Feasts and Sabbaths 1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. 3For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread 4These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times. 5The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteentha day of the first month. 6On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Breadb to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. 7On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work. 8For seven days you are to present a food offering to the LORD. On the seventh day there shall be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.’” The Feast of Firstfruits 9And the LORD said to Moses, 10“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. 11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath. 12On the day you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a year-old lamb without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD, 13along with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flourc mixed with oil—a food offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter hin of wine.d 14You must not eat any bread or roasted or new grain until the very day you have brought this offering to your God. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live. The Feast of Weeks 15From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, you are to count off seven full weeks. 16You shall count off fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. 17Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, each made from two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as the firstfruits to the LORD. 18Along with the bread you are to present seven unblemished male lambs a year old, one young bull, and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 19You shall also prepare one male goat as a sin offering and two male lambs a year old as a peace offering. 20The priest is to wave the lambs as a wave offering before the LORD, together with the bread of the firstfruits. The bread and the two lambs shall be holy to the LORD for the priest. 21On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This is to be a permanent statute wherever you live for the generations to come. 22When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.’” The Feast of Trumpets 23The LORD also said to Moses, 24“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts.e 25You must not do any regular work, but you are to present a food offering to the LORD.’” The Day of Atonement 26Again the LORD said to Moses, 27“The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves,f and present a food offering to the LORD. 28On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. 29If anyone does not humble himself on this day, he must be cut off from his people. 30I will destroy from among his people anyone who does any work on this day. 31You are not to do any work at all. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live. 32It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.” The Feast of Tabernacles 33And the LORD said to Moses, 34“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Feast of Tabernaclesg to the LORD begins, and it continues for seven days. 35On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You must not do any regular work. 36For seven days you are to present a food offering to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present a food offering to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work. 37These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting food offerings to the LORD—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day. 38These offerings are in addition to the offerings for the LORD’s Sabbaths, and in addition to your gifts, to all your vow offerings, and to all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD. 39On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to celebrate a feast to the LORD for seven days. There shall be complete rest on the first day and also on the eighth day. 40On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willowsh of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. 41You are to celebrate this as a feast to the LORD for seven days each year. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come; you are to celebrate it in the seventh month. 42You are to dwell in boothsi for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must dwell in booths, 43so that your descendants may know that I made the Israelites dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’” 44So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the LORD. Footnotes: 5 a Hebrew begins between the two evenings of the fourteenth 6 b That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20. 13 c Two-tenths of an ephah is approximately 4 dry quarts or 4.4 liters (probably about 5.1 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of flour); also in verse 17. 13 d A quarter hin is approximately 0.97 quarts or 0.92 liters of wine. 24 e Or a sacred assembly, a memorial of shouting 27 f Or afflict your souls or deny yourselves; also in verse 32 34 g That is, Sukkot, the autumn feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; also translated as the Feast of Booths or the Feast of Shelters and originally called the Feast of Ingathering (see Exodus 23:16 and Exodus 34:22). 40 h Or poplars 42 i Or tabernacles or shelters; twice in this verse, and also in verse 43; see the footnote for verse 34. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Leviticus 23 Summary Feasts and SabbathsVerses 1–2 – Introduction: Appointed Times Verse 3 – Sabbath: Weekly Rest Verses 4–8 – Passover & Unleavened Bread: Redemption Remembered Verses 9–14 – Firstfruits: Celebrating the Harvest’s Start Verses 15–22 – Feast of Weeks: Joyful Completion Verses 23–25 – Feast of Trumpets: Call to Gather Verses 26–32 – Day of Atonement: Cleansing the Nation Verses 33–44 – Feast of Tabernacles: Dwelling with God In this passage, the LORD provides Moses with detailed instructions on the celebration of His appointed feasts. These include the Sabbath, the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the celebration of the firstfruits, and the Day of Atonement. The passage also highlights the need for compassion towards the less fortunate in society. Historical Setting Leviticus 23 was delivered at Sinai around 1446 BC, after the tabernacle was erected (Exodus 40). Israel, newly freed, needed a calendar framed by worship rather than slavery. The feasts overlap with Canaan’s agricultural cycle, preparing the people for their new land (Deuteronomy 8:8-10). Agricultural Rhythm & Land Theology • Barley ripens first (Firstfruits). • Wheat follows seven weeks later (Weeks). • Summer drought gives way to trumpet blasts that herald the late-summer ingathering (Trumpets). • Autumn olives, grapes, and figs finish at Tabernacles. Israel offers the first and last of all produce, confessing that every kernel is a gift. Ritual Snapshots Passover: a lamb without defect (Exodus 12:5). Unleavened Bread: no yeast—a fresh start. Firstfruits: a sheaf (omer) lifted north-south-east-west, dedicating the whole harvest. Weeks: two leavened loaves signal completion and community. Trumpets: silver and ram’s-horn trumpets rally the camp (Numbers 10:10). Atonement: one bull, one ram, seven lambs, plus the scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16). Tabernacles: 70 bulls over seven days (Numbers 29:12-34), palm, willow, and myrtle branches waved in joy. Social Care in Verse 22 Gleaning laws appear right in the middle of feast instructions, reminding Israel that worship divorced from charity is hollow (Isaiah 58:6-7; James 1:27). Archaeological Echoes • Ostraca from ancient Samaria record grain and oil deliveries matching firstfruits and tithe seasons. • A silver trumpeting piece from the Temple Mount (1st c. AD) bears the phrase “To the house of trumpeting,” aligning with the call of Leviticus 23:24. • Booth-like foundation pits in Negev highlands show nomadic shelters similar to Sukkot huts. Prophetic & Messianic Threads Passover → Christ crucified (“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed,” 1 Corinthians 5:7). Firstfruits → Resurrection (“Christ has been raised…the firstfruits,” 1 Corinthians 15:20). Weeks/Pentecost → Spirit given (Acts 2 ties the Spirit’s outpouring to the wheat festival). Trumpets → Future gathering (“The trumpet will sound,” 1 Corinthians 15:52). Atonement → National cleansing foreseen in Zechariah 12:10. Tabernacles → “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14 literal). Revelation 21 pictures God dwelling with humanity—ultimate Sukkot. Inter-Scripture Connections • Feasts repeated: Exodus 12–13; Numbers 28–29; Deuteronomy 16. • Sabbath principle: Genesis 2:3; Hebrews 4:9. • Year of Jubilee, also announced on Atonement: Leviticus 25:9-10; Luke 4:19. • Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 8 record post-exile celebrations of Booths. Calendar & Counting Notes Israel used a lunar-solar calendar; months began with the new moon. “Fifty days” (v16) covers seven full weeks plus the following day—hence Greek “Pentēkostē.” The Day of Atonement sits exactly in the calendar’s center, echoing its spiritual centrality. Key Hebrew Names (Simplified) Shabbat – Sabbath rest. Pesach – Passover. Matzot – Unleavened Bread. Bikkurim – Firstfruits. Shavuot – Weeks. Yom Teruah – Day of Trumpets (lit. “shouting/blasting”). Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement (“covering”). Sukkot – Booths/Tabernacles (plural of sukkah, a hut). Practical Takeaways 1. God builds worship into the calendar—time itself is sacred. 2. Every harvest invites gratitude; firstfruits giving still honors the Source. 3. Rest is not optional but commanded for human flourishing. 4. Feasts point to Jesus; celebrating them deepens wonder at redemption’s timeline. 5. Social compassion (v22) remains part of any genuine feast unto the LORD. Closing Observation Leviticus 23 is less a rulebook than a yearly melody—rest, remember, rejoice, repent, and finally, rejoice again under leafy roofs. The rhythm still hums wherever God’s people live in grateful time with Him. Connections to Additional Scriptures Sabbath Rest Hebrews 4:9-11 emphasizes the spiritual rest we find in Christ. Passover Fulfillment John 1:29 identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Firstfruits and Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 connects the feast of Firstfruits to Christ's resurrection. Pentecost and the Holy Spirit Acts 2:1-4 describes the fulfillment of Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Atonement and Christ's Sacrifice Hebrews 9:11-14 explains how Christ's sacrifice fulfills the Day of Atonement. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentsLeviticus 23:2 states, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.' These feasts were not merely human traditions but divinely appointed times for worship and remembrance. Sabbath Rest The chapter begins with the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3), emphasizing the importance of rest and worship as a weekly rhythm, setting the tone for the other feasts. Passover and Unleavened Bread These feasts (Leviticus 23:5-8) commemorate Israel's deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing redemption and the removal of sin, pointing to Christ as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Firstfruits and Pentecost Celebrated the first harvest and the giving of the Law, respectively (Leviticus 23:9-21). They foreshadow Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles These fall feasts (Leviticus 23:23-44) focus on repentance, atonement, and God's provision, reminding us of Christ's return and the ultimate gathering of His people. Practical Applications Embrace RestPrioritize a weekly Sabbath rest to focus on God and rejuvenate your spirit. Celebrate Redemption Regularly reflect on and celebrate your deliverance from sin through Christ, just as the Israelites celebrated their deliverance from Egypt. Offer Firstfruits Dedicate the first and best of your time, talents, and resources to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. Prepare for Christ's Return Live with an awareness of Christ's imminent return, cultivating a heart of repentance and readiness. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The chapter begins with "The LORD said to Moses" (Leviticus 23:1). The LORD is the divine authority giving the instructions for the feasts. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which is the covenant name of God. 2. Moses As the recipient of God's instructions, Moses is the mediator between God and the Israelites. The text states, "The LORD said to Moses" (Leviticus 23:1), indicating his role as a prophet and leader. 3. The Israelites The instructions are directed to "the Israelites" (Leviticus 23:2), who are the covenant people of God. They are the ones who are to observe the feasts and holy convocations. 4. The Priests While not explicitly named in every instance, the priests are implied as the ones who carry out the sacrificial duties and lead the observances of the feasts. Their role is crucial in the execution of the rituals described. 5. The Assembly The term "assembly" or "congregation" refers to the gathered community of Israel who participate in the feasts. This is seen in phrases like "a sacred assembly" (Leviticus 23:3). Places 1. The LandThe chapter refers to "the land" in the context of the agricultural cycle and offerings. For example, Leviticus 23:10 mentions, "When you enter the land that I am giving you and reap its harvest..." This refers to the Promised Land, Canaan, which God gave to the Israelites. The Hebrew word for land here is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), indicating the physical territory promised to them. 2. The Tabernacle While not explicitly named in Leviticus 23, the Tabernacle is the implied setting for many of the rituals and offerings described. The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites during their wilderness journey and until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. 3. Dwellings In Leviticus 23:42, it states, "You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths." This refers to the temporary shelters or "booths" (Hebrew: "סֻכּוֹת", sukkot) that the Israelites were to construct and dwell in during the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing their ancestors' dwellings during the Exodus. Events 1. The Sabbath"For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD." (Leviticus 23:3) The Sabbath, or "Shabbat" in Hebrew, is a weekly day of rest and worship. 2. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread "The LORD’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread." (Leviticus 23:5-6) Passover, or "Pesach" in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows, symbolizing the haste of their departure. 3. The Feast of Firstfruits "Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest.'" (Leviticus 23:10) This feast, known as "Bikkurim" in Hebrew, involves offering the first portion of the harvest to God. 4. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) "You are to count fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD." (Leviticus 23:16) Also called "Shavuot" in Hebrew, this feast occurs fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits and celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah. 5. The Feast of Trumpets "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts." (Leviticus 23:24) Known as "Rosh Hashanah" in Hebrew, this marks the beginning of the civil new year and is a time of reflection and repentance. 6. The Day of Atonement "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD." (Leviticus 23:27) Called "Yom Kippur" in Hebrew, this is the holiest day of the year, dedicated to atonement and repentance. 7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days." (Leviticus 23:34) Known as "Sukkot" in Hebrew, this feast commemorates the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and involves dwelling in temporary shelters. Lessons from Leviticus 23 1. Embrace the Rhythm of Rest 2. Celebrate the Passover with Purpose 3. Recognize the Firstfruits of Your Labor 4. Count the Days to Pentecost 5. Sound the Trumpets of New Beginnings 6. Seek Atonement with Sincerity 7. Dwell in the Joy of the Feast of Tabernacles 8. Offerings as Acts of Worship 9. Sacred Assemblies for Community and Connection 10. Remember the Eternal Significance Topics 1. The Sabbath (Leviticus 23:1-3)The chapter begins with the command to observe the Sabbath, a day of complete rest and a holy convocation. The Hebrew word for Sabbath, "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), signifies rest or cessation from work, emphasizing its importance as a weekly day of rest dedicated to the Lord. 2. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4-8) The Passover, or "פֶּסַח" (Pesach) in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. It is followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day period where no leavened bread is consumed, symbolizing purity and separation from sin. 3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14) This feast involves presenting the first sheaf of the harvest to the Lord. The Hebrew term "בִּכּוּרִים" (Bikkurim) refers to the firstfruits, symbolizing gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. 4. The Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22) Known as "שָׁבוּעוֹת" (Shavuot) in Hebrew, this feast occurs fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits. It celebrates the wheat harvest and later became associated with the giving of the Torah at Sinai. 