By Maria Merola אריאל
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, July 2020
One of the maladies of the Hebraic Roots Movement, is that people often take on an attitude of superiority towards those in the Christian Church, supposing that they have “arrived,” in their understanding of Scripture.
While it is true that the majority within Christianity have the timing of “The Rapture,” wrong, they are not wrong about everything, as many high-minded people suppose. Please see my other blog, where I show evidence for a “Post-Tribulation Harpazo.” The “Key of David” He that Opens & No Man Shuts!
It is also true that the Latin word “rapture,” does not appear in our English Bibles.
However, the concept is still found in Scripture, nonetheless. What many people do not realize, is that the word “rapturo,” is the Latin translation for the Greek word “harpazo,” described in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17.
1st Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that this event will be accompanied by a trumpet blast and a shout. This is language that is used to describe “The Feast of Trumpets,” (Yom Teruah). Other names for this feast are “The Day of Shouting,” (2nd Samuel 6:15; 1st Chronicles 15:28; 2nd Chronicles 15:14; Job 29:35) and “The Day of Blowing” (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1).
The Catching Away of the bride of Messiah is a Separate Event from His Second Coming of Messiah to Earth
Five days later, the bride and groom will celebrate the “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9) during Sukkot, but down here on in the earthly Jerusalem.
Many have confused “The Parable of the Wheat & the Tares” (Matthew 13:25-30), with the “The Parable of Those Taken & Left” (Matthew 24:40-41; Luke 17:34-36).
In the year 2004, I began studying the prophetic feasts, as well as the Hebraic Wedding Customs that our Messiah hinted about in the gospels.
Since I first began to embark on these studies, I have written countless blogs; have recorded countless radio shows, and podcasts about the end-times; and the “catching away” aka harpazo, (rapture) of the bride. What I have observed is that the majority within Christianity adhere to a Pre-Tribulation Rapture to their own peril.
The concept of a “Secret Rapture” comes from the Ancient Hebraic Wedding Customs, and can be absolutely proven from Scripture.
Traditionally, there were seven men who were in charge of escorting the bride. Four of them were at each corner of the canopy. This is a reminder of the four malakiym (angels) who are assigned to gather the elect (the bride) from the four winds with a great sound a trumpet:
Another word for the “aperion,” is called a “litter,” which resembles a chair or a throne. See the illustration below for an example:
#5610. hora ho'-rah apparently a primary word; an “hour” (literally or figuratively):--day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (high) time.
In other words, “No man knows the day, nor the hour” when the bride will be caught up into the air, and carried away to be with the bridegroom!
This tradition reminds me of when the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) was TAKEN UP in a chariot of fire, and CARRIED AWAY TO HEAVEN!
The Hebrew word for “chariot,” in 2nd Kings 2:11 is as follows:
#7393 rekeb reh'-keb from 7392; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the upper millstone:--chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon.
#7392 rakab raw-kab' a primitive root; to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch:--bring (on (horse-)back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-)back, put, (cause to, make to) ride in a chariot.
The etymology of the word chair is also linked to the word chariot:
The vehicle was used for travel, in processions, games, and races after it had been superseded by other vehicles for military purposes. The word “chariot” comes from Latin carrus, which was a loan from Gaulish.... Obsolete terms for chariot include chair, charet and wain.
Thus, we can see that the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) is a precursor to the catching away of the bride of Messiah in the future!
See my blog: “Pre-Tribulation or Post-Tribulation Rapture?”
The Ancient Hebraic Wedding Customs Seen in the Gospels
1.) The Betrothal: The bridegroom would go to the home of the woman he wanted to marry, and he would knock on her door, asking to be invited in.
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5.) After the Consummation, the Bride & Groom Return to the Bride’s Home: It was customary in ancient biblical times for the bride and groom to go away for seven days for the honeymoon. This pattern is found in the seven-day wedding of Leah & Jacob (Genesis 29:27-28). Afterwards, the couple would return to the home of the bride for another seven days of celebration.
The bridegroom is described as the sun coming up early in the morning out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man ready to run a race:
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber [chuppah], and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.
Malachi 4:2 describes our Messiah’s coming as “The sun of righteousness, arising with healing in his wings.” The psalmist understood the metaphor of the sun being as the bridegroom, and that he would “tabernacle” (dwell) with his bride forever.
