The Seven Feast of the Lord
Primary text: (Leviticus 23)
These are not calledJewishfeast – God Himself calls them “The feast of the Lord(Lev. 23:2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.”)
They reveal theentire redemptive plan of God from the cross to the Kingdom.
There are two groups:
Spring feasts – fulfilled in Christ first coming
Passover
Unleavened Bread
Firstfruits
Pentecost
Fall feasts – fulfilled at Christ's Second Coming
Feast of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Feast of Tabernacles
I. Passover
(Lev. 23:5 “On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover.”)
Commentary
“Fourteenth day...at even”
Exact date: 14th of Nisan
“At even” = the beginning of the Jewish day (sunset)
Same timing as the slaughter of the lambs in (Exodus 12).
Historic Meaning:
Commemorates deliverance form Egypt through the death of a spotless lamb.
Messianic Fulfillment:
Christ crucifiedon Passover day.
“Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'”)
“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”)
Prophetic Application:
The starting point of God's redemptive plan.
Salvation always begins with theshed blood of the lamb.
Unleavened Bread
(Lev. 23:6-8 “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days y9ou must eat unleavened bread. (vs. 7) On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 8) But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.”)
(vs. 6) “The fifteenth day...is the feast of unleavened bread...seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”
Begins immediately after Passover
Unleavened = without yeast, symbolizingsin removed.
Seven days = complete sanctification.
Fulfillment:
Jesus' body in the tomb (sinless, without corruption).
Believers cleansed and called to holiness. (1 Cor. 5:7-8 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (vs. 8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”)
(vs. 7) - “In the first day you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do no servile work.”
“Holy convocation” = sacred assembly
No “servile” (laborious) work = holiness requiresresting from self-effort.
(vs. 8) - “Seven days you shall offer an offering...in the seventh day is an holy convocation.”
Every day had sacrifices – a picture of continual sanctification.
The feast ends like it begins: with holiness, separation, and dedication.
Prophetic Meaning:
The believers walk is book-ended by God's grace.
Christ's burial guarantees ourold life is cut off.
Firstfruits
(Lev. 23:9-14 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 10) 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. (vs. 11) He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. (vs. 12) And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of t he first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. (vs. 14) You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”)
(vs. 9-10) – Bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest.”
The first sheaf of barley is cut and offered to God.
Represents thefirst of the harvest that guarantees the rest.
Fulfillment:
Jesus rises from the dead on Firstfruits
(1 Cor. 15:20 “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”) - “Christ … the firstfruits.”
(vs. 11) - “wave the sheaf...on the morrow after the Sabbath.”
Always theSunday after Passover.
The priest raises the sheaf upward:
- Symbolizing resurrection.
- Acceptance before God.
Fulfillment:
Jesus roseexactlyon this day (Matt. 28:1-6 “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (vs. 2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. (vs. 3) His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. (vs. 4) And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. (vs. 5) but the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (vs. 6) He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”)
(vs. 12-13 “And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin.”)
A spotless lamb and grain/oil offering accompany the sheaf.
Symbolizes:
- sacrifice
- sustenance (grain)
- joy/anointing (oil)
Messianic Meaning:
Resurrection is God'sacceptanceof Christ's offering.
(vs. 14) – You shall eat neither bread...until the same day...”
They could not eat the harvest until the firstfruits were offered.
New Testament Application:
All spiritual blessings beginwith Christ's resurrection.
Pentecost (Feast of Weeks)
(Leviticus 23:15-22)
(vs. 15-16 “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. (vs. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.”)
7 x 7 weeks = completion
50th day = Pentecost
Fulfillment:
Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost (Acts 2)
Beginning of the Church Age.
(vs. 17) - “Two wave loaves...baked with leaven”
Twoloaves = Jew + Gentile in one body
Baked with leaven= the Church still contains sinful people.
Key Insight:
This is theONLYfeast that is leaven.
(vs. 18-20)
Multiple offerings: burnt, sin, peace sacrifices.
