1. Leviticus 23:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the phrase “appointed feasts” refer to?

Leviticus 23:2 (ESV)

2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.

The English phrase appointed feasts is derived from a Hebrew noun root meaning to appoint or to designate. In the present context it refers to specific times that the Lord has set in the Hebrew calendar. In other words, it is a technical phrase relating to religious festivals throughout the year (see Exodus 13:10; Exodus 23:15; Exodus 34:18).