Book 5 Endnotes
[i] The word used here is πόρνης (porné) which is defined as prostitute or harlot and metaphorically means idolatrous community. There are various translations of this: NIV uses the great prostitute, NKJV has the great harlot, KJV translates to the great whore. These all have the same meaning, but perhaps with different perceptions and connotations to our modern ear. Using the word “Whore” is more of a pejorative and assaults some sensibilities. Certainly, the Whore of Babylon is very familiar, widely used and an accurate and appropriate description. Here we will use the NIV’s translation, mainly to keep the commentary in sync with the text used.
[ii] A full discussion of the feasts of Israel and their relationship to Christ would require a book all its own and, indeed, several such have been written. But a summary is in order here. There are seven annual feasts given in Leviticus 23 for the Israelites, four in the Spring and three in the fall. The Spring feasts were closely tied to events near the end of Christ’s first coming, while the three Autumn feasts play significant roles in his second. This alone should show plainly that the Jews were and remain God’s people. We Christians are grafted on, but the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29-32).
The Spring Feasts:
Pesach (Passover)
Chag HaMotzi (Unleavened Bread)
Reshit Katzir (First Fruits)
Shavu’ot (Pentecost – Summer harvest)
Christ was crucified on Passover, buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, resurrected on First Fruits, and gave the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Christ is the Passover lamb and God’s instrument for salvation of everyone as Passover was for salvation of the Jews from the Egyptians. Christ is the bread of the covenant and the bread of life, the first fruits of those resurrected, and the giver of the Holy Spirit, the means of harvest of God’s people.
The Autumn Feasts:
Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) preparation for the Day of Atonement, The Seven Trumpets
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement - redemption) Turning of the Jews to the Messiah at his return (see Zechariah 12:10)
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Harvest Festival) - rejoicing that God’s dwelling place is with man. Nations whose soldiers fought at Jerusalem come to Jerusalem to worship God.
Christ’s return is preceded by the Wrath of God, the period of the Seven Trumpets. This is the last period in which those who are not God’s can repent before his return. When the Messiah comes (or returns), the Jews will, according to Zechariah, look on him whom they have pierced and mourn, leading them to recognize him (Zechariah 12:10). Finally, as we see in Revelation 21:3, God’s dwelling place is now with man and always will be. The reason the survivors of the nations will go to Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths (Sukkot) is to participate fully in God now dwelling with men.
[ii] A full discussion of the feasts of Israel and their relationship to Christ would require a book all its own and, indeed, several such have been written. But a summary is in order here. There are seven annual feasts given in Leviticus 23 for the Israelites, four in the Spring and three in the fall. The Spring feasts were closely tied to events near the end of Christ’s first coming, while the three Autumn feasts play significant roles in his second. This alone should show plainly that the Jews were and remain God’s people. We Christians are grafted on, but the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29-32).
The Spring Feasts:
Pesach (Passover)
Chag HaMotzi (Unleavened Bread)
Reshit Katzir (First Fruits)
Shavu’ot (Pentecost – Summer harvest)
Christ was crucified on Passover, buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, resurrected on First Fruits, and gave the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Christ is the Passover lamb and God’s instrument for salvation of everyone as Passover was for salvation of the Jews from the Egyptians. Christ is the bread of the covenant and the bread of life, the first fruits of those resurrected, and the giver of the Holy Spirit, the means of harvest of God’s people.
The Autumn Feasts:
Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) preparation for the Day of Atonement, The Seven Trumpets
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement - redemption) Turning of the Jews to the Messiah at his return (see Zechariah 12:10)
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Harvest Festival) - rejoicing that God’s dwelling place is with man. Nations whose soldiers fought at Jerusalem come to Jerusalem to worship God.
Christ’s return is preceded by the Wrath of God, the period of the Seven Trumpets. This is the last period in which those who are not God’s can repent before his return. When the Messiah comes (or returns), the Jews will, according to Zechariah, look on him whom they have pierced and mourn, leading them to recognize him (Zechariah 12:10). Finally, as we see in Revelation 21:3, God’s dwelling place is now with man and always will be. The reason the survivors of the nations will go to Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths (Sukkot) is to participate fully in God now dwelling with men.
