Tisha B'Av, observed on the 9th of Av, is a significant day in Jewish history, marked by profound events and tragedies; but it is also significant concerning the hope and expectation for the coming of the Messiah. It is the most somber day in the Jewish calendar. This day is marked by fasting and mourning, commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is a time for reflection on the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history.
As we approach Tisha B'Av, (sunset 12th August 2024); the context, observances, and contemporary implications, warrant a closer examination.
The destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem occurred on the 9th of Av. This event is foundational, as it marks the beginning of a series of calamities for the Jewish people. This day typically occurs during the hottest and driest time of the year.
The destruction of the Temples is not an isolated event; it represents a pattern of loss and exile. On this day, the Jewish people faced captivity, losing their homes and possessions, and were forced into exile. This cycle of destruction and exile has repeated itself throughout history, with Tisha B’Av serving as a recurring date for significant tragedies.
Historical events reflected on during this day include, destruction of the Temples: The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, and the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Both events are central to the observance of Tisha B'Av, symbolizing the loss of the Jewish people's spiritual center and their subsequent exile.
Other catastrophes often reflected on includes the defeat of Bar Kokhba's rebellion against the Romans in 135 CE; the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 and from Spain in 1492; and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, which set the stage for further devastation in Europe, including the Holocaust. The 9th of Av has become a template for understanding the Jewish experience of loss and longing for home.
This day is usually observed by observant Rabbinical Jews through practices that emphasize mourning and reflection.
Fasting: The day is observed as a fast day, where participants abstain from eating and drinking from sunset on the eve of Tisha B'Av until nightfall the following day. The observance of Tisha B'Av is traditionally also seen as a call to ethical living and community responsibility.
Prayer Services: Special prayer services are held, including the reading of the Book of Lamentations These services foster a sense of community and shared remembrance among participants. Prayers are said for redemption, for the coming of the Messiah, and for the rebuilding of the Temple.
Restrictions: In addition to fasting, Jews refrain from engaging in joyous activities such as studying Torah, taking warm showers, wearing leather shoes, and engaging in marital relations. These restrictions serve to heighten the somber atmosphere of the day.
A significant aspect of Tisha B'Av is the hope and expectation for the coming of the Messiah.
Traditional Jewish belief holds that the Messiah will bring about the rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of Israel. (Explaining why at the start of the Book of Revelation, when the 3rd Temple is built, and the Antichrist enters that temple, and multitudes will falsely believe him to be the Messiah). This belief is stems from the prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the writings of prophets like Zechariah, who spoke of a time of peace and divine presence in Jerusalem, which will be fulfilled when Yeshus/Jesus reigns for a 1000 years in the Millennial Kingdom. During Tisha B’Av, amongst other prayers, Rabbinical Jews also pray for the arrival of the Messiah, reflecting on the historical suffering endured by the Jewish people and expressing hope for future redemption. This duality of mourning for past tragedies while yearning for a hopeful future is central to the observance of Tisha B'Av, and serves as an opportunity to pray that the Jewish people will meet the Messiah – Yesua/Jesus.
Believers in Yeshua/Jesus are reminded to pray for:
Hope and Redemption: Pray that the suffering commemorated on this day can lead to spiritual renewal and the anticipation of the Messiah’s return. That Israeli’s, both Jewish and Arab people, will have a revelation of their need for a Savior, and a personal encounter with the Yeshua/Jesus. Also that despite the grief associated with Tisha B'Av, Believers will maintain faith in God's plans and promises for Israel.
Unity in the Body: Pray that people will reflect on their actions and relationships, and that there will be love and unity among the Jewish people and among the Body of Messiah/“Church”.
Local outreaches and services in Israel: Many Messianic Jewish congregations uniquely integrate their belief in Yeshua/Jesus as the Messiah into their observance of Tisha B'Av. They interpret the mourning of the Temples as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption found in Jesus. Referencing verses from both the Old and New Testament that speak of Yesua/Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah and bringing hope to Israel. Pray for opportunities to share, open and receptive hearts and the boldness of Believers to use every opportunity in obedience and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The traditional Rabbinical Jewish perspective holds the belief that the repair of relationships and community building, good deeds, and studying the Oral Law can help usher in the Messianic age, sort of like balancing scales, if enough Jews participate and good deeds outweigh the bad, the Messiah will arrive. Messianic Jews and Gentile Christians know that Jesus has already come to earth 2000 years ago, and that very soon He will return with His 2nd coming, which will lead to the Millennial reign of Messiah, as per Revelations.
Impact of Tisha B’Av on the Christian/Messianic community:
The events of Tisha B'Av have influenced the diaspora and shaped world history, particularly in the context of the modern Middle East, but the exile which started with the temple's destruction is not eternal. Rather the completion of that period prepares the way for the Return of Yeshua/Jesus.
Leviticus 26 outlines the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. It warns that failure to obey will result in calamities, including defeat by enemies, pestilence, and exile. Moses, in Deuteronomy 28, foretold the scattering of the Jewish people among the nations due to their disobedience. This prophecy emphasizes the sad disconnect between God's ancient people and Him. The repeated tragedies on the Ninth of Av serve as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.
While the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE was significant, the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked a more profound exile, up to 1948. This time the Jewish people were not merely taken to Babylon; rather this time they were scattered to the ends of the earth for nearly 2,000 years.
In Luke 21:20-24 we have a clear and specific prediction which the Lord Jesus made concerning the Jewish people. The exile after 70AD, with the destruction of the Second Temple, does not represent an irrevocable judgement upon the Jewish people, because of the force of the words ‘and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled’. The word ‘until’ indicates that there is a time-limit set to the destruction of Jewish statehood and loss of Jewish sovereignty, and the world-wide dispersal of the Jewish people. The reestablishment of the state of Israel, the mass return of Jewish people from the 4-corners of the earth, and the growth among the number Jewish Believers in Yeshua/Jesus world-wide; should serve as a reminder to everyone, especially on Tisha B’Av, to ensure they have a relationship with the Redeemer of Israel, Jesus the Messiah.
Isaiah 11:12–13 12 He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Zechariah 10:6 6“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,& they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them.
The Ninth of Av prompts a profound reflection on the relationship between the Jewish people and God. It raises questions about the consequences of turning away from a personal relationship with God, obedience to His ways, complete salvation through the Messiah and the need for repentance – turning away from sin and turning towards God. It raises the question if the Church will partner with God's plans and purposes for Israel; or oppose them?
As Tisha B'Av approaches in 2024, there are heightened concerns regarding the ongoing Israel/Hamas war. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of peace and the historical grievances that continue to shape the region. Tensions between Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have been escalating, leading to fears of a large scale coordinated attack during this period.A
Tisha B'Av remains a powerful symbol of loss, exile, and the longing for redemption. It is not just a day of mourning, but also a time to reflect on the resilience of the Jewish people. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 is seen as a fulfillment of messianic prophecies, preparing the way for the return of the Lord (see Matt 23:37-39). As people reflect on lessons of the past and pray that the Messiah to deliver them, please join them by praying for the salvation of the Jewish people. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the safety of Israel. Pray that all the plans of the enemy will be defeated.
Most importantly - pray that during this season, they will meet the Messiah – Yeshua/Jesus.
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