Calendars in Old Testament Times

Israelite Calendar Table

28:2 at its appointed time God considered the sacrifices invalid if they were offered at the wrong times (compare Num 9:1–14). Since the calendar was a lunar calendar, feasts were tied to astronomical phenomena (e.g., twilight, new moons, seasons). Therefore, the precise time of their celebration was considered to have been appointed by God—the Creator of the heavenly bodies (Gen 1:15–16).

28:3 a continual The Hebrew word used here, tamid, indicates these offerings were to be ongoing.

28:5 a grain offering See note on Lev 2:1–16. The ingredients for the meal offering are also found in Num 15:4.

28:6 a continual burnt offering See note on Lev 1:3–17.

28:7 The libation with Libations were a common offering in the ancient Near East, usually consisting of the finest wine available (Gen 35:14; Exod 25:29; 29:40–41; Num 15:7–10).

fermented drink An undiluted, alcoholic beverage (see 6:3). Barley and grapes were both fermented in antiquity.

28:9 Sabbath The Sabbath is on the seventh day of each week, when the Israelites are forbidden from performing work. See Exod 20:8–11 and note.

28:11 the beginning of each of your months Numbers 28:11–15 prescribes a monthly system of offerings that begins anew with each new moon.

without defect A physical imperfection. See note on Lev 22:19.

28:18 a holy convocation The Hebrew phrase used here, miqra qodesh, refers to a holy event to which people are summoned or invited.

you will not do any regular work Given that sacrifices are to be given on the other days of the festival, an absolute statement prohibiting work would not make sense. Rather, work related to one’s occupation is prohibited. Only the special work of Passover may be carried out.

28:26 firstfruits The first ingathering of a specific crop; here, wheat. Giving Yahweh the first yield constitutes an act of trust that the remaining yield will be sufficient for the people’s need. See Lev 23:9–22.