Leviticus 23: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Leviticus 23 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel about the Sabbath, a day of rest and holy convocation (vv. 1-3). The annual festivals begin with Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, followed by the feast of unleavened bread for seven days (vv.

Key verse

“‘You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be completed:”
Leviticus 23:15 (WEB)

Outline

Leviticus 23:1–3 The Sabbath Commandment
Leviticus 23:4–22 The Annual Festivals
Leviticus 23:23–44 Additional Feasts and Observances

Discussion questions

In v5, what event is marked by the 'fourteenth day of the month'?
What must the people do on the 'first day' of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in v7?
The phrase 'holy convocation' in vv. 21-22: how does it shape the understanding of community worship?
The command to leave gleanings for the poor in v22: what does this tell us about God's concern for social justice?
When have you set aside time for a 'holy convocation' as mentioned in v21?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Leviticus 23: Exodus 12, Nehemiah 8, Numbers 28.

Before next time: read Leviticus 24.