Topical Encyclopedia The Feasts of the Lord, also known as the Biblical Feasts or Jewish Festivals, are a series of sacred observances instituted by God for the people of Israel. These feasts are outlined primarily in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, and they hold significant theological and prophetic importance within the biblical narrative. They are not only historical commemorations but also serve as foreshadowings of future events in God's redemptive plan.1. Passover (Pesach): Passover is the first of the feasts and is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan (Leviticus 23:5). It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with the blood of a lamb (Exodus 12:13). This feast points to Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death brings deliverance from sin (John 1:29). 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Immediately following Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts for seven days, from the 15th to the 21st of Nisan (Leviticus 23:6-8). During this time, the Israelites were to eat bread made without yeast, symbolizing the haste of their departure from Egypt and the call to holiness, as leaven often represents sin (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). 3. Feast of Firstfruits: Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, the Feast of Firstfruits marks the beginning of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14). The Israelites were to bring the first sheaf of their harvest to the priest as an offering to the Lord. This feast is a type of Christ's resurrection, as He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). 4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks is observed (Leviticus 23:15-21). It celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, this feast corresponds to the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers (Acts 2:1-4). 5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): On the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, the Feast of Trumpets is celebrated with the blowing of trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25). This feast marks the beginning of the civil new year and calls the people to repentance. Prophetically, it is associated with the future gathering of God's people and the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16). 6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The Day of Atonement, observed on the 10th day of Tishri, is the most solemn of the feasts (Leviticus 23:26-32). It is a day of fasting and repentance, during which the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation. This feast points to the ultimate atonement made by Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12). 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the 15th day of Tishri and lasting for seven days, the Feast of Tabernacles commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision (Leviticus 23:33-43). It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. This feast anticipates the future dwelling of God with His people in the Messianic Kingdom (Zechariah 14:16-19). These feasts, while rooted in the history and culture of Israel, carry profound spiritual significance for believers, illustrating key aspects of God's plan for salvation and His covenant relationship with humanity. Subtopics Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Paul Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Appointed Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Attended by Women Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Designated As Solemn Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Divine Protection Given During Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept With Rejoicing Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Set Feasts Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At Feasts: Celebrations by Birthdays Feasts: Celebrations by Coronations Feasts: Celebrations by National Deliverances Feasts: Guests Arranged According to Age Feasts: Marriage Feasts Provided by the Bridegroom the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Christ Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Entertainments the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Illustrative of General Assembly of the Church the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Joy and Gladness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Rendered Unavailing by the Impiety of the Jews the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Sacrificing the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Ten Tribes Seduced by Jeroboam from Attending the Anniversary Feasts: All Males to Attend the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Appointed Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Feasts of the Lord the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Meetings the Anniversary Feasts: Children Commenced Attending, when Twelve Years Old the Anniversary Feasts: Enumerated the Anniversary Feasts: Females often Attended the Anniversary Feasts: Instituted by God the Anniversary Feasts: Offerings to Made At the Anniversary Feasts: The Dangers and Difficulties Encountered in Going up To, the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Attended Gladly the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Went up To, in Large Companies the Anniversary Feasts: The Land Divinely Protected During The Feasts of Trumpets: A Holy Convocation and Rest The Feasts of Trumpets: A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets The Feasts of Trumpets: Held the First Day of Seventh Month The Feasts of Trumpets: Sacrifices At Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |