SONG OF SONGS
“Who is this coming up from the desert, like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant? Look! It is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the nobles of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side prepared for the terrors of the night …. Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.” Song of Songs 3: 6-11
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Jesus is coming soon! Of that we can be certain! With great expectation, many of us have watched as one date after another has passed and yet the Lord has still not yet returned. Are we discouraged? No. Are we disheartened? No. Are we more sure than ever that he is coming and coming soon? YES!
FORTY DAYS
On August 11, the Jewish calendar changes from the month of Av to the month of Elul. Elul is an interesting month and one that lends itself to a high degree of expectancy for many reasons. From Wikipedia, the name of the month is derived from a word which means harvest and begins a time of repentance in preparation for the high holy days of Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom Kippor. It also marks a 40 day period of purification and cleansing which begins with Elul 1 and finishes on Yom Kippor, the day of Atonement. The number 40 is significant because it was on the first day of Elul that Moses ascended Mount Sinai returning 40 days later with the second set of stone tablets. It also rained for 40 days and 40 nights in Noah’s flood and it was during the month of Elul that Noah dispatched the dove (Elul 10) which brought back the olive leaf (Elul 17) and it is in 40 measures of water that the ritual bath, the mikveh is required before entering the temple.
This becomes interesting because we see the combined themes of repentance (stone tablets/law) and purification (flood waters/mikveh) developing during the month of Elul as well as that of harvest and wedding.
The month of Elul is uniquely tied to the Song of Songs, through the acronym that is formed by the Hebrew name for the month of Elul which is according to the Talmud, is “Ani L dodi V dodi li” which means “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine” a direct reference to Song of Songs 6:3. This ties the repentant, cleansed and purified bride as ready to be harvested or caught away by the bridegroom.
It is also customary during the month of Elul to blow the shofar every day except Shabbat from the first day of the month until Rosh Ha Shanah, the feast of Trumpets and to recite Psalm 27 daily from the first day of the month until the last day of Sukkot. Psalm 27 is a prayer for protection, for the bridegroom who takes his bride away is also coming back as a warrior.
THE WARRIOR BRIDEGROOM
In Song of Songs, chapter 3, we read a reference to “Solomon” – (the bridegroom) coming up from the desert escorted by sixty warriors, all with swords at their sides and ready to combat the terrors of the night – something which is also reference to and described in Psalm 91:5.
“You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”
An interesting and pertinent portion of scripture I think, for it’s similarity to that of Psalm 27, the theme scripture for the month of Elul.
“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then will I be confident … For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy.” Psalm 27:2-6.
Elul is the hottest of the summer months in which it can reach as much as 90 degrees on the coast with much higher temperatures inland. It is a time when figs, peaches, apples, grapes and pears ripen for harvest.
Will the rapture of the Church occur at the end of this month of “harvest” with the blowing of the Shofar on the Feast of Trumpets? Will the harvest of the ungodly begin with the ripening of the grapes – a time of terrors of the night? Will the daughters of Jerusalelm (or the remnant thereof), be hidden away, while Yeshua (Jesus) the newly married King (as evidenced in Song of Songs 6:11) comes up from the desert to fight as a warrior on their behalf? Only time will tell – until then, let’s use this month and our few remaining days wisely for the harvest of souls and for our own personal repentance.
For an excellent article on the Feast of Trumpets rapture,the Feast of which “no one knows the day or hour” – click here: http://watch.pair.com/rosh-hashana.html
Until then, grace and blessings to you and please – “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee.” Psalm 122:6
Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
To all my readers, I hope I have not rambled too much on this last post – there was so much I wanted to cover and so much that is fascinating about the month of Elul. I hope it will provide if nothing else, a spring board for you to do your own study and to see what God wants to show us through this most exciting and interesting month. There is a lot that can be gleaned from these scriptures and I looked forward to your comments and thoughts. Grace and blessings! Cindy
**Up-date –
Thank you to all of you for the many great comments and encouragement. It really means alot to me! Thank you also, to all of you who take time out of your busy schedules to read my blog. Without all of you, this blog would truly be incomplete. Love and blessings in Messiah Jesus! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on July 29, 2010
at 4:57 am
Well dear sister, I do not know about the rest of the people, but I for one do appreciate your rambling much. I look forward to all of your posts. Just like Art’s posts they are a dainty that I relish and drink in with great eagerness.
