By Noreen Jacks

Elul is the final month of the year according to the ancient Hebrew calendar. The timing of Elul is divinely ordained to prepare the faithful for the first day of the coming year, Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year that begins on the first day of Tishrei. Elul reminds God’s children to repent of their transgressions so they will be able to enter into the monarch’s presence with clean hands and joyful hearts.

The king makes Himself available to His subjects in a most intimate way during Elul, while the people are making teshuva (repentance, a turning away from sin). It is believed that the word “Elul” is an acronym for the following verse: I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.  Song of Songs 6:3

Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi explains the paradox of the month of Elul with the following metaphor:

“The king’s usual place is in the capital city, in the royal palace. Anyone wishing to approach the king must go through the appropriate channels in the palace bureaucracy to gain the approval of a succession of secretaries and ministers. He must journey to the capital and pass through the many gates, corridors and antechambers that lead to the throne room. His presentation must be meticulously prepared, and he must adhere to an exacting code of dress, speech and mannerism upon entering into the royal presence.”

“However, there are times when the king comes out to the fields outside the city. At such times, anyone can approach him; the king receives them all with a smiling face and a radiant countenance. The peasant behind his plow has access to the king in a manner unavailable to the highest ranking minister in the royal court when the king is in the palace. The month of Elul is when the king is in the field.”

Why is the field featured so prominently at this time of year, just prior to the Fall Feasts of the Lord? Quite simply, the field is a place of renewed growth and great bounty, giving further evidence of God’s faithful provision and countless blessings. The Bread of Life, Yeshua (Jesus), awaits your presence with Him in the harvest field, where He proudly and joyfully observes the fruit of your labor.

As in the days of ancient Israel, no appointment is necessary during this sacred season of intimacy with the king. The invitation has been extended. Come one, come all! The king is in the field! Hallelujah!

*This year the Fall Feasts of the Lord begin with Rosh Hashanah at sunset on September 25, 2022.