The term "Festival of the LORD" refers to the sacred feasts and holy convocations instituted by God for the Israelites, as detailed in the Old Testament. These festivals were not only times of celebration and remembrance but also served as a means for the Israelites to express their devotion, gratitude, and obedience to God. The festivals are primarily outlined in Leviticus 23, where God commands Moses to instruct the Israelites on their observance.

Sabbath (Shabbat): Although not a festival in the traditional sense, the Sabbath is the foundational holy day, observed weekly. It is a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's rest after creation. Leviticus 23:3 states, "For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD."

Passover (Pesach) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread: Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It begins on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) and is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, lasting seven days. During this time, no leavened bread is to be eaten. Leviticus 23:5-6 states, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread."

Feast of Firstfruits: This festival occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and involves presenting the first sheaf of the harvest to the LORD. It signifies gratitude for God's provision and the promise of a future harvest. Leviticus 23:10-11 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.'"

Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Celebrated fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this festival marks the end of the grain harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving and offering of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. 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. Bring two loaves of bread from your dwellings as a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the LORD."

Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This marks the beginning of the civil year and is a day of rest and trumpet blasts, calling the people to prepare for the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 23:24-25 commands, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts. You must not do any regular work, but you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD.'"

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A solemn day of fasting, repentance, and atonement for the sins of the people. It is the holiest day of the year, emphasizing reconciliation with God. Leviticus 23:27-28 states, "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. On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God."

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): This week-long festival celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, during which they lived in temporary shelters. Leviticus 23:34-36 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days. On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work.'"

These festivals, collectively known as the "appointed times" of the LORD, are integral to the religious life of Israel, serving as reminders of God's faithfulness, provision, and covenant with His people. They also foreshadow the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets.