Exodus 34:22

KJV

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt observe {H6213} the feast {H2282} of weeks {H7620}, of the firstfruits {H1061} of wheat {H2406} harvest {H7105}, and the feast {H2282} of ingathering {H614} at the year's {H8141} end {H8622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Observe the festival of Shavu'ot with the first-gathered produce of the wheat harvest, and the festival of ingathering at the turn of the year.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, even of the first-fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year’s end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:22 prescribes the mandatory observance of two of Israel's three annual pilgrim feasts: the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), which celebrates the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering (Sukkot), marking the culmination of the agricultural year. These divine commands, reiterated within the context of God's renewed covenant with Israel after the golden calf incident, underscore the nation's absolute dependence on divine provision, their call to communal thanksgiving, and the profound integration of their spiritual worship with the natural rhythms of their agrarian existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the critical narrative of [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - The Renewed Covenant"), a pivotal chapter detailing the re-establishment of God's covenant with Israel following their egregious idolatry with the golden calf. After Moses, in righteous indignation, shattered the initial tablets of the Law ([Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")), he interceded fervently for the rebellious nation. In an act of profound grace, God agreed to renew His covenant, commanding Moses to carve new tablets. Exodus 34, therefore, records the re-engraving of the Ten Commandments and a reiteration of various statutes and ordinances, many of which parallel the covenant stipulations previously outlined in [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14-17 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Pilgrim Feasts"). The re-emphasis of these specific pilgrim feasts—Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks, and Ingathering—highlights their enduring significance as foundational pillars of communal worship, national identity, and covenant remembrance for the nascent nation. Their inclusion here underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people, despite their recent unfaithfulness, and His desire for their sustained obedience and worship as a sign of their renewed relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, meaning its entire way of life, its calendar, and its economic stability were intrinsically linked to the cycles of planting, growth, and harvest. The three annual pilgrim feasts—Passover/Unleavened Bread (spring barley harvest), Weeks (late spring wheat harvest), and Ingathering (autumn fruit harvest)—were not merely abstract religious observances but were deeply embedded within this agricultural rhythm, serving as tangible expressions of God's direct involvement in their sustenance. The phrase "at the year's end" specifically refers to the conclusion of the agricultural cycle, typically in the autumn (around September/October), after all major harvests (grain, grapes, olives, and other fruits) had been completed. These feasts mandated that all Israelite males journey to the central sanctuary, fostering national unity and a collective acknowledgment of Yahweh as the ultimate Provider. The observance of these feasts served as a powerful counter-narrative to the fertility cults of Canaan, reminding Israel that their prosperity was not due to the Baal gods but solely to the faithfulness and blessing of the one true God, Yahweh. They were also occasions for immense joy, communal feasting, and the retelling of God's mighty acts, such as the Exodus from Egypt and His miraculous provision in the wilderness.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**. The feasts, tied directly to the agricultural cycle, continually reminded Israel that their food and prosperity were not a result of their own labor alone, but a gracious gift from God. This fostered a deep sense of **Dependence on God**, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficiency often promoted by pagan cultures. The command to observe these feasts also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as obedience to these stipulations was a tangible expression of their commitment to the renewed covenant with Yahweh. Furthermore, these communal gatherings emphasized **Corporate Worship and Thanksgiving**, uniting the nation in shared acts of praise and remembrance for God's blessings. The cyclical nature of the feasts, tied to the "year's end," also highlights God's **Faithfulness Through Time**, demonstrating His consistent care and blessing throughout the seasons of life. These themes are echoed throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in the detailed instructions for the feasts found in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord") and [Deuteronomy 16](/deuteronomy/16 "Deuteronomy 16 - Laws Concerning Feasts and Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** This term (H2282) refers to a festival or a solemn assembly, often involving a pilgrimage and sacrifice. It derives from a root meaning "to go round, keep a pilgrim feast," emphasizing the cyclical nature of these annual celebrations and the physical journey required to participate. It signifies a divinely appointed time of joyous celebration and communal worship, distinct from ordinary days, set apart for remembrance and thanksgiving to God.
* **firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkûwr'_):** This word (H1061) denotes the initial produce of the harvest, the earliest and best of the crops. The offering of firstfruits was a concrete act of worship, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership of the land and its bounty, and expressing trust that He would bring the remainder of the harvest to completion. It was a tangible demonstration of faith and gratitude, recognizing that God's blessing preceded human effort.
* **ingathering (Hebrew, _ʼâçîyph'_):** This term (H614) specifically refers to the act of gathering in crops, or abstractly, the harvest itself. It signifies the completion of the agricultural year, when all produce—grains, grapes, olives, and fruits—has been brought in. The "Feast of Ingathering" (Chag Ha'asif) thus celebrated the culmination of God's provision for the entire year, marking a period of profound thanksgiving and rest after the labor of the harvest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks":** This is a direct, imperative command to the Israelite people, specifically to the males who were required to make the pilgrimage. "Observe" (from the Hebrew _ʻâsâh_, H6213) implies not just passive attendance but active participation in the prescribed rituals, sacrifices, and communal rejoicing associated with this particular festival. It underscores the mandatory nature of this annual pilgrimage.
* **"of the firstfruits of wheat harvest":** This clause precisely defines the timing and agricultural significance of the Feast of Weeks. It was to be celebrated at the commencement of the wheat harvest, specifically when the initial, best produce of this staple crop became available. This timing highlights God's role as the provider of daily sustenance and emphasizes the importance of offering the very best back to Him as an act of gratitude and recognition of His sovereignty over their food supply.
* **"and the feast of ingathering":** This introduces the second major annual festival commanded in this verse. It is distinct from the Feast of Weeks, marking a different stage of the agricultural cycle, but is equally significant in its purpose of communal worship and thanksgiving. The repetition of "feast" reinforces the importance of these divinely ordained celebrations.
* **"at the year's end":** This phrase specifies the timing of the Feast of Ingathering, indicating that it occurred at the culmination of the entire agricultural year. This was after all crops, including grapes and olives, had been gathered. It signifies a period of rest, reflection, and profound gratitude for God's sustained provision throughout the entire growing season and the completion of the harvest cycle.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 34:22 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most evident is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated use of "feast" (Feast of Weeks, Feast of Ingathering). This repetition emphasizes the centrality and non-negotiable importance of these divinely mandated celebrations in the life of the Israelite community, reinforcing their status as pillars of national worship. The verse also utilizes **Merism** by naming two distinct feasts (Weeks and Ingathering) that, in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread (mentioned in the broader context of the pilgrim feasts), collectively encompass the entire agricultural year. This literary technique highlights the all-encompassing nature of God's provision and Israel's continuous obligation to worship Him throughout every season, from spring planting to autumn harvest. Furthermore, the descriptions of these feasts function as **Symbolism**, where the physical acts of harvesting, offering firstfruits, and communal feasting symbolize deeper spiritual truths: absolute dependence on God for sustenance, profound gratitude for His blessings, and faithful remembrance of His covenant promises. The cyclical agricultural rhythm itself becomes a powerful metaphor for God's consistent, reliable, and abundant provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:22, in commanding the observance of the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Ingathering, profoundly articulates Israel's theological understanding of God as the sovereign Provider and Sustainer of all life. These feasts were not merely cultural traditions but were divinely ordained expressions of worship that ingrained in the nation a deep sense of dependence on Yahweh for their very existence and prosperity. They served as annual reminders that every blessing, from the daily bread to the abundant harvest, flowed directly from God's gracious hand, fostering a spirit of humility and thanksgiving. Furthermore, these feasts reinforced the covenant relationship, where obedience to God's commands was intertwined with His promise of blessing and provision. They were communal events, fostering national unity and a shared identity rooted in God's mighty acts of deliverance and sustenance, ensuring that future generations would remember His faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 16:9-17](/deuteronomy/16-9-17 "Deuteronomy 16:9-17 - Further Instructions on the Three Annual Feasts")
* [Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15-16 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Counting the Omer and Feast of Weeks")
* [Leviticus 23:39-43](/leviticus/23-39-43 "Leviticus 23:39-43 - Feast of Booths/Tabernacles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine commands in Exodus 34:22, though rooted in ancient Israel's agrarian context, offer timeless principles for our lives today. While believers in Christ are no longer bound by the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, the underlying spirit and profound theological truths embedded in these feasts remain profoundly relevant. We are called to cultivate a perpetual posture of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift, whether material provision, spiritual blessing, or the very breath we breathe, descends from God. This verse challenges us to intentionally pause and acknowledge God's unwavering faithfulness in our lives, remembering how He has sustained us through various seasons and trusting Him for future needs. It encourages us to integrate our spiritual lives with our daily existence, viewing our work, our resources, and our relationships as opportunities to honor the Giver of all things. Ultimately, it invites us into a deeper, more dependent relationship with God, where thanksgiving is not just an occasional act but a foundational attitude of the heart, shaping our perspective and priorities in every aspect of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate provider impact your daily anxieties about provision and security?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a more consistent spirit of thanksgiving in your life, beyond formal prayer times?**
* **How might remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust in Him for future challenges?**
* **What are some modern "firstfruits" you can offer to God as an act of worship and dependence, acknowledging His sovereignty over all you possess?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "firstfruits" in the Feast of Weeks?**

