Numbers 28:31

The Feast of Weeks was later called the Feast of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1; also Leviticus 23:15–22). It marked the end of the barley harvest and the start of the wheat harvest in early summer (May or June). The Greek name Pentecost means “fiftieth.” It refers to the fiftieth day after Passover (see Acts 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8).

• 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.