Leviticus 23:16

Fifty days. This feast came on the 50th day after the presentation of the wave sheaf on the 16th of Abib, that is, on the 6th day of the third month — late in May or early in June. It was known as the “feast of weeks,” or “firstfruits” (Ex. 34:22). In NT times it was known as “Pentecost,” from a Greek word meaning “fifty.”

As the wave sheaf was presented at the beginning of the harvest, before any of the new yield might be used, so Pentecost marked the end of the harvest season, though some grain might remain to be harvested in the higher mountains. It was the joyous acknowledgment of Israel’s dependence upon God as the giver of all good gifts. At this time it was not a sheaf that was presented, but two wave loaves of fine flour, baked with leaven, together with seven lambs, a bullock, and two rams (Lev. 23:17, 18). These were accompanied by a goat for a sin offering and two lambs for a peace offering (v. 19).

In the Passover celebration no leaven was to be eaten or to be found in the homes of the people. At Pentecost two loaves were to be presented, “baken with leaven” (v. 17). The wave sheaf is Christ “the firstfruits” (see on v. 14). He was without sin.

Pentecost symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As the wave loaves were offered 50 days, inclusive, after the wave sheaf, so there were 50 days, inclusive, between the resurrection of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

Forty of these days Christ spent on earth instructing and helping His disciples (Acts 1:3). Then He ascended, and for 10 days the 11 disciples continued in prayer and supplication, until “the day of Pentecost was fully come.” With Pentecost came the fullness of the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4). At Pentecost the labors of the disciples were added to those of Christ, and the result was glorious for the kingdom of heaven.

These ten days were important ones for the church on earth. They were also important in heaven. When Christ “ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” (Eph. 4:8). Those who had been raised at Christ’s death and had come “out of the graves after his resurrection” ascended with Him to heaven, and were then presented before the Father a kind of first fruits of the resurrection (Matt. 27:52, 53).