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Annual Feasts of Rejoicing
This chapter is based on Leviticus 23.
The people of Israel were surrounded by fierce, warlike tribes,
eager to seize their lands, yet three times every year all the people
who could make the journey were directed to leave their homes and
travel to the place of assembly near the center of the land. What was
to keep their enemies from sweeping down on those unprotected
homes to destroy them with fire and sword? What was to prevent an
invasion that would bring Israel into captivity?
God had promised to be the protector of His people. “I will cast
out the nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither will any
man covet your land when you go up to appear before the Lord your
God three times in the year.” (
Exodus 34:24
).
The first of these festivals, the Passover, occurred in Abib, the
first month of the Jewish year, corresponding to the last of March
and the beginning of April. The cold of winter was past, the later
rains had ended, and all nature rejoiced in the freshness and beauty
of springtime. The grass was green on the hills and valleys, and wild
flowers brightened the fields everywhere. The moon, almost full,
made the evening delightful.
Throughout the land, groups of pilgrims were making their way
toward Jerusalem. The shepherds, the herdsmen, fishers from the Sea
of Galilee, farmers from their fields, and sons of the prophets from
the sacred schools—all turned their steps toward the place where
God’s presence was revealed. Many went on foot. The caravans
often became very large before reaching the Holy City.
Nature’s gladness awakened joy in the hearts of Israel. The
people chanted the grand Hebrew psalms, exalting the glory and
majesty of Jehovah. At the sound of the signal trumpet, with the
music of cymbals, the chorus of thanksgiving arose, swelled by
hundreds of voices:
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