It is written:
“These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.” (Leviticus 23:4).
There were seven yearly feasts in Israel. The Jewish people were required to participate in these feasts. They were called “convocations,” which interestingly enough included not only the idea that they were not only required asssemblies, but also is an indicator of the prophetic nature of these feasts.
“The word “feast” in Hebrew means convocation, a calling together. It’s a rehearsal, one that implies preparation for the future. The idea of a feast is not simply a celebration of a historical event, it also anticipates a future fulfillment. Holy convocations are appointments, meetings, purposeful signs or signals in expectation of future events.” (Chuck Missler and Dan Stolebarger, The Feasts Of Israel, 240 (Kindle Edition); Coeur d’Alene, ID; Koinonia House)
These feasts were not only prophetic of the First Coming of the Messiah, but also of His Second Coming as well.
““The springtime rainy season is often referred to as the season of the former rains, while the autumn rainy season can be referred to as the season of the latter rains. The prophet Hosea describe d t he Messiah’s First Coming, when He died for us, as occurring in the spring (former rain) and His Second Coming, when He will establish the messianic kingdom, as occurring in the fall (latter rain). “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Hosea 6:3 “James directly interprets Hosea’s reference as referring to the comings of our Lord. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. James 5:7. “The prophet Joel writes that the Teacher of Righteousness will come like the former and latter rains “in the first month.” Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23. “The Hebrew word מורה, moreh, translated “former rain” in the KJV can mean teacher or early rain. The Hebrew word צדקה, zedekah, can mean righteousness or moderation. Joel is stating the first coming of the Messiah would occur in the first month of the spring calendar, which is the month of Nisan or Abib, and that the Messiah’s second coming will occur in the first month of the fall calendar, or Tishri.” (Ken Johnson, Th.D, Ancient Messianic Festivals And The Prophecies They Reveal, 14-16 (Kindle Edition)
A study of the seven yearly feasts of Israel (Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks-also known as Pentecost-Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles-also known as Booths) teaches us many great prophetic insights into the Messiah.
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