Numbers 28:0 - A Solemn Fast And A Joyous Feast

I. God's order is first an atonement; secondly, a festival. The expiation of the nation's sins on the most solemn day of the year was God's preparation for the most joyous season of the year (cf. Le Numbers 25:9 —the trumpet of Jubilee was sounded on the day of atonement). The world's great atonement must precede the world's feast of tabernacles. The feast of tabernacles was—

1 . A commemoration of the nation's low estate during its life in the wilderness. The booths ordered probably lest they should, in their prosperity, forget the lowliness of their past condition ( Deuteronomy 8:2-18 ).

2 . A thanksgiving for harvest blessings ("feast of ingathering," Exodus 23:16 ). We too may "keep the feast" ( 1 Corinthians 5:8 ) of the Christian life as—

II. The knowledge of personal reconciliation with God prepares for the joys of life. Each Israelite who was penitently confiding in God's mercy could appropriate the blessings of the day of atonement (cf. Romans 5:1 , Romans 5:11 ; Galatians 2:20 ). (Illustrate from 2 Chronicles 29:27 .) An accepted sacrifice brings songs to the offerer's lips. Humiliation precedes exaltation in Christ ( Philippians 2:7-11 ) and in Christians ( Luke 1:52 ; John 16:20 ; James 4:10 ). Those who "sow in tears" of genuine humiliation and "afflicting of the soul" on the tenth day shall "reap in joy" on the fifteenth. Many seek to reverse this order; e.g; Isaiah 22:12 , Isaiah 22:13 .

III. Days of rejoicing are yet to be days of sacrifice. More sacrifices were offered at the feast of tabernacles than at either of the other great festivals. So the joys of life and the greater joys of salvation are to be the occasion of the more entire dedication of ourselves to God, and of cheerful service to others ( Nehemiah 8:9-12 ; Hebrews 13:10-16 ).—P.