Every year when Israel celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), they are not only remembering the past — they are rehearsing the future. Each sukkah, each song of joy, and each gathering of worshipers under the open sky points forward to the day when the King Himself will tabernacle among His people.
Click to uncover more spiritual insight.
The Days of Awe (Yamin Nora’im) remind us of a sobering truth: judgment is real. God is holy and does not overlook sin. Isaiah’s words cut to the heart — iniquity provokes His anger, and rebellion invites His discipline. Israel knew this firsthand, experiencing exile and the pain of God’s hidden face. And yet, this passage does not leave us in despair. For though His anger burns for a moment, His mercy is eternal. He declares, “I will not contend forever.” His discipline is corrective, not destructive; His goal is not to crush but to restore.
Keep going – the Lord may have more to show you.
The month of Elul has been a journey of mercy, repentance, and preparation. From the first blast of the shofar to the last fading note, every day has called us to return, to awaken, to draw near. Elul began with the whisper of covenant love: “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine.” It reminded us of Moses ascending the mountain for forty days, of God revealing Himself not as eager to destroy, but as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. It pointed us to second chances, to restoration, to intimacy with the Bridegroom.
Continue – this devotional isn’t done blessing you.
It is no coincidence that two of Israel’s great works of restoration — the rebuilding of the Temple in Haggai’s day and the repairing of the walls in Nehemiah’s day — are both marked in the month of Elul.
Continue reading – let faith rise.
The month of Elul has always carried the whisper of covenant love. Even the letters of its name, Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed (אלול), form the acronym for “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li” — “I am my Beloved’s, and my Beloved is mine” (Song of Songs 6:3). At its heart, Elul is not only about repentance, but about intimacy — the Bride turning her heart back toward her Bridegroom.
There’s more encouragement just ahead – read more.
When Israel fell at Sinai with the golden calf, it could have marked the end of their story. But instead, God called Moses back up the mountain for another forty days. According to Jewish tradition, this second ascent began on the first day of Elul. For forty days and nights, Moses interceded for a rebellious people, pleading for mercy and the renewal of the covenant.
Read on – your spirit will be uplifted.
The month of Elul carries the fragrance of mercy because it was born out of failure. Two great collapses mark Israel’s journey in the wilderness. The first instance occurred at Sinai, when impatience led to idolatry and the golden calf was raised. Moses descended with the tablets of the covenant, only to see the people dancing around an idol. In grief and holy anger, he shattered the Ten Commandments at the base of the mountain (Exodus 32:15-19).
Click to continue – there’s more encouragement ahead.