The Feasts and Sabbaths hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, serving as both religious observances and as symbols of deeper spiritual truths. These appointed times were instituted by God for the Israelites and are detailed primarily in the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus 23. They are not only historical commemorations but also prophetic foreshadowings of future events fulfilled in the New Testament.

Sabbath (Shabbat):
The Sabbath is the first of the appointed times mentioned in Leviticus 23. It is a weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The commandment to observe the Sabbath is rooted in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). Exodus 20:8-11 reiterates this commandment, emphasizing rest and holiness: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17).

Passover (Pesach) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as described in Exodus 12. It begins on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, and is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts seven days. During this time, leaven is removed from homes, symbolizing the removal of sin. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 draws a parallel between Christ, our Passover lamb, and the feast: "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

Feast of Firstfruits:
Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, the Feast of Firstfruits marks the beginning of the barley harvest. Leviticus 23:10-11 instructs the Israelites to bring a sheaf of the first grain to the priest, who waves it before the LORD. This feast is seen as a type of Christ's resurrection, as He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost):
Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks is observed. It marks the end of the grain harvest and is a time of thanksgiving for God's provision. Leviticus 23:15-21 outlines its observance. In the New Testament, Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, as recorded in Acts 2, signifying the birth of the Church.

Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah):
The Feast of Trumpets occurs on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri. It is a day of rest and blowing of trumpets, as described in Leviticus 23:23-25. This feast is often associated with the future return of Christ, heralded by the sound of a trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
The Day of Atonement is observed on the tenth day of Tishri. It is a solemn day of fasting and repentance, as detailed in Leviticus 16 and 23:26-32. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains how Christ, as our High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Beginning on the 15th day of Tishri, the Feast of Tabernacles lasts seven days, with an additional eighth day of assembly. It commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision. Leviticus 23:33-43 describes its observance. John 1:14 uses the imagery of tabernacling to describe Christ dwelling among us: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

These feasts and Sabbaths are integral to understanding the rhythm of Israel's worship and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. They point to the Messiah and His work, offering a rich tapestry of typology and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.