Among the seven appointed feasts God gave to Israel, the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah) stands out as both mysterious and deeply prophetic.

Rooted in the culture of ancient Israel, it was a day of blowing trumpets, gathering the people, and preparing for God’s presence.

Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth,” because it was celebrated fifty days after the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:15–22). In Hebrew, it is called Shavuot (“weeks”), since it was observed seven weeks after Passover.

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

In Leviticus 23:9–14, God instructed Israel to celebrate the Feast of First Fruits after Passover and the (weekly) Sabbath. The people were to bring the very first sheaf of the barley harvest to the priest, who would wave it before the Lord as an offering. No one could eat from the new harvest until this act of dedication was made.

When yeast is introduced into dough, it works silently, secretly, and gradually until the entire lump is transformed. The Bible often uses this imagery to describe how sin, false teaching, or pride can infiltrate and spread unchecked.