Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 23

Verses 1-44

The feasts of Jehovah were national l signs and symbols. These were now dealt with. The foremost place was given to the Sabbath. Its constant recurrence, governed not by the natural order, but by the divine enactment, spoke ever of infinite things and eternal values.

The year commenced with the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread, thus ever reminding the people of the fundamental truths concerning their national existence.

The feast of Firstfruits was to be observed in the land. It marked the fact of possession and was to be characterized by joyfulness.

After a lapse of seven full weeks during which harvest was gathered, the feast of Harvest was observed, this being a recognition that all came from God.

The seventh month was the most sacred month of the year. In it two great ordinances were observed: the Day of Atonement and the feast of Tabernacles, these being preceded by the feast of Trumpets. The Day of Atonement has already been described (chapter 16). Here it is placed among the feasts of Jehovah. All the other feasts were seasons of joy. This was to be a day of diction. Nevertheless, in the profoundest sense it was a day of feasting and rejoicing. The mourning was the method, but joy was the issue.

The final feast of the year was that of Tabernacles. By dwelling in booths the people were reminded of the pilgrim character of their life under the government of God. It was to be preeminently a feast of joy. Readiness to obey the will of God is the occasion of songs rather than dirges.