Topical Bible: Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend

◄ Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Mosaic Law, as recorded in the Pentateuch, outlines several feasts that were instituted for the Israelites. These feasts served as both religious observances and communal gatherings, designed to commemorate significant events in the history of Israel and to foster a sense of unity and identity among the people. Notably, the Law also made provisions for the inclusion of aliens, or non-Jews, in these celebrations, reflecting a broader divine intention for inclusivity and hospitality.

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

The Passover, along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, is one of the most significant feasts instituted by Moses. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. According to Exodus 12:48-49 , "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised, and then he may partake, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you." This passage indicates that while participation required adherence to certain covenantal signs, the opportunity to join in the feast was extended to non-Israelites who were willing to align themselves with the community's religious practices.

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, was another occasion where aliens were welcomed. Deuteronomy 16:10-11 instructs, "And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you. And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your son and daughter, your menservants and maidservants, the Levite within your gates, and the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow among you—in the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name." This directive underscores the inclusive nature of the feast, emphasizing joy and communal participation that transcends ethnic boundaries.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is another example of a feast where aliens were permitted to participate. In Leviticus 23:42-43 , the Israelites are commanded to dwell in booths for seven days: "You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths, so that your descendants may know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." While the text specifically mentions native-born Israelites, the broader context of the Law, as seen in other passages, suggests that the spirit of the feast was open to all who resided among the Israelites, including foreigners.

Theological Implications

The inclusion of aliens in these feasts highlights a recurring biblical theme of God's concern for the "stranger" and His desire for His people to be a light to the nations. This openness to non-Israelites prefigures the New Testament revelation of the Gospel being extended to all peoples, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the early church's outreach to Gentiles. The feasts, therefore, not only served as a reminder of God's past acts of salvation but also pointed forward to His redemptive plan for all humanity.

In summary, the Mosaic feasts were not exclusive to ethnic Israelites but were occasions where aliens could participate, provided they adhered to certain covenantal requirements. This inclusivity reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's love and salvation being available to all who seek Him.