Numbers 28:18

KJV

In the first day [shall be] an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work [therein]:

KJV (with Strong's)

In the first {H7223} day {H3117} shall be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; ye shall do {H6213} no manner of servile {H5656} work {H4399} therein:

Complete Jewish Bible

The first day is to be a holy convocation: do not do any kind of ordinary work;

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day there is to be a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.

American Standard Version

In the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:18 delineates the precise regulations for the inaugural day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day observance immediately following Passover. This verse mandates that the first day be a "holy convocation," a sacred assembly where all ordinary, occupational labor is strictly forbidden. It underscores the profound sanctity of this day, setting it apart for communal worship, spiritual reflection, and remembrance of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, emphasizing divine provision and rest over human toil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:18 is situated within a detailed legislative section (Numbers 28-29) that comprehensively outlines the annual sacrificial calendar and festival observances for Israel. This particular chapter focuses on the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual offerings, providing a standardized, national liturgy. The instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Numbers 28:16-25) follow the Passover regulations, emphasizing their interconnectedness as a single, extended commemoration of the Exodus. This section serves as a practical guide for the priests and the nation, ensuring consistent and obedient worship as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, building upon earlier, more general instructions found in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of Passover") and [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Unleavened Bread was deeply rooted in the historical event of the Exodus from Egypt. The hurried departure meant there was no time for bread to rise, hence the command to eat unleavened bread for seven days (cf. [Exodus 12:34](/exodus/12-34 "Exodus 12:34 - Unleavened Bread for the Journey")). The designation of "holy convocation" signifies a mandatory national gathering, not merely a local assembly, reflecting the communal identity and shared history of the Israelites. The prohibition of "servile work" (עֲבֹדָה מְלֶאכֶת, _meleket avodah_) was crucial in an agrarian society where daily labor was essential for survival. This command elevated the sacred over the secular, ensuring that the people's focus was entirely on God and His mighty acts, rather than on their usual pursuits of livelihood. It also served as a tangible reminder of their liberation from the "servile work" of slavery in Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the book of Numbers. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the day is set apart ("holy convocation") from ordinary time and labor, emphasizing God's demand for a consecrated people. Secondly, it reinforces **Covenant Obedience**, as adherence to these detailed instructions was a fundamental expression of Israel's fidelity to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The meticulous nature of the laws underscores the seriousness of their commitment. Thirdly, the verse points to **Remembrance and Identity**, ensuring that the foundational act of deliverance from Egypt remained central to Israel's national consciousness. The cessation of work and communal worship served as a powerful, annual re-enactment and remembrance of God's provision and their liberation. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Divine Provision and Rest**, as the command to cease work implied a trust in God to sustain them, mirroring the rest from their former bondage and foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual rest found in God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **holy convocation (Hebrew, _miqra kodesh'_):** This compound phrase, appearing frequently in discussions of Israel's feasts (e.g., [Leviticus 23:2](/leviticus/23-2 "Leviticus 23:2 - The Feasts of the Lord")), literally translates to "a calling of holiness" or "a sacred assembly." The term _miqra_ (מִקְרָא) derives from the verb "to call" (קָרָא, _qara_), indicating that the assembly was not optional or humanly initiated, but divinely summoned. It signifies a mandatory gathering for the entire community, set apart for worship, instruction, and communion with God. The addition of _kodesh_ (קֹדֶשׁ), "holiness," emphasizes the consecrated nature of the assembly, designating it as distinct from ordinary gatherings and dedicated exclusively to the Lord.
* **servile work (Hebrew, _meleket avodah'_):** This phrase specifically refers to occupational labor, work done for profit or livelihood, or burdensome toil. The term _meleket_ (מְלֶאכֶת) denotes "work" or "occupation," while _avodah_ (עֲבֹדָה) means "service," "labor," or "bondage." The combination distinguishes this type of work from necessary activities like preparing food (which was often permitted on holy days, as seen in [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Preparing for the Feast")). The prohibition was designed to free the people from the daily grind and economic pressures, allowing them to fully devote themselves to the spiritual observance of the feast, mirroring their liberation from the "servile work" of slavery in Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the first day":** This phrase precisely designates the timing of the "holy convocation" within the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. It emphasizes that this particular day, immediately following the Passover sacrifice, held special significance and particular regulations, distinguishing it from the other days of the feast.
* **"[shall be] an holy convocation":** This clause mandates a sacred, divinely appointed assembly for the entire Israelite community. It signifies a time set apart from ordinary life, where the people were to gather corporately for worship, remembrance, and hearing God's word. The nature of the convocation underscored its importance as a national act of devotion and covenant renewal.
* **"ye shall do no manner of servile work [therein]:"** This is a direct prohibition against engaging in any occupational or laborious work for gain on this sacred day. It served to remove distractions and allow the people to fully focus on the spiritual meaning of the feast. This cessation of ordinary labor was a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and a symbolic participation in the rest found through His deliverance from bondage.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:18 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Command/Instruction**, as the verse is a direct imperative from God to Moses, intended for the entire Israelite community. This authoritative tone underscores the non-negotiable nature of the command and the importance of obedience. There is also an element of **Repetition** within the broader context of Numbers 28-29, as similar phrases regarding "holy convocation" and "no servile work" are reiterated for various feast days, emphasizing the consistent pattern of sanctified time throughout the Israelite calendar. Finally, **Symbolism** is present, as the cessation of "servile work" on this day symbolizes not only a break from mundane labor but also the profound spiritual rest and freedom from the bondage of slavery that God had granted Israel through the Exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:18, in its command for a "holy convocation" and cessation of "servile work," profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of sanctified time and the nature of worship. It echoes the principles of the Sabbath, where a day is set apart for rest and devotion to God, recognizing His sovereignty over all of life and labor. This divine mandate for communal assembly and cessation of work underscores the priority God places on corporate worship and remembrance of His saving acts, not merely as an individual spiritual exercise but as a communal expression of covenant faithfulness. It teaches that true rest and provision ultimately come from God, not from human striving, fostering a spirit of dependence and trust. The feast serves as a perpetual reminder that Israel's identity and existence were founded upon God's gracious deliverance, not their own efforts.

