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The Feasts of the Lord: God's Prophetic Calendar From Calvary to the Kingdom

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Isreal's feasts are infinitely more important than just a series of cultural observances. These feasts are appointed by the Lord, and they are owned by the Lord. Together they form God's prophetic calendar, outlining the work of history's most important person...Jesus, the Messiah. As such, few themes are more timely or rewarding for God's people today. The Feasts of the Lord covers all aspects of the biblical feasts, Yet, this book is not just another reference book on the feasts. It is written from the Hebrew Christian viewpoint, helping you to see the feasts through Jewish eyes. The words of the Savior, His messianic claims, and Bible prophecy will all take on a rich, new relevance for you against the exciting backdrop of The Feasts of the Lord .

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 1997

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Kevin Howard

113 books4 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lee Harmon.
Author 5 books114 followers
August 12, 2011
Excellent! Whether you are a Jesus scholar or a Christian, this book is for you. And if you’re both, this book can’t be missed. You’ll learn about:

Passover
The Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Firstfruits
Shavuot – The Feast of Weeks
Rosh Hashanah – The Feast of Trumpets
Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement
Sukkot – The Feast of Tabernacles
Hanukkah – The Feast of Dedication
Purim – the Feast of Lots

Also is a great discussion of the Jubilee year. Inspirational and informative, complete with pictures, photos and charts, Howard and Rosenthal first explain the Jewish calendar and discuss the flavor and atmosphere of the Spring and Fall seasons. Then they go through each of the feasts in more detail, presenting their Biblical observance, modern-day observance among Jews, and most fascinating of all, their fulfillment by Jesus. Preterists and historical-critical scholars will easily relate the fulfillment of each feast to the first century, while believers in a futuristic return of Christ will be just as satisfied. (Howard and Rosenthal subscribe to the traditional futuristic interpretation.)

I can’t overemphasize how much more meaning you’ll find when you read Paul and the Gospels if you start with a basic understanding of the Jewish Feasts. The New Testament just reads so much more rich and inspirational from a Jewish perspective! Particularly the Johannine literature, John’s Gospel and Revelation, in which an underlying theme is the fulfillment of the Jewish Feasts. Both these Biblical books recognize the destruction of the Temple as the end of an age, presenting Jesus as the replacement for all the Jewish rituals.
Profile Image for Melissa.
51 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2009
"These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times." Leviticus 23:4

This book makes the feasts of the Lord come to life. It takes one through the temple and into the life of a Jewish family. It is full of many beautiful paintings and charts.....and is truly a beautiful book throughout.

The book makes clear what the Bible says pertaining to the feasts. The feasts did not and do not belong to the Jew or any person. They belong to God. The book shows how the feasts outline God's prophetic calendar, and point to one person, Jesus, the Messiah. It describes the feasts that have been fullfilled(spring feasts) and the ones that will be fullfilled(fall feasts).

It describes the differences between the Hebrew calendar, and the Gregorian calendar. It also goes into detail on Sabbatical years, and years of Jubilee,(as to the Hebrew calendar). It also teaches the difference between when God's day starts...in the evening at sundown, verses our new day starts at midnight. Very insightful.
Profile Image for Daniel.
85 reviews
July 25, 2018
It's organized like a collection of multiple essays that go in depth at the various Jewish feasts described in the Bible, as well as some that arose post-Tanakh. It's easy to follow, and the pictures/charts throughout are an excellent addition to go with descriptions that have Biblical citations attached.

You know that Jesus and his disciples Last Supper was the Passover meal, but you may not know that the Passover meal involves drinking FOUR cups of wine. Why were the disciples having a hard time staying awake in Gethsemane? That's a pretty good explanation!

I also read the chapter about Tisha B'Av just days after its occurrence this year, so I was able to read Jerusalem Post articles with a little more knowledge than I would have otherwise.

The big point that gathers these separate essays dealing with these Biblical feasts is it paints a picture of what the Messiah either has done, or will do in the future. The feasts do serve as remembrances for the Jews for things the Lord has done in the past, but it also shows what is to come as well. Biblical citations are used throughout, so this isn't just two guys coming up with their own personal interpretations for what they want everything to symbolize. It's a great read for anyone who wants to become more familiar with the feasts of the Jews.
Profile Image for Audra.
43 reviews
July 8, 2019
AMAZING!!! This book is an excellent resource on the Jewish feasts of the Lord. The book includes both the history of the feasts as well as how they were observed historically and today. Understanding the great feasts at this level isn't "crucial" but, wow, does it open up the eyes and mind to what God was and is doing on the kingdom calendar. The spring feasts have all been fulfilled in Christ- every single detail. The fall feasts are coming..... are we ready?
Profile Image for Cory Briggs.
203 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2020
The focus of this on the Seven feast described in the book of Leviticus. The authors lend their Jewish perspective on the Seven feast. That in turn gives us more insight into these feast. Other Jewish holidays and celebrations are talked about also, such as Purim and Hanukkah. The chapter on the Feast of Dedication was most interesting, I thought.
Profile Image for Emmie.
308 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2024
For a general overview of the Feasts of YHWH and how they have been observed, this book does decently. It was interesting to see stories from when they lived in modern day Israel and what they have picked up in history and from writings in the Talmud along with Scripture.

However, I can only give it three stars because the writers are clearly Z10n1st/D1spensat10nal1st which gives them a preconceived theology and fulfilment bias that given the whole of Scripture and history does not line up. If you fall in those arenas of understanding, you will probably enjoy this book. If you are like us and have come to understand all of the lies we have been fed about history and especially that way of thinking given current issues, you may find it frustrating in many sections.

Chew up the meat and spit out the bones.
Profile Image for Brian Davis.
Author 1 book
June 19, 2024
The book is short and to the point. It is an excellent starting point for those who want to learn more about "The Feasts of the Lord".

It also contains some nice color pictures to go along with the material being discussed.
Profile Image for Drew.
80 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2019
Even better than I hoped. Learned a TON. Myriad connections made. An inspired and inspiring read.
Profile Image for Olivia Orndorff.
52 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2022
Great for us Gentile Christians who do not know our understand the particulars of each Hebrew festival.
Profile Image for Jamie Cannon.
32 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2024
I learned so much!! Wish I'd read it years ago! This book transformed my understanding of the biblical feasts. God is AMAZING!
19 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2014
What, if any, significance can be found in the seven major feasts of the Lord? The authors have a reverence for the Word of God and provide answers to the question. They beautifully and concisely discuss the seven major feasts of the Lord that He instituted for the nation of Israel (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Weeks, Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles). Sometimes the same feast is discussed in the Bible, but with different names; the book clears up any confusion here that may arise. Also, the timing of the feasts are clarified and described and you will no longer wonder why the Passover sometimes occurs in March and other times in April. In addition to the seven major feasts, the authors instruct the reader for all the other major and minor feasts that have occurred in Jewry as a nation and as a people scattered throughout the world. Oftentimes books may bog down an unsuspecting reader with minute details, not so with this lovely 200+ page hardback. All of the feasts are covered very well with the appropriate amount of interesting historical and biblical background without discouraging the uninitiated.

There are many beautiful illustrations included. Also, a map of Israel's temple is used periodically to get a visual understanding of what is transpiring and being described. There is also a Jewish Calendar that give the dates of the various celebrations, and nice index in the back of the book so that it can also be used as a reference. This is a fantastic, easy but excellent read, especially for Gentile Christians, who want to understand their Bibles better and illuminate the context of many Bible passages, particularly in the Old Testament but some from the New Testament as well.

I found the book fun and exciting, educational and inspirational as a blessed reminder of God's providential and unfailing hand upon Jews and Gentiles alike that put their trust upon Him.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,646 reviews88 followers
February 22, 2010
The Feasts of the Lord is an excellent and enlightening resource for Christians and Messianic Jews. It's written by a man who grew up in a conservative Jewish home and a minister who is deeply involved with the Jewish people. Both authors are Christians and show in this book how the Messiah has and will fulfill the seven Feasts of the Lord.

They explained the history of and Biblical commands given for each feast, what additional traditions were added to the feast and why, how the feast is celebrated in modern times, and how the Messiah has fulfilled or will fulfill the feast. (The information on the future fulfillment does, of course, require some speculation that might not turn out to be 100% correct, but it was interesting.)

The authors gave an overview of the Spring and Fall Feasts, then explained how the Jewish religious calendar works (including how they count days and months). Then they covered the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of First Fruits, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Temples, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. In the next section, they described other Jewish holidays: Tisha B'Av, Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication), Purim, and the Jubilee Year.

The book had many lovely, full-color inserts that illustrated the feast being observed, the layout of the temple so the descriptions of how the feasts were carried out in temple times could be easily followed, calendar information about when the feasts are observed, and so on.

The book was very, very interesting, enlightening, and easy to understand. I'd highly recommend it to all Christians, especially those interested in the Jewish background of the Bible as a means of better understanding some events in the Bible.
Profile Image for Readnponder.
798 reviews43 followers
March 12, 2013
At first I felt a bit out of place reading a book based on the Old Testament feasts (see Leviticus 23) at Easter time. Yet nothing could be more timely. The authors show how the feasts and ceremonies of the OT prefigure the coming of Messiah and what he would accomplish in his death and resurrection. The book really linked the Old and New Testaments for me.

An added bonus, the illustrations are amazing. A floor plan of the temple, a Seder dinner layout, a Seder plate with all the elements. The drawings at the beginning of each chapter made me pause and try to identify all the symbolism worked into the picture. The text is great, but the art work enhances it tremendously.
Profile Image for Sarah (TheLibrarysKeeper).
606 reviews13 followers
July 25, 2015
I was lent this book after a fantastic conversation about Jewish Holidays. I personally spent an entire semester in graduate school doing just that - so I appreciated this books amount of information. The book is written in such a way that it is accessible to pretty much anyone reading it. The one thing I didn't really like was that the authors pull "a Kanye" at the end of nearly every chapter. Statements saying they aren't trying to twist the truth into working for Christianity, but they do it anyways. Some of the information seemed a bit too much of a stretch for me. But overall not a bad read.
Profile Image for inhonoredglory.
254 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2011
A very clear and entertaining look at the significance of the feasts of Israel for the future. It's very enlightening to see that God's purpose for the feasts was to illustrate and anticipate the coming events of the first and second comings of Christ. Definitely a must-read if you want to know more about the symbolism and significance of the feasts of Israel for history, the church, Israel's future, and the end of the age. The colorful and richly illustrated interior makes this doctrinal book very entertaining and readable for even the casual reader.
Profile Image for Mar.
2,122 reviews
January 12, 2016
2.5 I didn't find the introduction helpful, but did enjoy the detail on the history and practice of Jewish feasts in Bible times and how they are celebrated today. I rate it low, because I didn't like the application section much. The authors explain how Jesus as Messiah is the fulfillment of each festival, but their understanding of end times and the rapture differs from mine and made that section hard for me to appreciate.
Profile Image for Danielle.
127 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2014
This book was absolutely wonderful for understanding the feasts! I loved that the authors explained them so clearly (with lots of scriptural documentation) and that they explained how Jesus fulfilled (or will fulfill) each one. A must read if you're interested in understating the Scriptures through the lens of Jewish culture!
Profile Image for Kisha Gallagher.
Author 1 book13 followers
April 5, 2013
There are far too many books on the Festivals of God that exceed the little wisdom found in this book. The author keeps a firm wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. I suggest looking else where for information on the feast days. However, the grapics in this book are better than most.
Profile Image for Gayle.
349 reviews
November 18, 2013
I loved reading the relationship between the six Biblical feasts that God commanded, prophecy, and the fulfillment of them in Christ. It's a very interesting, albeit somewhat dry, book. Recommended for anyone who wants to have a deeper understanding of God's history as laid out in His Word.
Profile Image for Michael Vincent.
Author 0 books7 followers
September 16, 2014
An excellent guide to the feasts of the Old Testament and how they were applied in the New Testament and how they can be understood today. Howard and Rosenthal also give indications of how the feasts may fit into eschatology. A beautiful and worthwhile book. I have turned to it on many occasions.
3 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2014
Great illustrations and clear understanding of the feasts. Explanations as to how the feasts are celebrated by Jews now and how Christians can celebrate God's redemption story right along with our Jewish brothers.
Profile Image for Tim Minge.
21 reviews
April 12, 2016
Very insightful book. I had no idea how each feast coincides with the Gospel and God's plan for us today. The author provides in great detail the background and history of each feast, how it originally started, how it is observed today, and what it means to us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen.
18 reviews7 followers
February 5, 2009
Anyone wanting to understand more about Jewish Feasts, and how Christ fulfills them ALL should read this book. What an amazing God we have..
Profile Image for Monte.
6 reviews
December 30, 2008
I learned how the Old Testament Feasts were reflected in the life and teachings of Jesus and how these Feasts contributed to the Christian Tradition.
Profile Image for Laverne Byas-smith.
46 reviews
January 6, 2010
a great reference for understanding Hebrews, Leviticus and many of the Psalms. I'll return to it often.
Profile Image for Shawna.
401 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2013
Good historical information on the ancient feasts, how they were celebrated and their meanings. I did not read the sections on prophecy.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
281 reviews
September 3, 2024
I loved that he described how the feasts were meant to be celebrated, how they are celebrated now and what the future fulfillment could be. It made me want to celebrate with Jewish families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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