Festival of Weeks (Shavu’ot)—As declared in Leviticus: And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the day of rest, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the waving; seven weeks shall there be complete; even unto the morrow after the seventh week shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall present a new meal-offering unto the LORD.
Shavu’ot in similar fashion to Yom Habikkurim is a festival ordained by G_D for the Israelites to celebrate whence they came into the land of promise, or if one prefers when Israel came into their inheritance.
To celebrate Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:16 Num. 28-26)
To count forty-nine days starting from the day after bringing the first fruits wave offering … seven full weeks shall be counted (Lev. 23:15)
On the 50th day to bring an additional first fruits offering on Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:15; Num. 28:26-27)
To bring on Shauv'ot loaves of bread together with the sacrifices which are then offered up in connection with the loaves (Lev. 23:17-20)
The priest shall present the sacrifices and make a wave offering to G_D (Lev. 23:20)
To rest and convocate on Shauv'ot (Lev. 23:21)
Like Yom Habikkurim, Shavu’ot is a festival with great agricultural significance. It is a festival where G_D commands the presentation of a new meal offering which for the Israelites of the promised-land, would have meant an offering from the first of the late Spring wheat yield … once again as a memorial to G_D’s benevolence and naturally to provide sustenance for the Priests and Levites who depended upon the sacrifices and tithes of Israel to survive, maintain the Mishkan/Holy Service and also to distribute sustenance to the orphans, widows and strangers in need.
When viewing the Commandments what is most noteworthy is the very specific nature of “counting the omer” for fifty days! It assuredly appears to be a declaration from G_D that he is “going to deliver sustenance” … if of course the Israelites are remaining in a relationship with him! It certainly does appear that G_D, who watches over the promised-land always, is declaring for Israel that he will divinely deliver the harvest … fifty days from the Spring barley harvest … perpetually! Let this sink in for a moment!
First and foremost the festival in its original Hebraic context for the Israelites would have served as a memorial that yet again G_D is the constant provider of sustenance and all things that are needed to survive. Quite simply there is no living without the constant nourishment from the storehouses of G_D. And just like the first offspring of Israel are dedicated to G_D … so too is the offspring of the harvests.
Secondly we should note that the importance of the timing set forth by G_D is clearly indicative of order and control. The declaration to observe the festival at the completion of seven Shabbat cycles (or a jubilee of days) shows how it is G_D alone who controls all things in accordance to his design … according to his patterns and schedule. In this festival, G_D declares how it is he that orchestrates everything; the seasons, the rain, the crops, the timing and even the Israelites continued habitation of the land …. every aspect of existence!
At the most rudimentary level than we can parlay this Mo’ed to the early Spring Mo’adim and conclude that G_D’s work did not end when the Israelites came into the temporal land of promise. Clearly G_D, in ordaining this perpetual Mo’ed, is minimally declaring that Israel is not in control but that he is in control. G_D is declaring that he is the continued source of sustenance … and, as previously revealed, the Israelites fortunes rest in their continued relationship with G_D! This is the most basic traditional Hebraic perspective related to Shavu’ot.
As can be surmised however there is certainly much more relevance to Israel concerning this Holy Mo’ed in a traditional Hebraic perspective! As our last review of Yom Habikkurim (First Fruits) revealed there is this awesome integrated relationship between the Land, the People, the Torah, the Everlasting Covenant, the Holy Service and the Mishkan! Let us ready ourselves because within the auspices of Shavu’ot this amazing interwoven dynamic will bountifully emerge.
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Although this festival is a declared observance upon entrance to the land of inheritance it should be noted that the Israelite inheritance is far more than just the land. Their inheritance as the chosen people was not simply to occupy the land but to become a special nation; a kingdom of priests; a light to the nations. Essentially the Israelites were to receive not just the land but the very legacy of the seed they had been adopted into.
We also saw clearly how the land the Israelites were inheriting had been defiled by the sinfulness and rebellion of the indigenous peoples and that the land would be regenerated for the Israelites. As such there would be the need to educate the Israelites with the Wisdom of G_D so that they would not defile the land as did the former inhabitants … but prosper as just and able stewards. The Israelites needed to learn what this legacy of inheritance was all about!
