The Appointed Feasts, also known as the Feasts of the Lord, are sacred assemblies instituted by God for the people of Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. These feasts are outlined primarily in Leviticus 23, where God commands the Israelites to observe specific times of worship and remembrance. Each feast holds significant theological and historical importance, serving as a reminder of God's covenant, provision, and redemptive plan.

Sabbath (Shabbat): Although not a feast in the traditional sense, the Sabbath is the first appointed time mentioned in Leviticus 23. It is a weekly day of rest and worship, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The Sabbath commemorates God's rest after creation and serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed" (Exodus 31:17).

Passover (Pesach): Celebrated on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan), Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of their departure. "This is the LORD’s Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD" (Exodus 12:11-12).

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Beginning on the 15th day of Nisan and lasting seven days, this feast immediately follows Passover. During this time, the Israelites are commanded to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and the removal of sin. "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 Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim): Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast marks the beginning of the barley harvest. The Israelites present the first sheaf of the harvest to the Lord as an offering of gratitude. "Bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf" (Leviticus 23:10-11).

Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is a time of thanksgiving and renewal of the covenant. "Count off fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD" (Leviticus 23:16).

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah): Observed on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri), this feast is marked by the blowing of trumpets, calling the people to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. "On the first day of the seventh month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts" (Leviticus 23:24).

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Held on the 10th day of Tishri, Yom Kippur is the most solemn of the feasts, focusing on atonement and reconciliation with God. It involves fasting, prayer, and the offering of sacrifices. "On this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD" (Leviticus 16:30).

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the 15th day of Tishri and lasting seven days, this feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision. It involves dwelling in temporary shelters and offering sacrifices. "You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths, so that your descendants may know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 23:42-43).

These Appointed Feasts are not only historical observances but also prophetic foreshadowings of the Messiah's work. They reflect God's ongoing relationship with His people and His ultimate plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.