Levítico 23

Levítico 23

Guzik comments that "Jewish tradition also taught that Pentecost marked the day when the Law was given to Israel. The Jews sometimes called Pentecost shimchath torah, or “Joy of the Law.” On the Old Testament Day of Pentecost Israel received the Law; on the New Testament Day of Pentecost the Church received the Spirit of Grace in fullness." (Acts 2 Commentary) Scofield - The Feast of Weeks, a harvest feast known as Pentecost, Lev 23:15 - 22. The antitype is the descent of the Holy Spirit to form the Church. For this reason yeast is present, because there is evil in the Church (Mt 13:33; Acts 5:1-10; 15:1). Observe, it is now loaves; not a sheaf of separate growths loosely bound together, but a real union of particles making one homogeneous body. The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost united the separate disciples into one organism (1Cor 10:16-17; 12:12-13,20). Pentecost took place fifty days after the offering of the firstfruits, coming at about the beginning of summer. Empty-Handed They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. —Deuteronomy 16:16 Today's Scripture : Leviticus 23:16-22 As the first green heads of grain formed on the spring barley in Israel, workers would tie a ribbon around each budding stem to set them apart from the still immature barley. When this marked grain ripened, it was harvested for the temple in Jerusalem because God had commanded that when they came to the feast, they should “not appear before the Lord empty-handed” (Deut. 16:16). In the Jewish calendar, today is the Day of Firstfruits. And though most Christians don’t observe this Jewish holiday, it’s a good reminder to ask ourselves: “What do I have to give to the Lord?” It can be easy to fret over what we think we must do to please Him so that we are not empty-handed. Some of us are so busy doing things to please the Lord that we forget to rest in what Christ has already accomplished. Paul refers to the risen Messiah as “the firstfruits” (1 Cor. 15:20). This means that Jesus has gone ahead of us and stands before God to satisfy our required offering. Believers also are called firstfruits. “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:18). For Further Study Interested in learning more about biblical holidays? Check out The Holidays Of God by RBC staff writer Kevin Williams When you give yourself to God, all other giving becomes natural. Leviticus 23:17 'You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as first fruits to the LORD. two wave: Nu 28:26) leaven: Lev 7:13 Mt 13:33 firstfruits: Lev 23:10 Ex 22:29 23:16,19 34:22,26 Nu 15:17,19-21 Dt 26:1,2 Pr 3:9,10 Ro 8:23 1Co 15:20 Jas 1:18 Rev 14:4 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as first fruits to the LORD. - Bush on bring in from your dwelling places - "That is, not out of their houses, but out of some one or more of the several places or regions where they abode, as explained above, in the Note on Lev 23:3. It cannot be supposed to mean that each locality where Israelites resided furnished two wave loaves, for there were to be but two for the whole nation; but the leading idea is, that the flour was to be supplied from some place in the country, and was then offered in the name of the whole congregation, together with the seven lambs, the young bullock, the two rams, the kid, and the two lambs; all which were no doubt furnished at the common charges of the whole people. As the loaves were not to be burnt on the altar, they were allowed to be made of leaven, without contradicting Lev 2:11, 12. Scofield - The wave loaves were offered fifty days after the wave sheaf. This is precisely the period between the resurrection of Christ and the formation of the Church at Pentecost by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; 1Cor 12:12-13). See Church (Mat 16:18; Heb 12:23, note). With the wave sheaf no yeast was offered, for there was no evil in Christ; but the wave loaves, typifying the Church, are "baked with yeast," for in the Church there is still evil. First-fruits (01061)(bikkurim from bakar = to bear new fruit, to constitute as first-born) means the first-fruits of the crop. This Hebrew word occurs only in the masculine plural (cf "-im" ending) and refers especially to the first products of grain and fruit, (bread, Ex 23:16; grapes, Nu 13:20; figs, Nah 3:12), a portion of which were to be given to the Lord as a thank offering and for the support of the priesthood (cf Lev 2:14; Nu 18:12-13). The first use in Exodus refers to the "Feast of the Harvest of the first-fruits." The Septuagint (Lxx) translates bikkurim in most of the OT uses with the noun protogenema which means means first-fruits. Bikkurim is translated in NAS as early ripened things(2), first fruits(12), first ripe(1), first ripe fruits(1), ripe fruit(1). Bikkurim - 15v - Ex 23:16, 19; 34:22, 26; Lev 2:14; 23:17, 20; Nu 13:20; 