Teaching Team
The Ninth of Av Part 3
Here is the third and final part. Have a meaningful fast!
Fasting to Commemorate the Ninth of AvTraditionally, the Ninth of Av is remembered with a complete fast from sundown to sundown, marked by refraining from both food and water. It is also a custom to read the book of Lamentations on this day. Although there is no command to fast on the Ninth of Av found in the Torah, the prophet Zechariah mentions the fast of the fifth month. An allusion to the future fasting of the disciples is seen in the Master’s words, “But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Yeshua knew that days were coming soon when fasting would be most appropriate. He states, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” What would people be morning for? Isaiah proclaims comfort for those who are mourning the desolation of Jerusalem, which would include the destruction of the Holy Temple.
Our Sorrow Will Turn to Joy
It appears that right now God is saying “no” to the rebuilding of the Temple. The sages have said, “Any generation in which the Temple is not rebuilt is considered as if it had destroyed it.” Why has the Temple not been rebuilt? Perhaps it is because of us. We are no more righteous than those of long ago. We still lack unity and love amongst ourselves. Our inward temples have not yet been fully purified, so the Ninth of Av should be a day to reflect on this. It is a day of repentance for our sins as we strive to improve through the help of the Holy Spirit.
There is hope. Remember Yeshua tells us that the mourners shall be comforted. The Temple will be rebuilt, and Messiah will return to be with us for eternity. Zechariah declares that our fasts will become feasts as we celebrate what HaShem has done:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.'"
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Visitor Feedback:
I have been amazed at what I have been learning during this time of mourning and fasting. The biggest lesson for me was how much I take joy for granted. Imagine the days when our mourning is turned into dancing. May they come soon!
Shalom,
Bill
Bill Beyer | July 24, 2007 8:45 AM