Topical Encyclopedia The term "Anniversary Feasts," often referred to as "Appointed Feasts," pertains to the sacred festivals instituted by God for the Israelites, as detailed in the Old Testament. These feasts are divinely ordained times of remembrance, worship, and celebration, serving as both historical commemorations and prophetic symbols. The primary sources for these feasts are found in the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus 23, Numbers 28-29, and Deuteronomy 16.Biblical Foundation The Appointed Feasts are introduced in Leviticus 23:1-2 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and say to them: These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.'" These feasts are not merely cultural or traditional events but are considered holy convocations, set apart for the worship of Yahweh. Major Appointed Feasts 1. 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, lasting seven days. Leviticus 23:5-6 states, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD." 2. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Celebrated seven weeks after Passover, this feast marks the end of the grain harvest and is associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Leviticus 23:15-16 instructs, "From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, you are to count seven full weeks. You shall count fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD." 3. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This feast, occurring on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri), is a day of rest and trumpet blasts, signaling the beginning of the civil new year. Leviticus 23:24 commands, "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts." 4. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Observed on the tenth day of the seventh month, this solemn day is dedicated to atonement and repentance. Leviticus 23:27 states, "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD." 5. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, this week-long feast celebrates the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision. Leviticus 23:34 declares, "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days." Theological Significance The Appointed Feasts serve multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. They are a means of remembering God's past acts of salvation, such as the Exodus, and His ongoing provision and covenant faithfulness. Additionally, these feasts hold eschatological significance, foreshadowing future redemptive events. For instance, Passover is seen as a type of Christ's sacrificial death, as noted in 1 Corinthians 5:7 : "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Observance and Practice While the original observance of these feasts involved specific sacrifices and rituals conducted at the Tabernacle or Temple, contemporary Jewish practice has adapted these celebrations to synagogue and home settings. For Christians, the feasts are often viewed through the lens of fulfillment in Christ, with some denominations incorporating elements of these feasts into their liturgical calendar. In summary, the Anniversary Feasts, or Appointed Feasts, are integral to understanding the rhythm of worship and the theological narrative of the Bible, reflecting both historical events and prophetic promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 1:14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates: they are a trouble to me; I am weary to bear them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ... The Gospels Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ... Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907. Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ... Christian Churches. Hymns, Festival and Occasional. Resources What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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