Leviticus 23:1–22 (Part I)
Theme: “Appointed Times – God’s Calendar for His People”
by: Pst JK Woodall
Introduction
Leviticus 23 opens a powerful window into how God orders time—not randomly, but intentionally. In a world where people organize life around work schedules, holidays, and personal priorities, God establishes something different: a divine calendar.
These “feasts” are not merely celebrations; they are appointed times (Hebrew: moedim), meaning set meetings between God and His people. This reveals something foundational:
👉 God is not distant—He appoints times to meet with His people.
The book of Leviticus is given during Israel’s wilderness journey after their deliverance from Egypt. God is forming them into a holy nation—not just in identity, but in daily practice.
Leviticus 23 specifically focuses on sacred time.
Leviticus 23:1
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,”
Insight: God is the source of instruction.
Support:
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…”
Leviticus 23:2
“…The feasts of the Lord… these are My feasts.”
Insight: These are God’s appointments, not man’s traditions.
Support (Christ-centered):
Colossians 2:16–17 — “Which are a shadow… but the substance is Christ.”
Leviticus 23:3
“…the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest…”
Insight: God commands rest as an act of trust.
Support (Christ-centered):
Matthew 11:28 — “I will give you rest.”
Leviticus 23:4
“…holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.”
Insight: God works through appointed seasons.
Support:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “To everything there is a season…”
Leviticus 23:5
“…the Lord’s Passover.”
Insight: Deliverance is tied to sacrifice.
Support (Christ-centered):
1 Corinthians 5:7 — “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”
Leviticus 23:6
“…Feast of Unleavened Bread…”
Insight: After deliverance comes purification.
Support:
1 Corinthians 5:7–8 — “Purge out the old leaven…”
Leviticus 23:7
“…you shall have a holy convocation…”
Insight: God calls His people to gather in worship.
Support:
Hebrews 10:25 — “Not forsaking the assembling…”
Leviticus 23:8
“…seven days… an offering… the seventh day… rest.”
Insight: Holiness is sustained, not momentary.
Support:
Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
Leviticus 23:9
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,”
Insight: God continues revealing deeper instruction.
Support:
Isaiah 28:10 — “Line upon line… precept upon precept…”
Leviticus 23:10
“…bring a sheaf of the firstfruits…”
Insight: God deserves the first portion.
Support:
Proverbs 3:9 — “Honor the Lord with your firstfruits…”
Leviticus 23:11
“…to be accepted on your behalf…”
Insight: The offering secures acceptance.
Support (Christ-centered):
Ephesians 1:6 — “He made us accepted in the Beloved.”
Leviticus 23:12
“…a male lamb… without blemish…”
Insight: The sacrifice must be perfect.
Support (Christ-centered):
1 Peter 1:19 — “A lamb without blemish… Christ.”
Leviticus 23:13
“…fine flour mixed with oil…”
Insight: Worship requires excellence and preparation.
Support:
Malachi 1:11 — “A pure offering…”
Leviticus 23:14
“…you shall eat neither bread… until you have brought an offering…”
Insight: God must come first before provision is enjoyed.
Support (Christ-centered):
Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom…”
Leviticus 23:15
“…you shall count for yourselves…”
Insight: God teaches expectation and intentional waiting.
Support:
Habakkuk 2:3 — “Though it tarries, wait for it…”
Leviticus 23:16
“…count fifty days… a new grain offering…”
Insight: God fulfills promises in set timing.
Support (Christ-centered):
Acts 2:1 — “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come…”
Leviticus 23:17
“…two wave loaves… baked with leaven…”
Insight: God accepts imperfect people.
Support (Christ-centered):
Romans 5:8 — “While we were still sinners, Christ died…”
Leviticus 23:18
“…seven lambs… one bull… two rams…”
Insight: True worship involves sacrifice.
Support:
Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…”
Leviticus 23:19
“…a sin offering…”
Insight: Sin must still be addressed.
Support (Christ-centered):
Hebrews 10:12 — “He offered one sacrifice for sins forever.”
Leviticus 23:20
“…holy to the Lord…”
Insight: What is given to God becomes sanctified.
Support:
Romans 11:16 — “If the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy…”
Leviticus 23:21
“…a holy convocation… you shall do no customary work…”
Insight: Worship requires separation from routine life.
Support:
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God…”
Leviticus 23:22
“…leave them for the poor and the stranger…”
Insight: God builds generosity into obedience.
Support (Christ-centered):
Matthew 25:40 — What you do for others, you do for Christ
Closing Summary for Teaching
Leviticus 23 reveals a progression:
God speaks
God appoints
God delivers
God cleanses
God provides
God empowers
God commands compassion
Final Takeaway
Every verse points to this truth:
👉 God had a plan
👉 That plan is fulfilled in Jesus Christ
👉 And we are called to walk in it daily
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