Revelation 12 Signs in the heavens by Greg Killian
www.sonstoglory.com

The first article below was found at: http://www.betemunah.org/rev121.html
The second article below contains clips from: http://www.betemunah.org/celestal.html


Revelation 12:1 - A Great Sign!

By Hillel ben David (Greg Killian)

I. Background

On Av 29, 5759 (August 11, 1999), there will be a total eclipse of the sun, visible over Jerusalem. This is just two days before the beginning of the month of Elul. On Elul 1, we begin a forty (40) day period of repentance, culminating in Yom HaKippurim, The Day of Atonement. The last ten (10) days are known as the awesome days, or Days of Awe. These ten days begin with Rosh Hashanah (Yom Teruah), The Feast of Trumpets. So, Ha-Shem[1] is going to warn the nations, concerning Jerusalem, just before we begin the intense time of repentance. Recall that the eclipse of the sun is a bad omen for the Gentiles, the nations:

Succah 29a It was taught: R. Meir said, Whenever the luminaries are in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel since they are inured to blows. This may be compared to a school teacher who comes to school with a strap in his hand. Who becomes apprehensive? He who is accustomed to be daily punished. Our Rabbis taught, When the sun is in eclipse it is a bad omen for idolaters; when Lavanah (Moon) is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel, since Israel reckons by Lavanah (Moon) and idolaters by the sun. If it is in eclipse in the east, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the east; if in the west, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the west; if in the midst of heaven it is bad omen for the whole world. If its face is red as blood, [it is a sign that] the sword is coming to the world; if it is like sack-cloth, the arrows of famine are coming to the world; if it resembles both, the sword and the arrows of famine are coming to the world. If the eclipse is at sunset calamity will tarry in its coming; if at dawn, it hastens on its way: but some say the order is to be reversed. And there is no nation which is smitten that its gods are not smitten together with it, as it is said, And against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments. But when Israel fulfill the will of the Omnipresent, they need have no fear of all these [omens] as it is said, Thus saith the L-RD[2],' Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them, the idolaters will be dismayed, but Israel will not be dismayed.

So, On Elul one, I’d suggest that you begin repenting. Go to your neighbors and brothers and confess your wrongs against them, and beg them for forgiveness. We can expect Ha-Shem to forgive us ONLY when we have made things right between ourselves and our fellow man. The only way to be ready for the judgment of Yom Teruah is to repent and return to Ha-Shem.

Yom Teruah is the birthday of the world and day six of creation. It is the day when Adam was created. As such, this day contains the spiritual energy of creation. If we prepare ourselves correctly, and behave as we should on this day, then we have the opportunity to be born again. We have the opportunity to begin a new year infused with the energy of creation! This day is also known as Judgment Day. The whole world will be judged on this day, for the coming year. The books of the living and the dead will be opened. This is truly an awesome day!

Revelation 12:1 has fascinated Bible scholars for many years. A few years ago, I was examining the stars in the heaven with an astronomy software program which allows me to simulate what the stars will look like at any day, at any time, and at any place. I set the date for Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, September 12, 1999. I set the place to be Jerusalem, and I set the time to be just after sunset. The following picture was presented to me:

Revelation 12:1-5 "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days."

When I first saw the above picture, I immediately thought of the Revelation 12 sign. This celestial picture is for Yom Teruah, The Feast of Trumpets in 1999, which is 5760 on the Biblical anno mundo scale. This sign occurs on Shabbat, the Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). The above picture does not show Draco, the Dragon, because it would make the picture curved and hard to relate to. If you had a larger picture you would see that Draco is poised above the woman, waiting to snatch the man-child. The moon is poised in the "birth canal" of the young woman who is lying down with her feet in the air. The word "Bethulah" is in the location where her head should be. The constellation of Coma Bernice is the crown of twelve stars above the young woman's head.

REMEMBER:

Remember that God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years." Bereshit (Genesis) 1:14

This SIGN, as depicted above, is how it looks from Jerusalem! Remember that God's view is always from Jerusalem. Notice that the Chamah (Sun) is below the horizon so that this sign can be seen. This sign would not be visible if the sun were to be above the horizon. Because the sun is below the horizon, the constellation is literally clothed with the sun!

CONSIDER:

Please consider this paper as interesting speculation. Not as gospel truth. I do not yet know if this is how God will display this sign. It does seem to suggest that it might be the sign spoken of in Revelation 12:1-5. Those who celebrate Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) have learned that Messiah is represented by Lavanah (Moon) – Be aware, though, that the moon is also an Islamic symbol prominently displayed on many of their flags. The celebration for Rosh Chodesh, the new moon, includes the announcement of the new moon with the words:

David, King of Israel lives, lives and endures!

Lavanah, the moon, represents Messiah in this unique astronomical event. This particular positioning of the mazzaroth (constellation) Bethulah, the young woman, about to give 'birth' to the moon (the Messiah), has never occurred before, and will never occur again, due to the precession of the equinoxes. Actually, if you believe that the earth is older than 26,000 years, then that is when this sign would have last occurred. If you believe that the earth will endure for another than 26,000 years, then that is when this sign will next occur.

The sun is just below the horizon such that Bethulah is 'clothed' with the sun. The sun must be below the horizon in order to have any possibility of seeing this 'sign'. The moon is 'new' and after 'birth', the moon will move directly to the feet of Bethulah (Virgo, the young woman) within 24 hours. Over Bethulah's head is the mazzaroth (constellation) known as 'Bernice's hair'. This is the crown of twelve stars! Higher and above her legs, we will find Draco, the Dragon, poised to devour Bethulah's child.

Yom Teruah, The Feast of Trumpets, 5760, falls on Shabbat (Sabbath). This means that if the Temple is standing, or the altar is built, then we will be offering the following korbanot (sacrifices):

  • The Morning sacrifice.
  • The Shabbat (Sabbath) sacrifices.
  • The Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) sacrifices.
  • The Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) festival sacrifices.
  • The Evening sacrifice.
  • On this day, and this day alone is it possible to offer all of these sacrifices!

