Shavuot Meaning: Counting the Omer, Barley & Wheat Harvest, and Ruth
Understanding the Meaning of the Omer and Shavuot for Believers Today
As the barley harvest season is coming to an end, and the wheat harvest is about to begin in Israel, we approach the fiftieth day, Pentecost.
But why does this matter today after the resurrection of Yeshua? Why should believers still pay attention to the biblical appointed times?
Many believe that Yeshua fulfilled the law in a way that removed the need to observe or remember these appointed times. Yet Yeshua Himself said:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”— Matthew 5:17–18
The appointed times of Yehovah are not empty traditions. They are prophetic pictures that reveal Yeshua’s atonement, resurrection, return, and coming Kingdom.
As believers continue counting the Omer, we are reminded that we are living in a spiritual harvest season. Shavuot and its meaning helps us understand the prophetic significance of the barley and the wheat harvest and the counting of the Omer, revealing Yehovah's redemptive plan through Scripture.
Ruth and Shavuot
Why the Book of Ruth Is Read During the Feast of Weeks
During Shavuot, many believers and Jewish communities read the the book of Ruth. The story takes place during Shavuot meaning the harvest season, and it beautifully reflects themes of redemption, covenant, faithfulness, and restoration.
The story begins with Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons leaving Israel because of famine and settling in Moab. While there, the sons marry Moabite women: Ruth and Orpah.
Then tragedy strikes. Elimelech dies, followed by both sons, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law widowed and childless.
Naomi returns to Israel feeling broken and empty.
“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and Yehovah has brought me home again empty.”— Ruth 1:20–21
The name “Mara” means bitterness.
Naomi’s grief was so deep that she encouraged Ruth and Orpah to return to their pagan people and gods. She no longer saw hope for herself.
Yet Yehovah was still working behind the scenes.
Ruth’s Choice of Faith
Leaving the Old Life Behind
Orpah eventually returned to her people, but Ruth chose another path.
“For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.”— Ruth 1:16
Ruth not only loved Naomi, but she also embraced the God of Israel. She left behind her former identity, culture, and way of life to walk by faith.
Her decision reflects the same call believers receive today: to leave behind the old life and fully follow Yehovah.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ruth’s faith eventually placed her directly into the lineage of Yeshua.
“Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth…”— Matthew 1:5
What began as a story of loss became a story of redemption and restoration.
Can a Moabite Enter the Assembly?
Understanding Deuteronomy 23:3 and Ruth’s Redemption
One important question often arises when reading Ruth’s story.
Deuteronomy says:
“An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter the assembly of Yehovah; even to the tenth generation none of his descendants shall enter the assembly of Yehovah forever.”— Deuteronomy 23:3
So how could Ruth become part of Israel and even part of Messiah’s lineage?
Ruth’s story reveals the transforming power of covenant faith.
Ruth forsook her pagan identity and aligned herself fully with the God of Israel. Through faith and covenant loyalty, she was grafted into Yehovah’s people.
This pattern is seen throughout Scripture. From the mixed multitude leaving Egypt to the nations being drawn to the God of Israel, Yehovah’s redemptive plan has always included those who seek HIM in faith.
“And a mixed multitude went up with them also.”— Exodus 12:38
“And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to Yehovah… let him come near and keep it.”— Exodus 12:48
Ruth’s story reminds believers that redemption changes identity.
What Did Yeshua Fulfill?
Understanding the Purpose of the Law and Sacrifice
So what exactly did Yeshua fulfill through His death and resurrection?
Yeshua fulfilled the need for sacrifice and atonement.
The earthly tabernacle and priestly system pointed toward a greater heavenly reality.
“Who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things.”— Hebrews 8:5
Yeshua Himself said:
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”— John 5:39
The sacrificial system revealed humanity’s need for redemption, and Yeshua fulfilled that need once and for all.
“Who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices… for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.”— Hebrews 7:27
“But now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”— Hebrews 9:26
“For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all.”— Romans 6:10
Yeshua’s death, burial, and resurrection restored relationship between humanity and Yehovah.
The Appointed Times and the Prophetic Harvest
The Appointed Times and the Prophetic Harvest
From the very beginning, Yehovah established His appointed times.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens… and let them be for signs and seasons.’”— Genesis 1:14
The Hebrew word for “seasons” here refers to appointed times or moedim.
These biblical feasts teach believers about Yehovah’s redemptive plan that were established from the beginning.
The Sabbath
Every Sabbath reminds believers that Yehovah created the world in six days and rested on the seventh.
“For in six days Yehovah made the heavens and the earth… and rested the seventh day.”— Exodus 20:11
The Sabbath also reminds us that He sanctifies His people.
“Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep… that you may know that I am Yehovah who sanctifies you.”— Exodus 31:13
Passover
Passover reminds believers that Yeshua is the Passover Lamb.
“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”— 1 Corinthians 5:7
Passover also points toward a greater future Exodus and final redemption.
Unleavened Bread
Unleavened Bread symbolizes putting away sin and walking in holiness through Messiah.
" Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.
Firstfruits
Firstfruits celebrates Yeshua’s resurrection and the promise of the coming harvest.
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”— 1 Corinthians 15:20
Because He rose again, believers have hope in the resurrection to come.
Shavuot and the Wheat Harvest
Shavuot, and the 50th day called Pentecost, marks the giving of the Torah and later the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
It represents a greater spiritual harvest — the gathering of souls into the Kingdom.
The barley harvest points to the beginning, but the wheat harvest represents something fuller and greater and gives Shavuot deep spiritual meaning.
Yeshua said:
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”— Matthew 9:37–38
These words carry even deeper meaning when understood through the appointed times of Yehovah.
What the Counting of the Omer Teaches Believers Today
Living in Expectation of the Coming Kingdom
Counting the Omer is more than counting days. It is a reminder that believers are living between Firstfruits and the final harvest.
It teaches patience, preparation, expectation, and spiritual growth.
It reminds believers that:
Yeshua is the Firstfruits of the resurrection.
The harvest of souls is still ongoing.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers for the harvest.
Yehovah’s appointed times reveal His prophetic plan.
The Kingdom of God is still unfolding.
As believers continue counting toward Shavuot, the story of Ruth and the message of the harvest remind us to remain faithful, watchful, and prepared for the return of the King.
Final Thoughts
The Harvest Is Still Continuing
The story of Ruth, the counting of the Omer, and the Feast of Shavuot meaning all point toward one greater truth: Yehovah is still gathering His people.
From the barley harvest to the wheat harvest, from Firstfruits to Pentecost, Scripture reveals a beautiful picture of redemption and restoration through Yeshua.
As believers continue walking through these appointed times, may we remember that the harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few, and the Kingdom of Yehovah is still advancing.
Resources for Teaching the Next Generation
Helping children understand the Biblical feast days and the foundations of Scripture is an important part of passing faith from one generation to the next.
On the landing page of this website, you will find free printable activity sheets and crafts designed especially for young children ages 2 to 6. These resources are created to make learning about Yehovah’s appointed times fun, hands-on, and engaging for little learners.
There are also over 30 additional printable activity sheets available for members, covering topics such as:
The biblical feast days
Counting the Omer
Shavuot and Pentecost
Who wrote the Bible
Scripture-based learning activities for preschool and early elementary ages
These activities are designed to help parents, grandparents, and teachers train up the next generation in the ways of Yehovah through creative learning, crafts, and interactive Bible-based teaching.
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