Page 6 - June 2022 - Truth & Tidings

Introduction ian society, and there were no feasts at the
This series about the Feasts of the Lord height of the season when the fields were
will be simple, a primer for those who are in need of attention. Yes, these feasts made
approaching the theme for the first time. great demands on the people, but as ever,
We do not anticipate an in-depth study for “his commandments are not grievous”
Bible students, but if that is your status, (1Jn 5:3).
be kind enough to keep on reading and As stated, the gatherings were for God’s
regard the series as a refresher course! pleasure, hence the designation “the feasts
Our core passage is Leviticus 23. The of the Lord,” “my feasts.” By the time the
feasts are mentioned elsewhere, especially Lord Jesus was here, the focus had shifted
from honoring God to mere ritualistic
in Deuteronomy 16, where there is an em- activity, and so the Spirit of God describes
phasis on the location for these gatherings, them as feasts “of the Jews” (e.g., Joh
“the place which the Lord shall choose to 5:1). Be guarded, lest biblical activities in
place his name there” (v2). They are feasts connection with the assembly degenerate
1
in the sense of festivals, and in fact, one into events that are simply routine. There
of them, the Day of Atonement, was more can be the whirr of religious machinery
like a fast than a feast! without the warmth of heartfelt devotion.
Descriptions The second description of the feasts is
There are two general descriptions of “holy convocations,” for while they were
the feasts in Leviticus 23:2. First, they primarily for God’s pleasure, there was a
are called “the feasts of the Lord.” Most benefit for His people in being together
translations insert the word “set,” the set in fellowship with each other. Human
feasts of the Lord, or some use the term beings are social creatures, and even men
“the appointed seasons.” They were ap- of the world see mental and emotional
pointed by God, with the timing very advantages in companionship, hence the
precise for various reasons, not least in multitude of clubs, lodges and organiza-
expressing His care for His people. The tions that allow people with common
seven feasts involved three annual visits to interests to associate and interact with
Jerusalem in the months that more or less each other. The feasts of Jehovah created a
approximate to what we call March, May spiritual atmosphere in which those with
and September. This schedule expresses a common loyalty to Him could associ-
the goodness of God in two ways. First, ate to honor Him, and they were clearly
every male in Israel was obliged to at- occasions that were anticipated with joy
tend, for it was all for God’s pleasure, but and engaged in with pleasure. A song that
there was nothing arranged for the winter they would have sung en route to Zion
months when travel would be challenging was Psalm 122: “I was glad when they
because of the frost and snow. Second, He said unto me, Let us go into the house of
took into account that this was an agrar- the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy
¹ All Scripture quotations in this article are from gates, O Jerusalem” (vv1-2).
the KJV. Today, the prospect of being with the

166 TRUTH kTidings June 2022