Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 23 (Feasts and Observances)

These instructions were given for the Hebrews to observe continually throughout their history. Two things to be gained by the Hebrews in doing so.
1. They would grow in their appreciation of what God did for them by redeeming them.
2. They would grow in their attitudes and disposition toward God through observing these days.
Great parallel for us today when we observe the Lord's Supper

"Holy Convocations" used 11 times in this chapter. Vs. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 21, 24, 27, 35
Seven holy convocations:
1. Passover
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread
3. Fest of First Fruits
4. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
5. Day of Atonement
6. Feast of Tabernacles
7. Harvest Festival

Each of these occasions had a historical connection or in some way pointed out God's blessings. Easily recognized by Israel. Not easily recognized were the prophetic aspects of them

Verses 3-4: "Do no work" Compare to "customary work" Look at vs. 7. 8. 21, 25, 35, 36
"No work" again in vs. 28 for Day of Atonement
No work...NOTHING! Not even preparing food
Customary work...your job (Exodus 12:16)

Verses 5-8: Passover and Unleavened Bread (Nisan) March/April
Passover, one day (Exodus 12)
Feast of Unleavened Bread, 7 consecutive days

Verse 8: Three things mentioned
1. Offering made by fire
2. Holy convocation on the 7th day
3. No customary work done
No details related to the "offering made by fire' are given here. Found in Numbers 28:19;24

Verses 9-14: Feast of First Fruits
It'll be more than 40 years from this point until this celebration will take place.
Offerings brought: male lamb as burnt offering (vs. 12), drink offering (vs. 13). Until they brought those, they were NOT to eat the grain (vs. 14). Why? God comes first!

Verses 15-21: Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
7 weeks after Passover
From the Greek pentekonta, meaning 50
Count the days from when the wave offering is made. 49 days, the next day is Pentecost

Verse 22: Almost appears as incidental but it's not. When one considers his own blessings, he should be mindful of the needs of others.

Verses 23-25: Feast of Trumpets (Beginning of the new civil year) and agricultural season. Month of Tishri (September/October)
Numbers 29:1-6
Whoa! Go back to verse 5
Difference in civil/sacred year

Verses 26-32: Day of Atonement

Verses 33-43: Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), Succoth
Began on 15th of Tishri
How do we understand verse 43?

Spence & Ezell's "The Pulpit Commentary": Historically, the Feast of Tabernacles is generally considered to commemorate the dwelling of tents throughout the 40 years wandering in the wilderness. Rather, it commemorates the first encampment of the Israelites after setting forth from Egypt, which took place at Succoth, the meaning of the word 'tabernacle.' Thus, as the event historically associated with the first harvest festival, the Passover, was setting forth from Egypt, that associated with the last, the Feast of Tabernacles, was the resting at the end of the first day's journey at Succoth, where the people now felt that they were free, and began to rejoice in their freedom."