1st Thessalonians 4:16 For YHWH himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohiym: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first:
1st Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [harpazo] together with them in the clouds, to meet YHWH in the air: and so shall we ever be with YHWH.
*Note: The Greek word for “caught up” in 1st Thessalonians 4:17 is “harpazo,” which literally means the following:
#726. harpazo har-pad'-zo from a derivative of 138; to seize (in various applications):--catch away, up, pluck, pull, take by force.
1st Thessalonians 4:16 tells us that this event will be accompanied by a trumpet blast and a shout. This is language that is used to describe “The Feast of Trumpets,” (Yom Teruah). Other names for this feast are “The Day of Shouting,” (2nd Samuel 6:15; 1st Chronicles 15:28; 2nd Chronicles 15:14; Job 29:35) and “The Day of Blowing” (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 29:1).
The Feast of Trumpets is also prophetically known as “The Day that No Man Knows!” Our Messiah was born on the Feast of Trumpets, and this is prophetically fitting, since a woman does not “know” the exact timing of when she will go into labor.
For the past 2,000 years, the Christian Church has used the excuse that “Nobody knows” when the Messiah was born, therefore, they attached his birthday to three days following the Winter Solstice on December 25th.
Our Messiah declared that “No man knows the day nor the hour” (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) of his return, but this is a well-known Hebrew Idiom to describe “The Feast of Trumpets.” Therefore, he was giving us a hint as to which of the prophetic feasts he would be returning for his bride.
Our Messiah taught us that he would gather his elect to himself “Immediately After the Tribulation,” and that it would be accompanied by “A great sound of a trumpet,” (Matthew 24:29-31; 1st Corinthians 15:52).
However, only the “WISE VIRGINS” will be able to hear the sound of the shouts and the trumpets, because he will come for his bride AT MIDNIGHT & IN SECRET!
We are even told that there is a secret place for the bride to marry and dwell with the Almighty:
Tehilliym (Psalm) 91:1 He that DWELLS [YASHAB, MARRIES] IN THE SECRET PLACE of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Song of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that are in the clefts of the rock, IN THE SECRET PLACES OF THE STAIRS, let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice; for sweet is your voice, and your countenance is comely.
In other words, those who are caught up to meet him in the air, will be taken to the third heaven (which is in a different dimension, in the realm of the Spirit), and they will be the only ones able to hear the sound of the bridegroom’s voice, and the sound of the trumpet blast.
To those claiming that the bride will not be taken up to the third heaven, (but merely snatched away to the earthly Jerusalem), the whole counsel of Scripture does not support this notion. I will give more explanation for this later.
Ten days later, on Yom Kippur, Yahuwshuwa will return to earth (bringing his bride with him as his army). His second coming to the Mount of Olives, will not be in secret, for it will be accompanied by his great wrath, and with warfare.
The mountain will also split in half, as his feet land (Zechariah 14:4). It is on this day, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when “EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM,” (Matthew 24:27; Revelation 1:7).
This day is prophetically known in Scripture as “The Day of Vengeance,” (Isaiah 34:8; 35:4; 61:2; 63:4; Jeremiah 46:10) and also called “The Great Day of Wrath,” (Psalm 110:5; Zephaniah 1:15-18; Luke 31:23; Revelation 6:17).
This event is also described in Revelation 19, as it says that Messiah will return with his bride as his army, for they are clothed in white linen fine and clean.
The Catching Away of the bride of Messiah is a Separate Event from His Second Coming of Messiah to Earth
The first event on the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), is patterned after the seven-day honeymoon between Leah & Jacob (Genesis 29:27-30).
The second event will take place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It is when Messiah comes for the bride that typifies Rachel (the remnant from the House of Judah). Those from the House of Judah who did not take “The mark of the beast” will be at the Mount of Olives waiting for him (Zechariah 12:10). Thus, within those “Ten Days of Awe,” he will be married to both brides, making them “One stick in his hand” (Ezekiel 37:16-17).
Five days later, the bride and groom will celebrate the “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9) during Sukkot, but down here on in the earthly Jerusalem.
The Five Wise Virgins are Taken Into the Marriage, While the Five Foolish Are Left Out
These people suppose that because the tares are “gathered first,” (and then burned), that this is the same thing as being “taken.”
