THE FEASTS OF JEHOVAH. Leviticus 23 There are ways in which holiness is demonstrated and experienced. The idea of having holy days set apart from others comes from God Himself. Eleven times in Leviticus 23, “holy convocation” is listed as times that belong to God, during which our minds, hearts, and time are focused on Him. Holy celebrations and regular work and pleasures do not mix. Expressions of thanks, commitment, review, and testimony are important and are to be displayed publicly on special days.
Holy days are meant to be joyful occasions, even though we are also called to remember some serious matters and reflect on their current impact on us. Holiness involves taking a responsible approach to life, and because it is a righteous way of living, it brings peace and happiness to our hearts.
The seven feasts of Jehovah were yearly events. All the males of Israel were to attend these three times a year at Jerusalem: The Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost, Harvest), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
Other divinely appointed times included the weekly Sabbath on the seventh day of the week. Every seventh year was a Sabbath Year. After seven “Seventh Year Sabbaths,” there was a Year of Jubilee. The monthly New Moon was a day of rest and special sacrifices. An eight-day Feast of Dedication (Lights, Hannukah) was celebrated in the ninth month of the year, and Purim was a two-day celebration in the twelfth month.
The festivals held in Israel aimed to emphasize fellowship in faith and prevent individual faith experiences from becoming too private. By highlighting God's past acts, they connected the faith of the older generation with that of the next, offering hope for the future. These festivals bridged religious duties with joyful celebrations. God commanded these days, but they were also meant to be happy days of fellowship and celebration.