Leviticus 23:37

KJV

These [are] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the feasts {H4150} of the LORD {H3068}, which ye shall proclaim {H7121} to be holy {H6944} convocations {H4744}, to offer {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}, a burnt offering {H5930}, and a meat offering {H4503}, a sacrifice {H2077}, and drink offerings {H5262}, every thing {H1697} upon his {H3117} day {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'These are the designated times of ADONAI that you are to proclaim as holy convocations and bring an offering made by fire to ADONAI -a burnt offering, a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, each on its own day -

Berean Standard Bible

These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting offerings by fire to the LORD—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day.

American Standard Version

These are the set feasts of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah, a burnt-offering, and a meal-offering, a sacrifice, and drink-offerings, each on its own day;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:37 functions as a pivotal summary statement within the comprehensive divine calendar, reiterating the sacred nature and divine institution of the annual feasts of the LORD. This verse underscores that these "holy convocations" were divinely appointed times for Israel to gather in sacred assembly, offering specific fire offerings—including burnt, grain, peace, and drink offerings—to the LORD with precise adherence to His established calendar and commands, thereby emphasizing the centrality of worship, obedience, and atonement in their covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the seven annual "appointed times" (Hebrew: *mo'adim*) that the LORD commanded Israel to observe, often referred to as "God's Calendar." These feasts are presented chronologically, beginning with the weekly Sabbath and progressing through the annual cycle: Passover and Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each feast is accompanied by specific instructions regarding its timing, purpose, and required offerings. Verse 37 serves as a general concluding summary statement that follows the detailed instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36) and precedes a final concluding remark about additional voluntary offerings (Leviticus 23:38). It encapsulates the overarching purpose and nature of all the preceding feasts, emphasizing their divine institution, the consistent requirement for specific sacrifices, and the necessity of holy assemblies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The feasts detailed in Leviticus 23 were fundamental to the religious, social, and agricultural fabric of ancient Israel. They served multifaceted purposes: commemorating God's mighty acts of redemption, such as the deliverance from Egypt celebrated during [Passover](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Account"); acknowledging His bountiful provision, exemplified by the [Feast of Firstfruits](/leviticus/23-9 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits"); fostering national unity and identity; and providing regular, divinely ordained opportunities for atonement, thanksgiving, and communal fellowship with God. These "holy convocations" were not optional gatherings but mandatory assemblies where the entire community was summoned to participate. The various offerings mentioned—burnt, grain, peace, and drink offerings—were standard components of Israelite worship, each carrying distinct symbolic meanings related to complete dedication, thanksgiving, atonement, and communion. The concluding phrase "every thing upon his day" underscored the precision, order, and unwavering obedience God demanded in their worship, reflecting His own orderly character and the seriousness with which He viewed adherence to His covenant stipulations, as consistently demonstrated throughout the Law in books like [Exodus](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [Numbers](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Offerings for Feasts").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as a summary of the feasts, powerfully reinforces several key theological themes present throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights God's **sovereignty over time and worship**, demonstrating that He alone dictates the calendar and the means by which His people are to approach Him. Secondly, the concept of "holy convocations" underscores the theme of **holiness and separation**, emphasizing that God's people are called to be set apart and to gather in a manner distinct from the profane, dedicating themselves entirely to Him. Thirdly, the detailed enumeration of offerings points to the centrality of **sacrifice and atonement** as the divinely ordained means for sinful humanity to draw near to a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, the phrase "every thing upon his day" reinforces the theme of **obedience and order** in worship, stressing that God desires precise adherence to His commands, not human innovation or convenience, a principle vital to the covenant relationship established in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feasts (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** This term (H4150), often translated as "feasts" or "appointed times," signifies a fixed, predetermined time or season set apart by God for a specific purpose. It emphasizes that these gatherings were not human customs or arbitrary celebrations, but divinely ordained appointments, part of God's sacred calendar for His people to meet with Him. The word conveys the idea of a pre-arranged rendezvous with the Divine.
