Shavuot Detroit

Shavuot is one of the three times when all Hebrew men are required to appear before YHWH (Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16) Historically, the main activity on the feast of Shavuot was the presentation of the wave offering to YHWH, two loaves of bread with leaven (Leviticus 23:15-21).  The bread was to be brought with seven male lames, a young bull, and two rams, as burnt offerings (Leviticus 23:18).  The sin offering was a male goat (Leviticus 23:19)

The wave offering expressed the Hebrew dependence on YHWH for the harvest and their daily bread.  This was a thanksgiving offering.  The link between Passover and Shavuot is the Omer.  On the second night of Passover, the barley is harvested, and the first sheaf is waved before the altar in the temple.  On Shavuot, two loaves are waved as an offering before the same alter.  This one day is to be kept with a holy convocation.  It is one of the days on which all of Israel is to meet Elohim and one another, at the place that YHWH chooses.

Shavuot signifies the process of freedom started with the exodus at Passover and concluded with the proclamation of the Toray (law) at Sinai.  On the day when Moses received the Torah, three thousand souls died due to disobedience (Exodus 32:28). YHWH has never taken his covenant with us casually.  He is a Jealous Elohim.  While on one hand He desired and still desires intimacy with us, he also is committed in marriage to us by his rights as a husband.  When we violate him, through spiritual adultery, we may indeed face his jealous wrath.