The Liturgy of Creation: Understanding Calendars in Old Testament Context

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.

Michael LeFebvre (PhD, Aberdeen) is pastor of Christ Church Reformed Presbyterian in Brownsburg, Indiana; adjunct professor of Old Testament at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. His booksinclude Collections, Codes, and Torah; Singing the Songs of Jesus; and Our Triune God (coauthored with Phil Ryken). He is also a contributor to the Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Law.