Breakdown of Exodus 23:14-17

"“Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me. You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As I commanded you, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Eg…" — The word used for "times" here isn't the standard word for "occasions," but instead literally means "feet." This implies that these weren't just abstract appointments but actual journeys or pilgrimag…

All verses

Exodus 23:14-17

What does Exodus 23:14-17 mean?

The word used for "times" here isn't the standard word for "occasions," but instead literally means "feet." This implies that these weren't just abstract appointments but actual journeys or pilgrimages the people were to make to God's presence.

“Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me. You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. As I commanded you, you shall eat unleavened bread for seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. None shall appear before me empty-handed. You shall keep the Feast of Harvest, of the firstfruits of your labor, of what you sow in the field. You shall keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the fruit of your labor. Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord GOD.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Exodus 23:14-17 means

Following a series of laws concerning justice and ethical conduct, this passage shifts to a fundamental aspect of Israelite worship: pilgrimage festivals. These mandatory gatherings, occurring three times a year, served as crucial moments for national unity and remembrance of God’s faithfulness.

Feasting as Faithful Following

Why would God command His people to 'keep a feast' three times a year? It wasn't just about a day off!

This verse isn't just a rule; it's an invitation to participate in God's ongoing story with His people. The command to keep feasts three times a year pointed to specific, significant moments:

The Passover (and Unleavened Bread): This feast recalled their dramatic rescue from slavery in Egypt. It was a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and power to deliver.
The Feast of Harvest (Pentecost): Celebrated fifty days after Passover, this feast marked the firstfruits of the grain harvest. It was a time to thank God for His provision and the bounty of the land.
The Feast of Ingathering (Tabernacles): This autumn feast celebrated the completion of the harvest and the gathering of produce. It also served as a reminder of their ancestors' time living in temporary shelters in the wilderness, highlighting God's sustained care.

These weren't just optional holidays; they were vital 'pilgrimages' (as some scholars note the original word implies) that physically brought the people together to remember God's past faithfulness, acknowledge His present provision, and reinforce their collective identity as His people.

The Purpose Behind the Pilgrimage

Beyond remembrance, what deeper purposes did these annual gatherings serve for ancient Israel?

These feasts were far more than just religious observances; they were powerful tools for national unity and spiritual formation. Think of them as God's intentional strategy to:

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What does Exodus 23:14-17 mean?

What Exodus 23:14-17 means

Feasting as Faithful Following

The Purpose Behind the Pilgrimage

Ask Sola about this verse

What Exodus 23:14-17 means

Feasting as Faithful Following

The Purpose Behind the Pilgrimage

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Exodus 23:14-17

The situation behind Exodus 23:14-17

Key themes in Exodus 23:14-17

Verses connected to Exodus 23:14-17

Scholarly commentary on Exodus 23:14-17

Frequently asked questions about Exodus 23:14-17

Study this verse in Sola