October Bible Timeline Events
INSIDE: Discover October’s biblical events—from the Day of Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles—and see how they point us to Jesus.
As we step into October, we enter a month filled with both solemn reflection and joyful celebration. Biblically, this season bridges the months of Tishrei and Cheshvan, when God’s people observed some of the most meaningful days on His calendar:
- Day of Atonement
- Feast of Tabernacles
The Day of Atonement calls us to repentance and reminds us of Jesus, our eternal High Priest. The Feast of Tabernacles bursts with joy, pointing us to God’s promise that He dwells among His people. Let’s look at the key events remembered this month.
October 2 – Tishrei 10
- Day of Atonement: The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies only once a year—on this day—to make atonement for the nation (Lev. 23:26–32). Today, we look to Jesus who perfectly fulfilled this role (Heb. 9).
- Moses Returned: Tradition holds that Moses came down Mount Sinai on this date with the second set of tablets, his face glowing with God’s glory (Ex. 34:29–35).
- Rebekah’s Birthday: Jewish history notes this as the birthday of Rebekah, wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 49:31).
October 7 – Tishrei 15
- Feast of Tabernacles Begins: The final fall feast begins—a joyful eight-day celebration marked by building booths to remember Israel’s time in the wilderness (Lev. 23:33–44).
- Temple Furnished: On this day, Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant into the First Temple (2 Chron. 5:2–10).
- First Celebration After Exile: The first group returning from Babylon also gathered on this date to celebrate the feast (Ezra 3:1, 6).
October 9 – Tishrei 17
- Ark Rested: On this date, the ark of Noah finally came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Gen. 8:4).
October 14 – Tishrei 22
- Feast of Tabernacles Ends: The final day of this joyful feast. Some communities mark it by reading from Deuteronomy and the Psalms (Lev. 23:33–44).
October 15 – Tishrei 23
- Yearly Bible Reading Cycle: Jewish and Messianic congregations begin the new yearly cycle of Torah (and New Testament) readings on this day.
October 16 – Tishrei 24
- Confession of Sins: After hearing God’s Word read aloud, the people fasted, confessed their sins, and worshiped the Lord (Neh. 9:1–3).
October 23 – Cheshvan 1
- New Month Begins: Cheshvan, the eighth biblical month (and second on the civil calendar), begins. It often falls across October and November.
October 29 – Cheshvan 7
- Praying for Rain: In the Second Temple period, this was the day prayers for rain began—after travelers had returned home from Jerusalem following the Feast of Tabernacles.
This Month
October reminds us that God’s calendar weaves together repentance, joy, worship, and trust in His provision. From the Day of Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these moments point us to Jesus and deepen our walk with God.
Want to follow along all year? Check out the Biblical Calendar Notes—a great tool to keep these events at your fingertips and continue growing in faith and understanding.
