Full Description
Biblical Foundations Award Finalist
Holidays today are often established by legislation, and calendars are published on paper and smart phones. But how were holidays chosen and taught in biblical Israel? And what might these holidays have to do with the creation narrative?
In this book, Michael LeFebvre considers the calendars of the Pentateuch with their basis in the heavenly lights and the land's agricultural cadences. He argues that dates were added to Old Testament narratives not as journalistic details but to teach sacred rhythms of labor and worship. LeFebvre then applies this insight to the creation week, finding that the days of creation also serve a liturgical purpose and not a scientific one.
The Liturgy of Creation restores emphasis on the religious function of the creation week as a guide for Sabbath worship. Scholars, students, and church members alike will appreciate LeFebvre's careful scholarship and pastoral sensibilities.
Contents
Foreword by C. John Collins
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction: Dates, Stories, and Calendars
Part I: Israel's Calendars
1. Calendars in the Sky
2. Cycles of Sevens
3. The Festivals of Israel
Chart: Israel's Calendar of Holy Days
Part II: Festivals and Their Stories
4. The Festival Stories of Israel
Chart: Pentateuch Calendar
5. Dates for Remembering
6. Dates Assigned by Law
Part III: The Creation Week
7. The Creation Week as Calendar Narrative
8. The Plot of the Creation Week
9. Ordered for Fruitfulness (Days 1-3)
10. Populated for Blessing (Days 4-6)
11. Crowned with Communion (Day 7)
12. A Calendar for Sabbath, Not Science
Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index