Symbolizes the fullness of redemption Christ provides through the Spirit.
(vs. 21) - “A holy, convocation...do no servile work.”
Pentecost is a celebration ofrest through the Spirit, not works
(vs. 22) - “Leave the corners...for the poor and stranger”
A picture ofGentile inclusionin the harvest.
Prophetic Application:
During the Church Age, God is gathering a people from all nations.
Feast of Trumpets
(Lev. 23:23-25 “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 24) Speak to the children of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. (vs. 25) You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”)
(vs. 23-24) - “A memorial of blowing of trumpets”
Yom Teruah = day ofshouting/blasting
Signals awakening, gathering, announcement of a King
Prophetic Fulfillment (Pre-Trib Rapture)
(1 Thess. 4:16) - “trumpet of God”
(1 Cor. 15:52) - “last trump”
(Rev. 4:1) - “come up hither”
Theonly feaststarting on a day “no man knows” due to new moon sightings.
(vs. 25) - “Do not servile work...offer an offering”
A day of rest and attention
symbolizes suddenness, solemnity, and gathering
Prophetic Meaning:
Represents theRapture Event– the Church gathered into God's presence.
Day of Atonement
(Lev. 23:26-32 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: (vs. 27) Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. (vs. 28) And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. (vs. 29) For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. (vs. 31) You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (vs. 32) It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”)
(vs. 26-27) – It shall be a day of atonement...afflict your souls.”
Israel's national cleansing
“afflict your souls” = deep repentance, fasting
Messianic Meaning:
Fulfilled spiritually at the cross
Fulfilled prophetically when Israel recognizes Christ (Zech. 12:10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”)
(vs. 28-30)
Severe warnings: those who refuse repentance are cut off.
Points to Israel's future rejection/acceptance of Messiah.
Prophetic Meaning:
The remnant of Israel will be saved during the Tribulation (Rom. 11:26 “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: THE DILIVERER WILL COME OUT OF ZION, AN DHE WILL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB;”)
(vs. 31-32)
Total rest; from evening to evening
Emphasizes the absolute holiness of this day.
Tabernacles
(Lev. 23:33-44 “Then LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 34) 'Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. (vs. 35) On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 36) For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall no customary work on it. (vs. 37) These are the feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day – (vs. 38) besides the Sabbaths of the LORD, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the LORD (vs. 39) Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. (vs. 40) And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. (vs. 41) You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. (vs. 42) You shall swell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, (vs. 43) that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel swell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.'” (vs. 44) So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.”)
(vs. 33-34) “The fifteenth day... is the feast of tabernacles...seven days.”
Booths (sukkot) symbolize God's presence in the wilderness.
(vs. 35) “First day: holy convocation”
(vs. 36) “Eighth day: solemn assemble”
An unusual “eighth day” points to eternity/new creation.
(vs. 37-38)
These feasts supplement (not replace) regular sacrifices.
(vs. 39) “Ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days.”
After harvest-great joy and thanksgiving.
(vs. 40)
Take palm, willow, and leafy branches = celebration
(vs. 41-42)
Dwell in booths to remember God's care.
(vs. 43)
Teaches future generations God's faithfulness in the wilderness.
(vs. 44)
“And Moses declared...the feasts of the LORD.”
God's prophetic calendar revealed to Israel.
Prophetic Fulfillment Summary
Feast
First Coming
Present Age
Second Coming
Passover
Crucifixion
salvation
------------
Unleavened Bread
Burial
Sanctification
------------
Firstfruits
Resurrection
New Life
Our Resurrection
Pentecost
Holy Spirit
Church Age
------------
Trumpets
------------
Rapture Pre-Trib
------------
Atonement
Cross
-------------
Israel Saved at Christ Return
Tabernacles
Incarnation (shadow)
-------------
Millennium/New Heaven and Earth
Primary text: (Leviticus 23)
These are not calledJewishfeast – God Himself calls them “The feast of the Lord(Lev. 23:2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.”)
