What does Exodus 23:14 mean?
ESV: "Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me.
NIV: "Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.
NASB: Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me.
CSB: "Celebrate a festival in my honor three times a year.
NLT: Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor.
KJV: Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.
NKJV: “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year:
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 23:13–19 establishes laws about feast days for the nation of Israel. This mandates three festivals: Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17–19), Harvest (Leviticus 23:15–17), and Ingathering (Leviticus 23:39–43). These are also known as the Feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Booths (Deuteronomy 16:16; Luke 22:1). All Israelite men must bring sacrifices to the Lord's appointed place at these times.
Chapter Summary:
These laws mandate fair judgment, with no bias given for or against the rich, the poor, or foreign travelers. God commands Israel not to follow popular sentiment when it is unjust. Other rules require letting fields grow wild every seven years for the benefit of the land, the poor, and wild animals. The Lord then warns Israel about obedience. If they follow His will, an angel will guide them as they conquer the entire Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).
Chapter Context:
After receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), Israel learns other laws from the Lord. Chapters 21 and 22 covered topics such as servants' rights, homicide, negligence, theft, and social justice. This chapter mandates certain yearly festivals and forbids bias in judgments. It also instructs Israel regarding their upcoming conquest of the Promised Land. Chapter 24 describes a ritual confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. Most chapters after that involve details of the tabernacle.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