5. The Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25) Also called "יוֹם תְּרוּעָה" (Yom Teruah), this feast marks the beginning of the civil new year with the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. 6. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32) Known as "יוֹם כִּפּוּר" (Yom Kippur), this solemn day involves fasting and repentance, seeking atonement for sins. It is a day of complete rest and affliction of the soul. 7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-44) Also called "סֻכּוֹת" (Sukkot), this feast lasts seven days and involves dwelling in temporary shelters. It commemorates the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and God's provision during that time. Themes 1. Sabbath RestThe chapter begins with the command to observe the Sabbath as a day of complete rest and holy convocation. This theme emphasizes the importance of rest and worship, reflecting God's creation pattern (Leviticus 23:3). The Hebrew word for Sabbath, "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), signifies cessation and rest. 2. Passover and Unleavened Bread The Passover commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread follows immediately, symbolizing purity and separation from sin (Leviticus 23:5-8). The Hebrew term "פֶּסַח" (Pesach) for Passover highlights the theme of protection and deliverance. 3. Firstfruits The offering of the firstfruits represents gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. It is a theme of dedication and trust in God's continued blessings (Leviticus 23:9-14). The Hebrew "בִּכּוּרִים" (Bikkurim) underscores the concept of offering the first and best to God. 4. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) This feast, occurring fifty days after the firstfruits, celebrates the harvest and God's provision. It is a theme of thanksgiving and community (Leviticus 23:15-21). The Greek term "Πεντηκοστή" (Pentēkostē) is used in the New Testament, linking it to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 5. Feast of Trumpets Marked by the blowing of trumpets, this feast calls for a sacred assembly and signals the beginning of the civil new year. It is a theme of renewal and preparation (Leviticus 23:23-25). The Hebrew "תְּרוּעָה" (Teruah) indicates a shout or blast, symbolizing alertness and readiness. 6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) This solemn day focuses on atonement and repentance, highlighting themes of forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Leviticus 23:26-32). The Hebrew "כִּפּוּר" (Kippur) means covering, pointing to the covering of sins. 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) Commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey, this feast emphasizes themes of God's provision and presence. It involves living in temporary shelters, reminding the people of their dependence on God (Leviticus 23:33-43). The Hebrew "סֻכּוֹת" (Sukkot) refers to booths or tabernacles, symbolizing transience and divine protection. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Redemption Thank God for the redemption and deliverance we have through Jesus Christ. Commitment to Rest Dedication of Firstfruits Readiness for Christ's Return As we study Leviticus 23, may we gain a deeper appreciation for God's appointed times and their fulfillment in Christ, leading us to live lives of worship, rest, and anticipation of His return. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Leviticus 23:3, how could an entire population realistically stop all work every seventh day without compromising essential services or survival needs? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What role does the Sabbath play in the lives of the Israelites according to this passage? 2. How does the celebration of the feasts reinforce the identity of the Israelites? 3. Why does God emphasize the importance of rest during these celebrations? 4. In the context of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, what does unleavened bread symbolize, and how does it apply to our lives today? 5. How does the concept of firstfruits apply in our contemporary society? 6. What does the act of leaving the edges of the field for the poor and foreign residents teach us about God's view on social justice? 7. Why is the Day of Atonement significant, and how does it relate to our understanding of sin and forgiveness? 8. How does the Feast of Tabernacles serve as a reminder of the Exodus journey? 9. What is the importance of dwelling in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles? 10. What practical steps can we take today to remember and celebrate God's deliverance as demonstrated during the Exodus? 11. How can we apply the principle of humbling ourselves before God in our daily lives? 12. How can modern society practice the act of leaving the edges of their 'fields' for the less fortunate? 13. How does God's command to not work on the Sabbath translate into our modern, fast-paced society? 14. What are some modern equivalents of presenting offerings to God, and how should they be given? 15. How can we incorporate the practice of sacred assemblies into our worship today? 16. What are some ways that we can remember and honor God's saving acts in our lives? 17. How can we apply the commandment of not eating new grain until an offering is made in our lives? 18. How does the act of sacrificing animals translate into today's context? What are the metaphoric sacrifices we need to make? 19. Why do you think God specifies that the Israelites should live in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles? 20. How can you create 'sacred assemblies' in your life as a way of dedicating time to God regularly? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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