from perceiving, that indeed Christ was in the tomb three days and three nights. In addition, those following Roman time-keeping, are also not able to rightly divide the ordained division of days, and solve Christ's riddle of three days and three nights.
Refer to article, "Sunrise or Sunset, When Does the Day Begin?"
One empirical truth is that Christ our Savior was resurrected on the 16th lunar civil calendar date of Abib, which was the first day of the lunar week. However, His resurrection implicitly occurred during the Fourth Watch of the night of the 16th. This added an additional (24 hour) solar revolution of time in which He was retained in the tomb. Christ's resurrection precisely fulfilled the typified service of the Feast of First Fruits, also known as the Wave Sheaf Offering, occurring on the 16th civil calendar date of Abib (Leviticus 23:11). The weight of evidence declares that Christ was resurrected during the "night" that followed the daylight of the 16th of Abib, and not during the night that followed the daylight of the 15th. From earth's darkest hour, when all hope seemed gone, our Savior was called forth, while it was yet dark, demonstrating that He was truly the "light of the world." It was through Him, and Him alone, that the shackles of darkness and sin in this world was to be broken, that the pure and unadulterated light of truth and righteousness may shine forth to all who would receive it.
It has always been assumed that Mary went to the tomb to embalm her Savior just before the sunrise of the 16th. Is it conceivable that Mary and the other women may have specifically waited until both the seventh-day Sabbath and the Feast of First Fruits were past prior to setting out for the tomb during the Fourth Watch of the night on the 16th rather than the 15th?
Click chart to enlarge
Later, on the walk to Emmaus, the disciples told Christ that it was now the third day since the crucifixion. This walk took place on the 2nd work-day of the week, the 17th of the lunar month, rather than the 16th of the month (Luke 24:17-21). Several years later, when describing the resurrection, Paul called Christ the "first fruits of them that sleep" and stated that He was buried and rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 20-23).
The riddle given by the Messiah Himself just prior to the crucifixion can only be solved if both a "day" and a "lunar civil calendar date" commence at sunrise, rather than midnight or sunset. Anything short of using the correct commencement of "day" principles and the true meaning of the Greek word "proi," Fourth Watch of the night, will total less than the three days followed by three nights. By default, all who follow Gregorian time keeping or Jewish sunset to sunset reckoning, declare our Savior, Christ Yahushua, to be a liar for stating He would be in tomb three days and three nights. There is only one way to achieve three days and three nights and rightly divide them- the days must commence at sunrise.
The most profound point defined in this break down of events is the confirmation that a Scriptural "day" commences at sunrise rather than sunset. "Civil calendar dates" include both a "day" and a "night," which terminate following the Fourth Watch of the night, at precisely sunrise (Psalms 90:4). Each night is measured by four watches and not by hours. By rightly dividing the "day," Christ Yahushua's riddle can be solved.
The riddle given by the Messiah Himself just prior to the crucifixion can only be solved if both a "day" and a "lunar civil calendar date" commence at sunrise, rather than midnight or sunset. Anything short of using the correct commencement of "day" principles and the true meaning of the Greek word "proi," Fourth Watch of the night, will total less than the three days followed by three nights. By default, all who follow Gregorian time keeping or Jewish sunset to sunset reckoning, declare our Savior, Christ Yahushua, to be a liar for stating He would be in tomb three days and three nights. There is only one way to achieve three days and three nights and rightly divide them- the days must commence at sunrise.
The most profound point defined in this break down of events is the confirmation that a Scriptural "day" commences at sunrise rather than sunset. "Civil calendar dates" include both a "day" and a "night," which terminate following the Fourth Watch of the night, at precisely sunrise (Psalms 90:4). Each night is measured by four watches and not by hours. By rightly dividing the "day," Christ Yahushua's riddle can be solved.
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? John 11:9 NKJV
Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-- Mark 13:35 NKJV (Note: These are the words of Christ depicting by name the four watches of the night.)
Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-- Mark 13:35 NKJV (Note: These are the words of Christ depicting by name the four watches of the night.)
In the final analysis, the Day of Atonement occupies the same period of time as the seventh-day Sabbath, of which its parameters are from sunrise to sunset on the "tenth" of Ethanim of the lunisolar calendar of creation.
Summary of All four Parts:
Part 1 - Time to Commence the Sabbath
Every point upon which the early advent people based their decision for the location of the seventh-day Sabbath was erroneous except for one. The fact that the holy Sabbath was to be the seventh-day was undeniably correct, but even in this they used the wrong calendar for locating the seventh-day. They never did discover the truth as to the meaning of "from even unto even," as set forth by the angel. From their assumptions and errors we can know what "from even unto even" was not. Perhaps the greatest clue towards solving this riddle was in the admonition the angel used, which were words of instruction and not words of confirmation. The choice of words "from even unto even" was directly describing the portion of time for the holy appointed feast "Day of Atonement." Yet, these exact same time parameters were given by the angel for locating the starting and ending points for Yahuwah's holy seventh-day Sabbath as well. In this way heaven forever linked these two as occupying the same portion of time, but on their respective civil calendar dates. This linking together of the time parameters for both the seventh-day Sabbath and the Day of Atonement, establish weighty evidence for the contemporary importance and continued viability of all the holy appointed feast days.
Part 2 - What Even is and When Even is?
By learning what "even" is not, clarification is given to what it is.
- Based on Scriptural evidence, the sacred hours of the seventh-day Sabbath, or Day of Atonement, can only be located with the luni-solar calendar.
