Exodus 23:14
““You shall observe a feast to me three times a year.”
What does Exodus 23:14 mean?
God is calling the Israelites to set aside three specific times each year—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot—to gather and remember who he is and what he's done for them. These weren't optional celebrations but built-in rhythms that shaped their whole community life, giving everyone time to pause from daily work and worship together. The instruction reflects how God understands us: we need regular moments to step back, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether or not we observe these particular ancient feasts today, the principle speaks to something true about human nature. We thrive when we mark time intentionally and remember the faithfulness we've witnessed in our own lives.