Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, feasts hold significant religious, cultural, and theological importance. They are divinely instituted occasions for worship, remembrance, and community gathering. The feasts outlined in the Bible serve as a means for the Israelites to commemorate God's providence, deliverance, and covenantal relationship with His people. These feasts are primarily detailed in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus, Exodus, and Deuteronomy.1. The Feast of Passover (Pesach): The Passover is one of the most significant feasts, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan. The central ritual involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure. Exodus 12:14 states, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance, you are to celebrate it for the generations to come." 2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot): Immediately following Passover, this seven-day feast involves the removal of leaven from homes and the consumption of unleavened bread. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' swift exodus from Egypt. Leviticus 23:6-8 describes this feast: "On the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread." 3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim): Celebrated during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, this feast marks the beginning of the harvest season. The Israelites were to bring the first sheaf of their harvest to the priest as an offering. Leviticus 23:10-11 instructs, "When you enter the land that I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest." 4. The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this feast celebrates the end of the grain harvest and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It is a time of joy and thanksgiving. Leviticus 23:16-17 states, "You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD." 5. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah): This feast marks the beginning of the civil year and is a time of reflection and preparation for the Day of Atonement. It is characterized by the blowing of trumpets. Leviticus 23:24-25 commands, "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts." 6. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A solemn day of fasting and repentance, this feast is the most sacred of the Jewish calendar. It involves the high priest entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 23:27-28 declares, "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD." 7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): This week-long feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision. It involves dwelling in temporary shelters and is a time of great rejoicing. Leviticus 23:34-36 instructs, "On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD, which lasts seven days." 8. The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah): Though not one of the original Mosaic feasts, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple following the Maccabean Revolt. It is mentioned in the New Testament in John 10:22, "At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter." 9. The Feast of Purim: Instituted in the Book of Esther, Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them. Esther 9:28 states, "These days should be remembered and celebrated by every generation, family, province, and city, so that these days of Purim will not fail from among the Jews, nor their memory fade from their descendants." These feasts, while rooted in historical events, carry profound spiritual significance, pointing to God's faithfulness and foreshadowing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. They serve as a reminder of the continuity of God's plan and His enduring covenant with His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary FeastsATS Bible Dictionary FeastsGod appointed several festivals, or days of rest and worship, among the Jews, to perpetuate the memory of great events wrought in favor of them: the Sabbath commemorated the creation of the world; the Passover, the departure out of Egypt; the Pentecost, the law given at Sinai, etc. At the three great feasts of the year, the Passover, Pentecost, and that of Tabernacles, all the males of the nation were required to visit the temple, Exodus 23:14-17 De 16:16-17; and to protect their borders from invasion during their absence, the shield of a special providence was always interposed, Exodus 34:23-24. The other festivals were the Feast of Trumpets, or New Moon, Purim, Dedication, the Sabbath year, and the year of Jubilee. These are described elsewhere. The observance of these sacred festivals was adapted not merely to freshen the remembrance of their early history as a nation, but to keep alive the influence of religion and the expectation of the Messiah, to deepen their joy in God, to dispel animosities and jealousies, and to form new associations between the different tribes and families. See also Day of EXPIATION. In the Christian church, we have no festival that clearly appears to have been instituted by our Savior, or his apostles; but as we commemorate his death as often as we celebrate his supper, he has hereby seemed to institute a perpetual feast. Christians have always celebrated the memory of his resurrection by regarding the Sabbath, which we see, from Revelation 1:10, was in John's time commonly called "the Lord's day." Feasts of love, Jude 1:12, were public banquets of a frugal kind, instituted by the primitive Christians, and connected by them with the celebration of the Lord's supper. The provisions were contributed by the more wealthy, and were common to all Christians, whether rich or poor, who chose to partake. Portions were also sent to the sick and absent members. These love-feasts were intended as an exhibition of mutual Christian affection; but they became subject to abuses, and were afterwards generally discontinued, 1 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The Hebrews were a hospitable people, and were wont to welcome their guests with a feast, and dismiss them with another, Genesis 19:3 31:27 Jud 6:19 2 Samuel 3:20 2 Kings 6:23. The returning prodigal was thus welcomed, Luke 15:23. Many joyful domestic events were observed with feasting: birthdays, etc., Genesis 21:8 40:20 Job 1:4 Matthew 14:6; marriages, Genesis 29:22 Jud 14:10 John 2:1-10; sheep shearing and harvesting, Jud 9:27 1 Samuel 25:2,36 2 Samuel 13:23. A feast was also provided at funerals, 2 Samuel 3:35 Jeremiah 16:7. Those who brought sacrifices and offerings to the temple were wont to feast upon them there, with joy and praise to God, De 12:6,7 1 Samuel 16:5 2 Samuel 6:19. They were taught to invite all the needy to partake with them, De 16:11; and even to make special feasts for the poor, De 12:17-19 14:28 26:12-15; a custom which the Savior