Leviticus 23:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the feasts {H4150} of the LORD {H3068}, even holy {H6944} convocations {H4744}, which ye shall proclaim {H7121} in their seasons {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'These are the designated times of ADONAI, the holy convocations you are to proclaim at their designated times

Berean Standard Bible

These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.

American Standard Version

These are the set feasts of Jehovah, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their appointed season.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:4 serves as the foundational declaration for Israel's annual cycle of divinely appointed festivals, establishing them as "feasts of the LORD" and "holy convocations." This pivotal verse underscores their sacred origin, asserting that these gatherings are not human traditions but sacred assemblies commanded by God Himself, to be publicly proclaimed and meticulously observed "in their seasons," thereby highlighting their essential role in Israel's worship, identity, and covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23:4 functions as a crucial introductory statement for the comprehensive enumeration of Israel's seven annual feasts, which are meticulously detailed throughout the remainder of the chapter. It immediately follows the general instructions concerning the weekly Sabbath in [Leviticus 23:1-3](/leviticus/23-1 "Leviticus 23:1-3 - The Sabbath Command"), creating a seamless transition from the regular, weekly rhythm of worship to the specific, annual cycle of special, divinely appointed times. This verse sets the theological and practical stage for the subsequent descriptions of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles, each with its unique date, rituals, and profound significance. It acts as an overarching declaration, emphasizing the divine institution and sacred nature of all the festivals that follow, ensuring they are understood as God's appointments, not human conventions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, these feasts were not merely religious holidays but were central to the nation's identity, covenant relationship with God, and agricultural life. While many coincided with key harvest seasons, their primary purpose was theological and redemptive, serving as annual reminders of God's mighty acts of deliverance (e.g., the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")) and His faithful provision in the wilderness. Unlike the often chaotic, syncretistic, and immoral pagan festivals of surrounding nations, Israel's "feasts of the LORD" were orderly, sacred assemblies designed for communion with Yahweh, remembrance of His faithfulness, and instruction in His ways. They structured the Israelite year, providing a consistent rhythm of worship that continually drew the people back to their divine covenant partner and His unfolding plan of salvation, reinforcing their distinctiveness as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:4 introduces several overarching themes that permeate the chapter and the broader book. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as these are explicitly "feasts of the LORD," highlighting God's absolute right to establish the terms of worship and the rhythm of His people's lives. Secondly, the phrase "holy convocations" underscores the theme of **Sanctity and Separation**, indicating that these times and gatherings are set apart for sacred purposes, distinct from the mundane. This aligns with the broader Levitical emphasis on holiness, as seen in the call for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy"). Thirdly, the command to "proclaim in their seasons" highlights the theme of **Obedience and Order**, emphasizing the importance of precise adherence to God's appointed times and methods of worship, which reflects God's own orderly nature as depicted in the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Finally, these feasts collectively serve as **Pedagogical Reminders of Redemptive History**, teaching Israel about God's past acts of salvation and His ongoing faithfulness, providing a framework for national memory and anticipation of future divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feasts (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** This term, derived from the root יָעַד (yaʻad), properly signifies "an appointment," "a fixed time or season," or specifically, "a festival." It conveys the idea of a pre-arranged meeting or rendezvous, emphasizing that these gatherings were not arbitrary or humanly devised, but specifically designated by God Himself. This highlights God's initiative in setting these times for His people to meet with Him, underscoring their divine origin and the intentionality behind their institution.
* **Convocations (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** From the root קָרָא (qârâʼ), meaning "to call out," this word refers to "something called out," specifically "a public meeting" or "an assembly." When used in conjunction with "holy," it denotes a divinely summoned gathering. These were not casual assemblies but formal, sacred gatherings, indicating that God Himself was summoning His people to meet with Him for a specific, holy purpose. The term emphasizes the authoritative divine summons that initiated these assemblies.
* **Proclaim (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb, identical to the root of _miqrâʼ_, means "to call out," "to summon," or "to announce publicly." In this context, it signifies the public declaration and announcement of these feasts. This indicates that the observance of these feasts was not to be a private affair but a communal, national responsibility, ensuring their proper and timely observance throughout all of Israel. It implies a public, authoritative summons to gather and observe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the feasts of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine ownership and origin of the festivals. They belong to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, underscoring His absolute sovereignty and authority in instituting these sacred times. It sets them apart from any humanly devised traditions or pagan rituals, firmly rooting them in God's will and purpose for His people.
* **"[even] holy convocations":** This phrase further defines the intrinsic nature of these feasts. They are not merely holidays or celebrations but "holy gatherings"—assemblies that are set apart for sacred purposes. The term "holy" (qôdesh) emphasizes their sanctity and the reverence with which they were to be observed, as they were designated occasions for God's people to gather in His presence for worship, instruction, and communion.
* **"which ye shall proclaim in their seasons":** This final clause provides the divine mandate for their observance. The feasts were to be publicly announced and celebrated at their precise, designated times. "In their seasons" refers to the specific dates and periods appointed by God for each festival, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's timing and the orderly rhythm of Israelite worship. This command ensured uniformity and national participation in these vital expressions of faith.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:4 employs several literary techniques to powerfully underscore the significance of the feasts. The use of **Repetition** is evident, as the phrase "feasts of the LORD" or similar expressions recur throughout the chapter, reinforcing their divine origin and paramount importance. This verse functions as a **Framing Device** or **Inclusio**, serving as a comprehensive introductory statement that sets the stage for the detailed enumeration of the feasts that follow, effectively framing the entire discussion within a theological context of divine appointment. The concise, declarative nature of the statement, "These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations," uses **Emphasis** to immediately draw attention to the sacred and divinely mandated character of these observances, distinguishing them sharply from ordinary days or human traditions. The direct and authoritative structure of the verse reflects the divine voice of the Lawgiver, imparting a sense of solemnity and command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:4 introduces a profound theological framework centered on divine sovereignty, covenant relationship, and the pedagogical nature of worship. These "feasts of the LORD" were not merely rituals but divinely ordained opportunities for Israel to remember God's faithfulness, celebrate His redemptive acts, and anticipate His future plans. They meticulously taught the nation about God's character, His provision, and His desire for intimate communion with His people, establishing a sacred rhythm that permeated their national life and identity. The precise timing and sacred nature of these convocations underscored God's meticulous ordering of creation and redemption, serving as prophetic pointers to a greater fulfillment in the person and work of the Messiah.

* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")
* [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the New Covenant has fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the Old Testament law, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 23:4 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to recognize the sacredness of our corporate worship and to approach our gatherings with intentionality and reverence, understanding that we are participating in "holy convocations" called by God. It reminds us of the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness and redemptive acts, whether through the sacraments of communion and baptism, or the celebration of Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas. Furthermore, it encourages us to live with an awareness of God's sovereign plan unfolding in history, recognizing that He has appointed times and seasons for His purposes, and that our lives should reflect an eager anticipation of His ultimate triumph. Our "proclamation" of His truth should be timely and consistent, aligning with His divine will and the rhythm of His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "divine appointment" of these feasts shape our view of corporate worship today, making it more intentional and reverent?**
* **In what practical ways do we, as believers, "proclaim" God's redemptive acts in our "seasons" or daily lives, both individually and communally?**
* **What modern "holy convocations" (gatherings) do we participate in as the Church, and how can we approach them with greater intentionality, spiritual depth, and reverence for God's presence?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seasons" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "seasons" in Leviticus 23:4 refer to the specific, divinely ordained times for each feast. These times were meticulously set by God, often aligning with Israel's agricultural calendar (e.g., Passover with the barley harvest, Weeks with the wheat harvest, Tabernacles with the fruit harvest) but primarily tied to historical redemptive events (e.g., the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") for Passover). This emphasis on precise timing underscores God's meticulous ordering of time and His sovereignty over history. It ensured that the feasts served as annual, tangible reminders of His faithfulness and deliverance, and also as prophetic pointers to future redemptive acts, particularly the coming of the Messiah.

**Were these feasts merely agricultural festivals, or did they have deeper meaning?**

Answer: While many of the feasts coincided with agricultural cycles, their primary significance was profoundly theological and redemptive, far surpassing mere agricultural celebrations. They commemorated God's mighty acts in Israel's history (e.g., deliverance from Egyptian bondage, provision in the wilderness, the giving of the Law) and served as powerful pedagogical tools to teach the nation about God's character and covenant faithfulness. Crucially, as articulated in the New Testament, these feasts also served as prophetic types and shadows, pointing forward to the person and work of the Messiah. For instance, [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Christ as the Substance") explicitly states that these Old Testament observances were "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:4, in its declaration of "the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Each of these divinely appointed "feasts" was a prophetic shadow, with Christ as its ultimate substance and reality. He is our [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose sacrificial death delivers us from the bondage and penalty of sin. He is the [Firstfruits](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits") of the resurrection, guaranteeing our future hope and ultimate triumph over death. The "holy convocations" foreshadow the Church, the new covenant community, where believers are truly "called out" by God through the Holy Spirit to gather in worship and communion, as described in [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and the Assembly of the Firstborn"). The mandate to "proclaim in their seasons" is fulfilled in the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel, which announces Christ's finished work at the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")) and continues to call all people to salvation and discipleship. Ultimately, Christ is the very purpose and meaning behind these ancient appointments, establishing a new and living way for humanity to meet with God, not through ritual shadows, but through the reality of His indwelling Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with Believers")) and His eternal priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")).

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 23:14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

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 23:37

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: