The concept of anniversary feasts, as instituted by God, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a means for the Israelites to commemorate significant events in their history and to honor God's providence and faithfulness. These feasts are not merely cultural or historical observances but are divinely ordained celebrations that hold theological significance and are integral to the worship life of the covenant community.

Passover (Pesach): The Passover is perhaps the most well-known of the anniversary feasts, instituted by God to commemorate the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. As recorded in Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites to observe this feast annually on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan. The Passover involves the sacrifice of a lamb, the eating of unleavened bread, and the retelling of the Exodus account. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive power and His covenant faithfulness. "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual statute for the generations to come" (Exodus 12:14).

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Closely linked with Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th day of Nisan and lasts for seven days. During this time, the Israelites are commanded to eat unleavened bread and remove all leaven from their homes, symbolizing the haste of their departure from Egypt and the purity required in their walk with God. "For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses" (Exodus 12:15).

Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Fifty days after the Passover, the Feast of Weeks is celebrated as a harvest festival, marking the end of the grain harvest. It is also associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This feast emphasizes gratitude for God's provision and the giving of His law. "You are to count off seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. You shall count off fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD" (Leviticus 23:15-16).

Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): The Feast of Trumpets marks the beginning of the civil year in the Jewish calendar and is observed on the first day of the seventh month, Tishri. It is a day of rest and is characterized by the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. "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" (Leviticus 23:24).

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The Day of Atonement is the most solemn of the feasts, observed on the 10th day of Tishri. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, during which the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. This feast underscores the holiness of God and the need for reconciliation with Him. "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work" (Leviticus 16:29).

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Celebrated from the 15th to the 22nd of Tishri, the Feast of Tabernacles commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision during that time. It is a joyous festival marked by the construction of temporary shelters (sukkot) and the offering of sacrifices. "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days" (Leviticus 23:34).

These anniversary feasts, instituted by God, serve as perpetual reminders of His mighty acts and covenant promises. They are woven into the fabric of Israel's identity and worship, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.Exodus 23:14
Three times you shall keep a feast to me in the year.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... appear to him, how often sumptuous feasts when he ... as the days of Romulus, and was
instituted in commemoration ... known to the brethren that the anniversary of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... notice, you will suffer on the real anniversary of the ... the special graces of the
corresponding feasts of the ... was employed in weeding, she besought God to root ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... of North Africa, rebaptism and the encouragement of a martyr spirit with its attendant
feasts, the continuance ... Neither pertain to the true Church of God. (Cp. ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... me to quit getting drunk, and to forgive me all my sins; and God did do ... sincerely,
(before we were told by the good book the way,) by our feasts, rattles, and ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... they are taken thence and spent, not on feasts and drinking ... has a cause to plead
at the bar of God. ... first resurrection; and she offers on the anniversary of his ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

The Feasts and Festivals of Judaism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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