Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Leviticus 23:2

CHAPTER 23

Le 23:1-4. Of Sundry Feasts.

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, ... concerning the feasts of the Lord--literally, "the times of assembling, or solemnities" (Is 33:20); and this is a preferable rendering, applicable to all sacred seasons mentioned in this chapter, even the day of atonement, which was observed as a fast. They were appointed by the direct authority of God and announced by a public proclamation, which is called "the joyful sound" (Psa 89:15). Those "holy convocations" were evidences of divine wisdom, and eminently subservient to the maintenance and diffusion of religious knowledge and piety.