18:13; 28:26; 2Kgs 4:42; Neh 10:35; 13:31; Ezek 44:30; Nah 3:12 The New Harvest They are the firstfruits to the Lord. —Leviticus 23:17 Today's Scripture: Acts 2:1-8 I was visiting a friend in a Midwest farming community during harvest season. Huge combines churned through his fields, depositing soybeans into waiting wagons. My friend leaped onto one of the wagons to check out his “firstfruits.” What he saw was encouraging. Despite the worst corn crop in 40 years, the soybeans gave him reason to thank God for a good harvest. Pentecost, which we remember today, has its roots in an agricultural setting. Fifty days after Passover, Jewish farmers celebrated the Feast of Weeks (Lev. 23:15-22), in which they recognized the hand of God who gave the crops. Centuries later, the Lord chose the Day of Pentecost to celebrate a new harvest. Fifty days from Passover, the Holy Spirit came on a small group of believers and moved through Jerusalem, bringing in a different kind of crop. These firstfruits were men, women, and children added to the church (Acts 2:38-46). Pentecost’s historical farming connection reminds us that a world of lost souls is ready for harvest (John 4:35). As believers in Christ, we are God’s fruit, but we are commanded to be His farmers as well. There’s surely somewhere a lowly place In earth’s harvest fields so wide, Where I may labor through life’s short day For Jesus, the crucified. —Gabriel Without the Holy Spirit there would be no harvest. Leviticus 23:18 'Along with the bread you shall present seven one year old male lambs without defect, and a bull of the herd and two rams; they are to be a burnt offering to the LORD, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD. lambs: Lev 23:12,13 Nu 28:27-31 Mal 1:13,14 their: Nu 15:4-12 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Along with the bread you shall present seven one year old male lambs without defect, and a bull of the herd and two rams; they are to be a burnt offering to the LORD, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD - Seven one year old male lambs without defect - Just think of how costly this would have been in an agrarian society that depended heavily on the animals that were raised. One wonders if the "seven" might not have some symbolism (completeness), but we have to be very careful when invoking "numerology," unless the context or cross references give us clear guidance in interpretation, lest our interpretation become too "fanciful." See comments above on soothing aroma. Without defect (without blemish, perfect, integrity) (08549) see note above on tamim Drink offering (libation)(05262)(necek from nasak = to pour out - see note on root) refers most often to a libation and only rarely referred to a cast idol. Click for much more detailed discussion of drink offering by Mark Wilson (TWOT). Wikipedia - A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid, or grains such as rice, as an offering to a deity or spirit, or in memory of the dead. It was common in many religions of antiquity and continues to be offered in cultures today. Articles on Drink Offering: McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Drink-Offering Baker Evangelical Dictionary Drink Offering Girdlestone Drink Offering Easton's Bible Dictionary Drink-Offering Holman Bible Dictionary Drink Offering Leviticus 23:19 'You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. one male goat: Lev 4:23-28 16:15 Nu 15:24 28:30 Ro 8:3 2Co 5:21 lambs: Lev 3:1-17 Lev 7:11-18 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. Leviticus 23:20 'The priest shall then wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering with two lambs before the LORD; they are to be holy to the Lord for the priest. wave them: Lev 23:17 7:29,30 Ex 29:24 Lk 2:14 Eph 2:14 holy to: Lev 7:31-34 Lev 8:29 10:14,15 Nu 18:8-12 Dt 18:4 1Co 9:11 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The priest shall then wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering with two lambs before the LORD; they are to be holy to the Lord for the priest. Leviticus 23:21 'On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations. proclamation: Lev 23:2,4 Ex 12:16 Dt 16:11 Isa 11:10 statute: Lev 23:14 Ge 17:7 Ex 12:17 Nu 18:23 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations. - Bush on no laborious work - This the Jews understood of every kind of labor except that which pertained to the preparation of food. It properly denotes that more laborious kind of service which we understand by drudgery, such as ploughing, sowing, reaping, threshing, gathering the vintage, &c. Holy Convocation - 14x/14v - Lev. 23:3; Lev. 23:7; Lev. 23:8; Lev. 23:21; Lev. 23:24; Lev. 23:27; Lev. 23:35; Lev. 23:36; Num. 28:18; Num. 28:25; Num. 28:26; Num. 29:1; Num. 29:7; Num. 29:12 No laborious work - 9x/9v - Lev. 23:21; Lev. 23:35; Lev. 23:36; Num. 28:18; Num. 28:25; Num. 28:26; Num. 