Yom Teruah is the only festival that no man knows the day or the hour in which it begins. This is due to the fact that it begins on Rosh Chodesh (The New Moon). The new moon was sanctified when two witnesses see the new moon and attest to it before the Beit Din Gadole (Sanhedrin) in the Temple. This sanctification could happen during either of two days, depending on when the witnesses come. Since no one knew when the witnesses would come, no one knew when the Feast of Trumpets would start.

So, what does this sign mean? I think that it is important to note that the emphasis is on the woman, not on the man child. The sign seems to be telling us what the woman is going to do. The obvious question, then, is: Who is the woman?

For at least 2000 years, Jews have been reading special Torah readings with an accompanying reading from the Prophets called the Haftorah. The Torah Reading which is read when Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) falls on Shabbat (Sabbath) is Bamidbar (Bamidbar (Numbers)) 28:9-15. The Haftorah is:

Yeshayah (Isaiah) 66:1-24 This is what Ha-Shem says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares Ha-Shem. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a man, and whoever offers a lamb, like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig's blood, and whoever burns memorial incense, like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations; So I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me." Hear the word of Ha-Shem, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, 'Let Ha-Shem be glorified, that we may see your joy!' Yet they will be put to shame. Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of Ha-Shem repaying his enemies all they deserve. "Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says Ha-Shem. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God. "Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance." For this is what Ha-Shem says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of Ha-Shem will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. See, Ha-Shem is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword Ha-Shem will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by Ha-Shem. "Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following the one in the midst of those who eat the flesh of pigs and rats and other abominable things--they will meet their end together," declares Ha-Shem. "And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory. "I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations--to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to Ha-Shem--on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels," says Ha-Shem. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of Ha-Shem in ceremonially clean vessels. And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites," says Ha-Shem. "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares Ha-Shem, "so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says Ha-Shem. "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind."

From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says Ha-Shem.[3]

This passage from Yeshayah (Isaiah) 66, seems to be the closest match, in all of the Scriptures, to our passage in Revelation 12. I think that it is more than a coincidence that Ha-Shem (Ha-Shem is a Hebrew word meaning "The Name", it is how pious Jews refer to the yod-hay-vav-hay, the tetragrammaton, Name of God) chose this reading from the Prophets to be read specifically when Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat; as it will on Yom Teruah 5760 (September 12, 1999). Ha-Shem, obviously, chose the readings so that His people would be informed before He takes any action. For those who are doing the right things, at the right time, and in the right way, this event will be no surprise. As the people finish reading the Torah portion, the Haftorah portion, and the readings from the Tehillim (Psalms), they will all be standing outside, looking at the moon as they recite the following blessing:

Kiddush Levanah (The Blessing Over the New Moon):

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe whose word created the heavens, whose breath created all that they contain. Statutes and seasons He set for them, that they should not deviate from their assigned task. Happily, gladly they do the will of their Creator, whose work is dependable. To the moon He spoke: renew yourself, crown of glory for those who were borne in the womb, who also are destined to be renewed and to extol their Creator for His glorious sovereignty. Blessed are You, Lord who renews the months.

David, King of Israel, lives and endures.
The worshippers will then exchange these greetings:
Shalom Alechem (peace be with you!)
Alekhem shalom (peace be unto you!)

The Torah portion, with it's haftorah from the prophets, that is read on this days is:

September 12, 1999 corresponds to: Sunday, Tishri 2, 5760

Torah: Bereshit (Genesis) 22:1-24 and Bamidbar (Numbers) 29:1-6

Bereshit (Genesis) 22:1-24 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time And said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba. Some time later Abraham was told, "Milcah is also a mother; she has borne sons to your brother Nahor: Uz the firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel (the father of Aram), Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel." Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight sons to Abraham's brother Nahor. His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also had sons: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash and Maacah.

Bamidbar (Numbers) 29:1-6 "'On the first day of the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets. As an aroma pleasing to the LORD, prepare a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bull prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; And with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you. These are in addition to the monthly and daily burnt offerings with their grain offerings and drink offerings as specified. They are offerings made to the LORD by fire--a pleasing aroma.

Haftorah: Yirimiyah (Jeremiah) 31:1-19

Yirimiyah (Jeremiah) 31:1-19 "At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people." This is what the LORD says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel." The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Young woman Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, 'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.'" This is what the LORD says: "Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, 'O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.' See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: 'He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.' For the LORD will ransom Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD--the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty," declares the LORD. This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more." This is what the LORD says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the LORD. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future," declares the LORD. "Your children will return to their own land. "I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning: 'You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.'

Conclusions

I think it will be impossible for God's people to miss the obvious sign which will be right in front of their eyes! It won't be a matter of not noticing it, or forgetting to look up at the proper time. No, His people will be obeying His command! This will put His people, His Torah and Haftorah, and His sign all together at just the right time, in just the right way, with all the right words to make this sign communicate His plan. All of God's plans are communicated this way. Those who are obedient will know and understand.

So, I think this portion from Yeshayah (Isaiah) is indicating that the woman represents the people who come forth from Zion, her true citizens. The child is probably the Messiah because He will be ruling with a rod of iron (when we talk about “under her feet, we may see the anti-messiah being initially dominated by the woman). The child, though, is in heaven while the woman flees into the wilderness to be protected for 1260 days.

This sign, in Revelation 12, seems to be the signal that the children of God, living in Judea, are to flee into the wilderness to begin a period of 1260 days of nourishment and protection by God. Be aware that there is no immediate time when things must start, though things should start soon after this sign.

It is extremely important for us to be in right standing before Ha-Shem. I can not emphasize this enough. We must do teshuvah (repentance, returning to the state we had in the Garden of Eden). We must beg forgiveness from our brothers and from Ha-Shem. If we are not in the right state, we will be ashamed when we stand before Ha-Shem for judgment. It is the mark of G-d’s people that they do teshuvah before Yom Teruah so that they can stand tall when we crown the King of Melakim (Kings)!

NOTE: For more information on the liturgy of Rosh Chodesh, look at the Artscroll Siddur. This publication is available from your local library, or from Mesorah Publications at 1-800-MESORAH.

