Devotional: Leviticus 23

Today's passage: Leviticus 23

Helpful thoughts:

• Chapter 23 lists the special days and feasts throughout the year to be observed in Israel.
  • The Sabbath day (Weekly)
  • The Passover (Annual – In the spring/March-April)
    • The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows Passover
  • Firstfruits (Annual – Also after Passover)
  • Weeks (Annual – 50 days after Passover)
    • Also called “Pentecost” (This was being celebrated when the events of Acts 2 occurred).
  • Trumpets (Annual – In the fall/September)
  • The Day of Atonement (Annual-Fall/September-October)
  • Booths/Tabernacles (Annual-Fall/September-October)

Questions to consider:

1. What do you notice about the timing of all of these feasts/”holidays”?  What would the grouping of these occasions result in?
2. If the spring was the first months for the Jews, how would that impact these celebrations?  What would be happening during or prior to the fall-time feasts?
3. What would the faithful observance of these feasts do for the relationship of Israel (And Israelites and the Lord?  What would the faithful observance do for the bond and relationships of the people of Israel with each other?  How could this be compared with the gathering of the local church (Hebrews 10:23-25)?