The term "Feast of the Lord" refers to the sacred festivals instituted by God for the people of Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. These feasts are significant both historically and theologically, serving as times of worship, remembrance, and celebration. They are outlined primarily in Leviticus 23, where God commands the Israelites to observe these appointed times.

Biblical Foundation

The Feasts of the Lord are divinely ordained celebrations that hold deep spiritual significance. Leviticus 23:1-2 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and say to them: These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.'" These feasts are not merely cultural or national holidays; they are holy convocations that reflect God's covenant relationship with His people.

Major Feasts

1. Passover (Pesach): Celebrated on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan), Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Exodus 12:14 declares, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come."

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Immediately following Passover, this seven-day feast (Nisan 15-21) involves eating unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the purging of sin. Leviticus 23:6 states, "On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread."

3. Feast of Firstfruits: Celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, this feast marks the beginning of the harvest season. Leviticus 23:10-11 instructs, "When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath."

4. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Occurring fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this feast celebrates the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Leviticus 23:16 commands, "You shall count fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD."

5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): On the first day of the seventh month (Tishri), this feast is marked by the blowing of trumpets, signifying a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 23:24 states, "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."

6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): Observed on the tenth day of Tishri, this solemn day is dedicated to atonement and repentance. Leviticus 23:27 instructs, "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD."

7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): Beginning on the fifteenth day of Tishri, this week-long feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision. Leviticus 23:34 commands, "On the fifteenth day of this seventh month, the LORD’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it continues for seven days."

Theological Significance

The Feasts of the Lord are rich with theological meaning, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is seen as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the Feast of Firstfruits is fulfilled in His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).

These feasts also serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness, His provision, and His desire for a holy people. They are a call to worship, reflection, and community, drawing believers into a deeper understanding of God's plan for salvation and His eternal kingdom.