For more information on the liturgy of Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashana), look at the Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashana. This publication is available from your local library, or from Mesorah Publications at 1-800-MESORAH.

This study was written by Hillel ben David (Greg Killian).

Comments may be submitted to:
Greg Killian
3711 Medical Drive #1016
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Web page: http://www.betemunah.org/rev121.html
(210) 277-8649

Send comments to Greg Killian at his email address: [email protected]

[1] Ha-Shem is Hebrew for “The Name”. It is how pious Jews refer to the YHVH name of God.
[2] Pious Jews avoid descicrating the names of G-d by replacing the “o” with a dash. This way if the paper is thrown in the trash the name will not be desecrated.
[3] Haftarah Rosh Chodesh - Yeshayahu 66 : 1-24

When Rosh Chodesh occurs on Shabbat, the regular Haftorah is replaced by a special Haftorah - the last chapter of the Book of Yeshayahu (Isaiah). This chapter was chosen because of its penultimate verse which links Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh: "And it shall be that, from New Moon to New Moon, and from Shabbat to Shabbat, all flesh shall come and prostrate themselves before Me, said Ha-Shem. (66:23) This verse is also repeated after concluding the reading of the Haftorah.

Every New Moon is a summons to Israel to renew and rejuvenate itself. Every Shabbat is a call to show practical proof of our homage to Ha-Shem by ceasing from melacha (prohibited work). But there will come a time when not only Israel will be called to offer their willing service to Ha-Shem..."And I will establish a distinctive sign amongst them and send refugees from them to the nations to ...Yavan, to the most distant lands that have not heard My Fame, nor have seen My Glory, and they will inform the nations of My Glory." (66:19)


 

Celestial Events

By Hilel ben David (Greg Killian)
Nisan 21, 5756 (April 10, 1996) - Updated Elul 16, 5757 (September 18, 1997)

This paper details some of the extraordinary astronomical events that will befall us in the next few years. Throughout this paper I will use the Hebrew name of the planets, with the Greek or familiar name in parenthesis. For example: Lavanah (Moon). I will also refer to the Biblical festivals by their Hebrew names with the English translation in parenthesis. Please remember that these are God's Biblical festivals.

The first events, to be detailed, are three total lunar eclipses, two partial (5% and 90%) lunar eclipses, and one penumbral lunar eclipse.

On the evening of Nisan 16, 5755 (April 15, 1995), which is the second night of Pesach (Passover), there will be a 5% partial lunar eclipse.

On the evening of Tishrei 15, 5756 (October 8, 1995), which is the beginning of the Succoth, the Feast of Tabernacles, there will be a penumbral lunar eclipse.

The first total lunar eclipse will be one on the evening of Nisan 15, 5756 AM (begins the evening of April 3, 1996), which is Pesach (the Feast of Passover).

The second total lunar eclipse will take place on Tishrei 14, 5757 AM (begins the evening of September 26, 1996), which is Erev Hag HaSuccoth (the Eve of the Feast of Tabernacles).

The third total lunar eclipse will occur on Shushan Purim, II Adar 15, 5757 (March 24, 1996), and the fourth occurs during the middle of the period known as the "Days of Teshuvah" (repentance).

There will be a second penumbral lunar eclipse on Shushan Purim 5758 (March 13, 1998). Only the very beginning of this eclipse will be visible from Jerusalem.

There will be a third penumbral eclipse on Tu B'Shevat, Shevat 15, 5759 (begins the evening of January 31, 1999). This is the new year for trees.

The next total lunar eclipse will begin the evening of Shevat 15, 5760, which is Tu B'Shevat. Only the very beginning of this eclipse will be visible from Jerusalem.

The two total lunar eclipses, and the 92% partial lunar eclipse will occur on the ONLY Biblical festivals which occur during full Lavanah (Moon). Because of the earth's atmosphere, all of these eclipses will probably present a red Lavanah (Moon) to be viewed by the inhabitants of earth. All will be visible from Jerusalem! If you count the months starting with Nisan, as G-d commanded Israel to do in Exodus 12:2, and go forward a year's worth of Biblical months, then the third eclipse falls on the last month of the year. Therefore, there will be three festivals during one Biblical year which contain lunar eclipses!

All six of these lunar eclipses fall on Biblical festivals. The first two are partial and will appear as a slightly darkened moon. These seem to be the warm up for the real show.

The following chart and encyclopedia article are presented so that you can appreciate the specifics of time and to understand why Lavanah (Moon) will be red:

Date

Start

Type

Feast

April 15, 1995

10:07 UT

Partial 5%

Passover

October 8, 1995

18:10 UT

Penumbral lunar

Hag HaSuccoth

April 3/4, 1996

22:21 UT

Total lunar

Passover

September 26/27,1996

1:12 UT

Total lunar

Erev Hag HaSuccoth

March 24, 1997

1:40 UT

Partial 92%

Shushan Purim

September 16, 1997

18:46 UT

Total lunar

Days of Repentance

March 13, 1998

2:14 UT

Penumbral lunar

Shushan Purim

January 31, 1999

14:04 UT

Penumbral lunar

Tu B'Shevat

January 21, 2000

2:02 UT

Total lunar

Tu B'Shevat

March 3, 2007

20:16 UT

Total lunar

Purim

What is a lunar eclipse, and why will Lavanah (Moon) be red?

The earth, lit by the sun, casts a long, conical shadow in space. At any point within that cone the light of the sun is wholly obscured. Surrounding the shadow cone, also called the umbra, is an area of partial shadow called the penumbra. The approximate mean length of the umbra is 1,379,200 km (857,000 mi); at a distance of 384,600 km (239,000 mi), the mean distance of Lavanah (Moon) from the earth, it has a diameter of about 9170 km (about 5700 mi).

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Lavanah (Moon) passes completely into the umbra. If it moves directly through the center, it is obscured for about 2 hours. If it does not pass through the center, the period of totality is less and may last for only an instant if Lavanah (Moon) travels through the very edge of the umbra.

