"Speak to the Israelites and say, 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts. Speak to the IsraelitesThis phrase underscores the direct communication between God and His chosen people, the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "speak" is "דבר" (dabar), which implies not just casual conversation but a formal declaration or command. This highlights the importance of the message being delivered. Historically, the Israelites were a covenant people, chosen to be a light to the nations. This command is part of the broader covenantal relationship, where God provides guidance and structure for their communal and spiritual life. On the first day of the seventh month
The "first day" signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, which is a recurring theme in biblical literature. The "seventh month" is Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, a month rich with significant religious observances. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, reflecting God's creation week. This timing is not arbitrary but divinely appointed, aligning with the agricultural and spiritual rhythms of the Israelite community. you are to have a day of rest
The concept of "rest" here is rooted in the Hebrew word "שבת" (Shabbat), which means to cease or desist. This is not merely physical rest but a cessation from ordinary labor to focus on spiritual matters. It reflects the Sabbath principle, a time to remember God's creation and providence. In a historical context, this rest was a radical departure from the relentless labor common in ancient societies, emphasizing trust in God's provision. a sacred assembly
The term "sacred assembly" comes from the Hebrew "מקרא קודש" (miqra qodesh), indicating a holy convocation. This is a gathering set apart for worship and reflection, distinct from ordinary meetings. It underscores the communal aspect of worship in Israelite society, where individuals come together to honor God collectively. This assembly is a foretaste of the ultimate gathering of believers in God's presence, as seen in the eschatological visions of the New Testament. commemorated with trumpet blasts
The "trumpet blasts" are a significant ritual element, using the shofar, a ram's horn. The Hebrew word for trumpet is "שופר" (shofar), which is used in various contexts, including signaling, warfare, and worship. The sound of the shofar is a call to attention, repentance, and celebration. Archaeologically, shofars have been found in ancient Israel, confirming their use in religious and cultural practices. Scripturally, the trumpet blast is a powerful symbol of God's voice and presence, as seen in the giving of the Law at Sinai and the prophetic visions of the end times. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom the laws and festivals were given. 2. Seventh MonthKnown as Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, it is a significant month for Jewish festivals. 3. Day of RestA Sabbath-like day, emphasizing rest and spiritual reflection. 4. Sacred AssemblyA gathering for worship and communal observance of God's commands. 5. Trumpet BlastsThe sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn, to announce the holy day and call the people to attention. Teaching Points The Importance of RestJust as God commanded a day of rest, we are reminded of the necessity of taking time to rest and focus on spiritual matters in our busy lives. The Call to WorshipThe sacred assembly calls us to gather with fellow believers, emphasizing the importance of community in our spiritual journey. The Significance of the TrumpetThe trumpet blast serves as a reminder of God's call to attention and readiness, urging us to be spiritually alert and prepared. Reflection and RepentanceThis day marks a time for introspection and repentance, encouraging us to examine our lives and align them with God's will. Anticipation of Christ's ReturnThe trumpet also points forward to the return of Christ, reminding us to live with an eternal perspective and hope. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of a "day of rest" in Leviticus 23:24 apply to our modern lives, and what practical steps can we take to incorporate rest into our weekly routine? 2. In what ways can the idea of a "sacred assembly" influence our participation in church and community worship today? 3. What is the significance of the trumpet blast in both the Old and New Testaments, and how does it shape our understanding of God's communication with His people? 4. How can we use the themes of reflection and repentance from this passage to evaluate our spiritual health and growth? 5. How does the anticipation of Christ's return, as symbolized by the trumpet, impact our daily decisions and priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 29:1This verse provides additional details about the offerings and sacrifices associated with this day, emphasizing its importance. Nehemiah 8:1-12Describes the observance of this festival during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, highlighting the communal reading of the Law and the people's response. 1 Thessalonians 4:16The trumpet sound is also significant in the New Testament, symbolizing the return of Christ and the gathering of believers. People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Assembly, Blast, Blasts, Blowing, Commemorated, Convocation, Holy, Horns, Marked, Meeting, Memorial, Memory, Month, Observe, Proclaimed, Reminder, Rest, Sabbath, Sacred, Saying, Seventh, Shouting, Solemn, Sons, Speak, Special, Trumpet, Trumpets, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 23:24 1653 numbers, 6-10
4970 seasons, of year
5595 trumpet
7400 New Year, the Leviticus 23:23-24 4951 month Leviticus 23:23-28 8270 holiness, set apart Leviticus 23:23-36 7435 sacrifice, in OT Leviticus 23:24-25 5338 holiday
7359 Feast of Trumpets Library The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureOf a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem, …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth "But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." It is true the soul is incomparably better than the body, and he is only worthy the name of a man and of a Christian who prefers this more excellent part, and employs his study and time about it, and regards his body only for the noble guest that lodges within it, and therefore it is one of the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year.
(Nazareth and Jerusalem, a.d. 7 or 8.) ^C Luke II. 40-52. ^c 40 And the child grew [This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke i. 80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds], and waxed strong [His life expanded like other human lives. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 23:24 NIVLeviticus 23:24 NLTLeviticus 23:24 ESVLeviticus 23:24 NASBLeviticus 23:24 KJV
Leviticus 23:24 Commentaries
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