Leviticus 23:44

KJV

And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} declared {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} the feasts {H4150} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus Moshe announced to the people of Isra'el the designated times of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses announced to the Israelites the appointed feasts of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the set feasts of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:44 serves as a powerful concluding affirmation to the detailed enumeration of the annual "feasts of the LORD" presented throughout the chapter. It highlights Moses' indispensable role as God's faithful mediator, who meticulously transmitted the divine instructions regarding these sacred "appointed times" directly to the entire community of Israel. This verse emphatically underscores the divine origin, authoritative nature, and binding character of these observances, emphasizing that they were not human customs but God's own meticulously planned calendar for His covenant people, designed to shape their worship, remembrance of His mighty acts, and anticipation of His ongoing redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 is a pivotal chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing the seven annual "appointed times" (feasts) that God commanded Israel to observe. The chapter commences with an overarching introduction in [Leviticus 23:1-2](/leviticus/23-1-2 "Leviticus 23:1-2 - Introduction to the LORD's Appointed Feasts") that establishes the divine origin and purpose of these "holy convocations." Following this, individual sections describe the weekly Sabbath ([Leviticus 23:3](/leviticus/23-3 "Leviticus 23:3 - The Sabbath")), Passover and Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:4-8](/leviticus/23-4-8 "Leviticus 23:4-8 - Passover and Unleavened Bread")), Firstfruits ([Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits")), Weeks/Pentecost ([Leviticus 23:15-22](/leviticus/23-15-22 "Leviticus 23:15-22 - The Feast of Weeks")), Trumpets ([Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - The Feast of Trumpets")), Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 23:26-32](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement")), and Tabernacles ([Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33-43 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). Verse 44 functions as a powerful summary statement, bringing a definitive closure to this comprehensive legislative section by reiterating Moses' faithful declaration of these divine ordinances to the Israelites, thereby emphasizing their binding nature, the completion of God's revelation concerning these sacred times, and the nation's responsibility to obey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these commands were issued, Israel had recently been delivered from Egyptian bondage and was encamped at Mount Sinai, in the formative stages of becoming a covenant nation under God's direct governance. The establishment of these feasts provided a structured, divinely ordained calendar that would serve multiple critical functions: to unify the diverse tribes, to perpetually remind them of God's mighty acts of salvation (such as the [Passover deliverance](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Account")), to cultivate a distinct national and religious identity, and to set them apart from surrounding pagan nations whose worship often involved capricious deities, chaotic rituals, and morally corrupt practices. Moses, uniquely positioned as the sole mediator between God and Israel, received these precise instructions directly from the Lord, as vividly depicted in passages like [Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Receives the Tablets on Mount Sinai"). His subsequent responsibility was to communicate these divine decrees with absolute fidelity to the people. This act of "declaring" solidified the covenant relationship, where God revealed His holy will and the people were called to a profound and obedient response.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23, culminating in verse 44, powerfully articulates several key theological and narrative themes central to the Pentateuch and Israel's identity. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrated by God's meticulous prescription of Israel's sacred calendar, emphasizing that worship is initiated by Him, not by human invention. The concept of **Holiness** is paramount, as these "holy convocations" were set apart for God's purposes, distinguishing Israel's worship from pagan practices and calling the people to a life consecrated to the Lord (cf. [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The feasts also embody the theme of **Remembrance and Anticipation**, serving as annual reminders of God's past redemptive acts (e.g., the Exodus in Passover, the giving of the Law in Pentecost) while simultaneously pointing forward to future divine interventions and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Mediatorial Authority and Obedience**, with Moses faithfully transmitting God's commands and the people being called to hear and obey, a foundational principle of the Mosaic Covenant (as seen throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The verb translated "declared" comes from the primitive root H1696, `dâbar`, which primarily means "to speak" or "to arrange." In its Hiphil form, as used here (wayyaged, from `nagad`, related to `dâbar` in usage), it signifies a causative action: "to make known," "to announce," or "to proclaim." This emphasizes Moses' authoritative role not merely as a messenger, but as one who formally and publicly made God's decrees known to the entire nation. It implies a clear, unambiguous, and binding proclamation, ensuring that the Israelites fully comprehended the requirements and their divine origin, leaving no room for misunderstanding or negotiation.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The Hebrew word H1121, `bên`, meaning "son," is used here in the plural (`bānîm`) to denote "children" or "descendants." When combined with "Israel" (`Yisrâʼêl`), it forms the phrase "children of Israel" (H1121 + H3478), referring to the entire collective body of the Israelite people, the covenant community descended from Jacob. This highlights that the declaration was not for a select few, but for all generations and all members of the nation, underscoring the communal responsibility and universal application of these divine commands within the covenant.
