God's Appointed Times Prophetic Overview
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This is a list of the seven festivals as outlined in chapter 23. While the list does not include the Sabbath, we must remember that the Sabbath is both a regular occurrence as well as an extraordinary occurrence and should be considered a critical component of each of God’s appointed times listed. The emphasis should not be on being ‘forced’ to do no labor or work on these days, it should instead help people see that God is the one that is doing the work, as He instituted all these festivals so that He could be with the people He loves. This is an important point that is worth repeating, God did all the work through Jesus Christ! There is nothing more anyone can do other than accept Jesus’ free offer of complete forgiveness and salvation. Every detail of each of these festivals point to Jesus. What He accomplished in the past, what He is doing today, and what He will do in the future.
Sadly, it is nearly impossible to have or teach a viewpoint that will not potentially conflict with other Christian prophetic perspectives [1]. the subject of eschatology (study of end times) has become very divisive among Christians. The following table is a comparative summary of the appointed times, the prophetic explanations offer a Futurist point of view (see Considerations under Genesis 49:27), if you don't hold that eschatological view please consider reading the entire overview.
Since the last three festivals listed have not yet been fulfilled yet, they are related to what is referred to as elements of the “End Times.” There is no explicit instruction on how to interpret these events, nor is there any information on how to determine the precise timing of these future events. Remember, Jesus Himself made it clear regarding the timing of His return, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36). Plus, the apostle Paul wrote, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2) This means Christians are to focus on what Jesus commanded, rather than to spend time wondering when future events will transpire. Never forget that Jesus also said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) If all authority has been given to Him, then His command to “go and teach,” should be a priority to us (followers of Jesus).
So, is yet-future prophecy to be studied? Absolutely, yes, just as the entire Bible should be studied, but understand there is much written by scholars and theologians about the end-times (often conflicting). It must always be reviewed closely in the light of Scripture (not reflect man’s ideas or what is speculated). Just prior to Jesus making the statement about no one knowing the day and hour of His return (see above), He said, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:32-35) The lesson is simple. While it is true that the diligent study of the Word of God can help discern the signs of future events given in Scripture, it is not a license to speculate, formulate, allegorize, or ignore. Bible study takes time, requiring being both thorough and persistent. God wants believers to know what is going to happen and, since He is in charge, it will happen as He allows it to happen. This allows Christians to grow in their faith and to demonstrate peace to others as some events will be otherwise unnerving. Personal peace can be an effective witness for Jesus. Of course, always remember to begin any study of the Bible with prayer!
|
Name |
Time of Year |
Purpose |
Overview of Event |
Prophetic Model |
Instruction |
Application |
|
Passover Also known as: Pesah (Hebrew), Pascha (Greek), Feast of Unleavened Bread (only when used as a metonym or synecdoche, see Luke 22:1, 7) |
14th of Abib (Nisan) Spring |
First phase of the deliverance of the people of Israel from Egypt, the death of first born (innocent blood). Later Jesus provided complete and eternal atonement so that mankind can be released from the slavery of sin. |
A lamb with no blemish is killed and eaten that day and the blood of the lamb is applied on the door posts and lintels of the homes. The blood protected the occupants of the home from the 10th plague, the death of every first born. |
Ultimately fulfilled with the death of the true Lamb of God. Jesus was crucified on the same day, fulfilling the requirements of God’s law. |
Exodus 12:1-14, 21-29; 43-49; 34:25; Leviticus 23:4-5; Numbers 9:1-4; 28:16-25; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 |
Exodus 12:28-29; 50-51; Numbers 9:5-14; Joshua 5:10-11; 2 Kings 23:21-23; 2 Chronicles 30:1-20; 35:1-19; Ezra 6:16-21; Ezekiel 45:21; Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:1, 12-25; Luke 2:41; 22:7-23; John 2:13-22; 11:55-57 |
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Unleavened Bread Also known as: Massāh (Hebrew), Passover (only when used as a metonym or synecdoche, see Matthew 26:2, 17; John 6:4) |
15th - 21st of Abib (Nisan) Spring |
Phase two of deliverance, free but still in the land of Egypt. Just as Christians are free but still live with the burden of sin. |
Being without leaven (representing sin), the people of Israel take three days and three nights to exit Egypt. |
Fulfilled with the burial of Jesus, who lived a sinless life. |
Exodus 12:15-20; 13:3-10; 23:14-15, 17; 34:18, 22; Leviticus 23:4-6; Numbers 28:17-25; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 |
