Feasts of Leviticus 23
Lately I’ve been “feasting” on books of hospitality and God’s invitation to the Gospel, so when I came across this study in my church’s library, I thought it might follow in that same vein. While the book doesn’t describe Christian hospitality to any extent, it does take a close look at the seven feasts God ordained for the Jewish people in the days of Moses (Leviticus 23) and how those feasts represent God’s redemptive plan through the ages.
Warren Wiersbe, that prolific Christian author, is best knows for his devotional commentaries, studies through books or passages of Scripture that offer proper context, draw out important principles, and communicate applications for the lay person. We’ve used his books before in small groups (though I don’t recommend the study guides that publishers have developed based on his books), and, while Wiersbe may not provide the deep theology a pastor might need in sermon preparation, his books are excellent resources for Christian readers looking to understand and apply the Word privately.
This book tackles only a single chapter from the Pentateuch, but Wiersbe uses the seven feasts of Leviticus 23 as an outline of God’s redemption not only of Israel but also of the church. It’s an overview of the human history. He writes in Chapter 1, “God’s Calendar”:
These seven feasts speak to us of the spiritual history of God’s people. Passover—Jesus died for us. Firstfruits—He rose from the dead. Unleavened Bread—putting away sin from our lives and feeding on the Lord Jesus. Pentecost—The coming of the Holy Spirit. Trumpets—God gathering His people. Atonement—God cleansing his people. Tabernacles—God sharing his blessing in the kingdoms with his people. (12-13).
In each chapter thereafter, he sermonizes these feasts, drawing from their historical timing and rituals a portrait of Christ’s work and how each detail can challenge readers in their faith and relationship with Christ. His writing style is very systematic, breaking each chapter down into parallel questions or statements—much as a pastor would do on a Sunday morning—and yet he doesn’t come across as stuffy or boring. In fact, I really enjoyed his comparison of the Jewish Passover to one of our American founding documents:
The Declaration of Independence of Israel was Passover…It meant life because those who were protected by the blood were not slain by the Lord. It means liberty because Israel was delivered from bondage. And it meant the pursuit of happiness because deliverance meant they were on their way to the Promised Land. (14-15).
Examples like this flow throughout the book, and I found this an enjoyable, informative study of a passage I normally (and ashamedly) skim past in my Bible reading. If you’re sitting there between Pentecost and the Trumpets trying to decide what portion of Scripture to study next, consider Leviticus 23 and using this little study book as your guide.
©2021 E.T.
Read More from Warren Wiersbe:
- Be God’s Guest: The Feasts of Leviticus 23 by Warren Wiersbe (1982)
- Preaching and Teaching with Imagination by Warren Wiersbe (1994)
- The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Romans by Warren Wiersbe (2008)
- Be Free (Galatians) by Warren Wiersbe (2009)