These are the LORD's appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting offerings by fire to the LORD--burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day. These are the LORD’s appointed feastsThe phrase "appointed feasts" comes from the Hebrew word "moedim," which signifies set times or seasons. These feasts are divinely ordained, highlighting God's sovereignty over time and His desire for His people to remember and celebrate His acts of salvation and provision. Historically, these feasts served as reminders of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness throughout generations. They are not merely human traditions but are established by God Himself, underscoring their sacredness and importance. which you are to proclaim
The act of proclaiming these feasts involves a public declaration, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship in Israel. The Hebrew root "qara" means to call out or announce, indicating that these feasts were to be made known to all the people. This public proclamation ensured that the entire community participated in these sacred times, fostering unity and shared remembrance of God's deeds. as sacred assemblies
The term "sacred assemblies" translates from the Hebrew "miqra kodesh," meaning a holy convocation or gathering. These assemblies were not casual gatherings but were set apart for worship and reflection. The holiness of these assemblies points to the need for reverence and purity when approaching God. They were times for the community to come together in worship, setting aside daily routines to focus on their relationship with God. for presenting offerings by fire to the LORD
Offerings by fire, or "ishsheh" in Hebrew, were a central part of worship in ancient Israel. These offerings symbolized the people's devotion and obedience to God. The act of burning the offerings signified the complete surrender of the gift to God, as the smoke ascended to heaven. This practice reflects the idea that worship involves sacrifice and giving of oneself wholly to God. burnt offerings and grain offerings
Burnt offerings, or "olah," were offerings that were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God. Grain offerings, or "minchah," were offerings of flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruits of human labor and gratitude for God's provision. Together, these offerings illustrate the comprehensive nature of worship, involving both the surrender of life (burnt offerings) and the acknowledgment of God's blessings (grain offerings). sacrifices and drink offerings
Sacrifices, or "zebach," often involved the shedding of blood, pointing to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. Drink offerings, or "nesek," were libations poured out as an act of worship, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life in service to God. These elements of worship highlight the multifaceted nature of devotion, encompassing both repentance and celebration. each on its designated day
The phrase "designated day" underscores the order and structure God established for worship. Each feast and offering had a specific time, reflecting God's intentionality and the importance of obedience to His commands. This structure provided rhythm and regularity to the Israelites' spiritual lives, reminding them of God's presence and their identity as His people. The designated times also point to the prophetic fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and the feasts in His life and work. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the appointed feasts and commands their observance. 2. MosesThe prophet and leader of Israel who receives and communicates God's laws and instructions to the people. 3. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are commanded to observe these feasts and offer sacrifices. 4. Appointed FeastsSacred times set by God for worship, remembrance, and community gathering. 5. Sacred AssembliesGatherings of the Israelites for worship and offering sacrifices to God. Teaching Points Understanding Sacred TimeThe concept of "appointed feasts" teaches us the importance of setting aside time for God. In our busy lives, we must prioritize worship and reflection. Holistic WorshipThe variety of offerings (burnt, grain, drink) signifies that worship involves all aspects of life. We should offer our time, talents, and resources to God. Community and FellowshipThe sacred assemblies highlight the importance of gathering with fellow believers. Regular fellowship strengthens our faith and community bonds. Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites were to follow God's instructions precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience and reverence for God's Word. Christ as FulfillmentWhile these feasts were a shadow, they point to Christ, who fulfills the law. Our worship should center on Him, recognizing His sacrifice and lordship. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the appointed feasts in Leviticus 23:37 reflect God's desire for His people to remember and celebrate His works? 2. In what ways can we incorporate the principle of "sacred assemblies" into our modern Christian practice? 3. How do the different types of offerings (burnt, grain, drink) in this verse relate to the concept of holistic worship in our lives today? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our worship remains Christ-centered, as suggested by the fulfillment of these feasts in the New Testament? 5. How does understanding the original Hebrew context of "appointed feasts" enhance our appreciation of God's timing and order in our spiritual lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12The institution of the Passover, which is one of the appointed feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23. Numbers 28-29Detailed instructions on the offerings and sacrifices to be made during these feasts. Hebrews 10Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. Colossians 2Paul speaks about the festivals as a shadow of things to come, with the substance belonging to Christ. | The Festivals | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 23:1-44 | | Feasts of the Lord | W. H. Jellie. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | God's Festivals | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | God's Holy Days | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | Seven Feasts Mentioned in This Chapter | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Great Feasts | J. C. Gray. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Holy Festivals | J. A. Seiss, . D. D. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Hebdomad | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 23:23-44 | | Joy Before the Lord | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 23:33-43 | | The Pilgrim Spirit as Illustrated in the Feast of Tabernacles | R.M. Edgar | Leviticus 23:33-43 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 23:33-44 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 23:33-44 | | A Festival Kept to the Lord | E. Payson, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Dwelling in Booths | S. Martin, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Harvest Thanksgiving | Philip Neale. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Pleasant Ministries | J. Parker. D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Sojourning in Booths | W. H. Jellie. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacle | J. B. Lowe, . B. A. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | H. M. Grout, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | De Witt S. Clark. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | Bp. Babington. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles (A New Year's Sermon) | Anon. | Leviticus 23:34-42 |
People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Appointed, Assemblies, Beasts, Bring, Bringing, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Cereal, Convocation, Convocations, Day-, Day's, Drink, Drink-offerings, Feasts, Fire, Fire-offering, Fixed, Grain, Holy, Kept, Libations, Lord-burnt, Making, Matter, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Oblation, Offer, Offering, Offerings, Present, Presenting, Proclaim, Proper, Required, Sacred, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Seasons, Special, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 23:37 7350 drink offering
7358 Feast of Tabernacles
7422 ritual Leviticus 23:33-43 4208 land, divine responsibility
8644 commemoration 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 ScriptureOf 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 Links Leviticus 23:37 NIVLeviticus 23:37 NLTLeviticus 23:37 ESVLeviticus 23:37 NASBLeviticus 23:37 KJV
Leviticus 23:37 Commentaries
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