Leviticus 23:36

KJV

Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a solemn assembly; [and] ye shall do no servile work [therein].

KJV (with Strong's)

Seven {H7651} days {H3117} ye shall offer {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}: on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} shall be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744} unto you; and ye shall offer {H7126} an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}: it is a solemn assembly {H6116}; and ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

For seven days you are to bring an offering made by fire to ADONAI; on the eighth day you are to have a holy convocation and bring an offering made by fire to ADONAI ; it is a day of public assembly; do not do any kind of ordinary work

Berean Standard Bible

For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work.

American Standard Version

Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a solemn assembly; ye shall do no servile work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:36 delineates the climactic conclusion of the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, prescribing a distinct eighth day as a holy convocation. This day was to be a solemn assembly, specifically set apart for special offerings made by fire to the LORD, and strictly prohibited any form of laborious or "servile" work, thereby signifying a unique period of sacred rest, intensive worship, and spiritual completion for the Israelite community following the annual cycle of divine feasts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the LORD's appointed feasts, or _mo'adim_ (holy convocations), which intricately structured Israel's sacred calendar. These festivals, including Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, and the Day of Atonement, all culminated in the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), detailed in [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33-43 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles"). Verse 36 specifically addresses the unique "eighth day" that immediately follows the primary seven days of Tabernacles. This day functions as a distinct and climactic conclusion, not only to Sukkot but to the entire annual cycle of God's feasts. Its separate designation emphasizes themes of completion, ultimate rest, and a final, concentrated act of communal worship, signifying a transition from the temporary dwelling in booths to a more profound and enduring sense of God's presence and provision among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles itself was a joyous harvest festival, celebrating the ingathering of the year's produce and serving as a profound commemoration of Israel's wilderness wanderings, during which they lived in temporary shelters or booths, as commanded in [Leviticus 23:42-43](/leviticus/23-42-43 "Leviticus 23:42-43 - Dwelling in Booths"). The "eighth day" held profound significance in ancient Israelite culture and biblical numerology, frequently symbolizing new beginnings, completion, or a transcending of a natural cycle. For instance, the covenant sign of circumcision occurred on the eighth day ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), and the consecration of priests and the Tabernacle involved an eight-day process culminating on the eighth day ([Leviticus 9:1](/leviticus/9-1 "Leviticus 9:1 - Eighth Day of Consecration")). This final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, therefore, marked a sacred cessation of ordinary labor, a time for profound reflection on God's unwavering faithfulness throughout the year, and an anticipation of future blessings, powerfully echoing the foundational principle of Sabbath rest articulated in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:36 contributes significantly to several overarching theological themes. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Appointment and Sacred Time**, highlighting God's sovereign ordering of Israel's life and worship through specific, set-apart times. The verse also underscores **Rest and Cessation from Labor**, not merely as idleness but as an act of trust in God's provision and an opportunity for undistracted worship, echoing the broader Sabbath principle. Furthermore, the "eighth day" powerfully conveys **Completion and New Beginnings**, signifying the culmination of the annual festival cycle while simultaneously looking forward to a renewed state or future reality. Finally, the emphasis on "offerings made by fire" and "holy convocation" reinforces the theme of **Worship and Fellowship with God**, presenting a communal gathering centered on sacrificial devotion and divine communion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** This term (H4744), derived from a root meaning "to call," signifies "something called out," specifically a "public meeting" or "assembly." In a sacred context, as here, it denotes a divinely summoned gathering, a holy assembly where the community is called by God to come together for a specific, sacred purpose, distinct from the ordinary routines of life. It implies a setting apart of both time and people for worship, instruction, and communion with the LORD.
* **Solemn Assembly (Hebrew, _ʻătsârâh'_):** This word (H6116) carries the nuance of "restraint" or "holding back," often referring to a "closing festival" or a final, climactic assembly. It implies a cessation from ordinary activities, a time when the people are "restrained" from their usual work to focus entirely on the sacred purpose of the day. It is used for the concluding, most significant day of a major festival, marking its completion with a special emphasis on devotion and sacred rest.
* **Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** This term (H4399) generally refers to "employment," "occupation," or "work" of any kind. When paired with `ʻăbôdâh` (H5656, "service" or "labor"), as in "servile work" (`mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`), it specifically denotes burdensome, laborious, or gainful employment that would distract from the sacredness of the day. The prohibition emphasizes the set-apart status of the convocation, requiring a complete cessation of ordinary, profit-generating, or physically demanding tasks to allow for full dedication to worship and spiritual rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD:"** This clause sets the stage by referencing the primary duration of the Feast of Tabernacles, during which daily burnt offerings were prescribed. These offerings were acts of worship, dedication, and atonement, symbolizing the people's devotion and God's ongoing provision.
* **"on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you;"** This highlights the distinct and special nature of this specific day. It is not merely an extension of the preceding seven days but a separate, divinely appointed sacred assembly, emphasizing its unique significance as both a culmination of the feast cycle and a new beginning.
* **"and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD:"** Despite being a day of profound rest and cessation from ordinary labor, the eighth day still required specific burnt offerings. This underscores the ongoing and essential necessity of worship and sacrifice as central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, even on a day dedicated to spiritual repose.
* **"it [is] a solemn assembly;"** This further defines the character of the eighth day, marking it as a concluding festival. It is a time of special restraint and focused devotion, distinct from the preceding days and from regular workdays, signifying a profound and concentrated spiritual experience.
* **"[and] ye shall do no servile work [therein]."** This explicit prohibition reinforces the extraordinary sacredness of the day, demanding a complete cessation of ordinary, gainful, or burdensome labor. This ensures that the people's entire focus remained on God and the spiritual significance of the convocation, allowing for unhindered worship and rest.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:36 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological import. The **Repetition** of "offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD" serves to emphasize the continuity and centrality of worship and sacrifice throughout the entire festival, extending even into its distinct concluding day. The structural arrangement of the feast itself, culminating in this unique eighth day, demonstrates **Inclusion** or **Bookending**, where the final day acts as a distinct, sacred capstone to the seven-day festival, creating a sense of completeness and meaningful closure to the annual cycle. Furthermore, the entire concept of the "holy convocation" and "solemn assembly" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not merely a physical gathering but a spiritual setting apart, a time for the community to enter deeply into God's presence and rest from their labors, thereby anticipating a deeper, ultimate rest. The number **Eight** itself is highly symbolic in biblical numerology, frequently signifying new beginnings, resurrection, or completion that transcends a perfect natural cycle of seven, pointing to a new order or inaugurated reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, designated as a "solemn assembly" and "holy convocation," encapsulates profound theological themes of divine rest, eschatological hope, and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It points forward to a time of ultimate rest and perfect dwelling with God, a promise that transcends the temporary booths of Sukkot. This day, marking both completion and new beginnings, anticipates the full realization of God's abiding presence among His people, where they will be free from the burdens of labor and the stain of sin, entering into an eternal state of worship and communion. It is a foretaste of the New Creation, where God's tabernacle will be forever with humanity.

