(Levit., chap. 23.)
"These are Jehovah's set times-holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons" (ver. 4).
1. The Sabbath-verse 3.
First month of the year:
1 The Passover-verse 5, and Unleavened Bread-verse 6.
2. Sheaf of First-fruits-verse 10.
3. Pentecost (7 weeks after First-fruits)-verse IS.
Seventh month of the year:
1. The Blowing of Trumpets-verse 24.
2. The Day of Atonement-verse 27.
3. The Feast of Tabernacles-verse 34.
The Sabbath is put first, as the great end to be kept in view, and to which all the rest is tending. It is separated in a way from "the Appointed Times" by the repetition at verse 4 of "These are the appointed times of Jehovah," which applies to what follows. In Genesis. 2:2 the Sabbath is spoken of last-after, and as the result of, the six days' work. All being finished, and pronounced "very good," God rested from all His work, and "blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." The Sabbath therefore points to that eternal rest, of which Heb. 4:9 also speaks:"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God," when God Himself shall rest in His love-all being finished and pronounced "very good."
Two series or groups of these "appointed times" as leading up to that Rest (Sabbath) are now given. The first series is at the beginning of the year. The second series comes only after a long interval in the 7th month of the year.
The first of these divine footsteps is
1. THE PASSOVER, with its attendant
Unleavened Bread, which the apostle interprets for us in 1 Cor. 5:7,8:"Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." The soul at peace with God through faith in Christ's atoning work, and walking in His ways, already enjoys something of that "rest which remains for the people of God.
2. THE SHEAF of FIRST-FRUITS tells of Christ risen from the dead, the pledge of the harvest to follow (1 Cor. 15:20). With His resurrection comes the announcement of the new place into which He brings His people with Himself:"Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God" (Jno. 20:17). The corn of wheat having fallen into the earth and died, "bringeth forth much fruit"- "bringeth many sons unto glory" with Himself.
3. PENTECOST. Seven weeks after the presentation of the Sheaf of First-fruits, a second presentation is made- two loaves from the gathered grain of the fields. But, note, they are "baked with leaven" (ver. 17). They represent the people of God "accepted in the Beloved." The evil in their nature-not in activity, but baked in the loaves-is acknowledged in this. Therefore a sin-offering accompanies their presentation (ver. 19), whilst a large burnt-offering (ver. 18) expresses the fulness of their acceptance in Christ. It was at Pentecost that the Holy Spirit came upon the assembled disciples, marking them as God's own, and enduing them with power for testimony to Christ glorified.
Thus far we have seen in the first group of these divinely appointed times what characterizes true Christianity. A long interval now occurs, until the 7th month is reached; then we have another group of three "Appointed Times."
This second group (all included in the 7th month) as clearly applies to Israel as the first group applies to Christianity.
1. THE BLOWING OF TRUMPETS-ver. 24. With the rejection of unfaithful Christianity (Rom. 11:22-26; Rev. 3:16), God in sovereign grace takes up Israel afresh. There comes a recall to the ancient people so long under discipline, and reckoned as "Lo-ammi"-not my people. They are to be grafted in again upon their own olive tree of grace and testimony. The trumpets shall sound in Israel's ears, and God's word shall cause the dead bones to come to life again (Ezek. 37). This recall is naturally followed by
2. THE DAY OF ATONEMENT-at which time they shall "afflict their souls" (ver. 27). Zechariah 12:10-14 sets forth this time of Israel's repentance, followed by, "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness," when they shall look upon Him whom they pierced. Then it shall be that the scape-goat for which atonement was made at the Cross (Levit. 16:21, 22), will carry away their sins to be remembered no more.
Israel redeemed from their wanderings, turned back to God and washed from their sins, will then celebrate
3. THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES-a feast in restored blessings, enjoyed in peace and security under the gracious eye and hand of God (of which the "booths" speak), and in remembrance of past wanderings.
This "feast" continues the full week-the millennial period.
Who that understands these "appointed" or "set times of Jehovah" but must own the Eternal has spoken in them-millenniums before He has brought them to pass!
"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18).