Atonement (Yom Kippur) & Tabernacles (Sukkot): Understanding God’s Appointed Times
As we approach the appointed times outlined in Leviticus 23, the questions start coming. Last night, my 11-year-old son began asking questions, and what a delightful time it was to unravel the mysteries with him of these feast days—Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Tabernacles (Sukkot).
His question was, “Was there a major event that happened that we celebrate Yom Kippur and Atonement?” The teacher in me turned the question back on him, and away we went, searching the Scriptures to find the answers, along with his 14-year-old sister, who wanted to know as well.
It’s not that we haven’t done these feasts all their lives. But these are spiritual concepts that, as much as they are “taught,” also have to be “caught” by their spiritual man. Is it any wonder that Yehovah/God has us repeat the Sabbath every week, pointing to His prophetic promises? And as we keep His appointed times throughout the year, we see more depth and more angles to these prophetic holy days that we celebrate year after year.
It never gets old!
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur is one of those appointed times. It is a day when we are commanded to “afflict our souls,” and it is to be a Sabbath day. No work is to be done on this day. Many people fast on Yom Kippur, and when feeling hungry, it can be a reminder to search our hearts, seek repentance, and humble ourselves before God.
The instructions for the Day of Atonement are found throughout the Scriptures, including Leviticus 23:27-32, Numbers 29:7-11, and Leviticus 16:1-34.
The High Priest and the Day of Atonement
In the time of the Tabernacle and the Temple, the high priest would wash himself and dress in linen apparel. He would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself and for the children of Israel. Two goats were selected by casting lots. One goat was sacrificed, while the other goat—the scapegoat—had hands laid upon it as the high priest confessed the sins of Israel.
The scapegoat was then led away by a fit man into the wilderness, never to be seen again. When we read these instructions, we can see that there is so much more happening than simply an annual ceremony.
Do you see the connection directly to Yeshua/Jesus?
Yom Kippur Points Us to Yeshua
In short—and there are so many fascinating connections to this holy day—this ceremony points us to Yeshua. We know already that Yeshua was the Passover Lamb, but we also see Him reflected in the sacrifices associated with Yom Kippur: the bull, the ram, the two goats, and the seven sheep.
He is the High Priest who officiates all of this.
We can see not only what He has done, but also what He will do upon His return. The Day of Atonement gives us a picture of judgment, repentance, atonement, and ultimately the work of our Messiah.
Yom Kippur and the Coming Judgment
This appointed time also points us toward a time of judgment, when the books are opened and the dead rise and are judged according to their works.
We see this in Revelation 20:11-15.
This helps us understand the reason for the affliction and mourning associated with this annual remembrance. Affliction and mourning are also mentioned throughout prophetic Scripture in connection with events yet to be fulfilled at Yeshua’s return.
Never forget:
“Not one jot or one tittle will no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
Matthew 5:18
There is still prophetic significance in these appointed times. As we rehearse them year after year, we are reminded of what Yehovah has done, what Yeshua has accomplished, and what is still to come.
Five Days Later: The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Five days later, after the great fast, comes the Feast of Tabernacles, also called Sukkot. During Sukkot, we dwell in temporary dwellings for seven days.
Leviticus 23:33-36
This is the last feast in the cycle of the seven appointed times. For our family, Sukkot is one of the most anticipated times of the year.
Our Family’s Sukkot Celebration
Our family spends seven days living in our temporary dwelling outside our home, in the woods, with many friends doing likewise.
It is a time of celebration, feasting, fellowship, laughter, and joy.
Our children, my husband, and I greatly anticipate this time!
Why?
Because this feast represents the Wedding Supper of the Lamb and Yeshua’s coming for His bride! What a great reason to rejoice in this “rehearsal” time that YHVH asks us to take part in—all to His glory!
The Significance of Seven and Eight
The Feast of Tabernacles begins with a Sabbath and ends on the eighth day, which is another Sabbath. Many times, the weekly Sabbath is sprinkled in between! The number eight in Hebrew is associated with a new beginning.
Isn’t that what we long for as His people?
A time when we receive the fulfillment of all the promises of YHVH.
A time when Yeshua comes back, rules and reigns on earth, and ultimately there is a new heaven and a new earth, a new beginning. A time when all our tears will be wiped away and all will be made right.
From Our Temporary Dwelling to Our Permanent Home
You see, as we leave our temporary dwelling—our body, this earth—we receive a new body, our permanent body. And there is a new heaven and a new earth, our permanent home, where we will no longer have darkness. The light of the Lamb will be our light.
We will transition from looking forward to these beautiful promises of Yehovah to truly TABERNACLING with our Messiah, Yeshua, and our Heavenly Father, who has been waiting for us. The old order of death, sin, and a fallen world will be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth.
There will be no more darkness. Righteousness shall reign forever!
Amen!
The Promise of Revelation 21–22
The beautiful picture of this future fulfillment is found in Revelation 21–22:1-5. The appointed times point us toward this incredible promise: God dwelling with His people, the end of death and mourning, and the restoration of all things. What a day that will be!
Why We Celebrate the Biblical Feasts
As always, there is so much more I could share, but for the sake of time, I will stop here. The biblical feasts are not simply dates on a calendar. They are appointed times that give us opportunities to remember, teach, rehearse, and look forward to the promises of Yehovah.
Every year, we can discover something new. Every year, you and your children can understand a little more. Every year, we can see another connection pointing us toward Yeshua. And every year, we can look forward with greater anticipation to the fulfillment of His promises. May you find yourself doing the work of Yeshua at His return.
Yom Kippur and Sukkot Activities for Children
One of the things I love most about celebrating the biblical feasts with children is finding ways to help them learn while they participate. I have created activity sheets to help young children learn about and celebrate these appointed times. These activities are available on my website and are FREE for members.
Yom Kippur Activity Sheets
There are currently two Yom Kippur activity sheets available for children for free when you become a member.
These activities are designed to help young children become familiar with Yom Kippur and its significance in a simple, age-appropriate way.
Sukkot Activity Sheets
There are also two Sukkot activity sheets available with your free membership.
One is a matching game, and the other gives children the opportunity to construct a paper sukkah.
What better way to help children remember the Feast of Tabernacles than by giving them something they can actually create?
More Biblical Feast Activities for Children
When you become a free member of my website, you will have access to over 30 activity sheets for children ages 2–6 covering the feast days .
There are also additional activities, including writing exercises for teaching children about the authors of the Bible and an activity sheet featuring the twelve tribes of Israel and their order around the Tabernacle.
These resources were created to help parents, grandparents, and teachers instill God’s truths in the next generation while making learning fun and engaging.
Come join us and start exploring the biblical feasts with your children today!
Blessings and Shalom,
Grandma Patches
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