* **feasts (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** The Hebrew word H4150, `môwʻêd` (plural `môʻădîm`), is often translated "feasts," but its literal meaning is "appointed time," "fixed season," or "assembly." This term carries a profound theological significance beyond mere celebration. It refers to divinely appointed, specific times and places where God designated to meet with His people. These were not human inventions or optional observances but God's sacred appointments, underscoring His sovereignty over time and His initiative in establishing a covenant relationship with Israel, providing a structured calendar for their worship and remembrance of His redemptive acts.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The divine name H3068, `Yᵉhôvâh` (Jehovah), is the personal, covenant name of God, derived from the root "to be," signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its inclusion here, in the phrase "feasts of the LORD" (`môʻădê YHWH`), emphatically declares the ownership and ultimate origin of these observances. They are "the LORD's appointed times," not Israel's own creations. This phrase highlights God's absolute authority, His initiative in establishing these observances, and His exclusive right to dictate the terms of worship for His covenant people, reinforcing their sacred and non-negotiable character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses declared":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Moses' unique and indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator of the Old Covenant. He was the one through whom God communicated His will directly to the nation of Israel. His "declaration" was not a personal opinion or interpretation, but a faithful, authoritative transmission of God's precise instructions, underscoring the divine authority and binding nature of these commands upon the people.
* **"unto the children of Israel":** This specifies the intended audience of the declaration: the entire covenant community, encompassing all the descendants of Jacob. The public and comprehensive nature of this proclamation ensured that every Israelite, from the tribal leaders to the common people, was made fully aware of God's expectations for their annual worship and national life. It signifies the collective responsibility of the nation to hear, understand, and adhere to these divine decrees.
* **"the feasts of the LORD":** This concluding phrase identifies the specific content of Moses' authoritative declaration. It refers collectively to the seven annual "appointed times" meticulously detailed throughout Leviticus 23, each with its unique significance, rituals, and prophetic implications. The repetition of "of the LORD" (which appears frequently throughout the chapter) powerfully reinforces the divine origin, ownership, and sacred character of these observances, distinguishing them as God's own holy convocations for His people, serving as the very rhythm of their covenant life.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:44 masterfully employs several literary devices to underscore its message. The most prominent is **Inclusio**, as this verse forms a powerful literary bracket with [Leviticus 23:2](/leviticus/23-2 "Leviticus 23:2 - The LORD's Appointed Times"), which introduces the "feasts of the LORD" as "holy convocations." By concluding the detailed list of these observances with Moses' declaration of these very feasts, the chapter creates a profound sense of completeness, divine authority, and thematic unity. Furthermore, **Repetition** of the phrase "feasts of the LORD" (or "appointed times of the LORD") throughout the chapter, particularly at its beginning and end, serves as a constant, emphatic reminder to the reader of the divine origin, ownership, and sacred nature of these observances, reinforcing their non-negotiable character. The verse also utilizes **Mediatorial Language** by highlighting Moses' specific action of "declaring" God's commands, thereby underscoring his unique and indispensable position as the divinely appointed conduit of divine revelation to the people of Israel, ensuring the authoritative transmission of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:44 profoundly encapsulates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty over time and worship, demonstrating His meticulous planning for His people's spiritual life and their communal identity. The "feasts of the LORD" were not arbitrary holidays but divinely ordained appointments, meticulously designed to teach Israel about God's redemptive acts in their history and to shape their identity as a distinct, covenant nation. Moses' faithful declaration underscores the critical importance of divine revelation and the necessity of human obedience to God's revealed will, forming the very bedrock of the covenant relationship. These feasts provided a structured calendar for remembering God's past faithfulness, celebrating His ongoing provision, and anticipating His future promises, thereby creating a sacred rhythm of worship that permeated every aspect of Israel's national and individual life.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Obedience to God's Statutes")
* [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3-8 "Exodus 24:3-8 - The Covenant Ratified at Sinai")
* [Hebrews 3:5-6](/hebrews/3-5-6 "Hebrews 3:5-6 - Moses and Christ as Faithful Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, including the specific ritual observance of these feasts, has been fulfilled in Christ, Leviticus 23:44 still offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our worship is not to be self-initiated, based on human preference, or dictated by cultural trends, but should always be a humble and obedient response to God's revealed will and His divine initiative. The principle of God establishing "appointed times" for His people encourages us to be intentional and disciplined about setting aside dedicated time for corporate worship, personal devotion, and communal remembrance of His mighty acts, such as the atoning sacrifice of Christ, His glorious resurrection, and the transformative gift of the Holy Spirit. Just as the feasts meticulously taught Israel about God's unfolding redemptive history, we are called to continually reflect on the grand narrative of God's plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and to eagerly anticipate His glorious return. This verse also highlights the vital importance of faithful, authoritative leadership in proclaiming God's truth, reminding us to value, uphold, and diligently teach the clear, unadulterated Word of Scripture in our families, churches, and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin and purpose of the "feasts of the LORD" deepen your appreciation for God's meticulous planning for His people throughout history?**
* **In what practical ways do we, as believers today, observe "appointed times" or rhythms in our lives to intentionally remember God's redemptive acts and promises?**
* **What does Moses' role as a faithful mediator teach us about the importance of both receiving God's truth personally and proclaiming it accurately to others in our own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Are these "feasts" still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: No, the specific ritual observance of the Old Testament ceremonial feasts is not binding on Christians today. The New Testament teaches that these feasts, along with other elements of the Mosaic Law, were a "shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")). Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the prophetic meaning and ultimate purpose of these feasts through His life, atoning death, glorious resurrection, and ascension. For example, He is our true [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose sacrifice delivers us from the bondage of sin. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) found its climactic fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, inaugurating the church age, as comprehensively recorded in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"). While Christians are not obligated to observe the rituals, understanding the historical and prophetic significance of these feasts provides rich insight into God's overarching redemptive plan and the person and work of Christ.

