Lev. 23:1–25:55 Holy Times. These chapters address holiness in relation to time.
Lev. 23:1–44 This chapter presents the calendar for feasts in Israel (compare Ex. 23:10–19; 34:18–26; Numbers 28–29; Deut. 16:1–17; see chart). Keeping this calendar sets Israel apart from all the surrounding nations.
Lev. 23:1–3 During the appointed feasts, people are to meet with the Lord. The Sabbath is a day of solemn rest and the basis for all the following feasts. The day is also one of holy convocation, or public assembly for worship (vv. 2, 4, 7, 21).
Lev. 23:4–8 The Passover is also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. See Ex. 12:1–20; Luke 22:1.
Lev. 23:9–14 For laws relating to the firstfruits, see Ex. 23:15 and 34:18–20. The feast celebrates the harvest as a blessing from God to his people.
Lev. 23:15–22 The Feast of Weeks is also called the “Feast of Harvest” (Ex. 23:16) and “the day of the firstfruits” (Num. 28:26). In the NT it is called “Pentecost” (Acts 2:1). This celebration recognizes the Lord as provider of the harvest, who deserves the first of all produce.
Lev. 23:23–25 At the Feast of Trumpets, trumpet blasts and a solemn assembly call the people to prepare for the most sacred month of the Hebrew calendar. It also marks the end of one agricultural year and the beginning of another. Following the Babylonian exile, Jews celebrated this day as Rosh Hashanah, or New Year’s Day.
Lev. 23:26–32 During the Day of Atonement, the people are to humble themselves (see note on 16:29–34) and not do any work. Otherwise, they will be cut off from their people.
Lev. 23:33–36 The Feast of Booths was a weeklong feast celebrating the people’s salvation from Egypt.
Lev. 23:37–44 These six appointed feasts are to help the people worship the Lord and remember his work on their behalf. Verses 39–44 return to discuss the Feast of Booths.
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