Old Testament Feasts

Introduction The weekly Sabbath observances, monthly celebrations of the New Moon, and the three annual festivals (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles) were significant in the worship of ancient Israel.

Removed… We recognize that the Law of Moses, along with it rituals, rules and regulations have been taken out of the way and superseded by the Gospel of Christ. The Old Testament has been replaced by the New Covenant (Eph. 2:14-16; Col. 2:13-17).

Remaining… Yet, we can learn important lessons by looking at how God dealt with men in the past, and making appropriate application to the present (Rom. 15:4; cf. 4:22-25).

The Feast of Unleaven Bread/Passover The Feast of Unleaven Bread, also known as Passover, was celebrated on the fourteenth day of the first month, Abib. This feast commemorated Israel’s deliverance from the land of Egypt.

The Law Ancient Israel needed to remember that they were slaves in the land of Egypt, but God delivered His chosen people from physical bondage through the work of His faithful servant Moses (Deut. 5:15).

The Gospel In like manner, Christians should remember that we were slaves of sin, but God delivered His chosen people from spiritual bondage through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 8:31-36; Rom. 6:3-7, 15-18; 1 Cor. 5:6- 8; Heb. 3:1-6).

The Feast of Weeks/Pentecost The Feast of Weeks/Harvest/Firstfruits, also known as Pentecost, was celebrated in the third month, a complete seven weeks (or fifty days), after the Passover. This feast commemorated Israel’s dedication/duty to God. As the giver and sustainer of life, the Lord has first claim upon our lives.

The Law Ancient Israel needed to remember that all their physical and spiritual blessings came from God, and display gratitude and thanksgiving by giving Him the firstfruits of their harvest.

The Gospel In like manner, Christians should remember that every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. Let us, therefore, demonstrate gratitude and thanksgiving by putting Him first in our lives (James 1:17-18; Matt. 6:33; Hag. 1:1-11; Mal. 3:8-12).

The Feast of Booths/Tabernacles The Feast of Booths, also known as Tabernacles, was celebrated the 15th day of the seventh month. It was observed after the completion of the autumn harvest. This feast commemorated Israel’s dependence upon God, reminding the people of the time when they lived in temporary shelters in the wilderness.

The Law Ancient Israel needed to remember that they dwelt in booths/temporary shelters during the wilderness wanderings. God allowed His people to face hardship in order to teach them vital lessons regarding trust and obedience (Deut. 8:1-6).

The Gospel In like manner, Christians should remember that hardship is not necessarily a curse, and that ease is not necessarily a blessing. God allowed Israel to face hardship and hunger so that they would learn to trust in Him. So it also is for us; moreover, let us guard against the dangers of complacency and self-assurance (Matt. 4:1-4; Luke 4:1-4).

Conclusion Feasts are joyous occasions, potentially communicating valuable lessons. As the Jewish people had feasts, so also symbolically do Christians.

In Parables Jesus often compared the kingdom of heaven to a wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-10; 25:1-13).

In Practice Referring to the spiritual fellowship we share in Christ Jesus, Paul said, “Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Cor. 5:8; cf. Jude 12).

Differing Circumstances, Differing Lessons Perceptive individuals will look for spiritual benefits in both hardship and happiness, trials and good fortune, and also fasting and feasting (Jer. 31:10-14; Zech. 8:18-19). Sinful men must mourn and weep before they can experience joy and exaltation associated with salvation (James 4:8-10).