Chapter 52—Annual Feasts of Rejoicing
This chapter is based on
Leviticus 23
.
The people of Israel were surrounded by fierce, warlike tribes,
eager to seize upon their lands; yet three times every year all the
people who could make the journey were directed to leave their homes
and repair to the place of assembly near the center of the land. What
was to hinder their enemies from sweeping down on those unprotected
households to lay them waste 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 thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any
man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord
thy God thrice 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 latter
rain 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 everywhere brightened the fields. The moon, now approaching
full, made the evening delightful.
Throughout the land, bands of pilgrims were making their way
toward Jerusalem. The shepherds, the herdsmen, fishers from the Sea
of Galilee, husbandmen 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
[387]
became very large before reaching the Holy City.
Nature’s gladness awakened joy in the hearts of Israel. The grand
Hebrew psalms were chanted, exalting the glory and majesty of Jeho-
vah. At the sound of the signal trumpet, with the music of cymbals,
the chorus of thanksgiving arose, swelled by hundreds of voices:
I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go unto the house of the Lord.
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