I never intend to challenge you if I reply to you, but rather to ask a question and get everyone thinking.
What if we are not raptured pre-trib? We should be ready to totally rely on our LORD no matter what the case. GOD bless you and your family sister. ….. Steve
By: Steve Hollander on July 29, 2010
at 6:01 pm
Hi Steve, Thanks for writing; I really appreciate your sweet and humble spirit. Regarding the rapture, I can tell you over the years I have waffled between pre-trib and pre-wrath – and have to admit that both come with a number of great scriptures to support their positions. Better minds than mine have prayed over and studied these passages with differing conclusions. What concerns me most is not what position a person holds but, whether they are ready. I tend to believe that those of us who are actively watching, regardless of our various eschatological viewpoints are going to be far more ready for whatever God has for us, than those who are not. As things stand now, I lean strongly toward the pre-trib rapture, but, if it does not take place this Feast of Trumpets, those of us who hold this position may have a little pencil sharpening to do, but, that’s okay – the main thing is, we trust God and are ready for whatever comes. Blessings brother and thanks for sharing your thoughts and questions here. Cindy
By: cindybythesea on July 30, 2010
at 6:31 am
Dear Cindy,
Your posts are always a blessing to me and I have learned so much from you! Thank you and may our Lord continue to bless you. This post about Elul is outstanding! and the link to The Raputre on Rosh Hashana is wonderful!! I have been studying the Fall Feasts with the help of Pastor Mark Blitz’s DVDs
http://www.elshaddaiministries.us/
and I hope everyone will read your post and click on the link you attached or go to Pastor Mark’s website and watch the DVD on the Feasts of the Lord. One can watch free and also download the notes or purchase them.
Thank you so very much!!!
Liz
By: Liz on July 29, 2010
at 7:16 pm
Cindy, Your posts are a blessing. Please continue and never feel out of place for doing it. You bless so many others! Thanks!
By: Minnie on August 4, 2010
at 12:53 pm
I really appreciate your kind words sister, grace and blessings to you and your family! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on August 5, 2010
at 4:17 am
Dear Cindy
I can absolutely relate to your first comment. Tuesday I was having breakfast with a friend and complained extensively how the life of those studying end time prophecy can be quite “lonely”. In the sense that to speak to the average other Christen or non Christen I know about end time prophecy is very difficult. They tend to be ignorant about world events and the times we are living in. However, she reminded me that every person serves the Lord differently and that I should not be discouraged but persevere. Early the next morning my son of 4 called me and I went to his room. I asked him to be quiet, and not to wake the whole household. He told me he dreamed Jesus told him to “RUN, RUN FAST” I was amazed, because it was the first time this has happened. Later the day I studied the meaning of “RUN” and it means : “to be motivated, to persevere, or vision”. Then I realized the message was not for my son, but for me. Jesus is saying don’t give up, keep pressing on, now more than ever.
Blessings Sandra
By: sandra peijper on July 29, 2010
at 8:03 am
Dear Cindy,
I too am waiting for the soon return of our LORD. But first the scriptures are clear that there must be a “falling away” and the signs in the sky. Then there must be the sun turn black and the stars give no light and the wicked are gathered first. Then the LORD will return for us in the air like a lightning bolt able to be seen from east to west in the sky.
There will be no secret rapture according to scriptures. The LORD will roar and shout as HE sends HIS angels to gather HIS elect.
So should we be expecting this to happen before the tribulation or after? I used to think it was before but then I read and studied and I now believe we will go through the tribulation and come to a point of complete dependence on our LORD like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Many people will be greatly disappointed to find that they will not be rescued and must go through this purging period where many will shrink back and HE will not be pleased with them.
Please explain how you continue to mention a pre-tribulation rapture when the scriptures plainly tell us not to expect that.
This could be a promise that many expect and causes many to fall away. Thanks and I eagerly await your response ….. Steve Hollander
By: Steve Hollander on July 29, 2010
at 12:34 pm
Please DO keep rambling on, Cindy! 🙂 As a long time gleaner [both in the physical sense and the spiritual sense], I can tell you that such rambling are treasure troves!
SIC Sandra – Yes, lonely sometimes, but remember Elijah’s discouragement and God’s response of the 7000 that had not bowed the kneel to Baal? We are out here and so looking forward to the day we can rejoice together before the throne. Praise Him that He has provided this medium by which we can “touch” and encourage each other as we finish the race.