They have painted a backwards scenario where the Five Wise Virgins are “left out” of the marriage when the bridegroom comes. They also teach that the Five Foolish Virgins are “taken” away from the earth, into the marriage.
However, a careful study on the meaning of these words “taken & left,” will leave you stunned, with your jaw dropped onto the floor!
However, a careful study on the meaning of these words “taken & left,” will leave you stunned, with your jaw dropped onto the floor!
In Hebrew, and also in Greek, the word “taken” literally means “To be taken into marriage.” Conversely, the Hebrew & Greek definitions for “left” literally means “To be forsaken, to be divorced!”
To learn more about who gets taken, and who gets left, see my other blog entitled: Remember Lot’s Wife: “Taken or Left?”
The “Five Wise Virgins” that are “TAKEN” into the marriage, will come back to earth with the bridegroom, after a seven-day honeymoon in the heavenly chuppah (bridal chamber). John 14:2-3, Psalm 19:1-5, and Joel 2:16 paints the pictures for us.
We are shown that after the couple become engaged (betrothed), the bridegroom goes away to prepare a honeymoon suite for his bride in his Father’s house.
In the case of our Messiah, the Father’s house is heaven! In Psalm 19:5 we are shown that the bridegroom comes out of his heavenly “chuppah,” (chamber), with boldness and excitement, for he has consummated with his bride.
The same concept is explained in Joel 2:16, as the bride and groom our coming out of their honeymoon chuppah (chamber) in heaven, and preparing to celebrate with their community of friends and family at the marriage supper, which will be in the earthly Jerusalem.
The “Five Foolish Virgins” that are “LEFT,” out of the marriage, will have the opportunity to go buy oil, and then meet the bridegroom at the Mount of Olives TEN DAYS LATER (Revelation 2:10), on Yom Kippur.
The rest of the wicked people will be “LEFT,” here on earth to die in the great battle of Armageddon. They will be “GATHERED FIRST” on Yom Kippur (the Day of Wrath), to the great battle where they will be killed and eaten by the birds (Revelation 19:17-19).
The “Five Wise Virgins” will be “GATHERED LAST” to the “MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB” on THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES!
The “Five Wise Virgins” will be “GATHERED LAST” to the “MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB” on THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES!
In the year 2004, I began studying the prophetic feasts, as well as the Hebraic Wedding Customs that our Messiah hinted about in the gospels.
Since I first began to embark on these studies, I have written countless blogs; have recorded countless radio shows, and podcasts about the end-times; and the “catching away” aka harpazo, (rapture) of the bride. What I have observed is that the majority within Christianity adhere to a Pre-Tribulation Rapture to their own peril.
However, there are also many “know-it-alls” within the Hebraic Root’s Community who behave as if they are wiser, yet they believe they are above being corrected. These people have gone to the opposite extreme in declaring that there will be “No Rapture at all!” They think that the Post-Tribulation “Secret Rapture” is a Church doctrine, but it’s not!
In the Ancient Hebraic Weddings, the bridegroom comes for the bride at MIDNIGHT (when everyone is sleeping). See Matthew 25:6. Not only that, but this event will take place on the Feast of Trumpets.
The Feast of Trumpets is nick-named “The Day that No Man Knows!” It’s because in Ancient Hebrew Weddings, nobody knew the day, nor the hour, of the secret elopement. Only the Father knew when the bridegroom would come for his bride!
To learn more about this Hebrew Idiom, see my other blogs at the links below:
In other words, it’s a SECRET!
In the ISR Scriptures Version 1999, it says the following:
Qorintiym Aleph (1st Corinthians) 15:50 And this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood is unable to inherit the reign of Elohiym, neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
Qorintiym Aleph (1st Corinthians) 15:51 See, I speak a SECRET [MYSTERY] to you: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Qorintiym Aleph (1st Corinthians) 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Qorintiym Aleph (1st Corinthians) 15:53 For this corruptible has to put on incorruption, and this mortal to put on immortality.
Many people are confusing THE SECOND COMING OF MESSIAH WITH THE CATCHING AWAY OF THE BRIDE!
The catching away of the bride takes place on the Feast of Trumpets (in secret).
