Leviticus 23:23-25
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the LORD.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This seemingly simple introductory phrase, "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying," signals a distinct shift in the text. It marks the beginning of a new, separate divine instruction concerning a specific festival, distinguishing it from the preceding instructions about harvest feasts. The repetition of this formula emphasizes the fresh revelation God is giving for the Feast of Trumpets.
After detailing instructions for the Feast of Weeks and the harvest, God shifts the focus to the seventh month, which held special significance. This section introduces the Feast of Trumpets, a day of rest and holy assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets, preceding the more solemn Day of Atonement and the joyful Feast of Tabernacles. This new divine instruction is presented as a distinct command from the Lord to Moses.
Imagine God wanting to tell you something vital. How does He get your attention? And what's the first thing He says?
This verse, Leviticus 23:23, is a classic example of how God initiates communication in Scripture. Notice the simple, direct phrasing: 'And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying...' It's not just a casual remark; it's a divine directive.
A Direct Connection
God doesn't speak through intermediaries or vague signs here. He addresses Moses directly. This establishes a clear line of communication. For Moses, this was his primary role – to be God's mouthpiece for Israel.
The Purpose of the Word
What follows this divine utterance? A series of instructions for feasts and holy days. God's speaking isn't for His own benefit; it's always for the good of His people. It's about setting apart time, remembering His acts, and structuring their lives around His presence and provision.
Why this month? The Bible is full of intentional timing. Discover why the seventh month held such a special place in Israel's calendar.
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Leviticus 23:23 initiates a new section detailing the observances for the seventh month. This wasn't just any month; it was packed with profound meaning.
A New Beginning
While the Passover marked the beginning of the religious year in the spring, the seventh month (later associated with the Feast of Trumpets on the first day) often marked the civil new year for the Israelites. It was a time of fresh starts, new beginnings, and looking forward.
A Season of Culmination and Reflection
This month was a culmination of the agricultural year, with harvests being gathered. It also pointed towards significant events like the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. It was a season that blended joyful celebration of God's provision with solemn reflection and repentance.
Understand the original words
shabbathon · Hebrew Noun
A cessation from all customary or professional activities, intended to honor God and provide rest and spiritual renewal.
zikkaron · Hebrew Noun
A sign, object, or event meant to keep a historical, spiritual, or divine event in the conscious memory of the people.
teruah · Hebrew Noun
A wind instrument made from an animal horn, used in Israel to announce festivals, war, or the presence of the Lord.
ishsheh · Hebrew Noun
A sacrificial gift brought to the Lord as an act of worship, signifying total devotion and the surrender of the offerer's labor and resources.
This passage reiterates the importance of the Sabbath, emphasizing it as a perpetual covenant sign, which parallels the recurring nature of the feasts and appointed times introduced by the command in Leviticus 23:23.
Numbers 10:1-10This passage describes the use of trumpets for various purposes, including calling assemblies and celebrating feasts, directly connecting to the 'memorial of blowing of trumpets' mentioned in relation to the command given in Leviticus 23:23.
Psalm 81:1-4This psalm instructs Israel to blow the trumpet on the appointed day of the new moon and the Feast of Trumpets, echoing the command in Leviticus 23:23 and highlighting the joy and remembrance associated with these observances.
Nehemiah 8:1-12This passage vividly depicts the people's reaction to hearing the Law read on the first day of the seventh month, showing the solemnity and subsequent joy that characterized this appointed time, which originates from the command given in Leviticus 23:23.
gillLeviticus 23:23: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... At the same time, in a continued discourse, concerning some other days, which were to be observed in a sacred manner: saying; as follows.
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…
This seemingly simple introductory phrase, "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying," signals a distinct shift in the text. It marks the beginning of a new, separate divine instruction concerning a specific festival, distinguishing it from the preceding instructions about harvest feasts. The repetition of this formula emphasizes the fresh revelation God is giving for the Feast of Trumpets.
After detailing instructions for the Feast of Weeks and the harvest, God shifts the focus to the seventh month, which held special significance. This section introduces the Feast of Trumpets, a day of rest and holy assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets, preceding the more solemn Day of Atonement and the joyful Feast of Tabernacles. This new divine instruction is presented as a distinct command from the Lord to Moses.
After detailing instructions for the Feast of Weeks and the harvest, God shifts the focus to the seventh month, which held special significance. This section introduces the Feast of Trumpets, a day of rest and holy assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets, preceding the more solemn Day of Atonement and the joyful Feast of Tabernacles. This new divine instruction is presented as a distinct command from the Lord to Moses.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. You…" — This seemingly simple introductory phrase, "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying," signals a distinct shift in the text. It marks the beginning of a new, separate divine instruction concerning a speci…
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