God's Appointed Times, also known as the Feasts of the Lord, are sacred assemblies established by God for the people of Israel, as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures. These times are not only historical commemorations but also prophetic symbols pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The primary biblical source for these appointed times is found in Leviticus 23, where God commands the Israelites to observe these feasts throughout their generations.

Sabbath (Shabbat):
The Sabbath is the weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is a day set apart for 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):
Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It begins on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) at twilight. The Passover lamb, whose blood was used to mark the doorposts of the Israelites, prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God. As stated in Leviticus 23:5, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month."

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot):
Following Passover, this seven-day feast begins on the 15th of Nisan. During this time, the Israelites eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of their departure from Egypt and the removal of sin. Leviticus 23:6-8 instructs, "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 (Yom HaBikkurim):
Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast marks the beginning of the barley harvest. It is a time to offer the firstfruits to God, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Leviticus 23:10-11 states, "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."

Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost):
Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is also the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2. Leviticus 23:16-17 commands, "You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD."

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah):
This feast, occurring on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri), is marked by the blowing of trumpets. It is a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 23:24-25 declares, "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."

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
The holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is a time for the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 23:27-28 instructs, "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."

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Beginning on the 15th day of Tishri, this seven-day feast celebrates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision. It is a time of rejoicing and dwelling in temporary shelters. Leviticus 23:34-36 states, "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days."

These appointed times serve as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness, His covenant with Israel, and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. They are rich in spiritual significance and continue to be observed by many believers today as a way to connect with the biblical heritage and anticipate the future fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.