Topical Bible: Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations

◄ Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Feasts instituted by Moses, often referred to as Holy Convocations, are a series of sacred assemblies and celebrations commanded by God for the Israelites. These feasts are detailed primarily in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, and they hold significant theological and historical importance within the biblical narrative. They serve as both commemorations of God's past acts of deliverance and as prophetic symbols pointing to future fulfillment.

Overview

The term "Holy Convocation" refers to a sacred assembly or gathering, emphasizing the communal and worshipful nature of these feasts. The Hebrew word for convocation, "miqra," implies a calling together for a specific purpose, often for worship and remembrance. These feasts are not merely cultural or social events but are deeply spiritual occasions that underscore the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Major Feasts

1. Passover (Pesach) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
· Scriptural Reference: Leviticus 23:4-8; Exodus 12:1-28
· Description: Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, specifically the night when the Lord "passed over" the houses of the Israelites marked by the blood of the lamb. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows immediately, lasting seven days, during which no leavened bread is consumed, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt.
· Significance: Passover is a profound symbol of redemption and deliverance, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God.

2. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost):
· Scriptural Reference: Leviticus 23:15-21; Deuteronomy 16:9-12
· Description: Celebrated seven weeks after Passover, this feast marks the end of the grain harvest. It is also associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.
· Significance: Shavuot highlights the giving of the Torah and the establishment of Israel as a covenant community. In the New Testament, Pentecost signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

3. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah):
· Scriptural Reference: Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6
· Description: This feast marks the beginning of the civil year and is characterized by the blowing of trumpets.
· Significance: It serves as a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. The trumpet blast is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for spiritual renewal.

4. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
· Scriptural Reference: Leviticus 23:26-32; Leviticus 16
· Description: A solemn day of fasting and repentance, it is the most sacred day of the Jewish year. The high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation.
· Significance: Yom Kippur underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, ultimately fulfilled in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

5. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
· Scriptural Reference: Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-15
· Description: This week-long feast celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, during which they lived in temporary shelters.
· Significance: Sukkot is a time of rejoicing and gratitude for God's provision and protection. It also points to the future hope of God's dwelling with His people.

Theological Implications

The feasts instituted by Moses are rich with theological meaning. They are not only historical commemorations but also prophetic foreshadowings of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Each feast reveals aspects of God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and His desire for a holy people set apart for His purposes. As such, they continue to hold spiritual significance for believers, offering insights into the continuity of God's salvation history and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ.

Conclusion

The Holy Convocations established by Moses are integral to understanding the biblical narrative and God's relationship with His people. They serve as reminders of God's past deliverance, present provision, and future promises. Through these feasts, believers are invited to reflect on the depth of God's love and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.