Exodus 23:17

Exodus 23:17 is a foundational command within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), detailing the required attendance at Israel's three major annual pilgrimage festivals. This verse, along with others, underscores God's desire for regular, communal worship and remembrance among His people.

Context of the Command

This verse is part of a broader set of laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai, following the Ten Commandments. It outlines social, ethical, and religious statutes for the nascent nation of Israel. The requirement for males to "appear before the Lord GOD" refers to the three specific times in the year when all Israelite males were to journey to the central sanctuary (initially the Tabernacle, later the Temple in Jerusalem) to celebrate God's provision and deliverance.

• The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover): Commemorated Israel's hasty departure from Egypt and God's deliverance from slavery.
• The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Celebrated the wheat harvest and, later, the giving of the Law on Sinai.
• The Feast of Tabernacles (Booths): Recalled Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, and God's constant provision.

This command is reiterated in other parts of the Law, such as Exodus 34:23-24 and Deuteronomy 16:16-17, emphasizing its importance in Israel's religious calendar.

Key Themes and Significance

• Obedience and Covenant Loyalty: The command highlighted the Israelites' obligation to God as part of their covenant relationship. It was a tangible expression of their loyalty and submission to His divine authority.
• Corporate Worship and Unity: Requiring all males to gather fostered a sense of national unity and shared identity. It reinforced the idea of Israel as one people, set apart for God, worshipping Him together.
• Remembrance and Gratitude: Each festival served as a powerful reminder of God's past acts of salvation, provision, and faithfulness, cultivating a spirit of gratitude and preventing the people from forgetting their history with Him.
• Trust in Divine Providence: The command implicitly required faith. Leaving their homes and fields unprotected three times a year meant trusting God to safeguard their families and property from enemies and natural disaster, as promised in Exodus 34:24.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "the Lord GOD" in the KJV often translates the Hebrew combination of Yahweh (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name, and Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning "Lord" or "Master." This combination emphasizes both God's personal relationship with Israel and His ultimate sovereignty and authority, before whom all must appear.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific requirements of the Old Testament law are fulfilled in Christ for believers today, the principles behind Exodus 23:17 remain profoundly relevant:

• Prioritizing God: Just as ancient Israel set aside specific times for God, we are called to prioritize worship and spiritual disciplines in our lives, making time to draw near to God.
• The Importance of Corporate Worship: Gathering with fellow believers for worship, fellowship, and instruction remains a vital part of the Christian walk, fostering unity and mutual encouragement, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:25.
• Remembering God's Faithfulness: We are encouraged to regularly remember God's great acts of salvation, especially through Jesus Christ, and to express our gratitude for His ongoing provision and grace.
• Trusting God's Providence: Our obedience to God often requires trust that He will care for our earthly concerns as we seek His kingdom first, echoing the New Testament principle of seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness.