Appointed Times

In the biblical context, "appointed times" refers to specific periods set by God for religious observance, worship, and remembrance. These times are divinely ordained and hold significant spiritual and communal importance for the people of Israel. The concept of appointed times is primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch, where God establishes these sacred times through Moses.

The primary source for understanding the appointed times is Leviticus 23, where God outlines the feasts and holy convocations for the Israelites. These include the Sabbath, Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these times serves a unique purpose in the religious life of Israel, commemorating historical events, agricultural cycles, and theological truths.

For instance, the Sabbath is a weekly day of rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11, where God instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." The Passover, as described in Exodus 12, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing God's redemptive power. The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, marks the giving of the Law at Sinai and the firstfruits of the harvest, as seen in Leviticus 23:15-21.

These appointed times are not only historical observances but also prophetic foreshadowings of future events. For example, the Passover lamb is seen as a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Feast of Tabernacles anticipates the future gathering of God's people in His eternal kingdom.

Laws

The laws in the Bible, particularly those given in the Torah, are a comprehensive set of divine instructions that govern the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of the Israelites. These laws are seen as a covenant between God and His people, establishing a framework for righteous living and communal harmony.

The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, are the cornerstone of biblical law, summarizing the ethical and spiritual obligations of the Israelites. These commandments address duties to God, such as worship and reverence, as well as duties to fellow humans, including prohibitions against murder, theft, and adultery.

Beyond the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic Law encompasses a wide range of regulations covering various aspects of life, including dietary laws, purity codes, and instructions for worship. Leviticus 11, for example, details clean and unclean animals, while Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement rituals.

The purpose of these laws is multifaceted. They serve to set Israel apart as a holy nation, as stated in Leviticus 19:2, "Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." They also provide a means of maintaining justice and order within the community, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:18-20, which instructs the appointment of judges to ensure fair judgment.

In the New Testament, the role of the law is further clarified. Jesus Christ fulfills the law, as He states in Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." The Apostle Paul explains that the law serves as a tutor to lead us to Christ, highlighting the need for grace and faith (Galatians 3:24-25).

The appointed times and laws together form a vital part of the biblical narrative, illustrating God's desire for a covenant relationship with His people and His provision for their spiritual and communal well-being.