This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost was originally an agricultural festival marking the first harvest of the growing season and recognizing Yahweh as the source of rain and agricultural fertility. Called in Hebrew Shevuot, or “weeks,” it is seven weeks past Passover, or roughly the 50th day after Passover. Greek-speaking Jews gave it the name of Pentecost referring to the seven week period of the harvest. It was also known as the Feast of First Fruits (Num. 28:26) and the Feast of Weeks. It was a great festival day for Jews from all over known world to come “home” to...
