We Weep Before We Dance
Every year the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world commemorate two special days: Yom HaZikaron[1] and Yom Ha’atzmaut.[2]
The first, Yom HaZikaron, is Israel’s Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers who gave their lives to secure Israel’s independence. This is a somber day of remembrance which precedes a day of celebrating that independence.
It is intentional that Israel’s Memorial Day is remembered first because it recognizes that sorrow precedes celebration. Israel’s Prime Minister David Ben Gurion declared the holiday on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar in 1948.[3]
This year Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 3 lasting until nightfall on May 4.
Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) is then celebrated beginning at sundown on May 4 until nightfall on May 5.
There is no officially recognized liturgy or religious element attached to these days. However, over the years an observation has developed in many synagogues. Readings from the Hallel Psalms of praise (Psalms 113-118), and a Torah portion (Deuteronomy 7:12-8:18 and Deuteronomy 30:1-10) are accompanied by a Haftarah[4] portion; for this day the section from the Prophets is Isaiah 10:32-11:12.[5] I find the Scriptures chosen to be wonderfully revealing and would like to compare them to the two days that are remembered.
THE TORAH PORTIONS
First a reminder – Deuteronomy 7:12-8:18
The portion starts with a reminder of the promises given to Israel by God and the blessings they will reap in obeying this covenant.
Then a prophetic pointer – Deuteronomy 30:1-10
This portion is beautiful because there is a promise of fulfilment of a command God gave to Israel that He will fulfill because they are unable to do so.
Circumcision of the heart – Deuteronomy 10:12-16
God told Israel what He required: to serve Him with all their heart and soul, to obey His commands, and to circumcise the foreskins of their hearts![6]
The problem
Though Israel tried, they failed often because of the heart condition that plagues us all. They could not circumcise their hearts to keep God’s commands.
The solution – Deuteronomy 30:1-10
In the second portion of this passage we find the solution to the heart problem. We read in verse 6 that God Himself will circumcise their hearts.[7]
A former Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus (also known as the Apostle Paul), became a follower and proclaimer of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Paul writes that this circumcision was not done by hands but by the Messiah.[8]
THE PROPHETS
The Reign of the Righteous Branch – Isaiah 11:1-12
This portion in the Prophets looks forward to the time when the Messiah – who is a stem of Jesse – will reign.[9]
THE WRITINGS
The Hallel – Psalm 113-118
In the Writings portion we find a group of Psalms called the Hallel. Psalm 118 contains a phrase found three times in the Tanakh: “The LORD is my strength and my song and has become my salvation.”[10] This phrase is used once in the Torah, once in the Writings, and once in the Prophets.
God is my salvation
When one realizes Yeshua,[11] which means “salvation,” is the birth name given to Jesus, the words of the angel to Joseph bring the thrice-repeated text to life:
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”[12]
The Comparison
Just as with the two days set aside each year in Israel – one as a somber day of remembrance and sorrow and the second a day of joy and independence – thus it would be so with the Messiah as well!
Sorrow before the joy
Yes, first there would be sorrow. This Child who would be born of the virgin,[13] would live a sinless life of obedience to His heavenly Father, then die an agonizing death as an atoning sacrifice for sin.
This was not the end though; it was the beginning. He would rise from the dead and His atonement meant that joy and independence from the penalty and power of sin was now possible for those who by faith trusted in Him.
The Stone that the builders rejected
As Israel pays solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers and then celebrates the establishment of modern Israel, the last Psalm in the Hallel, Psalm 118 also contains powerful words: a reality of rejection of the One who has done valiantly, the Right Hand of the LORD. Messiah is the stone the builders rejected that has become the chief Cornerstone! The verse goes on to say that it is marvelous in our eyes, this was the LORD’s doing. Jesus clearly stated He was the one of whom this Psalm was spoken.[14]
Our prayer for Israel on their day of celebration
Across Israel there will be music, food, family, joy, and celebration because they are back in their land. But a much greater celebration will be experienced when they recognize the One who brings salvation for their souls!
Once again there will be sorrow before the joy.
The Prophet Zechariah speaks of a time when Israel will mourn over the “stone the builders rejected.” He states God “will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication” that will result in great mourning over the LORD whom they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as for an only Son.[15]
Better than “back in the land” is “back in God’s favor”
Isaiah speaks of the justification that comes to the seed of Israel and the nations (non-Jewish people) who turn to the Lord. By trusting in the Savior, they will experience righteousness as they glory in the LORD.[16]
Written by Jeff, LIFE staff
Is there an Israeli Independence celebration in your area you could attend to show your support for Israel?
What sorrow has the Lord turned to joy for you?
Will you join us in praying for the spiritual eyes of Jewish people globally to be opened to the truth of the good news that Messiah has come and His name is Yeshua?
Endnotes:
[1] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yom-hazikaron-israels-memorial-day/.
[2] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/yom-ha-atzmaut-israeli-independence-day.
[3] May 14, 1948.
[4] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/haftarah.
[5] Some go even further to 12:6. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yom-haatzmaut-liturgy/.
[6] “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer” [Deuteronomy 10:16, NASB is quoted unless indicated otherwise].
[7] “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live (Deuteronomy 30:6).
[8] Colossians 2:8-15.
[9] Isaiah 11:1; 11:10; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15.
[10] First in the Torah (Exodus 15:2), then the Prophets (Isaiah 12:2), and finally in the Writings (Psalm 118).
[11] https://drmsh.com/what-was-the-hebrew-name-of-jesus/ יֵשׁוּעַ.
[12] Matthew 1:20-21 [ESV].
[13] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23.
[14] Matthew 12:42;1 Peter 2:7-8.
[15] Zechariah 12:10.
[16] Isaiah 45:18-25.