Leviticus 23:39-43

Leviticus 23:39 is probably the earlier; no sacrifices are mentioned, but the character of a solemn commemoration of the wilderness years is given to the joyous week, as the Church connected pagan winter and spring festivals with the Incarnation and Resurrection. Leviticus 23:33 prescribe sacrifices, though in quite general terms, and a universal cessation of work. This holding of the feast in the more religious post-exilic spirit is described in Nehemiah 8:13 (where the second day (Leviticus 23:13) is probably a mistake), and greatly enlarged provisions are detailed in Numbers 29:12. For the celebration in NT times, cf. John 7:14; John 7:37.