Counting the Omer 2021

In the midst of the more well known festivals of Passover and Unleavened Bread, there is an interesting command given to count the days from the lesser known feast of Yom HaBikkurim (Early First Fruits – when the sheaf/omer of Barley is presented) leading up to Shavuot!  No other festival has a command attached to it like this, making this concept unique and enigmatic at the same time.  It has become associated with a season of introspection, teshuva (repentance), cleansing, and preparation for the festival of Shavuot. 

What all does this season of counting entail?

To understand that, we have to understand the role Israel was expected to step into at Shavuot!  Exodus 19:6 – “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”  This is still the desire and the role waiting for those who are willing – 1 Peter 2:9 – “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”