Topical Encyclopedia The feasts instituted by Moses hold significant importance in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites as outlined in the Old Testament. These feasts, also known as the "appointed times," were divinely ordained celebrations that served as both commemorative and prophetic events, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people. They are primarily detailed in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.1. Passover (Pesach): The Passover is the first of the annual feasts and commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan (Exodus 12:1-14). The central ritual involves the sacrifice of a lamb, symbolizing the blood that protected the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn. The Passover foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Immediately following Passover, this seven-day feast (15th to 21st of Nisan) involves the removal of leaven from homes and the consumption of unleavened bread (Exodus 12:15-20). It signifies the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and calls for a life of purity and separation from sin. 3. Feast of Firstfruits: Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast marks the beginning of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14). The offering of the first sheaf of the harvest symbolizes gratitude and trust in God's provision. It prophetically points to the resurrection of Jesus, the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). 4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this feast celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-21). It is a time of thanksgiving and joy, marked by the offering of two loaves of leavened bread. In the New Testament, Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church (Acts 2:1-4). 5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This feast, observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, is marked by the blowing of trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25). 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 coming judgment. 6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The most solemn of the feasts, it occurs on the 10th day of Tishri (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32). It is a day of fasting and repentance, during which the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-12). 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Celebrated from the 15th to the 21st of Tishri, this feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision (Leviticus 23:33-43). It involves dwelling in temporary shelters and is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. It anticipates the future gathering of God's people and the establishment of His kingdom. These feasts, while rooted in historical events, carry profound theological significance. They not only remind the Israelites of God's past faithfulness but also point forward to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. As such, they continue to hold spiritual relevance for believers today, serving as a testament to God's unchanging nature and His desire for a holy and consecrated people. Nave's Topical Index Acts 18:21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that comes in Jerusalem: but I will return again to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. Nave's Topical Index Acts 19:21 Acts 20:6,16 Acts 24:11,17 Library Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church. The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. The Conservative Reaction, and the Liberal victory -- Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ... On the Sacramentals (On Whitsuntide, I. ) Confessio Augustana. God's Law Immutable. 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) |
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