But the second coming of Messiah will take place on Yom Kippur (ten days later), when “EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM” at once! (Revelation 1:7).
Not only that, but did you know that in a traditional Hebrew Wedding, the bride is “TAKEN UP” and “CARRIED AWAY ON A CHAIR TO THE GROOM’S FATHER’S HOUSE?!”
This illustration is a reenactment of an Ancient Hebrew Wedding. The canopy in which the bride is “taken away,” to the home of the bridegroom’s father is called an “aperion.”
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 24:31 And he shall send his malakiym (angels) with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
One of the seven men preceded the escort with the blowing of a shofar (trumpet). This is indicative of the Feast of Trumpets. These seven men escorted the bride to the groom’s father’s house, where he had prepared a honeymoon suite for the two of them (John 14:2-3). To learn more, see my other blog:
Another word for the “aperion,” is called a “litter,” which resembles a chair or a throne. See the illustration below for an example:
This ancient tradition has become something that is often seen at Jewish weddings called “The Hora,” where the guests lift up the bride into the air on a chair. In modern times, the tradition has come to include the groom being lifted up on a chair also. However, the original tradition, was for the only the bride to be taken up, and carried to the groom’s father’s house.
What is also interesting, is that this word “hora” in Greek, literally means “day or hour!”
#5610. hora ho'-rah apparently a primary word; an “hour” (literally or figuratively):--day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (high) time.
In other words, “No man knows the day, nor the hour” when the bride will be caught up into the air, and carried away to be with the bridegroom!
The Hebrew word for “chariot,” in 2nd Kings 2:11 is as follows:
#7393 rekeb reh'-keb from 7392; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the upper millstone:--chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon.
#7392 rakab raw-kab' a primitive root; to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch:--bring (on (horse-)back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-)back, put, (cause to, make to) ride in a chariot.
The vehicle was used for travel, in processions, games, and races after it had been superseded by other vehicles for military purposes. The word “chariot” comes from Latin carrus, which was a loan from Gaulish.... Obsolete terms for chariot include chair, charet and wain.
Thus, we can see that the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) is a precursor to the catching away of the bride of Messiah in the future!
See my blog: “Pre-Tribulation or Post-Tribulation Rapture?”
In our western culture, we are far-removed from the ancient Hebrew customs of the Bible. This is why there are many in these last days who are purporting that there won’t be a “Rapture” at all for the bride of Messiah!
Just because the Latin word “Rapturo” does not appear in your English Bible, does not mean the concept isn’t there!
The Greek word in 1st Thessalonians 4:17 is “Harpazo!”
Rapturo & Harpazo mean the same thing, only one is Latin, and the other is Greek.
But this event happens IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION, NOT PRE-TRIBULATION!
The Bride Will be Taken to the Third Heaven, Which is Paradise
Some people assume that the bride will be taken up to the first heaven, (which is the atmosphere just above the earth), where birds and airplanes fly. These same people claim that the bride will not be taken to the third heaven, but she will be whisked off to the earthly Jerusalem. However, let’s test this theory against Scripture:
Abriym (Hebrews) 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore Elohiym is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.
In the following verses, we see that the writer of Hebrews is making a connection between the first wedding on Mount Sinai, and the second wedding that will take place in the Heavenly Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) on Mount Tziyown (Zion).
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:18 For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
*Explanation: The bride will not be taken back to Mount Sinai.
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
*Explanation: As with the first wedding on Mount Sinai, the second one in the heavenly Jerusalem will also be accompanied by the sound of a trumpet, which indicates this will take place on the Feast of Trumpets.
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:22 But you are come unto Mount Tziyown (Zion), and unto the city of the living Elohiym, the heavenly Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and to an innumerable company of angels.
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:23 To the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to Elohiym the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:24 And to Yahuwshuwa the mediator of the Renewed Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Hebel (Abel).
Abriym (Hebrews) 12:25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:
*Explanation: The one who speaks from heaven with “A SHOUT,” and the great voice of a trumpet, is our Messiah, for he will call up his resurrected Two Witnesses, aka his his corporate bride, saying to her “COME UP HERE!”
1st Thessalonians 4:16 For YHWH himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohiym: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first:
1st Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet YHWH in the air: and so shall we ever be with YHWH.
