Numbers 28:21

The Passover, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was the first of five major annual feasts. It took place in early spring (March or April). The Passover did not require public sacrifices. It was a family event celebrated at home (see also 9:1–4; Exodus 12:1–13:10; Leviticus 23:5–8; Deuteronomy 16:1–8).

This festival is important in the background of the Last Supper (see Matthew 26:17–19, 26–27; Mark 14:12; John 11:55; 12:1; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 31; compare 1 Corinthians 5:7).

• These two chapters describe Israel's ceremonial calendar. It listed daily, weekly, and monthly offerings, along with annual religious events. God instructed Israel to worship him "in a proper and orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

  The annual sacrifices required many animals, grain, oil, and wine. On these special days, Israel stopped their usual work. This was a sacrifice that emphasized the importance of these holy days.

  The annual cycle included eight different occasions for worship, each reflecting Israel's relationship with the Lord. Each event involved different combinations of burnt, grain, liquid, or sin offerings.

• For details on grain and liquid offerings, see Numbers 15:1–16. For explanations of different offerings, see Leviticus 1:1–7:38. For a description of Israel's festivals, see Leviticus 23:1–44. For the New Testament view on the Old Testament sacrificial system, see John 1:29; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 9:9–15; 10:1–2; 1 Peter 2:5.