Topical Encyclopedia The term "festal" pertains to festivals or feasts, particularly those observed in a religious context. In the Bible, festivals hold significant importance as they are divinely instituted times of celebration, remembrance, and worship. These occasions are often marked by communal gatherings, sacrifices, and rituals that honor God and commemorate His mighty acts in the history of Israel.Biblical Festivals The Old Testament outlines several key festivals that the Israelites were commanded to observe. These include the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these festivals has a unique significance and purpose, serving as a reminder of God's covenant, provision, and deliverance. 1. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread: The Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. It is followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day festival during which no leavened bread is consumed, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt. "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a permanent statute for the generations to come" (Exodus 12:14). 2. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Celebrated fifty days after the Passover, this feast marks the end of the grain harvest and is a time of thanksgiving for God's provision. It is also associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. "You are to count off seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering. You shall count off fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD" (Leviticus 23:15-16). 3. Feast of Trumpets: This festival marks the beginning of the civil new year and is a time of rest and trumpet blasts, calling the people to prepare for the Day of Atonement. "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts" (Leviticus 23:24). 4. Day of Atonement: Known as Yom Kippur, this solemn day is dedicated to atonement and repentance. It is the only day of the year when the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you" (Leviticus 16:29). 5. Feast of Tabernacles: Also known as the Feast of Booths, this week-long festival celebrates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision during that time. It involves dwelling in temporary shelters to remember the transient nature of life. "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days" (Leviticus 23:34). New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples observed these Jewish festivals, and they often served as the backdrop for significant events in His ministry. For instance, Jesus' crucifixion coincided with the Passover, highlighting His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is notably the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-4). Symbolism and Fulfillment From a Christian perspective, these festal observances are seen as foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ. The Passover lamb prefigures Christ's sacrificial death, the Feast of Firstfruits aligns with His resurrection, and Pentecost signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The eschatological fulfillment of these festivals is anticipated in the future gathering of God's people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Conclusion The festal calendar in the Bible serves as a rhythm of worship and remembrance, drawing believers into a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through these sacred times, the people of God are called to celebrate His goodness, reflect on His salvation, and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Pertaining to a holiday or a feast; joyous; festive.Greek 3831. paneguris -- a festal assembly ... a festal assembly. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paneguris Phonetic Spelling: (pan-ay'-goo-ris) Short Definition: a festival assembly ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3831.htm - 7k 2358. thriambeuo -- to triumph 5347. Phestos -- Festus, a governor of Judea Strong's Hebrew 2291. Chaggi -- "festal," a son of Gad, also his desc.... 2290b, 2291. Chaggi. 2292 . "festal," a son of Gad, also his desc. ... Word Origin from chag Definition "festal," a son of Gad, also his desc. ... /hebrew/2291.htm - 6k 2294. Chaggith -- "festal," a wife of David 2292a. Chaggay -- "festal," a Hebrew prophet 2292. Chaggay -- "festal," a Hebrew prophet 4150. moed -- appointed time, place, or meeting 4254. machalatsah -- robe of state Library Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Festal. Thesaurus Festal (12 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Pertaining to a holiday or a feast; joyous; festive. Multi-Version Concordance Festal (12 Occurrences). ... /f/festal.htm - 10k Festal-sacrifice (1 Occurrence) Up (25836 Occurrences) Gaudy (1 Occurrence) Generally (7 Occurrences) Fester (1 Occurrence) Fervor (2 Occurrences) Festive (2 Occurrences) First-born (110 Occurrences) Resources Festal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Festal (12 Occurrences)Hebrews 12:22 Hebrews 12:23 Genesis 45:22 Judges 14:12 Judges 14:13 2 Kings 5:5 2 Kings 5:22 Psalms 89:15 Psalms 118:27 Isaiah 3:22 Hosea 2:11 Zechariah 3:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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