Calendar Questions

The calendar study guide explains the biblical day as running from sunset to sunset. It reads the evening-and-morning sequence in creation alongside the instruction to observe the Sabbath from evening to evening.

Scriptural references (KJV): Genesis 1:5; Leviticus 23:32.

Source: Common Questions on the Israelite Calendar, “An Overview for New Readers,” point 3.

The study guide distinguishes assembly and worship from a specifically commanded cessation of work. It uses Ezekiel’s description of the opened gate and the explicit Sabbath designation in Leviticus to explain why a day may carry an observance without every observance having the same requirements.

Scriptural references (KJV): Ezekiel 46:1–3; Leviticus 23:24.

Source: Common Questions on the Israelite Calendar, questions 3 and 12.

Genesis 1:14 establishes the foundational principle: 'And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.' The moon is appointed for signs, seasons, days, and years — not the sun alone. Psalm 81:3 commands: 'Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.' 1 Samuel 20:5–27 confirms that the new moon is Day 1 of the month. The calendar of the God of Israel is a lunar-solar calendar anchored to the new moon. No other starting point is scriptural.

Leviticus 23:10-14 addresses the beginning of the harvest after Israel entered the Promised Land. Its principal presentation is one wave sheaf, accompanied by a he-lamb, meal offering, and drink offering. Leviticus 23:15-21 addresses the wheat-harvest ordinance associated with the Feast of Weeks. It includes two leavened wave loaves, prescribed burnt, meal, drink, sin, and peace offerings, a priestly wave presentation, a holy convocation, and no servile work. Both ordinances presuppose possession and cultivation of the Promised Land. Exodus 9:31-32, Ruth 1:22 and 2:23, and Exodus 34:22 help distinguish the beginning of harvest from the later wheat harvest.

Deuteronomy 16:16 names the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles as the three annual occasions when Israelite males were commanded to appear before the LORD in the place He would choose. Exodus 23:14-17 and Exodus 34:22-23 provide additional witnesses. The Feast of Weeks includes land-dependent wheat-harvest requirements; Pentecost remains identifiable within the Israelite Calendar and is observed in light of Acts 2:1.