Elul is the 6th month of the Biblical calendar, counting from Nisan, and the 12th month of the Jewish civil calendar. This month also coincides with August-September on the Gregorian calendar.
Elul precedes the High Holy days of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These holidays are observed in the month of Tishrei, which follows Elul. For this reason, Elul begins a period of soul searching and repentance, in Jewish culture. This is their way of preparing for the High Holy Days, the most sacred time of the year.
Forty days of repentance
The first day of Elul begins a 40-day period of repentance in Jewish culture. Moreover, it is their tradition to sound the shofar each weekday morning as a spiritual “wake up call” to them. The sounding of the shofar reminds the Jewish community to examine their behavior, repent and ask God for forgiveness. The historic roots for this tradition are found in the book of Exodus.
Moses ascended Mount Sinai for a second time, on the first day of Elul, according to Jewish tradition. Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf, out of fear that God would destroy them for worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32; 34:27-28). He remained on the mountain for forty days, from the first of Elul until the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur).
God showed His mercy on the Israelites and forgave their sins, in response to Moses’ prayers. Moreover, God gave Moses a second set of commandments on stone tablets. For this reason, Elul is called “the month of repentance,” “the month of mercy,” and “the month of forgiveness.”
About the name Elul
Elul is an acrostic for the Bible verse, “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine,” (Song of Solomon 6:3). The initials of the words in this phrase spell ELUL! This is read as a metaphor of the love between God and His people, According to Jewish tradition. Therefore, the Jewish population seek to draw closer to God and share a more intimate relationship with Him during this time.
Elul is the month “the King is in the field”
Jewish tradition teaches that God’s presence is closer to His people in the month of Elul than any other time. This is explained in the parable, ‘The King is in the field.’ In biblical times, a king lived in a palace, protected by armed guards and iron gates. Only those with specific missions or great importance were granted access into the king’s presence. Moreover, those who had no titles of importance did not have the opportunity of seeing or conversing with the king.
However, the king would dedicate one month each year and meet with his subjects where they lived. He would leave his palace and set up his royal tent in a field. Then, the announcement was made: “The King is in the field!” All were welcome to meet with the king, and he would hear their concerns and grant their petitions.
The Jewish culture view God as the King in the field. He comes, during this sacred time of the year, to commune with His people. This is primarily due to their extensive prayer and repentance in preparation for the High Holy Days.
What to expect when the “King is in the field”
Today, God is seeking all our hearts (Jew and Gentile). Moreover, He is calling out for us to enter into a deeper relationship with Him. God wants to meet our needs and refresh us. He also wants to nurture us and restore us to health and prosperity.
For this reason, we should cast our cares and anxieties that have drained our strength upon God. Then, allow Him to shine His favor on us. If we will meet with Him, in His tent this month, God will show Himself strong for us! So, draw near to Him, and receive the strength that you need to triumph in the year ahead because the King is in the field!
A time of transition
Elul is a transition period between the past year and the coming year. Moreover, it is an opportune time for introspection and reflection concerning where we are and where we should be going.
Elul is also a time to allow God to re-align our hearts with His. To do this, we must surrender anything He shows us that hinders intimacy with Him. Then, renounce and turn from sin that blocks the fulfillment of our destinies. As a result, we will receive strategies to advance into the new year and be in alignment with God plans for our lives.
CLICK HERE: Jewish-Gregorian Calendar
READ MORE: God’s Divine Calendar
RECOMMENDED READING
For more detail, click on the book below.
