What is the Ninth of Av?

In this month’s Inside Story, I want to share a little history on Tisha B’Av, also known as Ninth of Av. The name Tisha B’Av means, “the ninth (day) of the Hebrew month of Av.”

The Ninth of Av is an important historical day in history for the Jewish people. May terrible tragedies have befallen the Jewish people on this day. Tragedies such as the destruction the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. This Ninth of Av is a very sad day for the entire nation of Israel, and it should never be forgotten.

Due to these tragedies throughout history, it has only compounded the desire in the hearts of the Jewish people to reconstruct the Third Temple in Jerusalem. The Jewish people believe that when the Third Temple is rebuilt, it will signal the coming of the Messiah. In preparation for the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish people have started to rebuild the tabernacle furniture, as well as collect all the building materials needed to restore the third temple.

Many have asked me, “what significance does Tisha B’Av hold for believers today?” I will tell you that believers should definitely pay attention to this important day each year. Many things in prophecy have taken place on this day. The Lord is regathering His people unto himself and He will turn our mourning into gladness.

Jeremiah 31:10-14 says, Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’ For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow. I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord.”

We are seeing the regathering of the House of Israel with our own eyes here at Beit Tehila.  Around the world, God’s people are hearing the voice of the bridegroom calling His bride to return back to the land of Israel. We encourage you to come and join us on August 10th for our special Ninth of Av service here at Beit Tehila. If you would like to learn more about this upcoming event, please contact our ministry office at 813-654-2222 today.

Shalom, Pastor Russell