29:1; Num. 29:12; Num. 29:35 Leviticus 23:22 'When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' Lev 19:9,10 Dt 16:11-14 Dt 24:19-21 Ru 2:3-7,15,16-23 Job 31:16-21 Ps 41:1-3 Ps 112:9 Pr 11:24,25 Isa 58:7,8,10 Lk 11:41 2Co 9:5-12 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries\ LAWS ON REAPING GOD'S WELFARE PROGRAM When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the LORD your God - A wonderful example of Old Testament "Social Security!" John Butler - WELFARE PROGRAM Leviticus 23:22 “When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest; thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger; I am the LORD you God” (Leviticus 23:22). Our government has an elaborate welfare program supposedly for the poor. But these programs are inefficient, biased, legislated to gain votes for those in office, corrupt, and they promote laziness. God had a welfare program for Israel which did not require a lot of bureaucracy and did not corrupt society but promoted the best of character. FIRST—THE CHARITY IN THE PROGRAM “When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of they field.” This sounds on the surface like sloppy harvesting, but it was charity instead. The Israelite farmer was not to harvest all his grain. He was to leave the corners of the field and that which fell on the ground for the poor to glean. The book of Ruth illustrates well these gleaning practices involved in this welfare plan of God. In leaving some of the field and that which fell to the ground, God promoted the spirit of charity amongst the farmers. Yes, they could have gained a bit extra by harvesting everything clean, but we have to pay taxes to support the welfare program of our government. The Israelite farmers got off easy compared to us. Theirs was an act of charity. Hardly can taxes be called charity. SECOND—THE CHARACTER IN THE PROGRAM “Thou shall leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger.” The character in the program was the character promoted in those who did the gleaning. The harvesters were not to gather the grain and then give it to the poor and strangers. They left it in the field where those such as the poor could go get it if they needed it. Today’s welfare program does not require the welfare recipient to do anything like work. But God’s program did. If you were lazy and would not work, you went hungry because you would not work in the fields in gleaning the crops during harvest. It promotes poor character to just give lazy people welfare. In Israel, if they needed welfare, thy had to work for it. That would help their character. But our welfare program encourages sloth. THIRD—THE CONSECRATION IN THE PROGRAM “I am the LORD your God.” This last sentence in our verse underscores the authority behind the welfare orders. They came from God. To fulfill these orders meant you had to be consecrated to God. Whether you were the farmer or the gleaner, to obey this order required consecration to the Lord. Israel’s welfare program promoted recognition and consecration to God. Our welfare program promotes laziness and other poor habits such as immorality, it certainly does not promote consecration to God. It may bring some votes to the supporting politician, but it will not bring any votes for God. God’s welfare program is much, much better than man’s alternative. Leave a Little Behind Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. Leviticus 23:22 Today's Scripture & Insight : Leviticus 23:15–22 Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and occasionally a half-dollar. That’s what you’d find on the nightstand beside his bed. He’d empty his pockets each evening and leave the contents there, for he knew eventually they’d come to visit—they being his grandchildren. Over the years the kids learned to visit his nightstand as soon as they arrived. He could have put all that spare change in a coin bank or even stored it away in a savings account. But he didn’t. He delighted in leaving it there for the little ones, the precious guests in his home. A similar mindset is what’s expressed in Leviticus 23 when it comes to bringing in the harvest from the land. God, via Moses, told the people something quite counterintuitive: not to “reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest” (v. 22). Essentially, He said, “Leave a little behind.” This instruction reminded the people that God was behind the harvest in the first place, and that He used His people to provide for those of little account (the strangers in the land). What’s your first reaction to the thought of “leaving a little behind”? What’s one way you could practice such thankful generosity toward the poor or the strangers in your life? Loving God, thank You for Your provision in my life. Give me eyes to see ways in which I can share with others, especially those poor and in need. Leviticus 23:23 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Happy New Year! Rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. —Joel 2:13 Today's Scripture : Joel 2:12-17 Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is regarded as the anniversary of the day that God created the world. The celebration begins with a blast of the shofar (ram’s horn) to announce that the God who created the world is still the One ruling it. The blowing of the horn also begins a 10-day period of self-examination and repentance leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:23-32; Numbers 29:1-6). The prophet Joel urged people not to just go through the motions of repentance, but to turn from their sins and obey God (Joel 2:13). In his day, tearing garments was a sign of sorrow for sin. It made a good show, but it didn’t impress God. He was more concerned with their hearts. Especially interesting is the basis for Joel’s appeal. It wasn’t only to avoid God’s wrath, but also to enjoy God’s grace, compassion, and love. Sometimes we think of God as being heavy-handed with punishment and tight-fisted with mercy. The words of Joel remind us that the opposite is true. The Lord is slow to punish and eager to forgive. When I tried to cover my sin, My guilt I could not shake; But when I sought Your mercy, Lord, My sin I did forsake. —Hess Confession is the key that opens the door to forgiveness. Leviticus 23:24 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Seventh: Nu 10:10 Nu 29:1-6 1Chr 15:28 2Chr 5:13 Ezra 3:6 Ps 81:1-4 Ps 98:6 Isa 27:13 1Co 15:52 1Th 4:16 Leviticus 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Shofar - Symbol of Rosh Hashanah or Yom Teruah FEAST OF TRUMPETS ROSH HASHANAH HCSB - "Tell the Israelites: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a day of complete rest, commemoration and jubilation-- a sacred assembly. NET "Tell the Israelites, 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you must have a complete rest, a memorial announced by loud horn blasts, a holy assembly. NJB 'Speak to the Israelites and say: "The first day of the seventh month will be a day of rest for you, of remembrance and acclamation, a sacred assembly. Young's Literal 'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first of the month, ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of shouting, a holy convocation; In the seventh month on the first of the month - First of Tishri. The seventh month marked the end of Israel's agricultural year and beginning of a new one (for it was the time they had "gathered in the crops of the land" - Lev 23:39). It was a time when physical work was considerably lessened, so that it provided a good time for some "work" on their spirituality! Have you set aside some times to "cease striving" (Ps 46:10-Spurgeon) and to focus on God through His Word? And the 3 Fall festivals were in some ways also more solemn than the feasts in the Spring. In fact in modern Judaism, the time of the 3 Fall feasts is known as "High Holidays" or "High Holy Days" or more properly as "Days of Awe" (Yamin Noraim) Mitch Glaser - The restrictions were not as stringent as those on the weekly Sabbath or the Day of Atonement, but regular duties and everyday jobs could not be carried out. The preoccupations of daily life receded into the background as all thoughts turned to the days ahead, to the coming Day of Atonement. Rest (07677)(shabbathon from shabath = to cease, desist, rest) most often meant a time to rest, a special holiday, a day of rest, a Sabbath feast. Every used of shabbathon is translated in the Septuagint (Lxx) with the noun anapausis, which means a ceasing from activity (an interruption) or a resting from labor or carrying burdens (used by Jesus in Mt 11:29). Shabbathon - 10v - translated in NAS as complete rest(4), rest(4), sabbath observance(1), sabbatical(1), solemn rest(1). Exodus 16:23 then he said to them, "This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance (Shabbathon), a holy sabbath (shabbath) to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning." Exodus 31:15 'For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath (shabbath) of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. Exodus 35:2 "For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath (shabbath) of complete rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. Leviticus 16:31 "It is to be a sabbath (shabbath) of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute. Leviticus 23:3 'For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath (shabbath) of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath (shabbath) to the LORD in all your dwellings. 24 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 32 "It is to be a sabbath (shabbath) of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath (shabbath)." 39 'On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. Leviticus 25:4 but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath (shabbath) rest, a sabbath (shabbath) to the LORD; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 5 'Your harvest's after growth you shall not reap, and your grapes of untrimmed vines you shall not gather; the land shall have a sabbatical year. 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation - Bush on a reminder by blowing - "Heb. זכרון תרועח zikron teruâh, which the Chal. renders a memorial of shouting. As the word in the original for memorial has the sense of celebrating or commemorating with praise, the import of the language undoubtedly is, ‘A festival for commemorating or praising God with the sound of trumpets.’ It was observed with great solemnity, the trumpets sounding from sun-rise to sun-set. The priest who sounded the first trumpet, began with the usual prayer,’ Blessed be God who hath sanctified us by his precepts,’ &c., subjoining, ‘Blessed be God who hath hitherto preserved us in life, and brought us unto this time.’ After this the people repeated with a loud voice the following words from Ps. 88:15: ‘Blessed is the people who know the joyful sound,’ &c. As the feast of new moons was the sanctifying of each month, so the feast of trumpets was the sanctifying of each year, and a reminding of the Israelites that all their times were in God’s hand. How rational and dignified was this conduct throughout the land of Judea, when compared with the general practice of other nations! For, instead of making the new year a day of devotion, it is commonly a day of idleness and dissipation. At the present day, as we are told by Calmet, Leo of Modena, Buxtorf, and Basnage, the Jews are accustomed on this evening to wish one another a good year, to make better cheer than ordinary, and to sound the trumpet thirty times successively. During this feast, which lasts, it seems, the first two days of the year, business is suspended, and they hold, by tradition, that on this day God particularly judges the actions of the foregoing year, and disposes the events of the year following. Wherefore, on the first days of the foregoing month, or eight days at least before the feast of trumpets, they generally apply themselves to works of penitence, and the evening before the feast many of them receive 39 lashes by way of discipline. On the first evening of the year, and which precedes the first day of Tizri (for their evening precedes their morning,) as they return from the synagogue they say to one another, ‘May you be written in a good year;’ to which the other answers, ‘And you also.’ On their return home, they serve up at table honey and unleavened bread, and whatever may signify a plentiful and happy year. Some of them, on the morning of these two feasts, go to the synagogue clothed in white, in token of purity and penitence. Among the G. r. man Jews, some wear the habit which they have appointed for their burial, and this is done as a mortification. On this day they repeat in the synagogues several appropriate prayers and benedictions. They take the Pentateuch very solemnly from its chest, and call upon five persons to read the portion which describes the sacrifice that was appointed for that day; then they twenty times sound a horn, sometimes very slowly, and at other times quickly, to remind them, as they explain it, of the judgments of God, to intimidate sinners, and induce them to repent. After prayers they return to their houses, to take some refreshment, and spend the rest of the day in hearing sermons, and in other exercises of devotion. The two days of the feast being observed exactly in the same manner, a more particular description of the latter would be unnecessary. It may, however, be remarked, with respect to their preparation for the feast, that many of the Jews plunge themselves in cold water, confessing, as they descend into it, their numerous sins, and beating their breasts; and they plunge themselves over the head, that they may appear entirely clean before God, for they think that, on this day, God assembles his council, or his angels, and that he opens his book to judge all men. Three sorts of books, they imagine, are opened; viz. the book of life for the just; the book of death for the wicked; and the book of a middle state, for such as are neither very good nor very bad. In the two books of life and death they conceive there are two kinds of pages, one for this life, and the other for the next; for it often happens that the wicked are not punished in this life according to their demerits, whereas the just suffer severely, as if they had incurred the displeasure of God. This conduct of the Almighty is the reason why no one can be sure of his state, but is uncertain whether he be worthy to be loved or hated. With respect to the middle class, they think that they are not written down any where, for God delays it till the day of annual expiation, which