Exodus 34:23
“Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel.”
What does Exodus 34:23 mean?
God is calling the men of Israel to show up physically three times a year at the central place of worship, which was eventually the temple in Jerusalem. These weren't casual visits, but intentional gatherings to celebrate major festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot) where people encountered God together and remembered his faithfulness to them. The requirement to appear "before the Lord" meant standing in the presence of something sacred, treating it as more important than staying home or conducting business as usual. For people in any era, this speaks to the value of regular, deliberate gathering with others who share your faith—showing up matters, and it shapes how you remember and honor what you believe.