Chazown (Revelation) 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from Elohiym entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
Chazown (Revelation) 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up here. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
In the very next chapter, Jerusalem is the same woman from Isaiah 61:7-14 who gives birth to a man-child. The man-child is the same “one new man” spoken of in Ephesians 2:15.
The Apostle Shaul (Paul) refers to both “Jews & Gentiles” who are in Messiah, as one corporate man. The Corporate Two Witnesses will first be killed by the beast, but after 3.5 days, they shall be called up to the third heaven, which is at the throne:
Chazown (Revelation) 12:5 And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto Elohiym, and to his throne.
But how do we know that the throne is also the third heaven, and where Paradise is?
Luke 23:43 And Yahuwshuwa said unto him, Verily I say unto you, Today shall you be with me in paradise.
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:2 I knew a man in Messiah above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: Elohiym knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: Elohiym knows;)
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Chazown (Revelation) 2:7 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Ruwach (Spirit) says unto the assemblies; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Elohiym.
1.) The Betrothal: The bridegroom would go to the home of the woman he wanted to marry, and he would knock on her door, asking to be invited in.
Chazown (Revelation) 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
If the woman was interested in marrying the young man, she would open the door, and invite him in to share a covenant meal, and to sign the written ketubah, a written marriage agreement. Once an agreement was reached, the bridegroom would go away to prepare a honeymoon suite for his bride on his father’s estate.
2.) The Groom Goes Away to Prepare a Place: Our Messiah spoke to us in wedding language when he made the following statements.
Yahuwchanon (John) 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Yahuwchanon (John) 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
The illustration below features what is called a “chuppah” or a wedding canopy where the bride and groom take their vows in front of witnesses. This tradition stems from ancient times, when the “chuppah” was the honeymoon suite that the bridegroom prepared for his bride, so that they could consummate “in secret.”
3.) The Return of the Bridegroom: Our Messiah will return on the Feast of Trumpets for his bride. This feast is nick-named“The Day that no Man Knows,” because it is the only feast that is determined by the sighting of the new moon.
Why Does the Father Know, but Not the Son?
Additionally, it was customary in ancient times for the groom not to reveal the day he was planning to elope with his bride, because there would be impostors who wanted to kidnap the bride before the wedding day.
To make sure that the bride would not be stolen by an impostor, the bridegroom would reply to the nosy people who asked “When is the wedding day?”
His reply would be “No man knows the day nor the hour, only my father knows.” Therefore, this phrase has become a Hebrew Idiom associated with the Feast of Trumpets, and the secret day of elopement.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 24:36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Marqos (Mark) 13:32 But of that day and that our knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 24:36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Marqos (Mark) 13:32 But of that day and that our knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Our Messiah taught us that he and the Father are ONE, (John 14:10-11), therefore the Father & the Son are perfectly united. Why then does he say that only the Father knows the day of the groom’s return?
As with all Hebrew Idioms, Yahuwshuwa was painting a picture for those who were already familiar with Ancient Hebrew Wedding Customs. They understood that the Father is the one who customarily made preparation for his son’s wedding day. Therefore, he was using this language as a kind of metaphor (to help the people of his day and culture) understand that he is Father who came to earth in human flesh as the Kinsman Redeemer!
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To help understand this concept further, in Genesis 38, the widow named Tamar (symbolic of Yisra’el) hid herself IN SECRET under the disguise of a harlot. See this other blog, where I show clear evidence that the Father, himself became the Kinsman Redeemer in human flesh: The Father & the Son Seen in Judah, the Kinsman Redeemer
Even though Tamar’s father-in-law (Judah) promised to “Send his son, Shelah” to redeem her, Yahuwdah (Judah) ended up becoming her KINSMAN REDEEMER!
*Explanation: A Kinsman redeemer is described in Numbers 11:6-11, as the nearest relative who redeems the inheritance of a man’s estate after he dies. This is to ensure that no stranger inherits the family estate. In the Deuteronomy 25:5-10, a form of levirate marriage, (called yabam), is mentioned under which the brother (or close relative) of a man who dies without children is permitted and encouraged to marry the widow.
Levirate marriage is a type of marriage in which the brother of a deceased man is obliged to marry his brother’s widow. The practice of levirate marriage is strongly associated with patriarchal societies. The practice was extremely important in ancient times, and remains so today in parts of the world. Having children enables the inheritance of land, which offers security and status.
