Big Idea: God uses religious occasions and holidays to teach his people to be holy.

Understanding the Text

Leviticus 23 continues the theme of holiness in the holiness code (Lev. 17–27) and the broader theme in Leviticus of maintaining an equilibrium between the human and the divine (see the introduction to Leviticus). Leviticus 21–22 deals with holy priests and holy offerings. Now the text moves on to holy days and festivals used by God to instill in Israel a sense of being a holy people in proper relationship with himself.

Interpretive Insights

23:3 sabbath. The Hebrew word shabbat is from a root meaning “to cease, stop, rest.” On the Sabbath work ceases, and one begins a period of rest. “Day of sabbath rest” should read instead, “a Sabbath of complete rest” (HCSB). As on the Day of Atonemen…