* **Convocations (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** This word (H4744) denotes "something called out," specifically a public meeting or assembly. It highlights that these were mandatory, not optional, gatherings, signifying a divine summons or a formal assembly called by God. The term underscores the communal and obligatory nature of these sacred assemblies, where the entire Israelite community was commanded to gather.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This general term (H801) refers to any offering consumed by fire on the altar. It signifies something presented to God through fire, indicating a complete dedication or an act of worship that ascends to Him in smoke. The mention of *ʼishshâh* here serves as an umbrella term encompassing the specific types of offerings that follow, emphasizing the common element of fire in their presentation to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the feasts of the LORD":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and ownership of these appointed times. They are not merely Israel's festivals or human traditions, but belong exclusively to Yahweh, instituted by Him for His purposes, glory, and the spiritual well-being of His covenant people.
* **"which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations":** This emphasizes the communal, public, and sacred nature of these observances. The people were commanded to formally announce and gather for these sacred assemblies, reinforcing their importance and the necessity of collective participation in worship that was set apart from ordinary life and dedicated solely to God.
* **"to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This specifies the primary mode of worship during these feasts: the presentation of offerings consumed by fire. It underscores the centrality of the sacrificial system as the divinely appointed means of approaching God, expressing devotion, seeking atonement, and offering thanksgiving, all directed towards the LORD Himself.
* **"a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings":** This enumerates the specific types of offerings to be presented during these feasts. The "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, *olah*) symbolized complete dedication and atonement, entirely consumed by fire. The "meat offering" (מִנְחָה, *minchah*, better translated "grain offering") was typically of flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing thanksgiving, dedication of labor, and recognition of God's provision. "A sacrifice" (זֶבַח, *zevach*) often refers to the peace offering, involving a shared meal, symbolizing fellowship, reconciliation, and communion. "Drink offerings" (נֶסֶךְ, *nesech*) were libations poured out, symbolizing dedication, devotion, and the sealing of covenants. This list highlights the variety and richness of Israel's sacrificial worship, each type conveying a distinct spiritual truth.
* **"every thing upon his day":** This concluding phrase profoundly emphasizes God's demand for precise order, timing, and unwavering obedience in worship. Each offering, ritual, and celebration had a specific day and prescribed manner of observance, highlighting the critical importance of following God's commands without deviation and respecting His divine calendar and meticulous instructions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration**, systematically listing the various types of offerings required for the feasts: "a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings." This detailed cataloging serves to reinforce the comprehensive nature of the sacrificial system and the specific, divinely ordained requirements placed upon God's people. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** through the repeated focus on the divine origin and recipient of these observances, particularly with phrases like "feasts of the LORD" and "unto the LORD," which continually direct the focus of all worship and activity back to God as the sole object of devotion and the initiator of the covenant. The various offerings themselves function as **Symbolism**, each representing distinct facets of the worshiper's relationship with God—from complete surrender and atonement (burnt offering) to thanksgiving and fellowship (grain and peace offerings), thereby conveying complex theological truths through ritual action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:37 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over time, worship, and the very means by which humanity approaches Him. The "feasts of the LORD" are not optional human traditions but divine appointments, revealing God's initiative in establishing a covenant relationship and providing the precise means for His people to draw near. The emphasis on "holy convocations" highlights the communal and set-apart nature of true worship, where the entire community is called to gather in God's presence, distinct from the mundane activities of daily life. The detailed mention of various offerings points to the multifaceted nature of atonement, dedication, and fellowship required for maintaining that relationship, all pointing irrevocably to the necessity of sacrifice to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This verse encapsulates the Old Covenant's sacrificial system as God's ordained path for Israel to live in His presence, anticipate His grand redemptive plan, and express their profound devotion and obedience.