Joshua 5:11; 2 Chronicles 8:13; 30:13-22; 35:17-19; Ezra 6:22; Ezekiel 45:21; Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:1, 12; Luke 22:1, 7; Acts 12:1-5; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 |
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Firstfruits Also known as: Feast of the Sheaves of the Firstfruits, Resurrection Sunday, Easter |
15th or 16th Abib (Nisan), depending on interpretation, or the day after the weekly Sabbath (see commentary under Leviticus 23:9-14) in Spring, barley harvest. Occurs during the celebration of the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread. |
Phase three of deliverance, the people of Israel are out of Egypt, they are now completely free from the oppression of Pharaoh. God sent His Son; on this day He rose from the dead, freeing all who accept His gift of freedom. |
Freedom for the people of Israel has been obtained, though the trip to the Promised Land will still take time, those that have no faith in God will die en route. |
Fulfilled with the resurrection of Jesus. God was leading His people to a promised land, just as today Jesus is leading believers to heaven. |
Exodus 34:26; Leviticus 23:9-14; Numbers 15:18-21; Deuteronomy 18:4; 26:1-10 |
2 Chronicles 31:5; Nehemiah 10:35-37; Ezekiel 44:30; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10; Romans 8:23; 11:26; 1 Corinthians 15:15-28; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:18; Revelation 14:4 |
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Weeks Also known as: Pentecost, Feast of the Harvest, Shavout (Hebrew for ‘weeks’) |
50 days after Firstfruits Late Spring, wheat harvest |
Purpose not specified in the text, however, the term ‘proclaim’ appears to be emphasized, possibly to proclaim God to the world (see Isaiah 43:10-15; 44:6-8), celebrated on the same day the Christian church was instituted to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. |
The people were to present grain offerings, wave offerings, burnt offerings, drink offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings to YHWH, to proclaim their dedication to God. |
Fulfilled 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection with the birth of the church. |
Exodus 23:14, 16-17; 34:22; Leviticus 23:15-22; Numbers 28:26-31; Deuteronomy 16:9-12, 16 |
2 Chronicles 8:13; Acts 2:1-41; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8 |
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Trumpets Also known as: Rosh Hashanah |
1st of Tishri in Fall Celebrated as Rosh Hashanah (New Year’s Day) and the first day of a ten-day period of preparation for Yom Kippur |
The purpose was to make noise, trumpets were often used to call attention to great news. As the “head of the year,” the noise was to herald the new year, celebrate creation and to begin preparation for the Day of Atonement. |
The people were to make noise on their trumpets, do no work and present nine sacrifices for a burnt offering, along with the appropriate grain offerings. |
The sound of the trumpet is mentioned several times in Scripture in reference to the calling Christians alive on earth to heaven. Another yet-to-occur event, anticipating God bringing believers to heaven prior to judgment on earth. |
Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6 |
Isaiah 27:13; Joel 2:1, 15; Zephaniah 1:1-16; Zechariah 9:14; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 |
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Day of Atonement Also known as: Yom Kippur (Hebrew) |
10th of Tishri in Fall |
Obtain the forgiveness of sins and atonement for one year. |
First the High Priest was to present God with a sin offering and a burnt offering for his and his family’s sins. Then take two goats from the people, one was released to the wilderness of Azazel, and the other used as a sin offering, plus one ram for a burnt offering. The blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat directly as the High Priest was able to enter the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle. Atonement was provided to the High Priest, his family and the people of Israel. |
The process outlined for the Day of Atonement covered the sins for one year, the new covenant through Jesus is eternal, no need to continue adherence to the law or seek atonement (see Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18). Prophetically, this day looks forward to a time when the Jews collectively seek and find Jesus for forgiveness and atonement (see Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 13:34-35; 19:41-44; John 5:30-47). |
Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:1-34; 17:11; 23:26-32; 25:9; Numbers 29:7-11; 35:33 |
1 Chronicles 6:49; 2 Chronicles 29:24; Nehemiah 10:33; Ezekiel 45:17; Hebrews 9:6-10, 22; 10:1-18 |
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Booths Also known as: Sukkot (Hebrew); Tabernacles, Ingathering, Shelters |
15th – 21st of Tishri in Fall |
To remind the people of Israel about God delivering them from the bondage of Egypt and the provisions He blessed them with on their way to the Promised Land. |
Considered the most joyful of all of the festivals. |
Looking forward to a period of continual fellowship with Jesus, prophetically speaking of the time after Jesus returns (eternity in heaven). |
Exodus 23:14, 16-17; 34:22; Leviticus 23:33-43; Numbers 29:12-39; Deuteronomy 16:13-17; 31:10-13 |
1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5:3; 7:1-10; 8:13 |
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[1] See Considerations under Genesis 49:27 regarding “Prophecy Revisited.”