They reveal theentire redemptive plan of God from the cross to the Kingdom.
There are two groups:
Spring feasts – fulfilled in Christ first coming
Passover
Unleavened Bread
Firstfruits
Pentecost
Fall feasts – fulfilled at Christ's Second Coming
Feast of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Feast of Tabernacles
I. Passover
(Lev. 23:5 “On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover.”)
Commentary
“Fourteenth day...at even”
Exact date: 14th of Nisan
“At even” = the beginning of the Jewish day (sunset)
Same timing as the slaughter of the lambs in (Exodus 12).
Historic Meaning:
Commemorates deliverance form Egypt through the death of a spotless lamb.
Messianic Fulfillment:
Christ crucifiedon Passover day.
“Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'”)
“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”)
Prophetic Application:
The starting point of God's redemptive plan.
Salvation always begins with theshed blood of the lamb.
Unleavened Bread
(Lev. 23:6-8 “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days y9ou must eat unleavened bread. (vs. 7) On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 8) But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.”)
(vs. 6) “The fifteenth day...is the feast of unleavened bread...seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”
Begins immediately after Passover
Unleavened = without yeast, symbolizingsin removed.
Seven days = complete sanctification.
Fulfillment:
Jesus' body in the tomb (sinless, without corruption).
Believers cleansed and called to holiness. (1 Cor. 5:7-8 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (vs. 8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”)
(vs. 7) - “In the first day you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do no servile work.”
“Holy convocation” = sacred assembly
No “servile” (laborious) work = holiness requiresresting from self-effort.
(vs. 8) - “Seven days you shall offer an offering...in the seventh day is an holy convocation.”
Every day had sacrifices – a picture of continual sanctification.
The feast ends like it begins: with holiness, separation, and dedication.
Prophetic Meaning:
The believers walk is book-ended by God's grace.
Christ's burial guarantees ourold life is cut off.
Firstfruits
(Lev. 23:9-14 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 10) 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. (vs. 11) He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. (vs. 12) And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of t he first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. (vs. 14) You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”)
(vs. 9-10) – Bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest.”
The first sheaf of barley is cut and offered to God.
Represents thefirst of the harvest that guarantees the rest.
Fulfillment:
Jesus rises from the dead on Firstfruits
(1 Cor. 15:20 “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”) - “Christ … the firstfruits.”
(vs. 11) - “wave the sheaf...on the morrow after the Sabbath.”
Always theSunday after Passover.
The priest raises the sheaf upward:
- Symbolizing resurrection.
- Acceptance before God.
Fulfillment:
Jesus roseexactlyon this day (Matt. 28:1-6 “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (vs. 2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. (vs. 3) His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. (vs. 4) And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. (vs. 5) but the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (vs. 6) He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”)
(vs. 12-13 “And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin.”)
A spotless lamb and grain/oil offering accompany the sheaf.
Symbolizes:
- sacrifice
- sustenance (grain)
- joy/anointing (oil)
Messianic Meaning:
Resurrection is God'sacceptanceof Christ's offering.
(vs. 14) – You shall eat neither bread...until the same day...”
They could not eat the harvest until the firstfruits were offered.
New Testament Application:
All spiritual blessings beginwith Christ's resurrection.
Pentecost (Feast of Weeks)
(Leviticus 23:15-22)
(vs. 15-16 “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. (vs. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.”)
7 x 7 weeks = completion
50th day = Pentecost
Fulfillment:
Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost (Acts 2)
Beginning of the Church Age.
(vs. 17) - “Two wave loaves...baked with leaven”
Twoloaves = Jew + Gentile in one body
Baked with leaven= the Church still contains sinful people.
Key Insight:
This is theONLYfeast that is leaven.
(vs. 18-20)
Multiple offerings: burnt, sin, peace sacrifices.
Symbolizes the fullness of redemption Christ provides through the Spirit.
(vs. 21) - “A holy, convocation...do no servile work.”
