Topical Encyclopedia The Anniversary Feasts, also known as the Feasts of the Lord, are a series of sacred observances instituted by God for the people of Israel. These feasts are detailed primarily in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. They serve as both commemorative and prophetic events, rich with spiritual significance and typology.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the Feasts of the Lord is found in Leviticus 23, where God commands Moses to proclaim these appointed times to the Israelites. The chapter outlines seven major feasts: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. Each feast is a "holy convocation" (Leviticus 23:2), a time set apart for worship and remembrance. Passover (Pesach) Passover is the first of the feasts and commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan. The Passover lamb, without blemish, is a central element, symbolizing the sacrifice of Christ, "our Passover lamb" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Feast of Unleavened Bread Immediately following Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days, during which no leaven is to be consumed. This feast signifies the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the call to holiness, as leaven often represents sin (1 Corinthians 5:8). Feast of Firstfruits Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, the Feast of Firstfruits involves offering the first sheaf of the harvest to the Lord. It foreshadows the resurrection of Christ, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) Fifty days after Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks marks the end of the grain harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving and is associated with the giving of the Law at Sinai. In the New Testament, Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church (Acts 2:1-4). Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) The Feast of Trumpets, observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, is a day of rest and trumpet blasts. It heralds the beginning of the civil new year and calls the people to repentance, prefiguring the future gathering of God's people (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) The Day of Atonement, on the 10th day of Tishri, is the most solemn of the feasts. It involves fasting and repentance, with the high priest entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the nation. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:12). Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) The Feast of Tabernacles, beginning on the 15th day of Tishri and lasting seven days, celebrates the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision. It is a time of rejoicing and dwelling in temporary shelters, pointing to the future messianic kingdom (Zechariah 14:16). Spiritual Significance The Feasts of the Lord are not only historical commemorations but also prophetic symbols of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. They illustrate the progression from deliverance and sanctification to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Each feast invites believers to reflect on God's faithfulness and anticipate the culmination of His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 23:4These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) She, on the Prohibition of Ambrose, Abstains from Honouring the ... Symbolic Ornaments of the Church In Death and after Death The Gospels The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ... Embassy from John in Prison to Jesus --Death of John --Relations ... Christian Cemeteries. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... Hymns, Festival and Occasional. Resources How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org The Feasts and Festivals of Judaism ' Article Index | 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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