“Shemini Atzeret” literally means “the 8th day of Assembly”. Sometimes it is called the 8th day of the Feast or the 8th day of Sukkot (Succoth), but it is actually a separate festival, as the Feast of Tabernacles is only 7 days (Lev 23:34).
We saw before that 7 plays a huge role in the Feast of Tabernacles. The last day, the 7th day, 7 bulls are offered as a burnt offering. 7 is the number of completion, perfection and fullness.
I speculated earlier in the Feast how the 8th day sacrifices are so different. One phase of God’s plan is complete. The 8th day of the Feast, commonly called the “Last Great Day” by the Church of God (COG), is the beginning of another phase. It represents the general resurrection of all people who are left and have never had a chance to learn the truth. This is the most distinctive of COG doctrines that is different from the other sects of Christianity. It shows our God as the God of hope, kindness and mercy.
But, you know what? Even the “Last” Great Day is not the end! Does it ever really end? No, God’s work goes on. Even after the “fullness” and “completeness” of the 7 days of the Feast of Tabernacles, God has work to do! First, bring in the rest of His children into the family by resurrecting them and teaching them His ways. Then, the new heavens and new earth. Then, the New Jerusalem.
Then what?
Folks, there’s an entire universe out there waiting for the children of God to manage and control! It seems so big and so vast until you realize there’s an entire eternity ahead of you!
Please drive safely on your trip back home.