According to Jewish tradition, Shavuot is the day when the Ten Commandments were given on Mount Sinai. Shavuot concludes the counting of the Omer, a seven-week period that falls after Passover. It’s known as the Feast of Weeks because it takes place after this seven-week interim.

The Bible describes Shavuot as an agricultural celebration (Exodus 34:22; Numbers 28:26; Jeremiah 5:24, Deuteronomy 16:9–11, Isaiah 9:2).

In current practice, the readings and practices of Shavuot largely pertain to the giving of the Law rather than the offering of firstfruits. Shavuot is one of the three major festivals that all Jewish men were required to make the journey to Jerusalem to attend. It marks the end of spring, and the beginning of summer and the harvest.

On Shavuot the nation of Israel was expected to bring the first fruits of the wheat crop to God. Giving the Lord the firstfruits of the harvest was a way of showing Him gratitude and declaring that all wealth ultimately comes from Him.

The Greek name for Shavuot is Pentecost, and this is the same holiday being discussed here, and the holiday that Jesus’ followers were observing in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given to them (Acts 2). Since Pentecost is the Greek word for 50, and as Shavuot occurs 50 days after the first day of Passover, it was referred to as Pentecost in the New Testament.

While Passover marks liberation from slavery, Shavuot marks the renewal of commitment and dedication to God.

The Hebrew Bible looks forward to the events fulfilled on Shavuot. Luke points to the fulfillment of these promises on Shavuot in Acts 2. The gift of the Spirit on Shavuot was evidence of the Messiah’s redemptive work and the affirmation of the new covenant. The indwelling of God’s Spirit within His people indicates a shift in the way God relates to us, as He draws a people to Himself and transforms the hearts of His people through His Spirit’s power.

There are no specific celebrations or observances for the holiday, other than the recognition of it and what it is.

“How beautiful are the feet of the herald on the mountains, announcing peace, heralding good tidings, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, ‘Your God has manifested His kingdom.'” (Isaiah 52:7)

Dates:
2024: Sundown June 11-nightfall June 13
2025: Sundown June 1-nightfall June 3

With love,
Diane