* [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Holy Convocation and No Servile Work")
* [Leviticus 23:7](/leviticus/23-7 "Leviticus 23:7 - Holy Convocation on the First Day")
* [Deuteronomy 16:8](/deuteronomy/16-8 "Deuteronomy 16:8 - No Work on the Seventh Day")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 28:18 calls us to consider the intentional setting apart of time for God in our own lives. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity and productivity, the command to cease "servile work" on a holy day is a radical counter-cultural call to trust and rest. For us today, while not bound by the ceremonial law in the same way, the underlying principle remains vital: we are to prioritize spiritual disciplines, communal worship, and times of genuine rest from our daily labors and anxieties. This means intentionally carving out space in our schedules for corporate worship, personal devotion, and Sabbath rest, recognizing that our ultimate provision and peace come from God, not from our own striving. It is a reminder to remember and celebrate God's past deliverances in our lives, fostering gratitude and deepening our dependence on Him. By intentionally stepping away from the demands of the world, we create space for God to renew our minds, refresh our souls, and reorient our priorities towards His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently prioritize and "set apart" time for God in my weekly rhythm?**
* **What "servile work" or anxieties do I need to cease from in order to truly rest in God's provision?**
* **How does communal worship contribute to my spiritual well-being and my remembrance of God's deliverance?**
* **In what ways can I practically apply the principle of "holy convocation" to my life, even without a literal temple or feast day?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "holy convocation" in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: A "holy convocation" (Hebrew: _miqra kodesh_) was a divinely commanded, mandatory assembly for the entire Israelite community. It was a sacred gathering, set apart from ordinary days, where the people were to come together for corporate worship, instruction, and remembrance of God's mighty acts. These convocations were central to Israel's covenant life, ensuring that the nation collectively honored God and recalled their shared history of divine deliverance and provision. They served as spiritual anchors in the annual calendar, reinforcing national identity and theological understanding.

**What specific types of "servile work" were forbidden on this day?**

Answer: "Servile work" (Hebrew: _meleket avodah_) specifically referred to occupational labor, work done for profit, or burdensome toil that was part of one's regular livelihood. This prohibition aimed to free the Israelites from the daily grind and economic pressures, allowing them to fully devote their attention and energy to the spiritual observance of the feast. It did not typically forbid necessary tasks like preparing food for the day, as seen in [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Permitted Work on Holy Days"), but rather focused on abstaining from labor that would distract from the sacred purpose of the day.

**How does this command for rest and assembly relate to the broader concept of Sabbath?**

Answer: The command in Numbers 28:18 shares a fundamental principle with the Sabbath (cf. [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Both mandate a cessation of work and a setting apart of time for God. While the weekly Sabbath was a perpetual sign of the covenant and creation, the "holy convocation" on feast days applied the same principle of sacred rest to specific annual commemorations. Both emphasized that God is the source of all provision and that true rest comes from trusting Him, rather than from human striving. They taught Israel to prioritize their relationship with God above all other pursuits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:18, with its command for a "holy convocation" and cessation of "servile work" on the first day of Unleavened Bread, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following Passover, powerfully foreshadowed Christ as our [Passover Lamb, who has been sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"). The command to remove leaven and eat unleavened bread for seven days symbolized the call to live a life free from the "leaven" of malice and wickedness, a spiritual cleansing made possible through Christ's atoning work (cf. [1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Cleansing Out the Old Leaven")). The prohibition of "servile work" on this sacred day points to the profound truth that our salvation and spiritual rest are not achieved through our own efforts or "works of the law," but are a gracious gift received through faith in Christ (cf. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Jesus himself invites us to find ultimate rest in Him, declaring, "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). The "holy convocation" finds its ultimate expression in the Church, the body of Christ, where believers are continually called together by the Holy Spirit to worship God and commemorate His saving acts, now centered on the finished work of Christ and the hope of His return (cf. [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")).

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.