Sabbaths

The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship observed by the Israelites, as commanded by God. It is rooted in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath is enshrined in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). It serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, symbolizing rest and sanctification (Exodus 31:13).

The observance of the Sabbath includes refraining from work and dedicating the day to spiritual reflection and community worship. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the Sabbath's purpose for human benefit, stating, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). The early church grappled with the Sabbath's role, especially as Gentile believers joined the faith. While the Sabbath remains a significant aspect of Jewish tradition, Christians often observe Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, as their primary day of worship.

New Moons

The New Moon, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar, holds ceremonial significance in the Old Testament. It is a time for special sacrifices and offerings, as outlined in Numbers 28:11-15. The New Moon is associated with renewal and is a time for communal gathering and worship. Isaiah 66:23 envisions a future where "from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me."

In the prophetic literature, the New Moon is sometimes mentioned alongside Sabbaths and feasts, indicating its importance in the religious calendar (Ezekiel 46:1-3). While the New Moon does not hold the same level of observance in contemporary Christian practice, it remains a symbol of God's order and timing.

Feasts

The feasts of Israel are divinely appointed times of celebration, remembrance, and worship. They are detailed in Leviticus 23 and include Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. Each feast commemorates significant events in Israel's history and God's redemptive acts.

Passover, for instance, recalls the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, while the Feast of Weeks celebrates the giving of the Law at Sinai. The feasts are both historical and prophetic, pointing to the Messiah's work. For example, Christ is seen as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), and Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).

The feasts are times of joy, reflection, and community, emphasizing themes of redemption, provision, and God's faithfulness. While Christians are not bound to observe these feasts, they find fulfillment in Christ and offer rich insights into God's plan of salvation.