There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries where the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the worshipers came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied several days, and the travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or asses over the steep 76 and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in the triumphant strain,-- "Our feet shall stand Within thy gates, O Jerusalem. . . . Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces." Ps. 122: 2-7.

Der var tre årlige fester: påsken, pinsen og løvhyttefesten, hvor alle mænd i Israel havde befaling til at fremstille sig for Herren i Jerusalem. Af disse højtider var påsken den, der blev overværet af de fleste. Der kom mange til stede fra alle de lande, hvor jøderne boede under adspredelsen. Fra alle dele af Palæstina kom deltagerne i store skarer. Rejsen fra Galilæa varede flere dage, og de rejsende samledes i store flokke både for selskabets og sikkerhedens skyld. Kvinderne og de gamle mænd red på okser eller æsler ad de bratte, klippefulde veje. De kraftigere mænd og de unge drog af sted til fods. Tidspunktet for påskehøjtiden svarede til slutningen af marts eller begyndelsen af april, hele landet var som et blomsterflor, og fuglenes sang frydede alle. Langs hele vejen fandtes der steder, som rummede erindringer om Israels historie, og fædrene og mødrene fortalte atter deres børn om, hvor store ting Gud havde gjort for sit folk i de svundne tider. De fordrev tiden undervejs med sang og musik, og alle røster istemmende denne sejrs sang: