The first month, Nisan, begins what is known as the Season of Redemption (March - April on the Gregorian Calendar). It begins on the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) of Nisan 1 and actually runs through Shavuot (Pentecost).
It was during this month that the Israelites were brought out of Egypt by YHWH's strong hand (Exodus 12). YHWH gave instructions to Moses regarding the beginning of months (Exodus 12:2); prior the year had started in the fall of the year. Instructions were given regarding the Passover that YHWH was about to bring about for His people. The Passover Lamb was to be selected on the 10th of the month, slain on the 14th of the month, and the Exodus to occur on the 15th of the month. From the 15th through the 21st of the month would be the Appointed time of Unleavened Bread. The Appointed time of Firstfruits would fall during this time period and final Redemption would culminate 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits at Shavuot (Pentecost).
Every follower of Yeshua (Jesus) should understand how this event foreshadowed His death, burial and resurrection, as He became our Passover Lamb. He paid the ultimate price for our redemption. He was examined and found to have no fault from Nisan 10-14th. On the 14th He died on the cross. On the 15th He was laid to rest in the tomb, and on the third day He arose from the dead as the firstfruits of the resurrection. Firstfruits would have been on the 17th of Nisan.
As I write this blog we have just finished celebrating Purim. In the book of Esther we find the story about how Queen Esther saved her people from being slain at the hands of Haman. It is traditionally celebrated on the 13th of the month of Adar, for this was the day that the "pur" (lot) was cast by the wicked Haman and he intended to have all the Jews slaughtered on this day. However, Queen Esther saved the day and the people were given the right to defend themselves from their enemies on Adar 13th.
What most people don't realize is that the story of Queen Esther's rise to fame, "for such a time as this,” did not occur in the month of Adar. It happened in the month of Nisan, the month of Redemption.
Esther 3:7 "In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar."
It was on the 13th day of Nisan that the King's scribes issued the decree that all Jews were to be slaughtered on Adar 13th of that year.
Esther 3:12 - 13 "Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey."
Upon hearing this news Queen Esther called for a fast for three days and nights.
Esther 4:16 "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
Scripture as well as Jewish sources attest to the fact that Esther fasted the 14th - 16th (3days) correlating with Passover. She would have called for her first feast on the 16th and her second feast on the 17th of Nisan. Haman would have been hanged on the gallows, intended for Mordecai, on the 17th. Here we have another pattern from YHWH of salvation/redemption in the month of Nisan.
It is not a coincidence that the same day that the Jewish people saw the wrath of God poured out on their enemy, Haman, that Yeshua arose from the dead, securing our salvation/redemption forever.
Neither is it a coincidence that in the book of Genesis (8:4) it is recorded that the ark rested on the 17th day of Nisan upon the Mountains of Ararat. Keep in mind as you read this scripture that the first month during the time of Noah would have been in the month of Tishri (our September/October) for the beginning of months were not changed until instructed by Moses in Exodus (The seventh month here would have been Nisan). Here we see, once again, a final redemption on the 17th of Nisan. The rains stopped and the ark rested. The waters began to recede. All the filth of the fallen world had been washed away, and the earth had been renewed or redeemed.
In Exodus chapter 40 we read about the Tabernacle being erected in the wilderness. All things have previously been prepared according to the instructions given to Moses by YHWH. In verses 34-38 we read about the "glory of the LORD filling the tabernacle". YHWH now DWELT among His people. When did this happen? In the month of Nisan - the month of redemption.
Exodus 40:1-2 " And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation."
In the book of Ezekiel we can read about the third temple, the one that Yeshua will rule and reign from. Ezekiel records the time that the temple will be ready for sacrifices to begin again:
Ezekiel 45:18 "Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first month, in the first day of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:"
The Scriptures follow with the discussion of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
Clearly, the first month is very important in history and, I believe, will be so in the future. This is why we are told to keep YHWH's Holy Convocations (to rehearse) Leviticus 23.
In Jewish writings it is understood that the Jewish nation will return to Israel before the month of Nisan. During this time preparation will be made. They have always believed that it is during the month of Nisan that their redemption from this present evil world will take place. The sages taught that Messiah would come and redeem them in the month of Nisan.
Their Messiah did come and redeem in the month of Nisan - Yeshua the Messiah!
Let us be ready and prepare ourselves for His second coming. As the month of our redemption draws near, let us "rehearse" for "our redemption draws near".
Shalom!
Leisa
