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The Festivals |
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Besides enjoying one Sabbath day of rest each week, the Israelites also enjoyed 19 days when national holidays were celebrated. Leviticus 23 |
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Feast |
What It Celebrated |
Its Importance |
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Passover |
When God spared the lives of Israel's firstborn children in Egypt and freed the Hebrews from slavery |
Reminded the people of God's deliverance |
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Unleavened Bread |
The exodus from Egypt |
Reminded the people they were leaving the old life behind and entering a new way of living |
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Firstfruits |
The first crops of the barley harvest |
Reminded the people how God provided for them |
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Pentecost |
The end of the barley harvest and beginning of the wheat harvest |
Showed joy and thanksgiving over the bountiful harvest |
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Trumpets |
The beginning of the seventh month (civil new year) |
Expressed joy and thanksgiving to God |
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Day of Atonement |
The removal of sin from the people and the nation |
Restored fellowship with God |
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Shelters |
God's protection and guidance in the wilderness |
Renewed Israel's commitment to God and trust in his guidance and protection |