These are the LORD’s appointed feastsThe term "appointed feasts" refers to specific times set by God for the Israelites to observe. These feasts are divinely ordained and are not merely cultural or traditional events. They serve as reminders of God's covenant with Israel and His ongoing relationship with His people. The concept of "appointed" suggests a divine schedule, emphasizing that these times are sacred and not to be altered by human decision. The feasts are a part of the Mosaic Law, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, and are integral to the religious life of Israel. They also foreshadow future events in God's redemptive plan, with some seeing them as types of Christ and His work.
the sacred assemblies
The phrase "sacred assemblies" indicates that these gatherings are holy convocations, set apart for worship and reflection. The Hebrew term for "assembly" implies a gathering of people for a specific purpose, in this case, to honor and worship God. These assemblies are not just social gatherings but are meant to be times of spiritual renewal and community worship. They are occasions for the Israelites to come together as a nation to remember God's deeds and to renew their commitment to Him. The sacred nature of these assemblies underscores the importance of holiness and reverence in worship.
you are to proclaim
The responsibility to "proclaim" these feasts falls on the leaders of Israel, particularly the priests and Levites. This proclamation is a public declaration, ensuring that the entire community is aware of the times and significance of these feasts. It highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where the entire nation participates in these observances. The act of proclaiming also serves as a teaching moment, reinforcing the laws and traditions of Israel to each generation. This command underscores the importance of leadership in guiding the spiritual life of the community.
at their appointed times
The phrase "at their appointed times" emphasizes the specific timing of these feasts, which are determined by God. Each feast occurs at a set time in the calendar year, often linked to agricultural cycles, such as the harvest. This timing is not arbitrary but is designed to align with God's purposes and the natural order He established. The precision of these times reflects God's sovereignty and orderliness. Observing the feasts at their appointed times is an act of obedience and trust in God's timing. It also points to the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the prophetic significance of these feasts in relation to the life and work of Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the feasts as sacred times for His people.
2.
MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God communicates His laws and instructions to the Israelites.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are commanded to observe these feasts as part of their covenant relationship with Him.
4.
Appointed FeastsSpecific times set by God for worship, remembrance, and celebration, including Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and others.
5.
Sacred AssembliesGatherings of the Israelites for worship and observance of the feasts, emphasizing community and holiness.
Teaching Points
Divine AppointmentThe feasts are not human inventions but divinely appointed times, underscoring the importance of aligning our worship with God's timing and purposes.
Community and WorshipThe sacred assemblies emphasize the communal aspect of worship, reminding us of the importance of gathering together as believers to honor God.
Remembrance and AnticipationThe feasts serve as reminders of God's past faithfulness and as anticipations of future fulfillment, encouraging us to live with gratitude and hope.
Holiness and ObedienceObserving the feasts required obedience and a commitment to holiness, teaching us the value of living set apart for God in our daily lives.
Christ as FulfillmentThe appointed feasts point to Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, inviting us to find our ultimate rest and celebration in Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:4?
2.How does Leviticus 23:4 guide us in observing the Lord's appointed feasts today?
3.What significance do "sacred assemblies" hold for Christians in contemporary worship practices?
4.How do the appointed feasts in Leviticus 23:4 connect to New Testament teachings?
5.In what ways can we honor God's appointed times in our daily lives?
6.How does understanding Leviticus 23:4 deepen our appreciation for God's ordained celebrations?
7.What is the significance of Leviticus 23:4 in the context of biblical festivals?
8.How does Leviticus 23:4 relate to the concept of holy convocations?
9.Why are appointed feasts important in Leviticus 23:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 23?
11.What are the religious festivals mentioned in the Bible?
12.What defines a rite?
13.What are the religious festivals mentioned in the Bible?
14.What is the definition of convocation?What Does Leviticus 23:4 Mean
These are the LORD’s appointed feasts- The calendar of Israel comes from God Himself, not cultural invention. SeeExodus 23:14–17, where the LORD says, “Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me.”
- “Appointed” underscores fixed, divinely set moments.Genesis 1:14 notes that the heavenly lights were created “for signs and seasons,” showing God’s sovereignty over time.
- Because they are the LORD’s feasts, they reveal His character—holiness, faithfulness, order—and ultimately point to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
the sacred assemblies- A feast is more than a meal; it is a gathering declared “holy.”Leviticus 23:7-8 repeats the phrase “holy convocation,” emphasizing collective worship.
- Corporate worship unites God’s people in obedience (Hebrews 10:25) and bears witness to surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8).
-Acts 2:1 shows believers “all together in one place” on Pentecost, demonstrating that sacred assemblies remain vital under the new covenant.
you are to proclaim- Israel had to announce each feast so no one missed the opportunity to meet with God.Numbers 10:10 describes trumpets sounded “over your burnt offerings … so that you may be remembered before the LORD.”
- Proclaiming includes teaching future generations (Exodus 12:24-27) and declaring God’s mighty acts (Psalm 78:4).
- Today, believers are “a royal priesthood … that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him” (1 Peter 2:9). The pattern continues: receive truth, then broadcast it.
at their appointed times- Obedience involves timing. Delaying or rushing alters what God meant to convey. InExodus 13:10 Israel must keep Passover “at the appointed time year after year.”
- God’s redemptive plan unfolds on schedule: Christ died during Passover (John 19:14), rose on Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20), and sent the Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).Galatians 4:4 affirms “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son.”
- Precise timing assures us that the LORD never forgets His promises; His calendar is still moving toward the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2).
summaryLeviticus 23:4 teaches that God Himself establishes sacred appointments, calls His people to gather, charges us to announce His schedule, and expects obedience to His timing. The feasts display His holiness, preserve communal worship, and foreshadow the completed work of Christ. Trusting the accuracy of Scripture, we align our lives with His calendar, confident that every divine appointment ultimately leads us closer to the fulfillment of His eternal plan.
(4)
These are the feasts of the Lord.--Because the following are the festivals proper as distinguished from the sabbath (see
Leviticus 23:37-38), and because they are now enumerated in their regular order, the introductory heading is here repeated.
Ye shall proclaim in their seasons.--By the blast of trumpets on the day of the month on which they are to be observed.
Verse 4. - This verse repeats the statement or heading contained in verse 2, with reference to the annual holy day, the sabbath having been disposed of in verse 3.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Theseאֵ֚לֶּה(’êl·leh)Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thoseare the LORD’sיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelappointed feasts,מוֹעֲדֵ֣י(mō·w·‘ă·ḏê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingthe sacredקֹ֑דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityassembliesמִקְרָאֵ֖י(miq·rā·’ê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4744:Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsalyou are to proclaimתִּקְרְא֥וּ(tiq·rə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readat their appointed times.בְּמוֹעֲדָֽם׃(bə·mō·w·‘ă·ḏām)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meeting
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 23:4 These are the set feasts of Yahweh (Le Lv Lev.) 
