Numbers 28:25

KJV

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} ye shall have an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventh day you are to have a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work.

Berean Standard Bible

On the seventh day you shall hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work.

American Standard Version

And on the seventh day ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:25 specifies the observance for the seventh and final day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, mandating it as a "holy convocation" and prohibiting "servile work." This command underscores the sacred nature of this divinely appointed day, emphasizing a cessation from ordinary labor to dedicate time to communal worship and remembrance of God's redemptive acts, particularly the Exodus from Egypt. It reinforces the principle of consecrated time within Israel's annual liturgical calendar, ensuring the community's focus remained on their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:25 is situated within a meticulously detailed section (Numbers 28-29) that outlines the sacrificial offerings and observances for Israel's annual festivals, daily, weekly, and monthly rituals. This comprehensive calendar of worship underscores the importance of a consistent and prescribed rhythm of devotion in the life of the covenant community. Specifically, this verse concludes the instructions for the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover (Numbers 28:16-25). The precise nature of these commands, leaving no room for ambiguity, highlights God's desire for His people to maintain a perpetual state of worship, remembrance, and atonement, ensuring that their relationship with Him remained central to their national identity and daily existence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hebrew: *Hag HaMatzot*) was one of the three pilgrimage festivals (along with Pentecost and Tabernacles) where all Israelite males were required to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. It commenced immediately after the Passover, commemorating Israel's hasty departure from Egyptian bondage, where they had no time for their bread to rise ([Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - The Israelites Leave Egypt Hastily")). The consumption of unleavened bread for seven days served as a tangible, annual reminder of their liberation and God's provision in the wilderness. The prohibition of "servile work" on the first and seventh days of this feast, echoing the weekly Sabbath, created sacred time set apart from the mundane. This practice was crucial for an agrarian society whose life revolved around agriculture and manual labor, ensuring that spiritual priorities could take precedence over economic pursuits.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 28:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The command for a "holy convocation" and the prohibition of "servile work" reinforce the **sanctity of sacred time**, a foundational principle established with the [creation Sabbath](/genesis/2-3 "Genesis 2:3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day") and reiterated in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day"). This theme emphasizes that certain times are to be consecrated to God, distinct from ordinary days, for communal worship and spiritual reflection. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **rest and worship**, where ceasing from labor allows for focused engagement with God's mighty acts, particularly the [Exodus deliverance](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). Finally, the meticulous detail of the command underscores the theme of **obedience to divine ordinances**, demonstrating God's expectation for His covenant people to meticulously follow His instructions for worship, thereby maintaining and affirming their covenant relationship with Him, as seen throughout the laws given in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** From H4744, this term denotes "something called out," specifically a "public meeting" or "assembly." It emphasizes that these gatherings were not optional or spontaneous but were divinely mandated callings. The root `qara` means "to call," indicating that God Himself summoned His people to these sacred assemblies.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, this word signifies "sacredness," "holiness," or "set apart." When applied to a convocation, it implies that the assembly itself, and the time it occupied, was separated from the common or profane and dedicated exclusively to God's purposes. It marked a time and place for solemn, sacred interaction with the divine.
* **servile (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** From H5656, this term refers to "work of any kind," specifically "labor," "service," or "bondage." When combined with `mᵉlâʼkâh` (work, H4399), it denotes laborious, occupational, or professional work typically performed for gain or as part of one's regular vocation. The prohibition was against engaging in such toil, freeing the people to focus on the spiritual purpose of the day.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the seventh day":** This phrase precisely designates the final day of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. The emphasis on the "seventh day" echoes the pattern of the weekly Sabbath, reinforcing the idea of completion, divine order, and sacred rest after a period of remembrance and celebration.
* **"ye shall have an holy convocation":** This is a direct, imperative command for a sacred assembly. It mandates that the community must gather together, indicating that the observance was not merely individual but communal. This gathering was for a sacred purpose, implying corporate worship, instruction, and remembrance of God's mighty acts, particularly the Exodus from Egypt.
* **"ye shall do no servile work":** This is a clear prohibition against engaging in one's regular, laborious occupation. It underscores the principle of setting aside ordinary pursuits and economic activities to dedicate the day fully to God and the spiritual significance of the feast. This cessation of work allowed for undistracted focus on the purpose of the holy convocation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:25 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by its direct, imperative tone ("ye shall have," "ye shall do no"). This precise and authoritative phrasing underscores the divine origin and mandatory nature of the command, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the Israelites' obligations. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Repetition** of the Sabbath principle, extending the concept of rest from the weekly Sabbath to specific feast days. This repetition reinforces the overarching theological theme of consecrated time and the importance of ceasing from labor to honor God. Finally, there is an element of **Symbolism** embedded in the prohibition of "servile work." This cessation of ordinary labor symbolizes a deeper spiritual rest and dependence on God, signifying that true sustenance and flourishing come not from human toil alone, but from divine provision and blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:25, in its specific command for the seventh day of Unleavened Bread, serves as a microcosm of broader biblical theology concerning sacred time, rest, and worship. It highlights God's initiative in setting apart specific times for His people to remember His redemptive acts and to draw near to Him in communal worship. This principle of consecrating time is not merely about ceasing from labor but about actively reorienting one's life and priorities towards God. The feast, with its specific rituals and prohibitions, was a pedagogical tool, designed to constantly remind Israel of their identity as a people delivered by God's mighty hand and called to live in obedient covenant relationship with Him. The emphasis on "holy convocation" underscores the communal aspect of faith, where corporate worship is essential for reinforcing shared identity and theological understanding, fostering unity and a collective memory of divine faithfulness.

