◄ Leviticus 23:4 ►
These are the LORD's appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.
Study Bible
These are
This phrase introduces a definitive list, indicating that what follows is of significant importance. In the Hebrew text, the word "אֵלֶּה" (elleh) is used, which serves as a demonstrative pronoun to draw attention to the specific instructions that God is about to give. It emphasizes the exclusivity and divine origin of the feasts, setting them apart from any other cultural or religious observances.

the LORD’s
The use of "the LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) signifies that these feasts are not man-made traditions but are divinely instituted. The name Yahweh is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal presence and faithfulness. This underscores the sacredness and authority behind the feasts, as they are not merely cultural events but are rooted in the relationship between God and His people.

appointed feasts
The Hebrew word for "appointed feasts" is "מוֹעֲדֵי" (moedim), which means appointed times or seasons. These are divinely set times for meeting with God, highlighting the intentionality and order in God’s plan for His people. The feasts serve as reminders of God’s provision, deliverance, and promises, and they are opportunities for communal worship and reflection on God’s faithfulness.

the sacred assemblies
The term "sacred assemblies" translates from the Hebrew "מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ" (mikra'ei kodesh), meaning holy convocations. These gatherings are not just social events but are consecrated times for worship and reflection. They are communal in nature, emphasizing the collective identity of the Israelites as God’s chosen people and their shared commitment to His covenant.

you are to proclaim
The command "you are to proclaim" (תִּקְרְאוּ, tikre'u) indicates an active responsibility placed upon the Israelites. It is a call to publicly announce and observe these feasts, ensuring that they are remembered and celebrated by each generation. This proclamation is an act of obedience and a testimony to the surrounding nations of the Israelites' unique relationship with God.

at their appointed times
The phrase "at their appointed times" (בְּמוֹעֲדָם, bemo'adam) reiterates the importance of observing these feasts according to God’s specific timing. It reflects the order and precision in God’s creation and His plans. The timing of these feasts often aligns with agricultural cycles, symbolizing God’s provision and the rhythm of life He has established. Observing them at the appointed times is an act of trust in God’s sovereignty and timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the feasts as sacred times for His people.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God communicates His laws and instructions to the Israelites.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are commanded to observe these feasts as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

4. Appointed Feasts
Specific times set by God for worship, remembrance, and celebration, including Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and others.

5. Sacred Assemblies
Gatherings of the Israelites for worship and observance of the feasts, emphasizing community and holiness.
Teaching Points
Divine Appointment
The feasts are not human inventions but divinely appointed times, underscoring the importance of aligning our worship with God's timing and purposes.

Community and Worship
The sacred assemblies emphasize the communal aspect of worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering together as believers to honor God.

Remembrance and Anticipation
The feasts serve as reminders of God's past faithfulness and as anticipations of future fulfillment, encouraging us to live with gratitude and hope.

Holiness and Obedience
Observing the feasts required obedience and a commitment to holiness, teaching us the value of living set apart for God in our daily lives.

Christ as Fulfillment
The appointed feasts point to Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, inviting us to find our ultimate rest and celebration in Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the appointed feasts in Leviticus 23:4 reflect God's desire for His people to remember and celebrate His works?

2. In what ways can the concept of "sacred assemblies" inform our understanding of the importance of corporate worship today?

3. How does the observance of these feasts in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament teachings about Christ's fulfillment of the law?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship aligns with God's appointed times and purposes in our lives?

5. How can the principles of holiness and obedience seen in the observance of these feasts be applied to our daily walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Details the institution of the Passover, one of the appointed feasts, highlighting its significance in Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

Numbers 28-29
Provides further instructions on offerings and sacrifices associated with the appointed feasts, emphasizing their importance in Israel's worship.

Deuteronomy 16
Reiterates the command to observe the feasts, focusing on the joy and gratitude that should accompany these celebrations.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, connecting the Old Testament feasts to the New Covenant.
Sermons
Religious FestivalsS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 23:4
The FestivalsR.A. Redford Leviticus 23:1-44
Feasts of the LordW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 23:2-44
God's FestivalsHenry, MatthewLeviticus 23:2-44
God's Holy DaysHenry, MatthewLeviticus 23:2-44
Seven Feasts Mentioned in This ChapterD. C. Hughes, M. A.Leviticus 23:2-44
The Great FeastsJ. C. Gray.Leviticus 23:2-44
The Holy FestivalsJ. A. Seiss, . D. D.Leviticus 23:2-44
The Influence of Sacred RecollectionsW. Clarkson Leviticus 23:4-8
The PassoverR.M. Edgar Leviticus 23:4-8
The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened BreadR.A. Redford Leviticus 23:4-8
The PassoverJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 23:4-14
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Appointed, Assemblies, Convocations, Feasts, Fixed, Holy, Lord's, Proclaim, Regular, Sacred, Season, Seasons, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 23:4

     4903   time
     4971   seasons, of life

Leviticus 23:1-8

     8270   holiness, set apart

Leviticus 23:4-6

     5312   feasting

Leviticus 23:4-8

     4438   eating
     7394   memorial

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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