The Counting of the Omer
Between Passover and Pentecost lies a unique biblical command: the Counting of the Omer. Though less well-known than the major feasts, this period of 49 days is rich in meaning. It connects the deliverance of God’s people at Passover to their empowerment at Pentecost, teaching us about the journey from redemption to maturity in God.
Command to Count The Omer
After Passover, Israel was commanded to bring an omer (a measure of barley) as a firstfruits offering before the Lord (Leviticus 23:9–14). From that day, they were to count seven full weeks—forty-nine days—leading up to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost) on the fiftieth day (Leviticus 23:15–16).
This period is called the Counting of the Omer (Sefirat HaOmer).
Purpose in Israel’s Story
Agricultural Context: The counting linked the barley harvest at Passover to the wheat harvest at Pentecost. It was a season of labor, expectation, and dependence on God for provision.
Historical Context: It marked Israel’s journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai—50 days from the night of the Exodus to the giving of the Torah. Just as God redeemed His people by the blood of the lamb, He then revealed His covenant at Sinai.
Cultural and Spiritual Meaning
For Israel, the Omer was both a discipline of remembrance and a time of anticipation. Each evening, a blessing was recited and the day counted aloud: “Today is the third day of the Omer…”
In Jewish tradition, this season also became a time of soul-searching and preparation, asking: “How can I be ready to meet with God?” The days between redemption and revelation were never meant to be wasted. They were a season of growth.
Prophetic Significance of the Omer
The Counting of the Omer finds profound fulfillment in Christ.
Resurrection to Pentecost: Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits—the very day the barley omer was waved before God (1 Corinthians 15:20). From that day, His disciples began a countdown. Forty days later, He ascended; ten days after that, the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2).
From Passover to Power: The Omer connects the cross and the empty tomb to the outpouring of the Spirit. We are not just redeemed from sin, we are empowered for mission.
From Egypt to Sinai → From Calvary to Pentecost: Just as Israel’s journey took them from freedom in Egypt to covenant at Sinai, so the Church journeys from freedom at the cross to covenant life in the Spirit.
Lessons for Believers Today
The Counting of the Omer reminds us that salvation is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of a journey of growth and preparation.
Growth is Intentional – Each day was counted, teaching us to live with expectation and discipline. Spiritual maturity is built one day at a time.
Redemption Leads to Revelation – God did not only save Israel from Egypt; He saved them for covenant relationship. Likewise, Christ redeems us so He can fill us with His Spirit.
The Spirit Empowers the Mission – The Omer anticipates Pentecost, reminding us that we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. The Spirit equips us to bear fruit and reap the harvest.
Hopeful Anticipation – Just as Israel longed for Sinai and the disciples waited in the upper room, we too are a people of expectation, looking forward to the fullness of God’s promises.
Conclusion
The Counting of the Omer bridges two of the greatest moments in God’s redemptive calendar—Passover and Pentecost. It teaches us that salvation is both a moment and a process, a journey from freedom to fullness.
In Christ, this season comes alive:
He is our Firstfruits, raised from the dead.
He is the One who counts the days with us, shaping us into His likeness.
He is the Giver of the Spirit, empowering us for the harvest ahead.
The Omer is an invitation to live intentionally, day by day, as God prepares His people—not just to be free, but to be fruitful.
From redemption to revelation, from the Lamb to the Spirit, the Counting of the Omer reminds us: every day matters on the journey to God’s promises.
