What does the Bible say about feasts?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents feasts as occasions for fellowship, gratitude, hospitality, and celebration, yet warns that sinful hearts can turn them into pride, excess, idolatry, or cruelty. Scripture records royal and family banquets in Genesis 40:20, Genesis 43:32-34, 1 Samuel 9:22, Esther 1:8-9, Mark 6:21, and Daniel 5:1-3, showing both the social importance and moral danger of such gatherings. Exodus 32:6 exposes revelry joined to false worship, while Daniel 5 condemns a feast that dishonored God. Jesus uses a great banquet in Luke 14:24 to picture God’s gracious invitation into His kingdom. Believers may receive good gifts thankfully, but should feast under God’s rule, with self-control, love, and faith.
Study outline
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Nave's Topical Bible
- Ancient customs at
- Men alone present at Genesis 40:20; Genesis 43:32; Genesis 43:34; 1 Samuel 9:22; Esther 1:8; Esther 1:9; Mark 6:21; Luke 14:24
- Men and women attend Exodus 32:6; Daniel 5:1-3
- Riddles propounded at Judges 14:12
- Marriage feasts provided by the bridegroom Judges 14:10; Judges 14:17
- Guests arranged according to age Genesis 43:33
- Rank 1 Samuel 9:22; Luke 14:8-10
- Reclined on couches Amos 6:4; Amos 6:7; Luke 7:38; John 13:25
- Served in one dish Matthew 26:23
- Were presided over by a master of ceremonies John 2:8; John 2:9
- Host served Genesis 18:8
- Wine served at Esther 5:6; Esther 7:7
- Music at Isaiah 5:12; Amos 6:4; Amos 6:5; Luke 15:25
- Dancing at Matthew 14:6; Luke 15:25
- Given by kings 1 Samuel 20:5; 1 Samuel 25:36; 2 Samuel 9:10; 1 Kings 2:7; 1 Kings 4:22; 1 Kings 18:19; Esther 1:3-8; Daniel 5:1-4
- Drunkenness at 1 Samuel 25:36; Esther 1:10; Daniel 5:1-4
- Covenants ratified by Genesis 26:28-30
- Celebrations by
- Birthdays Genesis 40:20; Mark 6:21
- Coronations 1 Kings 1:25; 1 Chronicles 12:38-40
- National deliverances Esther 8:17; Esther 9:17-19
- FIGURATIVE Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:16-24; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 19:17
- ANNUAL FESTIVALS
- (Instituted by Moses)
- Designated as SOLEMN FEASTS Numbers 15:3; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Lamentations 2:6; Ezekiel 46:9
- SET FEASTS Numbers 29:39; Ezra 3:5
- APPOINTED FEASTS Isaiah 1:14
- HOLY CONVOCATIONS Leviticus 23:4
- First and last days were SABBATIC Leviticus 23:39; Leviticus 23:40; Numbers 28:18-25; Numbers 29:12; Numbers 29:35; Nehemiah 8:1-18
- Kept with rejoicing Leviticus 23:40; Deuteronomy 16:11-14; 2 Chronicles 30:21-26; Ezra 6:22; Nehemiah 8:9-12; Nehemiah 8:17; Psalms 42:4; Psalms 122:4; Isaiah 30:29; Zechariah 8:19
- Divine protection given during Exodus 34:24
- The three principal were: PASSOVER, PENTECOST, TABERNACLES
- All males were required to attend Exodus 23:17; Exodus 34:23; Deuteronomy 16:16; Psalms 42:4; Psalms 122:4; Ezekiel 36:38; Luke 2:44; John 4:45; John 7
- Aliens (non-Jews) were permitted to attend John 12:20; Acts 2:1-11
- Attended by women 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 1:9; Luke 2:41
- Observed By Jesus Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 2:41; Luke 2:42; Luke 22:15; John 2:13; John 2:23; John 5:1; John 7:10; John 10:22; Acts 18:21; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:6
- For full treatment of annual feasts See PASSOVER
- See PENTECOST
- See PURIM
- See TABERNACLES
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