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a part of Lavanah (Moon) enters the umbra and is obscured. The extent of a partial eclipse can range from near totality, when most of Lavanah (Moon) is obscured, to a slight or minor eclipse, when only a small portion of the earth's shadow is seen on the passing moon. Historically, the view of the earth's circular shadow advancing across the face of Lavanah (Moon) was the first indication of the shape of the earth.

Before Lavanah (Moon) enters the umbra in either total or partial eclipse, it is within the penumbra and the surface becomes visibly darker. The portion that enters the umbra seems almost black, but during a total eclipse, the lunar disk is not completely dark; it is faintly illuminated with a red light refracted by the earth's atmosphere, which filters out the blue rays. Occasionally a lunar eclipse occurs when the earth is covered with a heavy layer of clouds that prevent light refraction; the surface of Lavanah (Moon) is invisible during totality.

What does the Bible have to say about red moons?

Revelation 6:12-17 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, And the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

Joel 2:28-32 'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and Lavanah (Moon) to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the L-RD. And everyone who calls on the name of the L-RD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the L-RD has said, among the survivors whom the L-RD calls.

The Joel passage is also quoted in Acts 2:17-21

What does the Talmud say about red moons:

It was taught: R. Meir said, Whenever the luminaries are in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel since they are inured to blows. This may be compared to a school teacher who comes to school with a strap in his hand. Who becomes apprehensive? He who is accustomed to be daily punished. Our Rabbis taught, When the sun is in eclipse it is a bad omen for idolaters; when Lavanah (Moon) is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel, since Israel reckons by Lavanah (Moon) and idolaters by the sun. If it is in eclipse in the east, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the east; if in the west, it is a bad omen for those who dwell in the west; if in the midst of heaven it is bad omen for the whole world. If its face is red as blood, [it is a sign that] the sword is coming to the world; if it is like sack-cloth, the arrows of famine are coming to the world; if it resembles both, the sword and the arrows of famine are coming to the world. If the eclipse is at sunset calamity will tarry in its coming; if at dawn, it hastens on its way: but some say the order is to be reversed. And there is no nation which is smitten that its G-ds are not smitten together with it, as it is said, And against all the G-ds of Egypt I will execute judgments. But when Israel fulfill the will of the Omnipresent, they need have no fear of all these [omens] as it is said, Thus saith the L-RD,' Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them, the idolaters will be dismayed, but Israel will not be dismayed. Talmud - Mas. Sukkah 29a

The eclipse of the moon and stars is caused by four kinds of sin:
(1) forgery,
(2) false witness,
(3) breeding small cattle in Palestine (for they spoil the land), and
(4) cutting down fruit-trees (Suk. 29a).

The second eclipse, on Erev Hag HaSuccoth, may be the second witness to warn us of G-d's impending action. While Lavanah (Moon) is eclipsed, Shabbtai (Saturn) will be in close conjunction with Lavanah (Moon), in the mazzaroth (constellation) of Dagim (Pisces). Not since the "Spica eclipse" of April 12-13, 1968, has the eclipsed Lavanah (Moon) been in such close conjunction with a bright object.

LUNAR ECLIPSE CONJUNCTIONS

UT Date

Object

FeSTIVAL

Magnitude

Time(UT)

Separation

1808 May 10

Shabbtai

 

+0.1

7:38

3.6°

1848 Sept. 13

Shabbtai

 

+0.7

6:19

2.5°

1884 Apr. 10

Spica

Pesach

+1.0

12:04

1.8°

1949 Apr. 13

Spica

Pesach

+1.0

4:10

1.9°

1968 Apr. 13

Spica

Pesach

+1.0

4:28

1.2°

1996 Sept. 27

Shabbtai

Erev Hag HaSuccoth

+0.5

2:54

2.3°

2008 Feb. 21

Regulus

Shushan Purim

+1.4

3:25

2.8°

2008 Feb. 21

Shabbtai

Shushan Purim

+0.2

3:25

3.5°

 

The next event, to be detailed, is a unique picture:

Yom Teruah
Tishri 1, 5757 - 5759

"A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days." Revelation 12:1-5

When I first saw the above picture for 5757, I immediately thought of the Revelation 12 sign. This sequence of four celestial snapshots were taken on Yom Teruah (The Feast of Trumpets) 5757 - 5760 (1996 - 1999). These snapshots show a progression of the new moon that may be seen as the birth pangs. In 5757 and in 5760, the sign occurs on Shabbat (Sabbath). My thought is that 5757 begins the birth pangs with the birth taking place in 5760. The above pictures do not show Draco, the Dragon, because it would make the picture curved and hard to relate to. Draco is poised above the woman, waiting to snatch the man-child.

REMEMBER:

Then G-d said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years." Genesis 1:14

This SIGN, as depicted above, is how it looks from Jerusalem! Remember that G-d's view is always from Jerusalem. Notice that the Chamah (Sun) is below the horizon so that this sign can be seen. This sign would not be visible if the sun was above the horizon.

CONSIDER:

This paper as interesting speculation. Not as gospel truth. I do not yet know if this is how G-d will display this sign. It does seem to suggest that it might be the sign spoken of in Revelation 12:1-5. The beginning sign occurs in 5757 (1996) which is year 19 of the 19 year lunar cycle. 5758 will begin a new lunar cycle of 19 years. Those who celebrate Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) have learned that Messiah is represented by Lavanah (Moon). Lavanah represents Messiah in this unique astronomical event. This particular positioning of the mazzaroth (constellation) Bethulah (virgin) about to give 'birth' to Lavanah, has never occurred before, and will never occur again, due to the precession of the equinoxes.

Chamah (Sun) is just below the horizon such that Bethulah is 'clothed' with Chamah. Chamah must be below the horizon in order to have any possibility of seeing this 'sign'. Lavanah is 'new' and after 'birth' Lavanah will move directly to the feet of Bethulah (Virgo, the virgin) within 24 hours. Over Bethulah's head is the mazzaroth (constellation) known as 'Bernice's hair'. This is the crown of twelve stars! Higher and above her legs, we will find Draco, the Dragon, poised to devour Bethulah's child.

