The Seven Feasts Fulfilled by Christ

The Feasts of Israel and Their Fulfillment in Christ

In Leviticus 23, God gave Israel seven appointed feasts. These were not only celebrations of Israel’s history but also prophetic shadows pointing to the Messiah. Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:16–17 that the feasts were a 'shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.' In this way, the feasts form a prophetic calendar of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Passover (Pesach)

Old Testament Meaning: Commemorates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt by the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:5).

Fulfillment: Fulfilled at the Cross. Jesus is the Lamb of God whose blood delivers us from sin and death (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot)

Old Testament Meaning: Seven days of eating bread without leaven, symbolizing separation from sin (Leviticus 23:6-8).

Fulfillment: Fulfilled in Jesus’ sinless body in the tomb and in believers’ call to holiness (1 Corinthians 5:8).

Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim)

Old Testament Meaning: Offering of the first ripe sheaf of the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:9-14).

Fulfillment: Fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection—He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Pentecost (Shavuot)

Old Testament Meaning: Celebrated the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-22).

Fulfillment: Fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2) with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, writing God’s law on hearts.

Trumpets (Yom Teruah)

Old Testament Meaning: A solemn day of trumpet blasts announcing judgment and repentance (Leviticus 23:23-25).

Fulfillment: To be fulfilled at the Second Coming, when the trumpet of God heralds Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Old Testament Meaning: Annual sacrifice for national sin; the high priest entered the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 23:26-32).

Fulfillment: Fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). Many see a future fulfillment in Israel’s national repentance (Zechariah 12:10).

Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Old Testament Meaning: A joyful feast remembering God’s presence with His people in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:33-43).

Fulfillment: To be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom, when Christ tabernacles with humanity (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3).

Observations and Application

The Spring feasts (Passover through Pentecost) were fulfilled in Christ’s first coming. The Fall feasts (Trumpets through Tabernacles) point to His second coming and reign. Together, the feasts form a prophetic calendar of redemption: Christ crucified, buried, risen, ascended, returning, atoning, and dwelling with His people.

For the believer, this offers assurance that history is not random. God has ordered it, and all things find their fulfillment in Jesus. Just as the feasts were fulfilled with perfect timing, so too will the remaining feasts be fulfilled in Christ’s return.