Topical Encyclopedia The Appointed Festivals, also known as the Feasts of the Lord, are sacred times established by God for the people of Israel to observe. These festivals are outlined primarily in the Pentateuch, with detailed instructions found in Leviticus 23, Numbers 28-29, and Deuteronomy 16. They serve as both commemorative and prophetic events, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people and foreshadowing future redemptive acts.Sabbath (Shabbat): Although not a festival in the same sense as the others, the Sabbath is the foundational appointed time, occurring weekly. It is a day of rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, reminding them of creation and their deliverance from Egypt. Passover (Pesach): Celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As described in Exodus 12, the Passover lamb's blood marked the homes of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Passover Lamb, fulfilling this festival's prophetic significance (1 Corinthians 5:7). Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Beginning on the 15th of Nisan and lasting seven days, this feast immediately follows Passover. During this time, the Israelites eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of their departure from Egypt and the removal of sin (Exodus 12:15-20). Leviticus 23:6-8 provides specific instructions for its observance. 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 (Leviticus 23:9-14). In the New Testament, Christ's resurrection is seen as the fulfillment of Firstfruits, being the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after Firstfruits, Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-21). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the day of Pentecost marks the fulfillment of this feast, signifying the birth of the Church and the new covenant. Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah): On the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, the Feast of Trumpets is observed with the blowing of trumpets, calling the people to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:23-25). It is a time of spiritual renewal and anticipation of God's future intervention. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The most solemn of the festivals, Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th of Tishri. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, during which the high priest makes atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32). The New Testament book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, whose sacrifice provides eternal atonement (Hebrews 9:11-12). Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the 15th of Tishri and lasting seven days, this feast celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, during which they lived in temporary shelters (Leviticus 23:33-43). Sukkot is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving, looking forward to the Messianic age when God will dwell with His people. Additional Observances: · Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: These are observed immediately following Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret is a solemn assembly, while Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion and recommencement of the annual Torah reading cycle. · Purim and Hanukkah: Though not part of the original Levitical festivals, these later Jewish festivals commemorate significant historical events: Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jews in Persia as recorded in the book of Esther, and Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple. The Appointed Festivals are integral to understanding the rhythm of Israel's worship and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. They provide a framework for both historical remembrance and eschatological hope, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. |