Yom Teruah in 5757 and 5760, falls on Shabbat (Sabbath). This means that if the Temple is standing, or the altar is built, then we will be offering the following sacrifices:

  • The Morning sacrifice.
  • The Shabbat (Sabbath) sacrifices.
  • The Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) sacrifices.
  • The Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) festival sacrifices.
  • The Evening sacrifice.

On this day, and this day alone is it possible to offer all of these sacrifices! According to my understanding, this is the day that no man knows the day or the hour. This is due to the fact that it begins on Rosh Chodesh (The New Moon). The new moon was sanctified when two witnesses see the new Levanah (Moon) and attest to it before the Kohen gadol (High Priest) or the Sanhedrin in the Temple. This sanctification could happen during either of two days, depending on when the witnesses come.

So, what does this sign mean? I think that it is important to note that the emphasis is on the woman, not on the man child. The sign seems to be telling us what the woman is going to do. The obvious question, then, is: Who is the woman? Jeremiah 3:20 compares Israel to a faithless woman. Ezekiel 16 likens Jerusalem to a woman. The following passage from Isaiah seems to be the closest match to our passage in Revelation 12:

Isaiah 66:5-9 Hear the word of HaShem, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, 'Let HaShem be glorified, that we may see your joy!' Yet they will be put to shame. Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of HaShem repaying his enemies all they deserve. "Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says HaShem. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God.

So, I think this Isaiah passage is indicating that the woman represents the people who come forth from Zion, her true citizens. The child is obviously the Messiah. The child, though, is in heaven while the woman flees into the wilderness to be protected for 1260 days.

This sign, in Revelation 12, seems to be the signal that the children of Zion are to flee into the wilderness to begin a period of 1260 days of nourishment and protection by G-d. This is my current opinion.

On Yom Teruah, 1996, This sign was NOT seen in Jerusalem due to cloud cover. Again, a sign has no value if it can not be seen!

September 12, 1999 corresponds to: Sunday, Tishri 2, 5760

Okay, now lets look at something mighty interesting:

On Tuesday evening, Tishrei 1, 5766 (October 3, 2005), there will be an annular solar eclipse that will be visible from India, Africa, much of Russia, Europe, and all of the Middle East. This eclipse occurs on the eve of Yom Teruah! Yom Teruah is the day that the scriptures indicates that Messiah will come in Great glory, to become King over all the Earth. The greatest eclipse will occur at 10:31 UT. This solar eclipse is eight years, precisely, after Yom Teruah, 5758, and it is the seventh year following the sign in Bethulah, in 5760. Yom Teruah, 5758, is two weeks after the seventh lunar eclipse, some of which were red moons. five of these lunar eclipses fell on Biblical festivals. The seventh lunar eclipse occurred at the midpoint of the Days of Repentance, two weeks before Yom Teruah. Consider what the Scriptures say:

Joel 2:30 - 3:2 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of HaShem. And everyone who calls on the name of HaShem will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as HaShem has said, among the survivors whom HaShem calls. 'In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.

The next event, to be detailed, is a comet:

The proper blessing, according to the Talmud, upon seeing a comet or an eclipse is:

Blessed art Thou, O HaShem, our God, King of the Universe, Whose strength and might fill the world. Talmud - Mas. Berachoth 54a

Comets have been feared throughout much of human history, and even in our own time their goings and comings receive great attention.

Comet Hale-Bopp will make it's closest approach to the Earth on Shushan Purim 5757 AM (II Adar 15, 5757 - begins the evening of Sunday March 23, 1997). This is an extremely large, bright comet, perhaps the largest, brightest comet ever discovered! This comet will be visible in a most spectacular way because it will be visible during an eclipse of Lavanah (Moon) that will be a spectacular, deep partial one that falls just short of totality (In North America. Lavanah (Moon) has a chance of being red or black as sackcloth. So, Lavanah (Moon) will be dark, or red, while the comet will be extremely bright and visible! Additionally, the red mazal (planet), Madim (Mars), will be under and very close to the red Lavanah (Moon). Hale-Bopp has been called "Wormwood" by several sites on the Internet. If this comet is to be like the Biblical Wormwood it will need to break up and have only a piece hit the Earth. If the whole comet hit the Earth it would be unlikely for any life to survive.

It is moving faster than any earth space probe (about a hundred thousand miles a day) and is twice as big as the Earth (15,500 miles across). Some say that this may be the biggest comet ever discovered. The last time it visited the inner solar system A comet discovered in July 1995 has now become bright enough to be easily seen with the naked eye, even from urban sites, and will remain easily visible to northern-hemisphere observers through April 1997. The Hale-Bopp Comet is still approaching, the sun, with its closest approach (perihelion) occurring April 1, 1997. Daniel W. E. Green of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics stated that the latest orbital calculations indicate that the Hale-Bopp comet last passed through the inner solar system about 4210 years ago. An Arutz-7 correspondent noted that according to the ancient Jewish text Seder Olam Rabah, the comet's previous appearance was approximately the same year that Noah began building the ark. {ARUTZ 7 3/31 C}

The comet will make its closest approach to the Earth on Shushan Purim,

II Adar 15, 5757 AM (March 24, 1997)

The comet will make its closest approach to the Earth on Purim, II Adar 15, 5757 AM (March 24, 1997). Will the comet "cross" the Earth's orbit? We don't know! Because a comet's orbit is affected by coming close to planets and by vaporizing of cometary material, similar to a thruster rocket, it is impossible for us to predict exactly where a comet will be at any given time. Comet-Hale Bopp has changed course more than forty times in the last year. Perihelion (the closest approach to the sun) will be April 16, 1997.

