Topical Encyclopedia The concept of anniversary feasts in the Bible often revolves around the commemoration of significant events in the history of Israel, particularly those that highlight God's providence and protection over the land and its people. These feasts serve as a reminder of God's covenantal promises and His divine intervention in safeguarding the land of Israel.Biblical Foundation The anniversary feasts are deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God instituted various festivals to be observed by the Israelites. These feasts were not only times of celebration but also served as memorials of God's mighty acts and His ongoing protection over the land. One of the most significant of these is the Feast of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. As recorded in Exodus 12:14 , "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 permanent statute for the generations to come." Divine Protection Throughout the Scriptures, there are numerous instances where God promises to protect the land of Israel during these feasts. For example, during the Feast of Tabernacles, God assures the Israelites of His protection. In Exodus 34:24 , God declares, "For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God." This divine protection is not limited to physical safety but extends to the prosperity and fertility of the land. In Leviticus 25:18-19 , God promises, "You are to keep My statutes and carefully observe My judgments, so that you may dwell securely in the land. Then the land will yield its fruit, so that you can eat your fill and dwell in safety in the land." Significance of the Feasts The anniversary feasts serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. They are a time for the Israelites to reflect on God's past deliverance and to trust in His continued protection. The feasts also reinforce the idea that the land is a divine gift, entrusted to the people of Israel under the condition of obedience to God's laws. Moreover, these feasts are a foreshadowing of the ultimate protection and deliverance that God promises through the coming of the Messiah. The prophetic significance of these feasts is seen in their fulfillment in the New Testament, where Christ is portrayed as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the ultimate source of divine protection and salvation. Contemporary Observance In modern times, the anniversary feasts continue to be observed by Jewish communities around the world. They remain a vital part of Jewish religious life, serving as a reminder of God's historical acts of protection and His ongoing presence with His people. For Christians, these feasts are often seen as a reflection of the spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ, who provides eternal protection and security for believers. In summary, the anniversary feasts in the Bible are a profound expression of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, highlighting His divine protection over the land and His people. They serve as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance of His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 34:24For I will cast out the nations before you, and enlarge your borders: neither shall any man desire your land, when you shall go up to appear before the LORD your God thrice in the year. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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) |