Sabbaths

The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship observed on the seventh day of the week, as commanded by God in the Ten Commandments. The origin of the Sabbath is found in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. The command to observe the Sabbath is reiterated in Exodus 20:8-11: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God."

The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, as stated in Exodus 31:16-17: "The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it as a lasting covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever." The Sabbath is a day set apart for rest, reflection, and worship, emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal and dedication to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ observed the Sabbath, often teaching in synagogues on this day (Luke 4:16). However, He also challenged the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath by the Pharisees, emphasizing the principle that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, as seen in Colossians 2:16-17, where Paul writes, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a festival, a New Moon, or a Sabbath."

New Moons

The New Moon, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar, was a significant time for the Israelites. It was observed with special sacrifices and offerings as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15: "On the first day of each month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without blemish."

The New Moon was a time of spiritual renewal and reflection, as well as a reminder of God's provision and sovereignty over time. It was a day of rest and celebration, often associated with feasting and communal gatherings. In 1 Samuel 20:5, David refers to the New Moon festival, indicating its importance in the social and religious life of Israel.

In the prophetic literature, the New Moon is sometimes mentioned alongside Sabbaths and other feasts as part of Israel's worship practices (Isaiah 1:13-14). The observance of the New Moon is also seen in the eschatological vision of worship in the new heavens and new earth, as described in Isaiah 66:23: "From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me," says the LORD.

Appointed Feasts

The appointed feasts, also known as the "Feasts of the LORD," are a series of sacred assemblies and celebrations given to Israel in the Torah. These feasts are outlined in Leviticus 23 and include the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Each feast holds deep theological significance, commemorating God's acts of deliverance, provision, and covenant faithfulness. The Passover, for example, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, while the Feast of Weeks celebrates the giving of the Law at Sinai. These feasts are times of joy, reflection, and communal worship, serving as reminders of God's ongoing relationship with His people.

In the New Testament, these feasts find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover is fulfilled in Christ's sacrificial death, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:7, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early church (Acts 2:1-4).

The appointed feasts, along with Sabbaths and New Moons, form a rhythm of worship and remembrance, drawing the people of God into a deeper understanding of His redemptive work throughout history.