### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chag**, represented by `{{H2282}}`, refers to a **festival** or **solemn feast**. Derived from the root verb `{{H2287}}` **châgag**, meaning to observe a festival, it appears 62 times across 55 verses. The term signifies a sacred occasion for communal gathering and worship, and can also refer to the sacrificial **victim** offered during such an event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2282}}` is central to Israel's worship calendar. The Law commanded three primary pilgrimage feasts where all males were to appear before the LORD: the **feast** of unleavened bread, the **feast** of weeks, and the **feast** of tabernacles [[Deuteronomy 16:16]]. These events were not merely suggestions but divine appointments, established as a perpetual ordinance and memorial [[Exodus 12:14]]. They were characterized by great joy and communal celebration [[Ezra 6:22]]. However, the term also carries a sacrificial meaning, as seen when the psalmist declares, "bind the **sacrifice** with cords, even unto the horns of the altar" [[Psalms 118:27]]. God warns that if these observances become empty rituals, He will despise them, turning the **feasts** into mourning ([[Amos 5:21]], [[Amos 8:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of these sacred observances:
* `{{H2287}}` **châgag**: This is the primitive root from which **chag** is derived. It means **to observe a festival** or celebrate. Its use in [[Nahum 1:15]], "keep thy solemn **feasts**," demonstrates the action associated with the noun.
* `{{H4150}}` **môwʻêd**: This word signifies an **appointed time** or festival. It is often used in conjunction with **chag** to describe the full calendar of sacred meetings, including feasts, new moons, and sabbaths ([[Ezekiel 45:17]], [[Hosea 2:11]]).
* `{{H4682}}` **matstsâh**: This refers to **unleavened bread**. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, identified specifically as a **chag** [[Exodus 23:15]].
* `{{H5521}}` **çukkâh**: Meaning a **booth** or **tabernacle**, this word gives its name to the Feast of Tabernacles, another one of the three great annual feasts, or **chag** [[Deuteronomy 16:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2282}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Divine Command and Remembrance:** The feasts were commanded as a way for Israel to remember God's mighty acts, such as the exodus from Egypt. They were to be kept as a statute forever throughout their generations ([[Exodus 12:14]], [[Leviticus 23:41]]).
* **Communal Worship and Joy:** These festivals brought the nation together for corporate worship, which was to be characterized by rejoicing and gladness before the LORD ([[Deuteronomy 16:14]], [[Ezra 6:22]]).
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The feasts were inseparable from the sacrificial system. Offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, were a central part of the observance, intended to make reconciliation for the people [[Ezekiel 45:17]].
* **The Heart of the Worshipper:** God makes it clear that the outward act of celebrating a **feast** is meaningless without sincere obedience. He declares that he hates and despises feasts that are not accompanied by righteousness ([[Amos 5:21]], [[Malachi 2:3]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2282}}` defines a cornerstone of Israelite religious life. It represents more than a mere holiday; it is a divinely appointed solemnity for remembrance, joyful communion, and sacrificial worship. The concept of **chag** illustrates that while God ordained specific times for celebration and gathering, His ultimate desire is for the faithful and obedient heart of the worshipper, not just the external observance of the festival itself.
TRV