* [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation at the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")
* [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 23:36, while rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, calling us to a profound intentionality in our spiritual lives. It reminds us of the importance of bringing seasons of intense devotion, study, or service to a deliberate and prayerful close. Just as God ordained a distinct conclusion to His feasts, we are called to recognize the profound value of setting aside specific times for undivided focus on Him, free from the incessant demands and distractions of daily life. This "solemn assembly" encourages us to cultivate healthy rhythms of rest and worship, understanding them not merely as an absence of work, but as an active, consecrated presence with God. It challenges us to identify and lay aside our own "servile work"—the anxieties, self-reliant efforts, and burdensome tasks that prevent us from fully resting in God's sovereign provision and grace. Ultimately, this verse invites us to anticipate the ultimate and eternal rest in God's presence, motivating us to live lives that reflect His completed work and our longing for the full manifestation of His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I intentionally create and observe times of "holy convocation" and "solemn assembly" in my life today, setting them apart from my regular routine?**
* **What specific "servile work"—whether physical labor, mental anxieties, or self-imposed burdens—do I need to lay aside to truly rest in God's presence and provision?**
* **How does the concept of "completion" and "new beginnings" inherent in the "eighth day" inform my understanding of God's ongoing work in my life and the ultimate hope of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "eighth day" in biblical thought?**

Answer: The "eighth day" frequently symbolizes new beginnings, completion beyond a perfect cycle of seven, or a transition to a new, inaugurated order. In the Old Testament, circumcision, the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, was performed on the eighth day ([Genesis 17:12](/genesis/17-12 "Genesis 17:12 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), marking a new life within the covenant community. Similarly, the consecration of priests and the Tabernacle also culminated on the eighth day ([Leviticus 9:1](/leviticus/9-1 "Leviticus 9:1 - Eighth Day of Consecration")), signifying a new, sanctified state. This concept powerfully foreshadows the New Testament, where Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week (the "eighth day" from creation's perspective) inaugurates a new creation and a new covenant, marking the beginning of the church age.

**How does "solemn assembly" differ from a regular Sabbath?**

Answer: While both a "solemn assembly" (_ʻătsârâh_) and a regular Sabbath involve a cessation of "servile work" and a dedicated focus on God, they are not identical. The weekly Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day")) is a specific, recurring day of rest and worship, observed every seven days as a perpetual sign of the covenant. A "solemn assembly," however, is a broader term for a special, sacred gathering, often marking the conclusion of a major festival, as seen with the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Leviticus 23:7-8](/leviticus/23-7-8 "Leviticus 23:7-8 - Feast of Unleavened Bread")) and the Feast of Tabernacles. While it shares the principle of rest and sacred focus with the Sabbath, it is tied to the specific calendar of annual feasts rather than the weekly cycle, often serving as a climactic closing event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, with its profound emphasis on solemn assembly, sacred rest, and the culmination of God's dwelling among His people, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making God's presence accessible to all who believe. It was precisely on the "last and greatest day of the Feast" (likely the eighth day of Tabernacles) that Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation at the Feast")). This powerful invitation points to Him as the inexhaustible source of living water, fulfilling the water-drawing ceremonies of the feast and offering true spiritual refreshment and rest that the Old Covenant rituals could only foreshadow ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, Christ's resurrection on the "eighth day" (the first day of the week) signifies a new creation, a new beginning for all who are in Him, and the ultimate, eternal rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). The "solemn assembly" of the eighth day thus powerfully prefigures the eternal assembly of God's redeemed people, dwelling with Him in the New Heavens and New Earth, where He will truly "tabernacle" among them forever, wiping away every tear and bringing ultimate completion to His redemptive plan ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 8:18

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Joel 2:15

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Numbers 29:12

¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

Numbers 29:38

And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

2 Chronicles 7:8

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 7:11

Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.