**What is the significance of Moses "declaring" these feasts to the children of Israel?**

Answer: Moses' act of "declaring" these feasts is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the divine authority of these commands; Moses was not inventing them or offering his own interpretation, but was faithfully transmitting God's own precise words, just as he did with the entire Law (e.g., [Exodus 24:3](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3 - Moses Tells the People All the Words of the LORD")). Secondly, it highlights Moses' crucial and unique role as the divinely appointed mediator of the Old Covenant, the one through whom God communicated His holy will to His chosen people ([Deuteronomy 5:5](/deuteronomy/5-5 "Deuteronomy 5:5 - Moses as Mediator Between God and Israel")). Thirdly, the public, formal, and comprehensive nature of his declaration ensured that the entire nation was fully aware of God's requirements and expectations, leaving no room for ignorance or excuse regarding their sacred obligations. This authoritative act solidified the covenant relationship and the people's collective responsibility to hear and obey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:44, by summarizing the "feasts of the LORD", points profoundly and comprehensively to Jesus Christ as their ultimate fulfillment, substance, and glorious reality. These "appointed times" were not arbitrary observances but were divinely designed prophetic types, casting vivid shadows of the redemptive work that Christ would accomplish. The Passover, the first of the annual feasts, finds its glorious and eternal reality in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect sacrifice on the cross became our true and final [Passover](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). The Feast of Firstfruits, celebrating the initial harvest, powerfully foreshadowed Christ's glorious resurrection as the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of the Resurrection"), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all believers. Pentecost (the Feast of Weeks) was climactically fulfilled by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, inaugurating the church age and empowering believers for witness, as vividly recorded in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"). Even the autumnal feasts—Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles—anticipate future aspects of Christ's ongoing work: His glorious second coming, the final and complete atonement and judgment, and His eternal dwelling with His redeemed people, a reality beautifully depicted in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People"). Thus, Moses' declaration of these feasts ultimately points to the comprehensive, perfect, and all-sufficient work of Christ, who is the ultimate "appointed time" and the very essence of God's eternal redemptive plan for humanity, rendering the Old Covenant shadows obsolete in the brilliant light of His perfect reality ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")).

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 23:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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 21:24

And Moses told [it] unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.