In the third month after the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. …; and there Israel encamped before the mount. And Moses went up unto G_D, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying: 'Thus shall thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will hearken unto my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own treasure from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shall speak unto the children of Israel.' …. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said: 'All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.' And Moses reported the words of the people unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and may also believe thee forever.' … And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their garments, and be ready against the third day; for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai. … And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their garments. And he said unto the people: 'Be ready against the third day; come not near a woman.' And it came to pass on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of a horn exceeding loud; and all the people that were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet G_D; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. Now Mount Sinai was altogether on smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the horn waxed louder and louder, Moses spoke, and G_D answered him by a voice. And the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mount; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. … And G_D spoke all these words, saying: I am the LORD thy G_D, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shall have no other gods before me. Thou shall not make unto thee a graven image, nor any manner of likeness, of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shall not bow down unto them, nor serve them; for I the LORD thy G_D am a jealous G_D, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of them that love me and keep my commandments. Thou shall not take the name of the LORD thy G_D in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shall thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the LORD thy G_D, in it thou shall not do any manner of work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy G_D gives thee. Thou shall not murder. Thou shall not commit adultery. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's house; thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. …
And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the horn, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses: 'Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not G_D speak with us, lest we die.' And Moses said unto the people: 'Fear not; for G_D is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.' And the people stood afar off; but Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where G_D was. And the LORD said unto Moses: Thus thou shall say unto the children of Israel: Ye yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. Ye shall not make with me--gods of silver, or gods of gold, ye shall not make unto you. An altar of earth thou shall make unto me, and shall sacrifice thereon thy burnt-offerings, and thy peace-offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen; in every place where I cause my name to be mentioned I will come unto thee and bless thee. And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shall not build it of hewn stones; for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast profaned it. Neither shall thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon. Now these are the ordinances which thou shall set before them. (Exodus 19:1-21:1)
Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my G_D commanded me, that ye should do so in the midst of the land whither ye go in to possess it. Observe therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that when they hear all these statutes shall say: 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there, that hath G_D so nigh unto them, as the LORD our G_D is when so ever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that hath statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children; the day that thou stood before the LORD thy G_D … And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the heart of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness. And the LORD spoke unto you … And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even the ten words; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves … you hath the LORD taken and brought forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day. … Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your G_D, which he made with you … For the LORD thy G_D is a devouring fire, a jealous G_D. (Deuteronomy 4:5-24)
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy G_D require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy G_D, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy G_D with all thy heart and with all thy soul; to keep for thy good the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day? Behold, unto the LORD thy G_D belongs the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that therein is. Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you, above all peoples, as it is this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. For the LORD your G_D, he is G_D of gods, and LORD of LORDs, the great G_D, the mighty, and the awful, who regards not persons, nor takes reward. He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. He is thy glory, and he is thy G_D, that hath done for thee these great and tremendous things, which thine eyes have seen. (Deuteronomy 10:12-21)
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too hard for thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou should say: 'who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?' Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou should say: 'who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?' But the Word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou may do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil, in that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy G_D, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances; then thou shall live and multiply, and the LORD thy G_D shall bless thee in the land whither thou goes in to possess it. But if thy heart turn away, and thou wilt not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I declare unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish; ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passes over the Jordan to go in to possess it. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life, that thou may live, thou and thy seed; to love the LORD thy G_D, to hearken to his voice, and to cleave unto him; for that is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou may dwell in the land which the LORD swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. (Deuteronomy 30:11-20)
Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked, or stood in the way of sinners, or sat in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither; and in whatsoever he does he shall prosper. Not so the wicked; but they are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, or sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD regards the way of the righteous; but the way of the wicked shall perish. (Psalms 1:1-6)
For such as are blessed of him shall inherit the land; and they that are cursed of him shall be cut off. It is of the LORD that a man's goings are established; and he delighted in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. All the daylong he deals graciously, and lends; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loves justice, and forsakes not his saints; they are preserved forever; but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his G_D is in his heart; none of his steps slide. (Psalms 37:22-31)
And ye shall be holy unto me; for I the LORD am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine. (Leviticus 20:26)
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As can be readily deduced, the previous excerpts from Exodus and Deuteronomy depict the giving of G_D’s commands, statutes and ordinances to the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai. This awesome and fearful event, in a traditional Hebraic perspective, is commonly referred to as “the giving of Torah”.
It should be noted that the time frame of this event is in the third month after the departure from Egypt. Hebraic tradition declares that this event took place on the 50th day after Yom Habikkurim. From a faith perspective it would seem perhaps immature to conjecture otherwise. Operating under the traditional Hebraic presumption that the giving of Torah and Shavu’ot are intertwined we see then that the festival takes on much more than simple agricultural significance.
The Festival of Shavu’ot then for the Israelites is not simply a celebration of G_D’s omnipotence and control over all things in creation and the source of continual sustenance and blessings specifically for Israel … Shavu’ot then for the Israelites is also the celebration of when G_D gave to Israel their real inheritance. Shavu’ot is the giving by G_D of the Way, the Truth and the Light in the form of his Word of Righteousness and Holiness; the Torah!
Additionally in a Hebraic perspective Shavu’ot serves as a permanent memorial and celebration as a time when G_D physically manifested himself to the chosen people Israel. The festival then serves to remind the Israelites how G_D is a personal and interactive G_D … a G_D that is actively involved in their human experience!