- Based on the evidence the “seventh-day Sabbath as well as the “Day of Atonement,” occupy only the daylight, a period of 12 hours from sunrise to sunset.
The total sum of these points gives weighty evidence that "even" equals "the exchange of light at sunrise and sunset". The "day" is the sunlit portion of a civil calendar date occupying the period from the moment of sunrise and terminating at sunset.
The "Day of Atonement," according to the instruction of the angel, occupies the same portion of time as the seventh-day Sabbath, only on its respective calendar date of the "tenth". The "day" is "from exchange until exchange" or "from sunrise until sunset."
The "Day of Atonement," according to the instruction of the angel, occupies the same portion of time as the seventh-day Sabbath, only on its respective calendar date of the "tenth". The "day" is "from exchange until exchange" or "from sunrise until sunset."
Part 3 - "From Even unto Even"
The phrase "from even unto even" means "from twilight to twilight" or "from sunrise to sunset." This occupies the daylight hours from sunrise (Point A) to sunset (point B). "From even unto even" therefore, occupies only a twelve hour period of time in contrast to a whole twenty-four hour calendar date, as has been assumed by many. This phrase is referencing only the daylight for the "Day of Atonement," in the same way the Sabbath is to occupy the daylight only, and not have any part of the darkness of night, not even a mingling of light and dark as in dawn and dusk. Rather, the period in question is from dawn to dusk, but not including them.
By default the mere fact the Day of Atonement is spoken of as a "day" is weighty evidence that it occupies the daylight hours only. In contrast a civil calendar date occupies twelve hours of daylight, but is also followed by the four watches of the night.
By default the mere fact the Day of Atonement is spoken of as a "day" is weighty evidence that it occupies the daylight hours only. In contrast a civil calendar date occupies twelve hours of daylight, but is also followed by the four watches of the night.
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
John 11:9 NKJV
John 11:9 NKJV
Part 4 - Day of Atonement, Is it the Ninth or Tenth?
In four separate Scriptures, Moses has recorded that the "Day of Atonement" is located on the "tenth" of the month and occupies this calendar date alone. In one place there is a solitary reference to the term "ninth," which in Hebrew specifies "a turn to the full number ten." Moses leaves no room for error as he qualifies that the portion of the "tenth" day to be kept as a most holy and solemn event is from the exact moment the "ninth calendar date turns to the tenth," "from sunrise (even) unto sunset (even)." Each sacrifice and requirement of humility to be performed by Israel on this most sacred and holy "Day of Atonement" was specified to be done on the "tenth" of the month, during the daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.
As a "nail in a sure place," the facts from the resurrection of Christ Yahushua provide weighty evidence that all days commenced at sunrise, while the civil calendar date occupied the period from sunrise to sunrise. Each of the four gospels record that Mary came to the tomb during what is phrased as "early in the morning" or "dawn." Many have assumed this meant sunrise, but it is identified in Greek using the Strong's Concordance, as the "fourth watch of the night." This period of time is not the start of anything, but is the very end, the last or Fourth Watch of the night. The only possible method for success in meeting the criteria of Christ's riddle regarding his being in the tomb three days and three nights is by reckoning the day from sunrise to sunset and a civil lunar calendar date from sunrise to sunrise. It is simply impossible to fulfill the criteria of this period with a midnight to midnight, or sunset to sunset theory. All the truths of Scripture must be in harmony with all the other facts. Simply because something has been believed for thousands of years does not make it a fact or undisputable truth of Scripture. The evidence from the cross becomes definitive confirmation for the Sabbath and Day of Atonement puzzle.
In contending for the truth as to when to commence both the Sabbath and the holy appointed Day of Atonement, it has become apparent that a twelve hour day applies to every day of the week, including these holy days. The Day of Atonement was ordained to be a one day event, occurring on the 10th day of the Seventh Month, from sunrise to sunset.
As a "nail in a sure place," the facts from the resurrection of Christ Yahushua provide weighty evidence that all days commenced at sunrise, while the civil calendar date occupied the period from sunrise to sunrise. Each of the four gospels record that Mary came to the tomb during what is phrased as "early in the morning" or "dawn." Many have assumed this meant sunrise, but it is identified in Greek using the Strong's Concordance, as the "fourth watch of the night." This period of time is not the start of anything, but is the very end, the last or Fourth Watch of the night. The only possible method for success in meeting the criteria of Christ's riddle regarding his being in the tomb three days and three nights is by reckoning the day from sunrise to sunset and a civil lunar calendar date from sunrise to sunrise. It is simply impossible to fulfill the criteria of this period with a midnight to midnight, or sunset to sunset theory. All the truths of Scripture must be in harmony with all the other facts. Simply because something has been believed for thousands of years does not make it a fact or undisputable truth of Scripture. The evidence from the cross becomes definitive confirmation for the Sabbath and Day of Atonement puzzle.
In contending for the truth as to when to commence both the Sabbath and the holy appointed Day of Atonement, it has become apparent that a twelve hour day applies to every day of the week, including these holy days. The Day of Atonement was ordained to be a one day event, occurring on the 10th day of the Seventh Month, from sunrise to sunset.
"Observe an appointed feast and do neither any manner of work, for this is a commandment and statute, to be enacted at its appointed time; perpetually, without end, remaining for all time and sojourning." Leviticus 23:31 Hebrew Word Study Version
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May Yahuwah continue to bless you as you diligently seek Him.
Kerrie L. French
Freelance writer/Illustrator