specially commended, Luke 14:12-14. The manner of holding a feast was anciently marked with great simplicity. But at the time of Christ many Roman customs had been introduced. The feast or "supper" usually took place at five or six in the afternoon, and often continued to a late hour. The guests were invited some time in advance; and those who accepted the invitation were again notified by servants when the hour arrived, Matthew 22:4-8 Luke 14:16-24. The door was guarded against uninvited persons; and was at length closed for the day by the hand of the master of the house, Matthew 25:10 Luke 13:24. Sometimes very large numbers were present, Esther 1:3,5 Luke 14:16-24; and on such occasions a "governor of the feast" was appointed, whose social qualities, tact, firmness, and temperance fitted him to preside, John 2:8. The guests were arranged with a careful regard to their claims to honor, Genesis 43:33 1 Samuel 9:22 Proverbs 25:6,7 Matthew 23:6 Luke 14:7; in which matter the laws of etiquette are still jealously enforced in the East. Sometimes the host provided light, rich, loose robes for the company; and if so, the refusing to wear one was a gross insult, Ecclesiastes 9:8 Matthew 22:11 Revelation 3:4,5. The guests reclined around the tables; water and perfumes were served to them, Mark 7:2 Luke 7:44-46; and after eating, the hands were again washed, a servant pouring water over them. During the repast and after it various entertainments were provided; enigmas were proposed, Jud 14:12; eastern tales were told; music and hired dancers, and often excessive drinking, etc., occupied the time, Isaiah 5:12 24:7-9 Am 6:5. See EATING, FOOD. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FEASTS AND FASTSfests (mo`edh, "an appointed day" or "an assembling," chagh, from chaghagh, "to dance" or possibly "to make a pilgrimage"; tsom, "fast," ta`anith, "a day of affliction"): INGATHERING, FEASTS OF in'-gath-er-ing. FASTS AND FEASTS See FEASTS AND FASTS. FEASTS, SEASONS FOR Regulated by the sun and moon. Greek 4005. pentekoste -- fiftieth, Pentecost, the second of the three ... ... fiftieth, Pentecost, the second of the three great Jewish feasts. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pentekoste Phonetic Spelling: (pen-tay-kos-tay ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4005.htm - 7k 26. agape -- love, goodwill Strong's Hebrew 4150. moed -- appointed time, place, or meeting... Word Origin from yaad Definition appointed time, place, or meeting NASB Word Usage appointed (3), appointed feast (3), appointed feasts (11), appointed ... /hebrew/4150.htm - 7k 2282. chag -- a festival gathering, feast, pilgrim feast Library Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts. The Strife for Precedence at Feasts. --The Poor, not the Rich, to ... Marriages and Birthday Feasts are not to be Celebrated in Lent. .. ... Of Heathen Feasts. If Anyone Shall Despise those who Out of Faith Make Love-Feasts ... Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ... Concerning the not Having Feasts under any Circumstances in ... It is not Permitted to Hold Love Feasts, as they are Called... It is not Lawful to Receive Portions Sent from the Feasts of Jews ... Thesaurus Feasts (45 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia FEASTS AND FASTS. ... Any classification of these feasts and fasts on the basis of original significance must therefore be imperfect. ... /f/feasts.htm - 36k Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) Love-feasts (1 Occurrence) Moons (17 Occurrences) Festivals (17 Occurrences) Seasons (43 Occurrences) Meetings (14 Occurrences) Calendar Convocations (5 Occurrences) Fasts (3 Occurrences) Resources How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org The Feasts and Festivals of Judaism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Feasts (45 Occurrences)Matthew 23:6 Mark 12:39 Luke 12:36 Jude 1:12 Exodus 34:15 Leviticus 23:2 Leviticus 23:4 Leviticus 23:37 Leviticus 23:44 Numbers 10:10 Numbers 15:3 Numbers 25:2 Numbers 29:39 1 Chronicles 23:31 2 Chronicles 2:4 2 Chronicles 8:13 2 Chronicles 31:3 Ezra 3:5 Nehemiah 10:33 Job 1:4 Job 1:5 Job 24:20 Psalms 35:16 Psalms 69:22 Isaiah 1:14 Isaiah 5:12 Isaiah 29:1 Isaiah 33:20 Jeremiah 51:39 Lamentations 1:4 Lamentations 2:6 Ezekiel 36:38 Ezekiel 44:24 Ezekiel 45:17 Ezekiel 46:9 Ezekiel 46:11 Hosea 2:11 Hosea 9:5 Hosea 12:9 Amos 5:21 Amos 8:10 Nahum 1:15 Zephaniah 3:18 Zechariah 8:19 Malachi 2:3 Subtopics Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Paul Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Appointed Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Attended by Women Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Designated As Solemn Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Divine Protection Given During Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept With Rejoicing Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Set Feasts Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At Feasts: Celebrations by Birthdays Feasts: Celebrations by Coronations Feasts: Celebrations by National Deliverances Feasts: Guests Arranged According to Age Feasts: Marriage Feasts Provided by the Bridegroom the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Christ Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Entertainments the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Illustrative of General Assembly of the Church the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Joy and Gladness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Rendered Unavailing by the Impiety of the Jews the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Sacrificing the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Ten Tribes Seduced by Jeroboam from Attending the Anniversary Feasts: All Males to Attend the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Appointed Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Feasts of the Lord the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Meetings the Anniversary Feasts: Children Commenced Attending, when Twelve Years Old the Anniversary Feasts: Enumerated the Anniversary Feasts: Females often Attended the Anniversary Feasts: Instituted by God the Anniversary Feasts: Offerings to Made At the Anniversary Feasts: The Dangers and Difficulties Encountered in Going up To, the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Attended Gladly the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Went up To, in Large Companies the Anniversary Feasts: The Land Divinely Protected During The Feasts of Trumpets: A Holy Convocation and Rest The Feasts of Trumpets: A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets The Feasts of Trumpets: Held the First Day of Seventh Month The Feasts of Trumpets: Sacrifices At Related Terms Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences) |