◄ Leviticus 23:1 ►
Then the LORD said to Moses,
Study Bible
Then
The word "Then" serves as a connective term, indicating a continuation of the narrative and a transition to a new directive from God. It suggests a sequence in the divine communication, emphasizing the ongoing relationship and dialogue between God and Moses. This continuity reflects the structured and orderly nature of God's instructions to His people, underscoring the importance of timing and sequence in divine revelation.

the LORD
The term "the LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often vocalized as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of God's holiness, sovereignty, and faithfulness. The use of this name in the text highlights the authority and divine origin of the instructions that follow, reinforcing the sacredness of the communication.

said
The word "said" indicates direct speech from God, conveying the immediacy and clarity of divine communication. In the Hebrew context, this verb underscores the authoritative and intentional nature of God's words. It is not merely a suggestion but a command that carries weight and purpose. This highlights the importance of listening and obedience to God's voice, as His words are life-giving and transformative.

to Moses
Moses is the chosen leader and prophet through whom God communicates His laws and instructions to the Israelites. His role as a mediator is crucial, as he stands between God and the people, receiving divine revelation and conveying it faithfully. Moses' unique relationship with God is characterized by intimacy and trust, making him a central figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This phrase underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility of faithfully transmitting God's word to others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is holy and righteous. He is the one giving the instructions for the appointed feasts.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive His laws and commandments.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are to observe the feasts and laws given by God through Moses.

4. Mount Sinai
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where Moses received the laws from God, including the instructions for the feasts.

5. Appointed Feasts
The events that God is about to outline in the following verses, which are sacred assemblies for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Authority
Recognize that God, as the ultimate authority, establishes times and seasons for His people. His instructions are not arbitrary but purposeful, reflecting His divine plan and order.

The Role of Mediators
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. Reflect on the importance of having a mediator in our relationship with God.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites are called to obey God's commands regarding the feasts. Similarly, we are called to live in obedience to God's Word, understanding that His commands are for our good and His glory.

Sacred Time and Worship
The appointed feasts highlight the concept of sacred time set apart for worship and reflection. Consider how we can incorporate regular times of worship and reflection in our own lives.

Community and Celebration
The feasts were communal events, fostering unity and shared worship among the Israelites. Reflect on the importance of community in our spiritual lives and how we can celebrate God's goodness together.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in establishing the feasts impact your view of His authority in your life today?

2. In what ways does Moses' role as a mediator point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Leviticus 23:1 to our daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways you can set aside sacred time for worship and reflection in your weekly routine?

5. How can you foster a sense of community and shared celebration of God's goodness in your church or small group?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
This chapter provides the background for the Passover, one of the appointed feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23. It highlights the significance of God's deliverance and the establishment of a lasting ordinance.

Numbers 28-29
These chapters detail the offerings and sacrifices associated with the feasts, providing a deeper understanding of their significance and the worship practices of the Israelites.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage connects the Old Testament sacrifices and feasts to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law through Him.
Sermons
The Offering of Rest: the SabbathR.M. Edgar Leviticus 23:1-3
The SabbathJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 23:1-3
The FestivalsR.A. Redford Leviticus 23:1-44
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 23:1-2

     5213   assembly

Leviticus 23:1-8

     8270   holiness, set apart

Library
The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem, …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." It is true the soul is incomparably better than the body, and he is only worthy the name of a man and of a Christian who prefers this more excellent part, and employs his study and time about it, and regards his body only for the noble guest that lodges within it, and therefore it is one of the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year.
(Nazareth and Jerusalem, a.d. 7 or 8.) ^C Luke II. 40-52. ^c 40 And the child grew [This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke i. 80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds], and waxed strong [His life expanded like other human lives. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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