Pentecost is a celebration ofrest through the Spirit, not works
(vs. 22) - “Leave the corners...for the poor and stranger”
A picture ofGentile inclusionin the harvest.
Prophetic Application:
During the Church Age, God is gathering a people from all nations.
Feast of Trumpets
(Lev. 23:23-25 “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 24) Speak to the children of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. (vs. 25) You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”)
(vs. 23-24) - “A memorial of blowing of trumpets”
Yom Teruah = day ofshouting/blasting
Signals awakening, gathering, announcement of a King
Prophetic Fulfillment (Pre-Trib Rapture)
(1 Thess. 4:16) - “trumpet of God”
(1 Cor. 15:52) - “last trump”
(Rev. 4:1) - “come up hither”
Theonly feaststarting on a day “no man knows” due to new moon sightings.
(vs. 25) - “Do not servile work...offer an offering”
A day of rest and attention
symbolizes suddenness, solemnity, and gathering
Prophetic Meaning:
Represents theRapture Event– the Church gathered into God's presence.
Day of Atonement
(Lev. 23:26-32 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: (vs. 27) Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. (vs. 28) And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. (vs. 29) For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. (vs. 31) You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (vs. 32) It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”)
(vs. 26-27) – It shall be a day of atonement...afflict your souls.”
Israel's national cleansing
“afflict your souls” = deep repentance, fasting
Messianic Meaning:
Fulfilled spiritually at the cross
Fulfilled prophetically when Israel recognizes Christ (Zech. 12:10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”)
(vs. 28-30)
Severe warnings: those who refuse repentance are cut off.
Points to Israel's future rejection/acceptance of Messiah.
Prophetic Meaning:
The remnant of Israel will be saved during the Tribulation (Rom. 11:26 “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: THE DILIVERER WILL COME OUT OF ZION, AN DHE WILL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB;”)
(vs. 31-32)
Total rest; from evening to evening
Emphasizes the absolute holiness of this day.
Tabernacles
(Lev. 23:33-44 “Then LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 34) 'Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. (vs. 35) On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 36) For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall no customary work on it. (vs. 37) These are the feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day – (vs. 38) besides the Sabbaths of the LORD, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the LORD (vs. 39) Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. (vs. 40) And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. (vs. 41) You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. (vs. 42) You shall swell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, (vs. 43) that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel swell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.'” (vs. 44) So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.”)
(vs. 33-34) “The fifteenth day... is the feast of tabernacles...seven days.”
Booths (sukkot) symbolize God's presence in the wilderness.
(vs. 35) “First day: holy convocation”
(vs. 36) “Eighth day: solemn assemble”
An unusual “eighth day” points to eternity/new creation.
(vs. 37-38)
These feasts supplement (not replace) regular sacrifices.
(vs. 39) “Ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days.”
After harvest-great joy and thanksgiving.
(vs. 40)
Take palm, willow, and leafy branches = celebration
(vs. 41-42)
Dwell in booths to remember God's care.
(vs. 43)
Teaches future generations God's faithfulness in the wilderness.
(vs. 44)
“And Moses declared...the feasts of the LORD.”
God's prophetic calendar revealed to Israel.
Prophetic Fulfillment Summary
Feast
First Coming
Present Age
Second Coming
Passover
Crucifixion
salvation
------------
Unleavened Bread
Burial
Sanctification
------------
Firstfruits
Resurrection
New Life
Our Resurrection
Pentecost
Holy Spirit
Church Age
------------
Trumpets
------------
Rapture Pre-Trib
------------
Atonement
Cross
-------------
Israel Saved at Christ Return
Tabernacles
Incarnation (shadow)
-------------
Millennium/New Heaven and Earth
The Seven Feast of the Lord
Primary text: (Leviticus 23)
These are not calledJewishfeast – God Himself calls them “The feast of the Lord(Lev. 23:2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.”)
They reveal theentire redemptive plan of God from the cross to the Kingdom.
