In 2021 following the Aristocratic Majority view on when to start counting, we begin Counting the Omer on Nisan 22 (not Nisan 16 as in the Hassidic Majority view) For more on this see: "When do we start counting the Omer?" in my post Counting the Omer - Sefirat haOmer) This day is known as Resheit - Feast of Firstfruits and as often occurs it is also the day celebrated as Resurrection Sunday (Easter) by the Catholic and Protestant Church. Technically, the day begins on April 3rd at Sundown and continues until April 4th at Sundown. Accordingly the first week of counting concludes on the regular Sabbath, which begins Friday April 9th, 2021 in the evening and ends at sundown April 10th.
Historical context – B.C.E.
Let’s review the journey taken by the children of Israel as they made their famous Exodus from slavery in Egypt as a result of unbelievable signs and wonders (the 10 plagues or miracles) wrought by God through Moses into an unknown future and unknown destination led by their deliverer Moses. They were miraculously saved from the final plague, the death of the firstborn, and forced to pack up their belongings and flee so hurriedly, that they could not take the time to make normal bread (using leavening) but forced to eat hastily prepared unleavened bread on the run, so to speak. The first Week after Pharaoh relents and lets the Israelites go:
Day 1 Only days after the first Passover when Israelites were told to stay in their homes protected by the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the door frame [Ex 12:21-24] so that the Angel of Death would 'passover' them. The Israelites march boldly [Ex: 14:8] out of Egypt Armed for Battle [Ex 13:18] from Ramses to Succoth. They carry the wealth of Egypt out with them. [Gen 15:13-14; Ex 12:35-36]
Day 2 The Israelites left Succoth carrying Joseph’s bones and God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day to guide them and a pillar of fire by night. They camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. [Exodus 13:20-22]
Day 3 God took them back circuitously to camp near Pi Hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. They camped by the sea opposite Baal Zephon. This was to make Pharaoh think that they were wandering around in confusion and so that he would pursue and attack them. [Exodus 14:2-4]
Day 4 Pharaoh’s army of 600 chariots and infantry overtook the Israelites while they were camping near Pi Hahiroth before Baal Zephon. The Israelites were angry with Moses for bringing them to this dead end and certain death, but Moses reassured the people. The Lord delayed the attack of the Egyptian army until morning by placing a pillar of fire between them and the Israelites. [Exodus 14:21] While it was still dark, Moses, with God’s help parted the Red Sea and the Israelites passed between the walls of water. The Egyptians followed them but at dawn the Lord confused them and caused their chariot wheels to seize. Then Moses allowed the water to fall on the Egyptians, completely destroying them. [Exodus 14:27-28] This restored the trust of the Israelites in Moses and the Lord and they celebrated their deliverance in song. [Exodus 15:1-21] Moses led the Israelites from the Red Sea to the Wilderness of Shǖr. All of this happened on the fourth day after they left Egypt.
Day 5 The Israelites continued wandering in the Wilderness of Shǖr without water. [Exodus 15:22]
Day 6 They came to Marah – the place of bitter water which they could not drink and they grumbled. The Lord showed Moses how to make the water drinkable. There the Lord promised if they would obey His commandments they would be saved from any of the diseases or plagues that He had brought upon the Egyptians – for He is Yehovah Rahfa - the Lord who heals. [Exodus 15:23-26]
Day 7 They journeyed from Marah to Elim, an oasis of palm trees and fountains. They camped there by the waters. [Exodus 15:27; Numbers 33:9] This is the last day of the first week, the Sabbath.
Historical context in the C.E.
What about the period during the 50 days following Yeshua’s Death and resurrection? In Week One Yeshua’s talmadim went from disbelief and disillusionment to joy and ecstasy.
Day 1
He first appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9).
Next Yeshua appeared to Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emaus. To them He explained all things in scripture concerning himself. Then he appeared to the Eleven, rebuking them for their unbelief and He gave them instructions. He told them to remain near Jerusalem. Thomas was not present. (Mark 16:12-15, John 20:19-23)
Day 2-7 Members of the Sanhedrin, after they were told of the resurrection of Yeshua, paid a large bribe to Roman soldiers to have them spread false rumors that Yeshua's disciples came and secretly stole his body in the middle of the night. (Matthew 28:11-15) As instructed by Yeshua, the disciples remained near Jerusalem.
Present context in 2021 C.E.
The world is experiencing what appear to be the birth pangs prophesied as a sign of Messiah's return. (Isa 26:17-18; Matt 24:8; 1Thess 5:3; Rev 12:1-2) A worldwide pandemic swept over the earth in 2020 and millions were told to wear masks and to stay in their homes to escape the pestilence. Churches in many places are not allowed to meet. The political conflict in spite of this pandemic is more divided than at any time since the Civil War. The belief that there was widespread election fraud and foreign interference in our presidential election is pervasive. As we begin Week One of the Omer Count, we face increasingly blatant persecution as believers in Messiah Yeshua and there is a malevolent spirit growing in power and control seeking to cancel any unwanted dissent. Government policies are becoming ever more repressive as civil liberties are being erased. Racial division, support for abortion and subversion of marriage, family and God given gender identity are on the rise. Moral decency is becoming rare in our culture as deceit and wickedness abound. Political divisiveness is more severe than at any time since the Civil War. Severe plagues of locusts, famines, displacement of refugees, floods, animal disease outbreaks, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions continue in increasing frequency all over the globe. The world appears to be moving ever closer to global government and establishment of a one-world religion.
Week One represents Chesed – “Loving-kindness”
According to Jewish Mystical tradition, or Kabbalah, the first week of counting the Omer focuses on the Hebrew Concept Chesed – “loving-kindness” or simply “love”. It can also be translated as “covenant love”, “grace” and “compassion”. This important virtue is regarded by Jews of all denominations as contributing to tikkun olam(repairing the world).
So let us begin with a pure heart and a steadfast love of our Lord who lovingly brought us out of the bondage of sin (Mitzrayim – Egypt – the narrow place) and unto Himself and declared us to be His “peculiar Treasure” amongst all the peoples of the earth. Let us be obedient to His request and dedicate a portion of our day, our mind, body and soul, to seeking His face, and knowing His desire for our lives and preparing ourselves for a future life together with Him. This we pray as we begin the counting of the omer this year, together with all Israel! Amen!
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