Steve – You said “this could be a promise that many expect and causes many to fall away”….whatever you and I believe about what the scriptures say about the rapture/tribulation….we KNOW from scripture that Christ has promised NONE that are His will be lost. Be encouraged by that! 🙂
By: blueteapot on July 29, 2010
at 5:45 pm
Cool! I am encouraged by that. If we genuinely belong to YESHUA; we will not be lost. ….. Steve Hollander
By: Steve Hollander on July 29, 2010
at 5:56 pm
Sandra: amazing story. One of the enemy’s routine tricks is to lead us to imagine we’re all alone. God finds ways to assure us we’re not.
Cindy: great post. Not “rambling” at all. I always learn things from you.
Interestingly, I was led, last Saturday, to read… Song of Solomon, chapter 3 (!!) I had NO IDEA why, but the leading was quite distinct.
One of the things I noted in v6, is the mention of myrrh (“perfumed with myrrh”). It shows up a total of SEVEN times in S.O.S.
Myrrh is a spice which releases its fragrance only when CRUSHED. In Jesus’ letter (via John) to the church at Smyrna (so named because one of its primary products was myrrh) in Revelation 2:8-11, he talks of suffering, tribulation and enduring unto death.
Which all makes the coming of the one “perfumed with myrrh” that much deeper and points to Jesus all that more clearly.
By: ultraguy on July 30, 2010
at 1:37 am
I’m more of a pre-tribber, but assume there will be some shaking up going on that might make many confused first.
Anyway, I loved the article. My own dad, almost 70, said God has been moving him to study these dates… he has never had any desire before, so this is perfect for him to pay attention to!
I love the RUN FAST story. Tonight my 8 year old said Jesus is coming this year! Just a few minutes before I sat down, he said it when I tucked him in. Could it be his wishful thinking or imagination? Possibly. IT’s hard to tell with kids. But what a wonderful thought!
By: dana on July 30, 2010
at 2:59 am
[…] From CindyBytheSea […]
By: Elul, The Harvest Month | Pre-Trib Rapture Blog on July 31, 2010
at 2:12 am
Is the Jewish Wedding tradition more proof of a pretrib rapture? For the answer Google “End Times Passover blog of August 2.” Granny
By: Granny on August 3, 2010
at 5:23 am
Cindy,
Thanks for your website and your insightful posts! I wonder if you’ve seen http://2010rapture.org , Daniel Matson’s website? He is convinced that the rapture will occur on Rosh Hashana this year, and makes an interesting case for it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
-Gary
By: garyd on August 9, 2010
at 4:45 am
Hi garyd, Thank you for passing on the website for Daniel Matson. I intend to look at it very closely. I am slightly familiar with his work from items he has posted on Five Doves but, I have not looked extensively at it. I have long believed that Rosh HaShanah was the best candidate for the rapture, although I try to keep an open mind as I know there are good arguments with great scriptures to support some of the others as well. I tend to get excited when each one comes around, but, in my mind the one that has always loomed the largest has been Rosh HaShanah and particularly for this year. I don’t know if you are familiar with the work of JR Church or not and his book “The Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms”. In a nutshell, Mr. Church believes that each Psalm corresponds with the year of its number. In other words, Psalm 48 would correspond with the year 1948. I think he makes a good case for this. The reason I bring this up, is because if the tribulation is between 2010 and 2017, the start of the Messianic kingdom would be in 2018. Astoundingly, Psalm 118 is all about the Messianic kingdom- something I covered in a post called “Psalm 118 and the year 2018”. Read it, I think you will find it fascinating and convicing. https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/psalm-118-and-the-year-2018/ When you couple that with the solar and lunar eclipses that fall on Jewish holidays during this next seven years, its hard to believe it can mean anything else. Am I looking for the rapture in 31 days, you betcha! Also, Rosh HaShanah is Sept 9 but, its actually a two day festival based on the sighting of the new moon – therefore it encompasses Sept 11. Many scholars believe Jesus was born at Rosh HaShanah on Sept 11 3 BC. Amazing when you consider the enemy also selected this date for one of its most dastardly deeds. Thanks for writing and thanks for the link! Cindy
By: cindybythesea on August 9, 2010
at 7:59 am
Cindy,
My pleasure! Thanks for the Psalm 118 link – VERY interesting!
Blessings and grace,
Gary
By: GaryD on August 9, 2010
at 9:08 pm