The Three Pilgrim Feasts (Shalosh R’galim) and NT References/Allusions

Prepared by Elizabeth Cole, November 13, 2011

Pilgrim Feasts Hebrew Name OT References Historical Commemoration Seasonal Celebration NT References

Passover Pesach

Exodus 12-13 Leviticus 23:4–14 Deuteronomy 16:1–8 Joshua 5:10-12

Deliverance from Egypt and into the Promised Land

First Sheaf of Barley (Spring)

Christ was arrested during Passover meal (Synoptics: Mt 26:17-19, Mk 14:12-16, Lk 22:7-13) and/or died on the Cross as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed (Jn 13:1, 19:14, 31, 42) John and Paul refer to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb (Jn 1:29, 19:36, 1 Cor 5:7-8)

Pentecost (Weeks)

Shavuoth Leviticus 23:15–21 Deuteronomy 16:9–12

Giving of Torah and making the covenant at Sinai (acquired meaning,

postexilic); the beginning of Israel’s sense of being the

People of God

Grain (Wheat) Harvest (Summer)

Descent of the Holy Spirit upon all believers at Pentecost (Acts 2); The Spirit writes the Law in all human hearts (Jer 31:31-34) and forms the church as the new People of God (the birthday of the church)

Feast of Tabernacles

(Booths) a.k.a.

Feast of the Ingathering,

Feast of the Lord, the Feast

Succoth (Sukkoth)

Exodus 23:14-19, 34:22-24 Leviticus 23:33–36, 39-43 Numbers 29:12-38 Deuteronomy 16:13–15, 16-17, 31:9-13 1 Kings 8:2, 65; 12:32 2 Chronicles 8:13 Nehemiah 8 1 Maccabees 4:54-59 2 Maccabees 1:1-36 Lamentations 2:6, 7 Hosea 12:9

Wanderings in the wilderness (and Yahweh’s protection and protection during this time); later acquired meanings included hope for a Davidic messiah and longing for national independence; Maccabean rededication of the Temple was during this feast (the first Hannukah)

Grape and Olive Harvest (Autumn)

Jesus referred to himself as the living water, during the dawn water libation ceremony during this feast (John 7) Elements of the feast (waving palm branches) at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, expressing the longing for messiah and national independence (Mt 21:8, Mk 11:8, Jn 12:13) Peter desires to set up booths at the Transfiguration (Mt 17:4, Mk 9:5, Lk 9:33) Some scholars day “the Feast of the Lord” is the source of “the Day of the Lord” – major theme in Scripture Harvest imagery of the end time (Mt 9:37-38, 13:39, Jn 4:35, Rom 1:13, Rev 14:15)