 The Significance of The Feast of Pentecost
Summary
Shavuot—the Feast of Weeks or Harvest (Pentecost) is unique in that it has double significance:
- It marked the end of the barley harvest, and beginning of the wheat harvest—or “fullness” of the harvest;
- It marked the day the Torah, or covenant law was given to Moses.
Celebrated 50 days after Passover, this feast has special significance. This time served to link the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt to the giving of the Torah, or God’s covenant law. It, therefore, serves as a reminder that the redemption from bondage was not fully complete until God’s people had received the fullness of God’s covenant word and order, or law.
Since 50 also signifies a time of jubilee according to the covenant (legal cancellation of debts, indentured relationships and restoration of land), this feast represents the shadow of a special time of jubilee.
Following Messiah’s resurrection, the disciples had been spending time with one another in prayers and devotion. While they were celebrating this feast, a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind came and filled the whole house where they were. The disciples were “filled with the Spirit,” as recorded in Acts 2.
On Shavuot—Pentecost—their lives were transformed by the Holy Spirit! In their devotions and celebration, God’s Word connected with His Spirit and brought completion—or fullness—to the revelation of God’s covenant. It therefore, brought fulfillment to Isaiah’s prophecy expressing the fullness of God’s covenant.
(Isaiah 59:21)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you celebrate—and express gratefulness—for the covenant gifts God has given you—His Word and Spirit?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:15-22; Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Exodus 19; Acts 2
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 22-24; 52; 58-59; 81; 101-103
Sons and Servants: p. 3; 11; 14; 24-26; 39-40; 44-46
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