The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Leviticus 23:1
What does Leviticus 23:1 mean?
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Leviticus 23:1
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The verse begins a new section focusing on God's appointed times for His people. While it seems like a simple introductory phrase, it marks the authoritative divine command for these sacred observances, directly from the Lord to Moses, highlighting that these aren't mere suggestions but divine appointments meant to structure Israel's relationship with Him.
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The LORD is about to reveal a series of sacred festivals and appointed times to Moses, intended for the Israelites. These are not ordinary days but "holy convocations" where the people are to cease their regular work and gather for worship. This instruction marks a shift from laws concerning holiness in sanctuary, priesthood, and sacrifice to the holiness of time itself within the Israelite community.
Before any feast, any sacrifice, or any commandment, we find these simple words: 'The LORD spoke to Moses.' What does this opening reveal about God's intentions?
The Divine Speaker
Leviticus 23 opens with a foundational statement: 'The LORD spoke to Moses, saying...' This isn't just a literary device; it's the very source of Israel's sacred calendar. Every feast, every holy day, every solemn observance finds its origin not in human tradition or natural cycles, but in the direct communication of God Himself.
The Bible calls these 'set feasts' and 'holy convocations.' What's the difference between a day off and a holy day?
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Beyond Rest: Encounter and Remembrance
The sacred times outlined in Leviticus 23 are far more than just breaks from work. They are intentionally set apart by God for specific purposes:
Understand the original words
Yĕhovah · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel, indicating His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It signifies the God who reveals Himself and enters into personal relationship with His covenant people.
This passage describes the institution of the Passover, the first of the major feasts, highlighting God's deliverance and setting the stage for future divine appointments.
Exodus 19:1-6This event marks God's initiation of a covenant relationship with Israel, showing how He speaks to Moses and the people to set them apart for Himself, similar to how He speaks to Moses to establish holy times.
Numbers 28:1-2This passage reiterates the Lord speaking to Moses to command the Israelites, specifically concerning the offerings that are to be made, reinforcing the pattern of divine instruction for worship.
Nehemiah 8:1-12This later passage shows Ezra reading the Law to the assembled people, which includes the feasts, demonstrating the ongoing importance of these divine appointments and the public proclamation of God's word.
calvinLeviticus 23:1-44: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
Alloquere filios Israel, et dic eis, Quum ingressi fueritis terrain quam ego do vobis, et messueritis messem ejus, tunc offeretis omnes primitias messis vestrae ad sacerdotem.
And he shall wave the shea…
pooleLeviticus 23:1: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
The feasts or, the Lord, Leviticus 23:1,2 . The sabbath, Leviticus 23:3 . The passover, Leviticus 23:4-8 . The sheaf of first-fruits, Leviticus 23:9-14 . The feast of pentecost, Leviticus 23:15-21 . Gleanings to be left for the poor, Leviticus 23:22 . The feast of trumpets, Leviticus 23:23-25 . The day of atonement, Leviticus 23:26-32 . The feast of tabernacles, Leviticus 23:33-43 . No text from Poole on this verse.
The verse begins a new section focusing on God's appointed times for His people. While it seems like a simple introductory phrase, it marks the authoritative divine command for these sacred observances, directly from the Lord to Moses, highlighting that these aren't mere suggestions but divine appointments meant to structure Israel's relationship with Him.
The LORD is about to reveal a series of sacred festivals and appointed times to Moses, intended for the Israelites. These are not ordinary days but "holy convocations" where the people are to cease their regular work and gather for worship. This instruction marks a shift from laws concerning holiness in sanctuary, priesthood, and sacrifice to the holiness of time itself within the Israelite community.
The LORD is about to reveal a series of sacred festivals and appointed times to Moses, intended for the Israelites. These are not ordinary days but "holy convocations" where the people are to cease their regular work and gather for worship. This instruction marks a shift from laws concerning holiness in sanctuary, priesthood, and sacrifice to the holiness of time itself within the Israelite community.
"The LORD spoke to Moses, saying," — The verse begins a new section focusing on God's appointed times for His people. While it seems like a simple introductory phrase, it marks the authoritative divine command for these sacred observanc…
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Last reviewed October 2026