Counting the Omer: What It Is and Why It Matters for Believers
As we journey out of Passover and toward Shavuot, there’s a beautiful ancient rhythm found in Scripture that many modern believers miss — and it’s called Counting the Omer.
At first glance, it might sound unfamiliar, even strange. But tucked inside this practice is a 50-day invitation from God — to slow down, grow intentionally, and prepare our hearts for more of Him.
So what is the Omer? Why do we count it? And how does this “Jewish thing” connect to us as followers of Yeshua (Jesus)? Let’s walk it out together.
What Is the Omer?
The word omer simply means “sheaf” — a bundle of harvested grain. In Leviticus 23:15–16, God instructs His people to count seven weeks (or 49 days) starting on the day after the Sabbath during Passover, leading up to the 50th day — Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks.
“You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath... You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a new grain offering to the Lord.”
— Leviticus 23:15–16
This 50-day period became known as Counting the Omer. It was an agricultural countdown from the early barley harvest (Passover) to the wheat harvest (Shavuot).
But spiritually? It’s a time of reflection, refinement, and anticipation.
How Does Counting the Omer Point to Jesus?
As a Jewish believer in Yeshua, I see the richness of the Biblical calendar not just as cultural tradition — but as prophetic shadow. And the Omer is no exception.
Yeshua rose from the dead on the day the Omer count began (the “day after the Sabbath” of Passover week). For 40 days, He appeared to His disciples, teaching them and preparing them — and on the 50th day? The Holy Spirit was poured out (Acts 2), fulfilling Shavuot in powerful new ways.
So while ancient Israel counted up toward the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, we as believers also count up to the giving of the Spirit in Jerusalem.
The Omer bridges redemption (Passover) and revelation (Shavuot).
It’s about coming out of Egypt… and preparing to receive from God.
Why Should Christians Count the Omer?
This practice isn’t about legalism or trying to “be Jewish.” It’s about entering the rhythms that God Himself designed — rhythms that center us in His timing, His story, and His presence.
When we count the Omer:
We pause daily to remember what God has done
We prepare our hearts to hear from Him again
We practice expectancy for what’s ahead — just like the early disciples did
This season becomes a reset — a spiritual spring cleaning between deliverance and divine appointment.
Here’s some creative ideas to count the omer together with your children
How to Start Counting the Omer
You don’t need a background in Hebrew or a fancy calendar to begin. Just start with these simple steps:
Begin tonight. The count starts the day after the Sabbath following Passover (or the second night of Passover in Jewish tradition).
Bless and count. Each evening, say a simple blessing:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us by Your commandments and commanded us to count the Omer.”In Hebrew, the blessing is:
"בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹמֶר"
Then say the day:
“Today is the first day of the Omer.”And don’t worry if you don’t pronounce it perfectly or miss a word — this is not a ritual of perfection. It’s a loving invitation from the Jewish people to join in remembering God’s faithfulness, day by day.
Reflect. Take a moment with your family to thank God for deliverance, and invite Him to refine you over these next 50 days.
Prepare for Shavuot. Set your heart on what God might want to give you by the end — maybe a deeper understanding of His Word, a fresh outpouring of His Spirit, or clarity in your purpose.
What If You Miss a Day?
You’re not under a microscope. You’re under grace. Just pick up where you left off. This isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about cultivating holy anticipation.
Final Thoughts: A Sacred Countdown
In a culture of instant everything, Counting the Omer invites us to wait — on purpose.
It’s a holy countdown… not to a holiday, but to an encounter. It’s a reminder that we’re still a people on a journey — from deliverance to destiny.
So tonight, open your Bible and begin the count.
Because He’s still the God who meets His people on the mountain.
