Leviticus 23

       Leviticus 23 describes the major Jewish feasts. Each is highly symbolic and represents God’s moves among his people. It’s not in the commentaries, but I think that God enjoys giving His people a reason to party and be thankful.

       In my research, I found many helpful websites, but also some confusing/weird ones. So this is a little summary.

1.  Passover. The 14^th day of the first month, Nisan/Abib (April). Jesus celebrated this with his disciples in the Last Supper. Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 9; Deuteronomy 16; II Chronicles 35; Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; I Corinthians 5.

2.  The Feast of Unleavened Bread. Nisan 15. Some say Christ was crucified on this day (this depends which Sabbath day is used to calculate 3 days in the grave). Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:6; Numbers 28; Deuteronomy 16; Acts 12.

3.  The Feast of First Fruits. Nisan 17. In this festival, the people brought offerings of the first fruits. Jesus’ resurrection. Exodus 22; Leviticus 23; Numbers 15, 28; Deuteronomy 16; Proverbs 3.

4.  The Feast of Pentecost. Sivan 6 (May), 50 days later than the First Fruits offering. It is also called the Feast of Weeks. It commemorates the giving of the 10 Commandments. Jews celebrate it by reading the book of Ruth, decorating their houses with greenery, meals and reciting. After Christ’s resurrection, the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost.

5.  The Feast of Trumpets. Tishri 1 (September). This is Rosh Hashana, the start of the Jewish new year. It is a time of self-examination and repentance. Numbers 10, 29.

6.  The Day of Atonement. Tishri 10. This is also known as Yom Kippur, the holiest of days in the Jewish calendar. Leviticus 16; Numbers 29.

7.  The Feast of Tabernacles (also called the Feast of Booths, or Succoth). Tishri 15 (September - October). Leviticus 16; Ezra 3:4; Nehemiah 8:14; Zechariah 14; John 7:2.    Leviticus 23:43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.