* [Exodus 12:16](/exodus/12-16 "Exodus 12:16 - Holy Convocations on the First and Seventh Days")
* [Leviticus 23:8](/leviticus/23-8 "Leviticus 23:8 - No Servile Work on the Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread")
* [Deuteronomy 16:8](/deuteronomy/16-8 "Deuteronomy 16:8 - A Solemn Assembly on the Seventh Day")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 28:25, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider how we prioritize our time and energy, reminding us that true spiritual flourishing often requires intentional cessation from the relentless demands of daily life. In a world that often glorifies constant activity and productivity, the command to observe a "holy convocation" and do "no servile work" calls us to embrace rhythms of rest and worship. This isn't just about physical inactivity, but about creating sacred space for spiritual renewal, communal fellowship, and focused reflection on God's goodness and faithfulness. Just as the Israelites remembered their deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember and celebrate our deliverance from sin and death through Christ, allowing this remembrance to shape our priorities and practices. It encourages us to view our corporate worship gatherings not as optional activities, but as "holy convocations"—divinely appointed times for us to gather, commune with God, and be nourished by His Word and presence, fostering a deeper connection with Him and with one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "holy convocation" challenge my modern understanding of corporate worship and its importance?**
* **In what ways do I need to "do no servile work" in my life, creating intentional space for spiritual rest and renewal?**
* **How can I more intentionally remember and celebrate God's deliverance in my own life, echoing the Israelites' remembrance of the Exodus?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize sacred time for God amidst the demands and pressures of my daily schedule?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seventh day" in this verse, and how does it relate to other biblical observances?**

Answer: The "seventh day" in Numbers 28:25 refers specifically to the final day of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Its significance is multifaceted. First, it marks the completion of the feast, bringing the week of remembrance to a solemn close. Second, the number seven holds profound theological significance in the Bible, often symbolizing completion, perfection, and divine order, as seen in the [seven days of creation](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day of Creation"). Third, the command for a "holy convocation" and the prohibition of "servile work" on this day directly echo the principles of the weekly Sabbath (e.g., [Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - The Sabbath Commandment")), reinforcing the idea that certain times are divinely set apart for rest and worship. This connection highlights a consistent biblical pattern of sacred time, where God calls His people to cease from their regular labors to focus on Him, whether weekly or during annual festivals, emphasizing spiritual priorities over worldly pursuits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:25, with its emphasis on a "holy convocation" and cessation from "servile work" on the seventh day of Unleavened Bread, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following Passover, pointed to the removal of sin ("leaven") and the new life of purity and sincerity in God, as explained by Paul in [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). Christ is our true [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose perfect sacrifice delivers us from the bondage of sin, a liberation far greater and more enduring than the physical deliverance from Egyptian slavery. The call to a "holy convocation" foreshadows the gathering of God's new covenant people, the church, called together by Christ for worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement, as exhorted in [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together"). Furthermore, the prohibition of "servile work" on this sacred day points to the spiritual rest that believers find in Christ. We are no longer striving to earn our salvation or righteousness through our own "works" or efforts, but we enter into the finished work of Christ on the cross, finding true spiritual rest in Him, as described in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God"). He is our ultimate Sabbath rest, providing true peace and liberation from the burden of striving. Thus, the ancient command, while specific to Israel's liturgical calendar, prophetically directs our gaze to the One who perfectly fulfills its spiritual intent, inviting us into a life of rest in His grace and worship in spirit and truth, as Jesus taught in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth").

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

Leviticus 23:8

But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day [is] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein].

Exodus 13:6

Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day [shall be] a feast to the LORD.

Numbers 28:18

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

Exodus 12:16

And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.

Leviticus 23:35

On the first day [shall be] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein].

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].

Numbers 29:1

¶ And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.