In the case of Tamar & Judah, (since he delayed in sending his third son as her kinsman redeemer), Tamar was forcing her father-in-law to become her kinsman redeemer. Therefore, it is THE FATHER HIMSELF, who became the Kinsman Redeemer, IN THE ROLE OF THE SON!
Since Judah had been sheering the sheep, he promised to “SEND A GOAT” to Tamar, as payment for having sexual relations with her. This was prophetically a picture of Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16), where one goat is SENT AWAY, and the other goat is SLAIN.
However, when Judah sent the goat, Tamar was no longer seen in the place where he had first met her. Nine months later, Tamar bore twins to Judah, and this was a prophetic picture of the Twin Goats for Yom Kippur, as both were fulfilled in Messiah. See my other blog: The Yom Kippur Twin Goats Fulfilled in Messiah
In Psalm 110:4, YaHuWaH promised to redeem Yisra’el through the office of the Eternal High Priest (Melchizedek), and he SWARES, and makes an OATH!
Similarly, Judah gave Tamar three things to certify his pledge or oath to her:
1.) His staff (which contains the names of the twelve tribes).
2.) His signet ring (which contains the family name).
3.) His scarlet bracelet (which symbolizes the blood of the lamb/goat).
Tamar was therefore added to the Tribe of Judah; she was given the family name, and she was also covered by blood atonement!
4.) The Consummation of the Marriage: Our Messiah’s cousin, Yahuwchanon (John) the Baptist was called “The friend of the bridegroom.” He is like today’s best man in a modern-day wedding.
4.) The Consummation of the Marriage: Our Messiah’s cousin, Yahuwchanon (John) the Baptist was called “The friend of the bridegroom.” He is like today’s best man in a modern-day wedding.
His role was to stand by the door of the honeymoon suite to listen for the voice of the bridegroom. When the consummation was completed, the friend of the bridegroom would announce to the wedding guests that the marriage was official.
Yahuwchanon (John) 3:29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands, and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
5.) After the Consummation, the Bride & Groom Return to the Bride’s Home: It was customary in ancient biblical times for the bride and groom to go away for seven days for the honeymoon. This pattern is found in the seven-day wedding of Leah & Jacob (Genesis 29:27-28). Afterwards, the couple would return to the home of the bride for another seven days of celebration.
This correlates to the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), followed by what is called “The Eighth Day,” or “The Last Great Day” (Leviticus 23:33-44).
In Revelation 21, the new heaven and the new earth will come down out of heaven after the one-thousand-year reign of Messiah on earth. This will take place in “The Eighth Millennium” or “The Eighth Day.”
The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a prophetic picture of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and the bride dwelling with the groom during his one-thousand-year reign. At the end of the Millennium, the bride will be transformed into “The New Jerusalem,” as she will come down out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband.
Chazown (Revelation) 21:2 And I Yahuwchanon (John) saw the holy city, new Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), coming down from Elohiym out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Chazown (Revelation) 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohiym is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Elohiym himself shall be with them, and be their Elohiym.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 19:
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Malachi 4:2 describes our Messiah’s coming as “The sun of righteousness, arising with healing in his wings.” The psalmist understood the metaphor of the sun being as the bridegroom, and that he would “tabernacle” (dwell) with his bride forever.
The bridegroom excitedly exits his “chamber” where he has consummated with his bride, and he is ready to run a race. He is so excited, that he cannot contain himself. The word “chamber” in Psalm 19:5 is the Hebrew word “chuppah!”
It is after the honeymoon between the bride and the groom, that the wedding guests are assembled, as they wait for the couple to emerge out of their chuppah for the celebration.
Yahuw’EL (Joel) 2:16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber [chuppah], and the bride out of her closet [chuppah].
The Chronology of How the Fall Feasts Detail End-Time Events
1.) The Abomination of Desolation: This will be seen in the 3rd Temple (Matthew 24:15). After this, begins the 42 months of the Anti-Messiah’s false ministry (Revelation 13:5).
Concurrently, the Two Witnesses will prophesy against him globally for 1,260 days (3.5 years). Their ministry is patterned after Messiah’s ministry. Our Messiah perfectly followed Law & Prophets, which is typified as Moses & Elijah.