Answer: The offering of "firstfruits" in the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) was profoundly significant. It represented the initial, best, and earliest produce of the wheat harvest. The act of bringing these firstfruits to God was a tangible expression of Israel's recognition that all their sustenance came from Him. It was an act of faith, trusting that if God provided the first portion, He would also ensure the full harvest. It acknowledged His ownership over the land and its produce, and it served as a communal act of thanksgiving for His ongoing provision. This practice also prefigured the spiritual "firstfruits" in the New Testament, such as the resurrection of Christ as the [firstfruits from the dead](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits") and believers themselves as [firstfruits of God's creation](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Believers as Firstfruits").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The agricultural feasts commanded in Exodus 34:22 find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant. The Feast of Weeks, marking the firstfruits of the wheat harvest and traditionally commemorating the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, is powerfully fulfilled in the [outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"), precisely fifty days after Christ's resurrection. Just as the Law was given on Sinai, the Spirit, the new law written on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), was given at Pentecost, empowering believers and inaugurating the Church, which is itself the "firstfruits" of a new creation, bearing witness to the resurrected Christ. Similarly, the Feast of Ingathering, a joyous celebration of the completed harvest at the year's end, foreshadows the ultimate "ingathering" of God's people into His eternal kingdom. It points to the eschatological harvest when Christ will return to gather His elect ([Matthew 13:30](/matthew/13-30 "Matthew 13:30 - The Parable of the Weeds and the Harvest")) and bring them into the eternal rest and abundant provision of His presence. The temporary booths of Sukkot find their ultimate reality in Christ, in whom we find true dwelling and rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), and the promise of a new heavens and new earth where God will truly "tabernacle" with His people forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")). Thus, these Old Testament shadows reveal the glorious substance found in Christ, who is both our ultimate provision and our eternal dwelling place, bringing the full harvest of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

Deuteronomy 16:15

Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:31

Ye shall offer [them] beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

John 7:2

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

Acts 2:1

¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.