There are two groups:
Spring feasts – fulfilled in Christ first coming
Passover
Unleavened Bread
Firstfruits
Pentecost
Fall feasts – fulfilled at Christ's Second Coming
Feast of Trumpets
Day of Atonement
Feast of Tabernacles
I. Passover
(Lev. 23:5 “On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD's Passover.”)
Commentary
“Fourteenth day...at even”
Exact date: 14th of Nisan
“At even” = the beginning of the Jewish day (sunset)
Same timing as the slaughter of the lambs in (Exodus 12).
Historic Meaning:
Commemorates deliverance form Egypt through the death of a spotless lamb.
Messianic Fulfillment:
Christ crucifiedon Passover day.
“Behold the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'”)
“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”)
Prophetic Application:
The starting point of God's redemptive plan.
Salvation always begins with theshed blood of the lamb.
Unleavened Bread
(Lev. 23:6-8 “And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; seven days y9ou must eat unleavened bread. (vs. 7) On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 8) But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD for seven days. The seventh day shall be a holy convocation; you shall do no customary work on it.”)
(vs. 6) “The fifteenth day...is the feast of unleavened bread...seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”
Begins immediately after Passover
Unleavened = without yeast, symbolizingsin removed.
Seven days = complete sanctification.
Fulfillment:
Jesus' body in the tomb (sinless, without corruption).
Believers cleansed and called to holiness. (1 Cor. 5:7-8 “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. (vs. 8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”)
(vs. 7) - “In the first day you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do no servile work.”
“Holy convocation” = sacred assembly
No “servile” (laborious) work = holiness requiresresting from self-effort.
(vs. 8) - “Seven days you shall offer an offering...in the seventh day is an holy convocation.”
Every day had sacrifices – a picture of continual sanctification.
The feast ends like it begins: with holiness, separation, and dedication.
Prophetic Meaning:
The believers walk is book-ended by God's grace.
Christ's burial guarantees ourold life is cut off.
Firstfruits
(Lev. 23:9-14 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 10) 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. (vs. 11) He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. (vs. 12) And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of t he first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin. (vs. 14) You shall eat neither bread nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.”)
(vs. 9-10) – Bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest.”
The first sheaf of barley is cut and offered to God.
Represents thefirst of the harvest that guarantees the rest.
Fulfillment:
Jesus rises from the dead on Firstfruits
(1 Cor. 15:20 “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”) - “Christ … the firstfruits.”
(vs. 11) - “wave the sheaf...on the morrow after the Sabbath.”
Always theSunday after Passover.
The priest raises the sheaf upward:
- Symbolizing resurrection.
- Acceptance before God.
Fulfillment:
Jesus roseexactlyon this day (Matt. 28:1-6 “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (vs. 2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. (vs. 3) His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. (vs. 4) And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. (vs. 5) but the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (vs. 6) He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”)
(vs. 12-13 “And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, as a burnt offering to the LORD. (vs. 13) Its grain offering shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD, for a sweet aroma; and its drink offering shall be of wine, one-fourth of a hin.”)
A spotless lamb and grain/oil offering accompany the sheaf.
Symbolizes:
- sacrifice
- sustenance (grain)
- joy/anointing (oil)
Messianic Meaning:
Resurrection is God'sacceptanceof Christ's offering.
(vs. 14) – You shall eat neither bread...until the same day...”
They could not eat the harvest until the firstfruits were offered.
New Testament Application:
All spiritual blessings beginwith Christ's resurrection.
Pentecost (Feast of Weeks)
(Leviticus 23:15-22)
(vs. 15-16 “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. (vs. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD.”)
7 x 7 weeks = completion
50th day = Pentecost
Fulfillment:
Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost (Acts 2)
Beginning of the Church Age.
(vs. 17) - “Two wave loaves...baked with leaven”
Twoloaves = Jew + Gentile in one body
Baked with leaven= the Church still contains sinful people.
Key Insight:
This is theONLYfeast that is leaven.