This is why he was seen at the Mount of Transfiguration with both Moses & Elijah (Matthew 17:3-4). Elijah also had a ministry that lasted for 3.5 years (James 5:17). The Two Witnesses are patterned after the ministry of Moses & Elijah (in other words, Messiah’s 3.5 years of ministry). Also see my other blog explaining the differences between tribulation and wrath: “Tribulation versus Wrath.”
2.) The Thirty Days of Elul: This is during the 6th month on the Hebrew Calendar, which will bring the bride to the 7th month of Ethaniym (Tishri). It will be on Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah). This is when the Corporate Two Witnesses (aka the the corporate bride) will be caught up to meet the bridegroom in the air (after being killed by the beast).
This is when “The last trumpet” will be sounded (1st Corinthians 15:51-53; Revelation 11:15). This is also when the seventh angel sounds the trumpet, as soon as the Two Witnesses are TAKEN UP.
There will be 30 more days after the Feast of Trumpets, as the Temple will continue to be defiled by the beast. This will bring us to the 1,290 days (Daniel 12:11). At the end of the 1,290 days, our Messiah will cleanse the earth by fire (2nd Peter 3:10-12), and he will begin construction on “The Tabernacle of David” (Isaiah 16:5; Amos 9:11; Acts 15:16).
3.) A Seven-Day Wedding: The wedding of our Messiah and his bride will follow the pattern of the wedding between Jacob & Leah. This only lasts for one literal week.
This is when the bride will CAUGHT UP, and be changed into immortality (incorruption). The Five Foolish Virgins (who are not ready), are caught off guard by “The thief in the night,” and “They shall not escape” with the bridegroom (1st Thessalonians 5:2-3).
But the bride who is ready, aka The Five Wise Virgins, will go into the marriage with the bridegroom, and the door will be shut! (Matthew 25:10 & Revelation 3:7-8).
*Note: Leah typifies the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el. Born-again gentiles are grafted into this group, and are counted as Yisrael. This group that typifies Leah is TAKEN UP to meet Yahuwshuwa in the air on the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah).
The bride will be TAKEN UP TO THE FATHER’S HOUSE (in heaven) for a seven-day wedding. Then, on Yom Kippur, Yahuwshuwa will come back to earth, with his army/bride. At this time, he will also marry those who typify Rachel. The ones who typify Rachel are the House of Judah (see Zechariah 12:10).
Remember, in the prophetic pattern, Laban (symbolic of the Father), said to Jacob, “Finish the week with Leah, and I will give you Rachel also.” Jacob was also married to Rachel (who typifies the Two Southern Tribes of Benjamin & Judah). At the end of the “week,” (after seven days with Leah), he also married Rachel.
On Yom Kippur, (Day of Atonement), is when the house of Judah discovers if their names are written in the book of life. The Jewish people also refer to Yom Kippur as “face-to-face.”
This will be the same day that Rachel (the House of Judah) will see him face-to-face at the Mount of Olives. This is why the bridegroom removes the veil from the bride’s face, as they are finally united. The House of Judah will look upon him whom they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for his only son (Zechariah 12:10).
This is when the bride that typifies Rachel (the House of Judah), will also be married to Yahuwshuwa. These are the remnant of Jews, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem who did not take the Mark of the Beast. They were sealed in advance for the day of redemption (see Ezekiel 9 & Revelation 7).
The Two Witnesses are the “Two olive trees and two candlesticks” (Revelation 11:4). This means “Both Houses of Yisra’el & the Two Overcoming Assemblies” (Smyrna & Philadelphia).
The name “Smyrna” means “Strengthened for Myrrh.” Rachel’s maid (Bilhah), her name means “trouble, tribulation,” and Smyrna must “suffer tribulation for ten days” (Revelation 2:10).
The name “Zilpah” (Leah’s maid) means “dripping with myrrh!”
This means that she has oil of myrrh in her lamp, like the five wise virgins! The Congregation of Philadelphia represents Zilphah, the gentile companion of Leah! Interestingly, Philadelphia is commended for “not denying the name of Messiah” (Revelation 3:8).
Song of Solomon 1:3 likens the bridegroom’s name as “oil that is poured forth!” This is why the wise virgins love our Messiah!
