Topical Encyclopedia The feasts instituted by Moses hold a significant place in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites, serving as both a remembrance of God's mighty acts and a means of divine protection. These feasts, as outlined in the Pentateuch, are not merely ceremonial observances but are imbued with profound spiritual significance, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with His people.Passover (Pesach): The Passover is perhaps the most well-known of the Mosaic feasts, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As recorded in Exodus 12, the Passover marks the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn. The blood of the lamb, applied to the doorposts, served as a sign of divine protection. Exodus 12:13 states, "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." This feast underscores the theme of redemption and protection through the sacrificial blood, a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Closely linked with Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days, during which the Israelites were to eat bread made without yeast. This feast serves as a reminder of the haste with which they left Egypt, but it also symbolizes purity and separation from sin. The absence of leaven, often associated with corruption, signifies the protection and sanctification of God's people as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Celebrated seven weeks after Passover, the Feast of Weeks is a harvest festival that acknowledges God's provision and protection. It is a time of thanksgiving for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Deuteronomy 16:10 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." This feast highlights God's ongoing sustenance and the protection of His covenant blessings. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Also known as the Feast of Booths, this feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision during that time. Leviticus 23:42-43 commands, "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." The temporary shelters serve as a reminder of God's protection and guidance through the desert, emphasizing His faithfulness and the transitory nature of earthly life. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): While not a feast in the celebratory sense, the Day of Atonement is a solemn observance that underscores the need for reconciliation with God. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:30 declares, "For on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD." This day of fasting and repentance highlights the divine protection offered through the forgiveness of sins, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Christ. In summary, the feasts instituted by Moses are rich with themes of divine protection, provision, and redemption. They serve as perpetual reminders of God's faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people, offering both physical and spiritual protection throughout their history. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 34:24For I will cast out the nations before you, and enlarge your borders: neither shall any man desire your land, when you shall go up to appear before the LORD your God thrice in the year. Nave's Topical Index Library The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... On the Sacramentals The Prophecies The Last Supper. Covenant Duties. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... The General Conference of 1828 Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 A Traveler's Note-Book From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Resources What is the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths / Sukkot? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org What is a love feast? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences) |
    |