What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:4? These are the LORD’s appointed feasts - The calendar of Israel comes from God Himself, not cultural invention. See Exodus 23:14–17, where the LORD says, “Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me.” - “Appointed” underscores fixed, divinely set moments. Genesis 1:14 notes that the heavenly lights were created “for signs and seasons,” showing God’s sovereignty over time. - Because they are the LORD’s feasts, they reveal His character—holiness, faithfulness, order—and ultimately point to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). the sacred assemblies - A feast is more than a meal; it is a gathering declared “holy.” Leviticus 23:7-8 repeats the phrase “holy convocation,” emphasizing collective worship. - Corporate worship unites God’s people in obedience (Hebrews 10:25) and bears witness to surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). - Acts 2:1 shows believers “all together in one place” on Pentecost, demonstrating that sacred assemblies remain vital under the new covenant. you are to proclaim - Israel had to announce each feast so no one missed the opportunity to meet with God. Numbers 10:10 describes trumpets sounded “over your burnt offerings … so that you may be remembered before the LORD.” - Proclaiming includes teaching future generations (Exodus 12:24-27) and declaring God’s mighty acts (Psalm 78:4). - Today, believers are “a royal priesthood … that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him” (1 Peter 2:9). The pattern continues: receive truth, then broadcast it. at their appointed times - Obedience involves timing. Delaying or rushing alters what God meant to convey. In Exodus 13:10 Israel must keep Passover “at the appointed time year after year.” - God’s redemptive plan unfolds on schedule: Christ died during Passover (John 19:14), rose on Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20), and sent the Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Galatians 4:4 affirms “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son.” - Precise timing assures us that the LORD never forgets His promises; His calendar is still moving toward the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). summary Leviticus 23:4 teaches that God Himself establishes sacred appointments, calls His people to gather, charges us to announce His schedule, and expects obedience to His timing. The feasts display His holiness, preserve communal worship, and foreshadow the completed work of Christ. Trusting the accuracy of Scripture, we align our lives with His calendar, confident that every divine appointment ultimately leads us closer to the fulfillment of His eternal plan. |
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