What are the holy days in the Bible?

The Bible references a series of sacred days and festivals, often called “holy days,” that were instituted by God for the people of Israel. These occasions were more than mere cultural traditions; they held deep spiritual significance, commemorated historical events, and pointed to important theological truths. This blog post explores the main biblical holy days, their biblical origins, and their significance for believers today.

The Sabbath: The Weekly Holy Day

The first and most frequently occurring holy day in the Bible is the Sabbath. Established at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and reiterated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), the Sabbath is observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. It is a day of rest, reflection, and worship, set apart as holy by God Himself. The Sabbath served as a weekly reminder of God’s creation, His provision, and His desire for His people to experience rest and renewal. In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the Sabbath’s value, stating, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

The Annual Festivals: God’s Appointed Times

Beyond the weekly Sabbath, the Old Testament outlines several annual festivals known as the “Feasts of the Lord.” These are detailed in Leviticus 23 and were observed by the Israelites as times of worship, celebration, and remembrance. The principal feasts include:

Passover (Pesach)

Passover commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). Celebrated in the spring, it involves a meal featuring unleavened bread and lamb, symbolizing the haste of the exodus and the sacrificial protection of God. In Christian theology, Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God” whose sacrifice brings ultimate deliverance from sin.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Immediately following Passover, this seven-day festival requires the removal of all leaven (yeast) from homes and the consumption of unleavened bread. Leaven often symbolizes sin in Scripture, so this feast represents purity and a break from the old ways of life (Exodus 12:15-20).

The Feast of Firstfruits

Held during the week of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits celebrates the beginning of the barley harvest. An offering of the first ripened grain is brought to God, expressing gratitude and trust in His continued provision (Leviticus 23:9-14). For Christians, Firstfruits is associated with Christ’s resurrection, as Paul writes, “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks)

Fifty days after Passover comes Pentecost, also called Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. This festival marks the end of the grain harvest and, in Jewish tradition, the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 34:22). In the New Testament, Pentecost becomes significant as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples (Acts 2), signifying the birth of the Church.

The Fall Festivals

In the seventh month, three major holy days occur:

• Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): A day of sounding trumpets, heralding a season of repentance and spiritual reflection (Leviticus 23:23-25).
• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The holiest day of the year, devoted to fasting, repentance, and seeking God’s forgiveness (Leviticus 23:26-32).
• Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): A week-long festival commemorating the Israelites’ wilderness journey and God’s provision. Families dwell in temporary shelters (“tabernacles”), remembering their dependence on God (Leviticus 23:33-43).

Are These Holy Days for Christians Today?

While the Old Testament holy days were given specifically to Israel, many Christians find value in understanding and, in some cases, observing these festivals. Some see them as prophetic foreshadowings fulfilled in Christ, while others participate in them to deepen their spiritual walk and connect with biblical history. The New Testament emphasizes freedom in such observances (Romans 14:5-6, Colossians 2:16-17), focusing ultimately on the substance—Jesus Christ Himself.