* [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts")
* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Times a Year")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritualistic practices of the Old Testament feasts are not binding on New Covenant believers, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 23:37 remain deeply relevant and transformative for our spiritual lives today. This verse calls us to critically examine the divine origin and sacred nature of our worship. Is our worship truly "of the LORD," flowing from His revealed will and for His glory, or is it primarily shaped by human preferences, traditions, or convenience? The concept of "holy convocations" reminds us of the vital importance of corporate worship and gathering with fellow believers, setting aside dedicated time to collectively honor God, receive spiritual instruction, and encourage one another, as exhorted in [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Forsake the Assembly"). Furthermore, the detailed instructions for various offerings challenge us to examine the intentionality, costliness, and comprehensive nature of our own devotion. Our worship should not be casual or merely convenient, but a deliberate, wholehearted act of presenting ourselves—our time, talents, resources, and very lives—as a "living sacrifice" to God, recognizing His supreme worthiness and our complete dependence on Him. The emphasis on "every thing upon his day" speaks powerfully to the value of order, discipline, and obedience in our spiritual walk, acknowledging that God has a divine plan and timing for all things, and our faithfulness is profoundly demonstrated in our adherence to His revealed will and His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively treat my gatherings for corporate worship as "holy convocations" set apart by God, rather than mere social events or obligations?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of intentionality, reverence, and personal sacrifice in my daily worship and service to God, reflecting the spirit of comprehensive dedication seen in the Old Testament offerings?**
* **What does the phrase "every thing upon his day" teach me about God's desire for order, discipline, and obedience in my spiritual life, and where might I need to align my priorities and actions more closely with His divine timing and commands?**

### FAQ
**Are the Old Testament feasts still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific ritualistic observance of the Old Testament feasts as outlined in Leviticus 23 is not binding on New Covenant believers. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the sacrificial system. Passages like [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come") explicitly state that these feasts, along with other ceremonial laws, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." While Christians are not required to observe these feasts, understanding their historical context, theological significance, and prophetic fulfillment in Christ profoundly enriches our appreciation for God's redemptive plan and the person and work of Jesus.

**What is the significance of the various types of offerings mentioned in Leviticus 23:37?**

Answer: The various offerings—burnt, grain, sacrifice (peace), and drink offerings—each held distinct symbolic significance within Israel's worship, collectively pointing to different aspects of their relationship with God and profoundly foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The **burnt offering** (עֹלָה, *olah*) symbolized complete dedication, consecration, and atonement, as the entire animal was consumed by fire, representing total surrender and devotion to God. The **grain offering** (מִנְחָה, *minchah*) was an offering of flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing thanksgiving, dedication of one's labor, and recognition of God's provision in their daily sustenance. The **peace offering** (זֶבַח, *zevach*), often referred to as "sacrifice" here, involved a shared meal between God (represented by the altar), the priests, and the worshiper, symbolizing fellowship, reconciliation, and communion with God. **Drink offerings** (נֶסֶךְ, *nesech*) were libations of wine or other liquids poured out, symbolizing dedication, devotion, and sometimes the sealing of a covenant. Together, these offerings provided a comprehensive framework for approaching God with various intentions: atonement, thanksgiving, dedication, and fellowship, all of which find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:37, in its summary of the feasts of the LORD and their required offerings, finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "feasts of the LORD" were not merely historical commemorations but intricate prophetic shadows, each pointing with remarkable precision to the coming Messiah and His saving acts. Jesus is the ultimate "holy convocation," the one around whom all God's people are truly gathered, made holy, and brought into communion with God. He is the perfect "offering made by fire unto the LORD," embodying the complete dedication, consecration, and atonement symbolized by the burnt offering, as He offered Himself once for all on the cross, a perfect sacrifice for sin (as seen in [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice")). Jesus is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilling the Passover lamb. His body, broken and given for us, is the true grain offering, symbolizing His perfect life offered in thanksgiving and dedication, and His resurrection from the dead is the firstfruits of those who sleep, guaranteeing our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")). Through His atoning sacrifice, we have true peace and fellowship with God, becoming participants in the ultimate "peace offering," for He Himself is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The outpouring of His Spirit at Pentecost fulfills the Feast of Weeks, empowering His church. His future return will perfectly fulfill the Feasts of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles, ushering in the eternal dwelling of God with humanity in a new heaven and new earth ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man")). Thus, "every thing upon his day" points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's redemptive calendar in His first advent and will bring it to glorious completion in His second.

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

Leviticus 23:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, [Concerning] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, [even] these [are] my feasts.

Leviticus 23:4

¶ These [are] the feasts of the LORD, [even] holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Deuteronomy 16:17

Every man [shall give] as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.