During these Ten Days of Awe (Tribulation), Smyrna will be like the five foolish virgins who must go and buy oil for their lamps (Matthew 25:9).
Therefore, they are strengthened during these days of awe. It is because they will finally anoint themselves with myrrh (like Esther who prepared herself to meet the bridegroom in Esther 2:12). Smyrna & Bilhah both represent the foolish virgins who will meet the bridegroom on Yom Kippur at the Mount of Olives.
These four groups (two olive trees and two candlesticks) mentioned in Revelation 11:4, are symbolic of Leah & Rachel (both houses of Yisra’el), and their two handmaidens (Bilah & Zilpah).
The two overcoming assemblies (Smyrna & Philadelphia) are the gentile converts who join the Two Houses of Yisra’el. They are symbolic of Rachel & Leah’s two handmaidens.
Ezekiel 37 tells us that these people will be TAKEN UP from their graves and given new bodies. This is when THE STICK OF JUDAH & THE STICK OF JOSEPH/EPHRAIM WILL BE MADE ONE NEW MAN! (Ephesians 2:12-15, Revelation 12:4-5).
These “Two Witnesses” are a corporate group of Jewish & Gentile believers. In other words, they are the whole body of Ephraim & Judah (Ezekiel 37:16-17). The two candlesticks are the corporate body of gentile companions---in other words, Smyrna & Philadelphia.
These will be “taken” (caught up) at the seventh trumpet (as the seventh angel sounds) in Revelation 11:15. This is the first bride that is taken up to the wedding chuppah in heaven on the Feast of Trumpets. They will only be there for seven days, inside of the Ten Days of Awe or Ten Days of Tribulation (see Revelation 2:10).
At the end of these Ten Days of Tribulation, the bride of Messiah returns with him as his army, “Clothed in fine linen, white and clean” (see Revelation 19:14).
4.) The Ten Days of Awe: There are ten days between the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) & the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The first three of those ten days is when the two witnesses have their dead bodies lying in the streets, after which, they are caught up (resurrected), and taken up to heaven (Revelation 11:11-12 & Revelation 12:5).
5.) The Day of Wrath on Yom Kippur: Both brides (Both Houses of Yisra’el, along with their gentile companions) will be joined as ONE BRIDE (ONE STICK) on Yom Kippur. The House of Judah will finally meet their Messiah face-to-face at the Mount of Olives on this day (Zechariah 12:10). Meanwhile, the wicked people will be destroyed, and their bodies will become food for the birds of prey (Revelation 19:18-21).
After the “Ten Days of Awe,” the bride (Leah and her companions) will return to earth with Messiah, riding on white horses.
Yahuwshuwa will take vengeance on the enemies of his bride (Revelation 19:2) on this day, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). The children of wrath will have bowls of wrath being poured out on them, and they still won’t repent (Revelation 14-20).
6.) The Feast of Tabernacles: The bride will go into “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” for seven days, followed by the eighth day of the feast. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), is the wedding celebration, where the groom drinks the 4th cup of the covenant with his bride. This is the same 4th cup that is used at the Passover Seder.
This is the same cup that he said he would not drink of, until he drinks it anew in the Messianic Kingdom. Messiah said the night before his crucifixion “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until I drink it with you anew in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).
7.) The Bride’s Works Tried by Fire: After the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the elect/bride are judged for their works. The righteous will receive rewards as to whether their works were made of “wood, hay or stubble” (1st Corinthians 3:12; Revelation 20:4-6). The bride will also be given the title of “kings & priests” (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 1st Peter 2:9).
8.) The Wicked Are Judged After the 1,000 Years are Finished: After the 1,000 years of Messiah’s Reign on Earth, the wicked will be resurrected in order to be judged out of the books. They will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
Chazown (Revelation) 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Yahuwshuwa, and for the word of Elohiym, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hand; and they lived and reigned with Mashiyach (Messiah) a thousand years…..This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of Elohiym and of Mashiyach (Messiah), and shall reign with him a thousand years.
The “second resurrection” will take place after the 1,000-year millennial reign of Messiah, as the wicked are raised, so that they can be judged at the “White Throne Judgment seat of Messiah.”
Verse 5 says: “…But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.”
9.) The New Heaven & Earth Comes Down: After this event, the bride of Messiah is transformed into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2).