According to the November 1995 issue of Sky & Telescope, Comet Hale-Bopp will pass through the mazzaroth (constellations) of Perseus, Taurus, and Orion. The fact that it passes through Orion is a very ominous sign. The Talmud has the following information:

Berachoth 58b - OVER SHOOTING-STARS [ZIKIN]. What are ZIKIN? Samuel said: A comet. Samuel also said: I am as familiar with the paths of heaven as with the streets of Nehardea, with the exception of the comet, about which I am ignorant. There is a tradition that it never passes through the constellation of Orion, for if it did, the world would be destroyed. But we have seen it pass through? - Its brightness passed through, which made it appear as if it passed through itself. R. Huna the son of R. Joshua said: Wilon was torn asunder and rolled up, showing the brightness of Rakia. R. Ashi said: A star was removed from one side of Orion and a companion star appeared on the other side, and people were bewildered and thought the star had crossed over.

So, when Hale-Bopp passes through Orion, the Talmudic sages see this as indicating the destruction of the Earth. Hale-Bopp will pass through Orion starting May 20, 1997, and complete the transit of Orion on June 16, 1997.

This data was presented to the "Ask the Rabbi" forum on the Internet and the following reply was received:

According to the Maharal of Prague, in his book Netzach Yisrael Chapter 60, the Talmudic statement in Berachot 58b should be understood as a metaphor. The comet is a metaphor for the coming of the Messiah, who is compared to a star: Orion, the hunter is a metaphor for warfare. The destruction of the world refers to a statement in the Talmud in Avodah Zarah that after the coming of the Messiah the world will not exist physically, but will exist spiritually. The world = physical, will be destroyed = non-existent on the physical level. Putting the above together, means that when it is close to the time of redemption, the Messianic era, and there are great wars taking place, they are to be understood as a prelude to "destruction" = transformation of the world that will take place after the Messianic era. Sincerely, The Rabbi

The above answer was researched by the Rabbis at: Ohr Somayach Institutions, Jerusalem, 22 Shimon Hatzadik Street, POB 18103, Jerusalem 91180, Israel. Tel: 972-2-581-0315 Fax: 972-2-581-2890 Mailto:[email protected] http://www.ohr.org.il

* * *

On Pesach 5757 (Nisan 15, 5757 - April 22, 1997), the "Lyrids" meteor shower will put on a show with a rate of 15 meteors per hour. The Lyrids meteor shower is the earliest of all major showers. They produce a fairly consistent display. The meteors are medium fast (28 miles/second) with the hourly rates rarely going above 20. There have been exceptions with 1803 and 1922 giving rates of 96/hour, and a burst of 250/hour for a few minutes in 1982.

The fourth eclipse will occur during the middle of the month of Elul. This time is known as the "Days of Teshuvah (repentance)". The shofar (ram's horn) is sounded in the synagogue every morning during Elul to call our hearts to repentance.

The probability of having a second eclipse, after Pesach (Passover), is 54%. The probability of having a third eclipse is 11%. This chain of events always occurs at six month intervals, if it occurs.

Conclusion: We will have three red Lavanahs (Moons) this year (5757). One will fall on the festival Sabbath of Pesach (Passover), one on the eve of the festival Sabbath of Hag HaSuccoth, and the last will occur on Shushan Purim. All will be visible from Jerusalem. The eclipse which falls on Pesach (Passover) is more relevant to salvation and deliverance since this is the anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt and the anniversary of Messiah's death, which brought forth our redemption. In the words of one Jerusalemite who saw the red moon on Pesach (Passover), of 1996:

"Did you see that beautiful 3-D Red Moon? It was awesome; the most beautiful sight I've ever seen in the sky. I, and a whole bunch of us here in Jerusalem, will not be able to thank you enough for getting us to look up." (Jim Schutz)

The eclipse of Elul 14, 5757, was described by an eyewitness:

"From Tel Aviv it looked quite ominous! I was at an outdoor chassidic chuppah (wedding) the moment the moon went into eclipse. It was spooky, surreal even. The moon went a very dark rust brown colour... 'woe to you who seek the Day of the Lord...for the Day of the Lord is dark, not light....'!" (Ammon)

I think that there is significance in the fact that the only festivals that occur during the full Lavanah (Moon) will all have the Lavanah (Moon) eclipsed. Normally, Pesach (Passover) and Hag HaSuccoth (Feast of Tabernacles) are six months apart, while Hag HaSuccoth (Feast of Tabernacles) and Shushan Purim are normally separated by five months. In 5757, though, Hag HaSuccoth (Feast of Tabernacles) and Shushan Purim are separated by six months because 5757 is an intercalated year. Intercalated years occur seven out of nineteen years. 5757 is year nineteen of the nineteen year lunar cycle. Purim is not a Sabbath, and for this festival Lavanah (Moon) is only partially (90%) eclipsed. The fourth eclipse occurring during the middle of the "Days of Teshuvah (repentance)" seems to be God's final eclipse warning before judgment day. We need to wake up and return to the ways of Torah, the ways of God. We need to REPENT!

So, what does all of this mean?

The most obvious meaning is that G-d is calling attention to His festivals! Many of G-d's people have neglected His festivals. G-d has called our attention to four of His festivals. I suspect that we will learn that He will not neglect to call our attention to the others. We must not forget that ..."He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth." ... Daniel 6:26-27.

So, Let us not forget His festivals, and let us remember to keep His festivals

G-d indicated in Joel 2:31 that Lavanah (Moon) would be turned to blood before the great and terrible day of HaShem. While this part of the passage is certainly happening, the Chamah (Sun) is not being turned to darkness. I looked at solar eclipses for the next few year. There are several solar eclipses, but the path of totality does not pass through Jerusalem, nor will they be seen by most of the world, like the lunar eclipses are. There are two total solar eclipses which will be partially visible from Jerusalem, in the next ten years. The first is on Av 29, 5759 (August 11, 1999), and the second is on Adar 29, 5766 (March 29, 2006).

There will also be two annular solar eclipses which will be partially visible from Jerusalem. The first is on Iyar 29, 5763 (May 31, 2003) and the second will be on Elul 29, 5765 (October 3, 2005). Again, these will be only partially visible from Jerusalem.

