posted 07-21-1999 04:47 PM            

The word for 'gather' in verse 15 is 'acaph'. It means to gather for any purpose; hence to receive, TAKE AWAY.

The word for closet in vers 16 is 'chuppah'. Originally in the Jewish wedding it referred to the caopy under which the bride and groom were wed. It later became associated with the chamber in which the wedding was consumated. Anciently, bride and groom were secluded in the chuppah for SEVEN days, where they would exchange gifts and consumate the wedding. After the seven days they would emerge from the chamber and celebrate the wedding feast with guests. Alternatively, they would spend the seven days celebrating with the guests.

The fast referred to is Yom Kippur. This passage deals with the coming of Messiah to earth with His bride. They have just spent a SEVEN (shavua) hidden in the bridal chamber.

The fact that Yeshua was coming to take His bride to 'his father's house' for this shavua is reflected in this passage which is rich in Jewish wedding language:

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Note that He said he would come to take us 'to His father's house'. In ancient Israel, the groom would use this language to indicate that he was going to make an addition to his father's house where the newlyweds would live. Prepartions had to be approved by the Father. The groom would go to the bride's village or home accompanied by two witnesses. He would TAKE his bride AWAY to his father's house. Note that he DID NOT STAY IN THE BRIDE'S HOUSE OR VILLAGE.

I think this begins to build the case for the pre-tribulation rapture (natzal).

Zep 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.