Leviticus 23:36

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].

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.

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

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.

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

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]."

Context

Leviticus 23 outlines the LORD's appointed feasts, or "holy convocations" (mo'adim), which served as a sacred calendar for ancient Israel. These festivals included the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and finally, the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths). Verse 36 specifically describes the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles, which itself lasted for seven days (Leviticus 23:34). This eighth day served as a distinct and climactic end to the entire cycle of annual festivals, symbolizing completion and a special period of rest and worship.

Key Themes

  • Climax and Completion: The eighth day marks a distinct and holy conclusion to the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, and indeed, to the entire annual cycle of God's feasts. It signifies the culmination of the harvest season and the spiritual year.
  • Holy Convocation: This day was designated as a "holy convocation" (miqra kodesh), meaning a sacred assembly where the people were called together for worship and instruction, set apart from their regular activities.
  • Solemn Assembly and Rest: The phrase "solemn assembly" (Hebrew: 'atzarah) indicates a time of holding back from ordinary labor, a cessation of work, and a focus purely on the Lord. It emphasizes a special period of spiritual rest and devotion, echoing the Sabbath principle.
  • Offerings by Fire: Like the preceding seven days, the eighth day also required "an offering made by fire unto the LORD," signifying acts of worship, dedication, and atonement through sacrifice, symbolizing the people's devotion and God's provision.

Linguistic Insights

The term "solemn assembly" translates the Hebrew word 'atzarah (ืขึฒืฆึธืจึธื”), which carries the nuance of a "closing festival," "assembly," or "restraint." It implies a day where normal activity is ceased, and the people are "restrained" from their usual work to focus entirely on the sacred purpose of the day. This is why "no servile work" was permitted, distinguishing it from general labor and emphasizing its sacred, set-apart status.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 23:36 offers several insights:

  • The Importance of Conclusion: Just as God ordained a distinct conclusion to His feasts, there is value in bringing spiritual observances and seasons of devotion to a deliberate and prayerful close. It helps to consolidate the lessons learned and blessings received.
  • Dedicated Rest and Worship: The concept of a "solemn assembly" reminds us of the need to set aside specific times for undivided focus on God, free from the distractions of daily life. This can be seen in corporate worship, personal retreats, or simply dedicating time to quiet reflection and prayer.
  • Anticipation of Fullness: The Feast of Tabernacles itself pointed to God's dwelling among His people and the joy of His presence. The eighth day, as a grand finale, can be seen as foreshadowing the ultimate and eternal rest in God's presence, a theme found in the New Testament (e.g., Revelation 21:3). It encourages us to look forward to the complete fulfillment of God's promises.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 8:18 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Numbers 29:12 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 7:8 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.