Tishri – The Seventh Month of the Biblical Calendar

The Month of Ethanim (Tishri)

” All the men of Israel came together…at the time of the festival in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month. (1 Kings 8:2)” This is where Scripture states the name of this month

“When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled as one man in Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:1)”

The month of Ethanim, meaning, the “month of gifts,” as it is called in Holy Scripture.

The Significance of Ethanim in the Hebrew Calendar

Ethanim, or Tishri, is a month rich in religious and cultural meaning for the Jewish people. It is during this month that some of the most significant festivals of the Jewish year occur, including the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These festivals are crucial for Israel’s communal and spiritual life, serving as times for repentance, renewal, and remembrance of God’s provision and faithfulness.

Connection to a Loving Elohim

Tishri/Ethanim’s festivals and observances highlight Yahweh’s enduring faithfulness and love for His people. The name “Ethanim,” meaning “enduring” or “ever-flowing streams,” aptly describes Yahweh’s unchanging nature and His continual provision for His people. The festivals of this month, especially the Feast of Tabernacles, remind believers of Yahweh’s past acts of deliverance and His ongoing care.

These observances also illustrate the communal aspect of worship and the importance of coming together as a faith community to celebrate and remember Yahweh’s goodness. The gathering of Israel during these times reflects a collective acknowledgment of Yahweh’s sovereignty and the communal nature of faith.

In modern times, these aspects of Ethanim’s observances can serve as a model for living in constant awareness of Yahweh’s presence and provision. It encourages believers to gather regularly, not only to worship but to remind each other of Yahweh’s faithfulness and to celebrate His deeds.

Connection to Yahshua The Messiah

Ethanim and its festivals have rich typological significance that points to Yahshua the Messiah. The Day of Atonement, with its focus on repentance and atonement for sin, prefigures the ultimate atonement made by Yahshua on the cross. As the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice for the people’s sins, Yahshua, our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12).

The Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrates Yahweh’s provision and protection, can also be seen as pointing to Messiah, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Yahshua’s incarnation is the ultimate fulfillment of Yahweh’s dwelling with His people, providing spiritual nourishment and protection. The temporary shelters of Sukkot remind believers of the temporary nature of earthly life and the promise of eternal life through Yahshua.

Conclusion

Ethanim, or Tishri, is a month filled with rich spiritual significance and deep connections to Yahweh’s faithfulness and love. The observances during this month remind believers of the importance of reflection, repentance, and thanksgiving. For modern believers, Ethanim’s festivals offer a powerful reminder of Yahweh’s unchanging nature, His provision, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Yahshua the Messiah. Through these reflections, believers are encouraged to deepen their faith, live lives of gratitude, and continually seek Yahweh’s presence and guidance.