Leviticus 23:4

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

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

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

These are the LORDโ€™s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times.

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

Commentary

Leviticus 23:4 introduces the divine calendar of Israel, setting the stage for the detailed description of the seven annual feasts commanded by God. This verse emphasizes the sacred nature and precise timing of these observances, which were central to Israel's worship and national identity.

Context

Chapter 23 of Leviticus is a foundational text outlining the "feasts of the LORD", also known as the appointed times or sacred seasons. These were not merely cultural festivals but divinely instituted gatherings designed to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness, His redemptive acts, and His ongoing covenant with them. Following general instructions on Sabbath observance in Leviticus 23:3, this verse transitions to the annual cycle of feasts, each with specific instructions and significance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment: The phrase "feasts of the LORD" (Hebrew: mo'edim) highlights that these were God's own appointed times, not human inventions. They were sacred appointments He set for His people to meet with Him.
  • Holy Convocations: Described as "holy convocations" (Hebrew: miqra'ei qodesh), these were sacred assemblies, gatherings called by God Himself. This signifies their purpose: to be set apart for worship, instruction, and communion with God.
  • Timely Proclamation: The instruction to "proclaim in their seasons" underscores the importance of observing these feasts at their precise, designated times. This obedience to God's timing was crucial for maintaining the rhythm of Israelite worship and for understanding their prophetic significance.
  • Remembrance and Prophecy: Each feast served as a memorial of God's past actions (e.g., Passover for deliverance from Egypt) and also held profound prophetic significance, often foreshadowing aspects of the Messiah's work and God's redemptive plan, culminating in the new heaven and new earth.

Linguistic Insights

The term "feasts" comes from the Hebrew word mo'edim (ืžื•ึนืขึฒื“ึดื™ื), which literally means "appointed times" or "fixed festivals." It conveys the idea of a pre-arranged meeting or assembly. The phrase "holy convocations" translates miqra'ei qodesh (ืžึดืงึฐืจึธืึตื™ ืงึนื“ึถืฉื), meaning "sacred callings" or "holy gatherings." These terms emphasize that these were not casual gatherings but divinely summoned assemblies, set apart for a sacred purpose.

Practical Application

While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law to observe these specific Old Testament feasts, their underlying principles remain highly relevant. This verse reminds believers of the importance of:

  • Intentional Worship: Setting aside dedicated, holy time for communal worship and focusing on God's character and works.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: Reflecting on God's past acts of salvation and deliverance, both corporately and personally.
  • Understanding God's Plan: Recognizing that God has a sovereign plan unfolding through history, and that even ancient rituals can point to greater spiritual realities, such as the fulfillment of these shadows in Christ.
  • Obedience to Divine Appointments: Being diligent in observing spiritual disciplines and gatherings that God has ordained for our growth and communion with Him.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
โ† Back