It appears that
the subject of “the Feasts of YHWH” is rarely taught among believers.
This is due to a belief that the feasts have no relevance to the Christian
life. Many associate the feasts as being of practical significance only
to Jewish people. Hence, many refer to “the feasts of YHWH” as “the
Jewish festivals”. However, a look at Leviticus 23:1 indicates that the
feasts are of divine origin. Elohim said,
“These are my appointed feasts
(times)” (Lev. 23:1 NIV).
At this point, it must be
specifically noted that the feasts were not of any human development from
among the Israelites. The feasts were given by YWHW to his covenant
people, the congregation of Israel, also called the congregation of YHWH
(Num. 16:3).
The term “feasts”, translated
from the Hebrew term “moed”, literally means “appointed times”. Therefore,
the appointed feasts of YHWH are to be regarded as Elohim’s set (fixed)
times and not just mere celebrations. As set times, the feasts are
of significance because they reveal Elohim’s plan of redemption and restoration
for humankind through the Messiah.
There are eight appointed
feasts recorded in Leviticus chapter 23 which show us the broader purpose
of Elohim’s plan through the Messiah. One occurring weekly, and seven occurring
annually. The following is a list of the appointed feasts: Shabbat
(Sabbath), Pesach (Passover), Matzah (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (First
Fruits), Shavuot (Weeks), Shofarim (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement),
and Sukkot (Tabernacles).
ONE WEEKLY APPOINTED FEAST
Shabbat
Shabbat is the seventh day
of the week set aside (sanctified) by the Most High for mankind to cease
from labor. This fixed time of YHWH points to Yahshua being the
complete Sabbath-rest for the people of Elohim.
SEVEN ANNUAL APPOINTED FEASTS
Pesach (Passover)
Abib 14-15 (March/April)
Pesach (Passover) points
to Yahshua who became the passover lamb whose blood causes eternal
death to pass over the believer. According to the timetable of Elohim, Yahshua died on Abib 15 becoming the final Passover lamb.
Matzah (Unleavened Bread)
Abib 15-21 (March/April)
Matzah (Unleavened Bread),
was celebrated by eating unleavened bread for seven days. Normally, bread
was prepared with leavening for the purpose of causing the dough to rise.
However, during the preparation for departure from Egypt, there was
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