is the tenth day after, to see if they will reform; and then their sentence is fixed either for life or death. Such are the ceremonies with which the modern Jews are said to observe the feast of trumpets; but it should ever be recollected, that these ceremonies are far from being universal; for in countries where superstition prevails, they insensibly become tinctured with it, and in countries where a more rational mode of thinking is general, they as naturally adopt a more rational ritual. Reminder (memorial) (02146)(zikkaron from zakar = to remember) means a memorial, a remembrance (with an implication of honor, worship, and celebration), a record, a reminder. That by which the memory of a person or thing is preserved. Something that keeps remembrance vivid. A memorial is a monument, statue, holiday, or ritual that serves as a remembrance or reminder of a person or an event. The Feast of the Passover was a memorial of God’s sparing the firstborn of the Israelites in Egypt and of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Ex. 12:14). Twelve stones served to remind Israel of God's bringing them into the Promised Land (Josh 4:7, cp Josh 4:9) The two engraved stones upon the shoulder pieces of the high priest’s ephod were stones of memorial (Ex. 28:12 cp names engraved upon the jewels of breastplate Ex 28:29). In Numbers 5:15, the sacrifice in the case of jealousy was called a memorial because it brought iniquity to remembrance! Zikkaron also referred to a record as a memorial or thing to be remembered (Ex. 17:14; Mal. 3:16). Another Hebrew word for Memorial (0234) = azkarah Septuagint (Lxx) translates azkarah with the noun mnemosunon - a memorial (that by which the memory of any person or thing is preserved) and so a remembrance. It also speaks of something that is done that causes someone not to be forgotten (I wonder how often in the day I "forget" God?) (Mt 26:13) Mnemosunon is also used of prayers recorded or kept in mind by God. “Your (Peter, context - Acts 10:1-3) prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God" (Acts 10.4) Vine adds that mnemosunon "denotes "a memorial," that which keeps alive the memory of someone or something (from mnemon, "mindful"), Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9; Acts 10:4. (Memorial - Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words) THOUGHT - Note that in many of the uses, this reminder does not refer simply to a recollection of something, but to a recollection or recall which affects one's present feelings, thoughts and actions! As an aside how often do you (I) pause to "count" (recollect) our blessings (those things in our life where we experienced the Lord's hand in a powerful way, be it a deliverance from danger or distress or a sense of His comforting presence and power? O dear God, help our short memories of Your abundant lovingkindnesses, goodness and graces in and through Christ. Amen Zikkaron - 22v - translated in NAS - memorable sayings(1), memorial(12), records(1), remembrance(4), reminder(5), sign(1). Exodus 12:14 'Now this day (Passover) will be a memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. Exodus 13:9 "And it (observance of the feast of unleavened bread - it was not actual hand or forehead reminders -- although such was the case in De 6:8, 11:18) shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) on your forehead, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt. Exodus 17:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this in a book as a memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." Exodus 28:12 "You shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for a memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten). 29 "Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. Exodus 30:16 "You shall take the atonement money from the sons of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may be a memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) for the sons of Israel before the LORD, to make atonement for yourselves." Exodus 39:7 And he placed them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Leviticus 23:24 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Numbers 5:15 the man shall then bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring as an offering for her one-tenth of an ephah of barley meal; he shall not pour oil on it nor put frankincense on it, for it is a grain offering of jealousy, a grain offering of memorial (zikkaron), a reminder (zakar) of iniquity. 18 'The priest shall then have the woman stand before the LORD and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and place the grain offering of memorial in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy, and in the hand of the priest is to be the water of bitterness that brings a curse. Numbers 10:10 "Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the LORD your God." Numbers 16:40 as a reminder (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) to the sons of Israel that no layman who is not of the descendants of Aaron should come near to burn incense before the LORD; so that he will not become like Korah and his company-- just as the LORD had spoken to him through Moses. Numbers 31:54 So Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it to the tent of meeting as a memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) for the sons of Israel before the LORD. Joshua 4:7 then you shall say to them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.' So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever." Nehemiah 2:20 So I answered them and said to them, "The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) in Jerusalem." Esther 6:1 During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. Job 13:12 "Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. Ecclesiastes 1:11 There is no remembrance (Lxx = mneme = memory, recollection) of earlier things (context of Eccl 1:3-11 focuses on human achievement = earlier things); And also of the later things which will occur, There will be for them no remembrance Among those who will come later still. Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no lasting remembrance (Lxx = mneme = memory, recollection) of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! Comment: This raw truth should make us all the more diligent to redeem the time and store up for ourselves treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth, for the world is passing away and even its lusts (strong desires). Isaiah 57:8 "Behind the door and the doorpost You have set up your sign (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten); Indeed, far removed from Me, you have uncovered yourself, And have gone up and made your bed wide. And you have made an agreement for yourself with them, You have loved their bed, You have looked on their manhood. Zechariah 6:14 "Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen the son of Zephaniah. Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance (Lxx = mnemosunon = a memorial, of what is done that causes someone to not be forgotten) was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. Memorial - That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord’s supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ. Any note or hint to assist the memory. (Webster-1828) Manser adds that a memorial is "An object, institution or custom established or founded as a reminder of an important person or event held to be worth remembering in the life of the community." (Dictionary of Bible Themes) Blowing [of trumpets] (see word study on "blowing" below) - NET Note - Although the term for "horn" does not occur here, allowing for the possibility that vocal "shouts" of acclamation are envisioned… the "blast" of the shofar (a trumpet made from a ram's "horn") is most likely what is intended. On this occasion, the loud blasts on the horn announced the coming of the new year on the first day of the seventh month. HOLY CONVOCATION Holy convocation - Not just any assembly but a holy (qodesh; Lxx - hagios) assembly, one set apart from what is profane and common. Holy Convocation - 14x/14v - Lev. 23:3; Lev. 23:7; Lev. 23:8; Lev. 23:21; Lev. 23:24; Lev. 23:27; Lev. 23:35; Lev. 23:36; Num. 28:18; Num. 28:25; Num. 28:26; Num. 29:1; Num. 29:7; Num. 29:12 Convocation (04744)(miqra') is an assembly of persons. Convocation is from Latin com = together and vocare = to call. This instruction in Lev 23:24 is amplified in the book of Numbers… Now in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall also have a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work. It will be to you a day for blowing trumpets (Heb = = blowing, no definite word for "trumpets" in Hebrew. Lxx has "hemera onmasia" = "a day of shouting"). 2 ‘And you shall offer a burnt offering as a soothing aroma to the LORD: one bull, one ram, [and] seven male lambs one year old without defect; 3 also their grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three-tenths [of an] [ephah] for the bull, two-tenths for the ram, 4 and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs. 5 ‘And [offer] one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you, 6 besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and its grain offering, and the continual burnt offering and its grain offering, and their libations, according to their ordinance, for a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD. (Nu 29:1-6) “Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first [days] of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the LORD your God.” (Nu 10:10) Comment: Note that the beginning of every month was signaled by the blowing of a trumpet. And why? The text says so that they might be remembered before God! Dennis