(vs. 18-20)
Multiple offerings: burnt, sin, peace sacrifices.
Symbolizes the fullness of redemption Christ provides through the Spirit.
(vs. 21) - “A holy, convocation...do no servile work.”
Pentecost is a celebration ofrest through the Spirit, not works
(vs. 22) - “Leave the corners...for the poor and stranger”
A picture ofGentile inclusionin the harvest.
Prophetic Application:
During the Church Age, God is gathering a people from all nations.
Feast of Trumpets
(Lev. 23:23-25 “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 24) Speak to the children of Israel, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. (vs. 25) You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”)
(vs. 23-24) - “A memorial of blowing of trumpets”
Yom Teruah = day ofshouting/blasting
Signals awakening, gathering, announcement of a King
Prophetic Fulfillment (Pre-Trib Rapture)
(1 Thess. 4:16) - “trumpet of God”
(1 Cor. 15:52) - “last trump”
(Rev. 4:1) - “come up hither”
Theonly feaststarting on a day “no man knows” due to new moon sightings.
(vs. 25) - “Do not servile work...offer an offering”
A day of rest and attention
symbolizes suddenness, solemnity, and gathering
Prophetic Meaning:
Represents theRapture Event– the Church gathered into God's presence.
Day of Atonement
(Lev. 23:26-32 “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: (vs. 27) Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. (vs. 28) And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. (vs. 29) For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. (vs. 31) You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. (vs. 32) It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”)
(vs. 26-27) – It shall be a day of atonement...afflict your souls.”
Israel's national cleansing
“afflict your souls” = deep repentance, fasting
Messianic Meaning:
Fulfilled spiritually at the cross
Fulfilled prophetically when Israel recognizes Christ (Zech. 12:10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”)
(vs. 28-30)
Severe warnings: those who refuse repentance are cut off.
Points to Israel's future rejection/acceptance of Messiah.
Prophetic Meaning:
The remnant of Israel will be saved during the Tribulation (Rom. 11:26 “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: THE DILIVERER WILL COME OUT OF ZION, AN DHE WILL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB;”)
(vs. 31-32)
Total rest; from evening to evening
Emphasizes the absolute holiness of this day.
Tabernacles
(Lev. 23:33-44 “Then LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (vs. 34) 'Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. (vs. 35) On the first day there shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. (vs. 36) For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall no customary work on it. (vs. 37) These are the feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day – (vs. 38) besides the Sabbaths of the LORD, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the LORD (vs. 39) Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest, and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest. (vs. 40) And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. (vs. 41) You shall keep it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. (vs. 42) You shall swell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, (vs. 43) that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel swell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.'” (vs. 44) So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.”)
(vs. 33-34) “The fifteenth day... is the feast of tabernacles...seven days.”
Booths (sukkot) symbolize God's presence in the wilderness.
(vs. 35) “First day: holy convocation”
(vs. 36) “Eighth day: solemn assemble”
An unusual “eighth day” points to eternity/new creation.
(vs. 37-38)
These feasts supplement (not replace) regular sacrifices.
(vs. 39) “Ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days.”
After harvest-great joy and thanksgiving.
(vs. 40)
Take palm, willow, and leafy branches = celebration
(vs. 41-42)
Dwell in booths to remember God's care.
(vs. 43)
Teaches future generations God's faithfulness in the wilderness.
(vs. 44)
“And Moses declared...the feasts of the LORD.”
God's prophetic calendar revealed to Israel.
Prophetic Fulfillment Summary
Feast
First Coming
Present Age
Second Coming
Passover
Crucifixion
salvation
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Unleavened Bread
Burial
Sanctification
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Firstfruits
Resurrection
New Life
Our Resurrection
Pentecost
Holy Spirit
Church Age
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Trumpets
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Rapture Pre-Trib
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Atonement
Cross
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Israel Saved at Christ Return
Tabernacles
Incarnation (shadow)
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Millennium/New Heaven and Earth
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