I would strongly suggest that we be aware of this and keep watching. While a solar eclipse can only occur during Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), G-d can darken Chamah (Sun) in other ways. For example; G-d could cause an asteroid, meteor, or comet to darken Chamah (Sun). If this happens I would presume that the day of the L-RD will be coming quickly.

When G-d causes celestial signs to occur during His festivals He is obviously trying to get our attention. The word "festival" is the English translation of the Hebrew word "moed". Moed is the Hebrew word that means "an appointed time". This means that a festival is an appointment with the King of the Universe! This same King is also in charge of arranging the heavens. The Bible also commands us to have a "sacred assembly" at His festivals. "Mikra" is the Hebrew word translated as "sacred assembly". This word means more than just a sacred assembly. It means a "sacred assembly for the purpose of rehearsing". This rehearsal includes a script, costumes, and props. Because of "mikraw" Jews have modeled the synagogue service after the Temple service, and the Temple service was given by God to king David in 1 Chronicles 28:11-19. This means that we can understand what G-d has in mind for us to rehearse if we celebrate His festivals!

The sages in the Talmud understood that a red lunar eclipse means that G-d will be bringing judgment to His people, Israel. The Bible seems to indicate that Israel is a term which applied to a person: Jacob, a place: Israel, and also to all who are saved by grace through faith. The Apostle Paul commanded G-d's people to celebrate G-d's festivals in:

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Messiah, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.

It is only by celebrating His festivals that we can understand what we are rehearsing for, and what G-d intends to tell us about the festivals.

The word planet means "wandering star". The sages viewed the planets as wandering stars. That is why the Magi could say that Messiah's star "moved". Comets, asteroids, and meteors could also be considered "wandering stars". When we see "stars" falling from heaven and we know that judgment is coming because of the red Lavanah (Moon), we recall what G-d spoke to Isaiah:

Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 34:2-5 HaShem is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will send up a stench; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed.

Lavanah (Moon) has always been associated with the Messianic hope. We conclude the blessing of Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) with the words: "David king of Israel, lives and endures!" Since we know that Messiah Yeshua was born on Hag HaSuccoth (the feast of Tabernacles), and was announced by John the Baptist on Pesach (Passover), it is expected that these two appointments (mo'edim) will be announced with signs in the heavens. Pesach is when we expect Elijah to begin turning hearts and preparing the way for the King.

* * *

Iyar 2, 5760 May 6, 2000: Nogah (Venus), Kokah (Mercury), Chamah (Sun), Zedek (Jupiter), Shabbtai (Saturn), Madim (Mars), and Lavanah (Moon) will all be in a straight line. Josephus, in his book, "Antiquities of the Jews", book 3, chapter V11:7, says that these seven represent the menorah (candlestick) in the Temple. This is the date when Solomon started to build the first Temple and Ezra started building the second Temple. This is a unique event that has never occurred before!

Midrash Rabbah - Numbers XV:7 7. Another exposition of the text, THE SEVEN LAMPS SHALL GIVE LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CANDLESTICK (VIII, 2). This indicates that you must not look down upon the candlestick, and it explains the text, For who hath despised the day of small things? Even they shall see with joy the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, even these seven (Zech. IV, 10). ’ These’ alludes to the candlestick; ’seven’ alludes to the seven lamps, and these symbolize the seven planets ’That run to and fro through the whole earth’ (ib.). Even so are the lamps precious, and you must not regard them with contempt. The reason why it says, THE SEVEN LAMPS SHALL GIVE LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CANDLESTICK is to warn you that your imagination[1] must not mislead you into thinking that He requires light. For see what is written of the Temple windows: And there were narrow windows to the cells and to their posts within the gate... and likewise to the arches (Ezek. XL, 16)... Like those windows--kehahalonoth (ib. 25). It is not written in this verse, kahalonoth but ’kehahalonoth’, implying that they must be broad on the outside and narrow within,[2] so that they may send light outside. R. Berekiah the priest son of Rabbi expounded: The lightning owes its origin to the celestial fire, and it issues forth and lights up the whole world, as it says, As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like coals of fire, burning like the appearance of torches... and out of the fire went forth lightning (ib. I, 13) and lit up the whole world! Do I then need your light? Why then did I tell you to give it to Me? In order to elevate you. R. Hanina observed: The Holy One, blessed be He, said: ‘In the eyes which you possess there is white and black, and you cannot see with the white but only with the black. Now if in the case of your eyes that contain black and white parts you can only see through the black,[3] shall the Holy One, blessed be He, who is all light,[4] need your light?’ Another comment on the text, IN FRONT OF THE CANDLESTICK. A mortal obtains light for a lamp from a burning lamp. Can he, however, obtain light for a lamp out of the darkness? Yet [of God] it says, And darkness was on the face of the deep (Gen. I, 2); and what is written after that? And God said: Let there be light (ib. 3). Out of the darkness I brought light; do I then need your light? I only told you to kindle lamps in order to elevate you (la'aloth). This is the signification of the expression: To cause a lamp to burn (leha'aloth) continually (Ex. XXVII, 20).

My thoughts: I do not expect Hale-Bopp to cause the wholesale damage that is described in Revelation because the timing seems to be about a year early. I was speculating that Hale-Bopp might have a greater effect on Mars and on near Earth asteroids. These asteroids combined with gravitational effects from a displaced Mars might very well cause the damage spoken in Revelation. Wormwood seems to be an asteroid. The great flaming mountain might also be an asteroid.

Hale-Bopp will be passing through the Earth's orbit on May 17, 1997. Since the comet passes through the orbit of the Earth, and since the comet has significant debris in its long tail, it is possible that we may have some spectacular meteor showers on or about December 24, 1997, when the Earth again passes the same spot, now vacated by Hale-Bopp. December 24, 1997 is also the date of Chanukah. So, the Feast of Lights, Chanukah, may have a spectacular light show!

The meaning of names is important in the understanding of God's plan. The name Hale-Bopp means:

hale (hâl) adjective[5] Free from infirmity or illness; sound. See Synonyms at healthy.

bop (bòp) Informal. verb, transitive[6] To hit or strike.

So, Hale-Bopp means a "sound hit". My paraphrase: "A healthy whack".