In this broadened perspective we can see where Shavu’ot becomes an incredibly important festival:
Deeply rooted in the continuation of Israel’s inheritance;
Integral to Israel’s continued existence and receipt of blessings;
Integral to the covenantal relationship;
Integral to Israel’s uniqueness … Israel’s distinctiveness;
Integral to Israel’s mission to be a light to the nations;
Integral to Israel’s pursuit of Holiness … a.k.a. G_D’s very character and essence.
When we view this broadened picture of Shavu’ot within the Hebraic perspective there are some other important aspects that we need to keep in mind.
It becomes clear that redemption, separation from Egypt and acceptance of “the covenant” (renewal) is not sufficient for Israel to satisfy G_D or deliver the objectives which Israel has been tasked with in G_D’s great plan of restoration … clearly Israel needs to be provided with this wisdom from G_D … this wisdom is conclusively not innate to people;
It becomes clear that the “temporal inheritance” of the land is secondary to the “spiritual gift” of G_D’s supreme wisdom, righteousness and holiness since the retention of the temporal inheritance is dependent upon application of the Torah;
It becomes clear that Israel’s sustenance, prosperity and very existence all become totally integrated into the Everlasting Covenant wherein THE LORD will provide abundantly and on time if Israel responds … and conversely G_D will not provide if Israel fails to respond … as such it becomes G_D’s seal of acceptance;
It becomes clear that G_D’s desire … his requirement … is that his Torah not just visually reflect his chosen people Israel but that his chosen people Israel cut this Torah into their hearts … just as G_D cut this Torah into the tablets of stone;
It becomes clear that the awesome fiery presence of G_D is designed to seer into memory (reverent awe) the wisdom, righteousness and holiness contained within the Torah;
It becomes clear that the Torah is synonymous with light
Ultimately than we should readily understand within the traditional Hebraic perspective that Shavu’ot, beyond all other Mo’adim, defines what it means to be Israel … what it means to be Jewish … what it means to be a covenantal people … what it means to be distinct and peculiar. Most assuredly this understanding regarding the Torah was not lost to David the Psalmist who was the man whose heart G_D loved! Though imperfect, David’s heart longed for the glory of G_D’s righteousness and the day when all rebellion would be set aside upon the Earth. David most assuredly had inspired insights regarding G_D’s Torah:
The Torah of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, they are righteous altogether; more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. … The Torah of G_D’s mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
And he gave them (Israel) the lands of the nations, and they took the labor of the peoples in possession; that they might keep his statutes, and observe his laws. Hallelujah.
Happy is the man whom Thou instructs, O LORD, and teaches out of Thy Torah; That Thou may give him rest from the days of evil, until the pit be dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. For right shall return unto justice, and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The Torah of his G_D is in his heart; none of his steps slide.
I am a sojourner in the earth; hide not Thy commandments from me. My soul breaks for the longing that it hath unto Thine ordinances at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, that do err from Thy commandments. Take away from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept Thy testimonies. Even though princes sit and talk against me, thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes. Yea, Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy statutes; and I will keep it at every step. Give me understanding, that I keep Thy Torah and observe it with my whole heart. Make me to tread in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken me in Thy ways. Confirm Thy word unto Thy servant, which pertains unto the fear of Thee. Turn away my reproach which I dread; for Thine ordinances are good. Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts; quicken me in Thy righteousness.
Remove from me the way of falsehood; and grant me Thy Torah graciously. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; Thine ordinances have I set [before me]. I cleave unto Thy testimonies; O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of Thy commandments, for Thou dost enlarge my heart.
I delight to do Thy will, O my G_D; yea, Thy Torah is in my inmost parts. … Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Torah.
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered Thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have observed Thy Torah. This I have had, that I have kept Thy precepts. My portion is the LORD, I have said that I would observe Thy words.
For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light do we see light. O continue Thy loving kindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death; hast Thou not delivered my feet from stumbling? That I may walk before G_D in the light of the living.
O send out Thy light and Thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto Thy holy mountain and to Thy dwelling-places. Then will I go unto the altar of G_D, unto G_D, my exceeding joy.
Blessed be he that comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you out of the house of the LORD. The LORD is G_D, and hath given us light; order the festival procession with boughs, even unto the horns of the altar.
O ye that love the LORD, hate evil; he preserves the souls of his saints; he delivered them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks to his holy name.
When we put into context David’s most beautiful desires and grasp his understanding of what G_D wants for his creation, it should become clear that G_D’s Torah is the revelation of tender mercy and loving kindness. G_D is love and it is his love that constitutes living … it is his love that is destined for humanity! Surely David saw the light of G_D as being Israel’s true inheritance.
Shavu’ot therefore serves as a permanent memorial to when G_D … the G_D of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob personally revealed his Holy character and imparted his very essence (wisdom, righteousness and love) to his chosen people through the Torah within the auspices of the Everlasting Covenant.
So now that we have a solid traditional Hebraic framework in place we can now proceed to a review of the B’rit Chadasha and see how Mashiach Yeshua perfected this awesome Mo’ed of G_D!
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