The phrase "three times a year" refers to the thrice-annual pilgrimage festivals that the Israelites were commanded to observe, as outlined in the Old Testament. These festivals are significant in the religious and cultural life of Israel, serving as times of worship, remembrance, and community gathering. The three major feasts are the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

Biblical Commandment

The commandment for these pilgrimages is found in several passages of the Torah. In Exodus 23:14-17, the Lord instructs Moses: "Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread; as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before Me empty-handed. You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field, and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field. Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD."

This command is reiterated in Deuteronomy 16:16-17: "Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you."

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, commonly known as Passover, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It begins on the 15th day of the month of Abib (Nisan) and lasts for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which they left Egypt. The Passover lamb, sacrificed on the 14th day of Nisan, is central to this feast, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, occurs seven weeks after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is a celebration of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and is also associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, Pentecost is significant as the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-4).

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is observed in the seventh month, Tishrei, and lasts for seven days. It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest and a remembrance of the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters. This feast points to God's provision and protection and is seen as a foreshadowing of the future Messianic Kingdom.

Spiritual Significance

These three annual feasts are not only historical commemorations but also hold deep spiritual significance. They remind believers of God's faithfulness, provision, and the redemptive work of Christ. The requirement for all males to appear before the Lord emphasizes the importance of communal worship and accountability. The instruction to not appear empty-handed underscores the principle of giving back to God from the blessings He has bestowed.

In summary, the command to observe these feasts "three times a year" is a foundational aspect of Israelite worship, reflecting themes of redemption, provision, and eschatological hope.