ASTEROID:

Now, I would like to speculate a little. After watching the movie "Asteroid", I became concerned that fact was being disguised as fiction.

The movie's plot revolves around the fact that a comet with a 4000 year orbit, dislodges a couple of asteroids, Helios and Eros, from their orbits; and these asteroids then impact Earth. This is fiction.

Comet Hale-Bopp has an erratic orbit that may very well be 4000 years. Eros 433 is an asteroid in a near Earth orbit. The NEAR NASA program is designed to study asteroids in near Earth orbits. In the spring of 1995, NASA sent a space craft to Eros 433. The space craft is designed to orbit Eros 433 and study it. What makes this space craft unusual is that it had the shortest cycle from conception to launch. This speed seems unusual for such an innocuous mission. It also seems odd that this asteroid is going to be studied so intensely because we have already learned that most asteroids are just hunks of nickel. What is there to study? Comet Hale-Bopp passed extremely close, astronomically speaking, to Eros 433, on Chanukah (December 5, 1996). These are the facts.

My Speculations:

I am wondering whether comet Hale-Bopp perturbed the orbit of Eros 433 when it passed this asteroid. If this asteroid was perturbed by comet Hale-Bopp, there is a significant possibility that it might collide with the Earth on Passover (April 11, 1998). I am wondering if the US government is aware that Comet Hale-Bopp will affect the orbits of asteroids or planets. If the government were aware that the comet will cause an asteroid, like Eros 433, to strike the Earth, what should they do? If you tell everyone, you risk the chance of mass panic. If you don't tell them, you risk mass destruction.

The Bible speaks of an object that strikes the Earth:

Revelation 8:8-11 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water-- The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

There is also a certainty that the United States government is concerned about some asteroids. The following article appeared in the London Telegraph:

The Mazzaroth:

There is much conjecture and speculation by some people as to the meanings of major conjunctions and alignments of the planets with the sun and the moon. I have steadfastly refused to engage in such speculation because I do not have enough prior history to form reasonable conclusions. My current position is that I would need to understand how conjunctions and alignments were involved in major historical events that have affected Israel in the past. I do not yet have enough data to come to any conclusions. My research on these events is already posted on this web site. I would enjoy reviewing any such historical data that might be used to form valid conclusions.

My first "connection":

The first settlers arrived at Pitah Tikvah to prepare ground for a new colony, on November 3, 1878 (Heshvan 7, 5639). - First quarter Lavanah (Moon) in Ghedi (Capricorn). Zedek (Jupiter) is also in Ghedi (Capricorn).

Yom Kippur War: On October 6, 1973 (Tishri 10, 5734) - The Lord's feast called the Day of Atonement, Egypt and Syria, frustrated by Israel's refusal to give up Arab territory taken during the Six-Day War of 1967, joined to launch a surprise attack on Israeli occupation forces. A cease-fire arranged by the United Nations took effect on the Syrian front on October 22 and in Egypt two days later. - First quarter Lavanah (Moon) in close conjunction with Zedek (Jupiter), in Ghedi (Capricorn).

These two "past" events contain the same elements near Lavanah (moon) as this "future" event:

Yom HaKippurim The Lord's feast called the Day of Atonement: Tishrei 10, 5758 (October 11, 1997) - Second quarter Lavanah (Moon) in Ghedi (Capricorn) in close conjunction with Zedek (Jupiter).

So, I wonder if there is any connection? If I were to speculate, I might wonder whether the PLO will be displaced from "their" colonies by a war. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

* * *

Month Length

First-of-Month

H O L I D A Y S

 

 

 

Tishri 30

Sat, Sep 11, 1999

Rosh Hashanah

Tishrei 1,

Sat, Sep 11, 1999

Heshvan 30

Mon, Oct 11, 1999

Yom Kippur

Tishrei 10,

Mon, Sep 20, 1999

Kislev 30

Wed, Nov 10, 1999

Succoth

Tishrei 15,

Sat, Sep 25, 1999

Tevet 29

Fri, Dec 10, 1999

Sh'mini Atz

Tishrei 22,

Sat, Oct 2, 1999

Shevat 30

Sat, Jan 8, 2000

Simchat Torah

Tishrei 23,

Sun, Oct 3, 1999

Adar 30

Mon, Feb 7, 2000

Hanukkah

Kislev 25,

Sat, Dec 4, 1999

AdarII 29

Wed, Mar 8, 2000

Tu B'Shevat

Shevat 15,

Sat, Jan 22, 2000

Nisan 30

Thu, Apr 6, 2000

Purim

Adar II 14,

Tue, Mar 21, 2000

Iyar 29

Sat, May 6, 2000

Passover

Nisan 15,

Thu, Apr 20, 2000

Sivan 30

Sun, Jun 4, 2000

Yom Hashoah

Nisan 27,

Tue, May 2, 2000

Tammuz 29

Tue, Jul 4, 2000

Yom Haatzmaut

Iyar 5,

Wed, May 10, 2000

Av 30

Wed, Aug 2, 2000

Lag B'Omer

Iyar 18,

Tue, May 23, 2000

Elul 29

Fri, Sep 1, 2000

Shavuot

Sivan 6,

Fri, Jun 9, 2000

 

 

Tisha B'Av

Av 9,

Thu, Aug 10, 2000

 

 

Erev Rosh Hashanah

Elul 29,

Fri, Sep 29, 2000

This study was written by Hillel ben David (Greg Killian).

Comments may be submitted to:

Greg Killian
3711 Medical Drive #1016
San Antonio, Texas 78229
Web page: http://www.betemunah.org/celestal.html
(210) 277-8649
Send comments to Greg Killian at his email address: [email protected].

[1] Or perhaps, ' your evil propensities,’ which is the usual meaning of the word.
[2] Reading it as two words: kehah halonoth, ‘dim windows, i.e. such as admit very little light (‘E.J.). M.K. explains differently.
[3] Because God willed it so
[4] And has given sight to man.
[5] The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
[6] Ibid.

Revelation 12 Sign chapter Table of Contents