Numbers 29:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}, on the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, ye shall have an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399}: it is a day {H3117} of blowing {H8643} the trumpets unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a holy convocation; do not do any kind of ordinary work; it is a day of blowing the shofar for you.

Berean Standard Bible

“On the first day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This will be a day for you to sound the trumpets.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:1 initiates the sacred observances of the seventh month in the Israelite calendar, specifically detailing the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), held on the first day. This divine mandate established a "holy convocation," a time of mandatory communal assembly and worship, during which all "servile work" was strictly prohibited. The distinguishing feature of this day was the characteristic "blowing the trumpets," a loud, piercing sound that served as a spiritual summons, a memorial before God, and a call to introspection and preparation for the solemn days that followed in the climactic month.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:1 marks the precise beginning of a detailed prescriptive section (Numbers 29) that meticulously outlines the specific burnt offerings and rituals required for Israel's annual feasts and new moons. This chapter serves as a practical, administrative expansion of the more general laws concerning these festivals previously given in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Lord's Appointed Feasts"). While Leviticus provided the initial divine instruction for the sacred calendar, Numbers 29 specifies the precise sacrificial quotas for each observance, ensuring the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands within the wilderness journey and beyond. The placement of this verse at the head of the seventh month's observances highlights its foundational role in the most significant period of the Israelite religious year, setting the stage for the solemn Day of Atonement and the joyful Feast of Tabernacles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelite calendar was deeply intertwined with both agricultural cycles and divine revelation. The seventh month, Tishrei, was climactic, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah in later tradition), followed by the solemn [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/23-27 "Leviticus 23:27 - The Day of Atonement"), and concluding with the joyful Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This month marked the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of the civil year, making it a time of both harvest celebration and profound spiritual introspection. The "blowing of trumpets" (likely ram's horns or *shofars*) was a common ancient practice used for various purposes: signaling war, proclaiming a new king, gathering assemblies, or marking significant events. In this context, it served as a unique spiritual alarm, calling the entire nation to attention and remembrance before their sovereign God.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:1 introduces several profound themes central to Israelite worship and the broader biblical narrative. It emphasizes the concept of **divine appointment**, underscoring God's sovereignty over time and His desire for His people to set aside specific moments for corporate worship and devotion, distinct from their daily labor. The command for a "holy convocation" (Hebrew: *miqra kodesh*) highlights the importance of **communal worship and assembly**, fostering unity and shared spiritual experience as the entire community gathered before the Lord. The prohibition against "servile work" underscores the **sacredness of the day**, demanding a cessation of ordinary occupations to focus entirely on spiritual matters and acknowledge God's dominion over all aspects of life, as seen in the Sabbath command in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day"). Finally, the central feature of "blowing the trumpets" introduces the theme of **spiritual awakening and remembrance**, serving as a call to attention, a memorial before God, and a preparation for the solemn days ahead, particularly the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - The Day of Atonement Rituals").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ'_):** From H4744, derived from the verb `קָרָא` (_qara'_), meaning "to call" or "to summon," _miqrâʼ'_ refers to a summoned assembly or a public reading. When combined with `קֹדֶשׁ` (_qôdesh_, "holy"), as in "holy convocation" (_miqrâʼ qôdesh_), it denotes a divinely appointed gathering for sacred purposes. This term emphasizes that the assembly was not optional but a solemn summons from God Himself, highlighting the sacred obligation and communal nature of the feast.
* **Servile work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh'_):** From H4399 (_mᵉlâʼkâh_) and H5656 (_ʻăbôdâh_). The term `מְלָאכָה` (_mᵉlâʼkâh_) generally refers to "work" or "occupation," while `עֲבֹדָה` (_ʻăbôdâh_) denotes "service," "labor," or "worship." The combination `מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה` (_mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh_) specifically refers to the ordinary, laborious, and often secular work involved in one's daily occupation. Its prohibition on this day underscored the need for the people to cease from their mundane pursuits to fully dedicate themselves to the spiritual observance and worship of God.
* **Blowing (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwʻâh'_):** From H8643, this noun `תְּרוּעָה` (_tᵉrûwʻâh_) signifies a loud, piercing sound, often a shout or a trumpet blast. It can convey various meanings depending on the context: a war cry, a shout of joy, an alarm, or a signal for assembly. In the context of the Feast of Trumpets, it functions as a solemn, awakening sound, serving as a memorial before God, a call to repentance and introspection, and a signal for the beginning of a new spiritual season.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month":** This precise chronological marker immediately establishes the specific timing of the feast. The "seventh month" (Tishrei) was agriculturally significant, marking the end of the harvest cycle, and religiously pivotal, initiating a concentrated period of high holy days. The "first day" emphasizes its role as a new beginning, a spiritual New Year, setting the tone for the solemn observances to follow.
* **"ye shall have an holy convocation;":** This command dictates a mandatory, divinely ordained assembly. The term "holy convocation" (_miqrâʼ qôdesh_) signifies that this gathering was set apart for sacred purposes, a time for the entire community to come together before the Lord, fostering corporate worship, instruction, and spiritual unity. It was not merely a social gathering but a sacred summons.
* **"ye shall do no servile work":** This prohibition underscores the sanctity of the day. By forbidding ordinary, laborious work, God commanded His people to cease from their mundane occupations, allowing them to fully focus their attention, energy, and time on spiritual matters, worship, and reflection. It was a day of rest from the ordinary, dedicated to the extraordinary.
* **"it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.":** This clause highlights the central, distinguishing feature of the day. The "blowing of trumpets" (_tᵉrûwʻâh_) was not merely a ceremonial sound but a deeply symbolic act. It served as a spiritual alarm, a call to awakening, a memorial before God, and a proclamation to the people, signaling the beginning of a period of introspection and preparation for the solemn Day of Atonement and the joyful Feast of Tabernacles.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Numbers 29:1 is **Prescriptive Language**, characteristic of legal and instructional texts within the Pentateuch. The verse uses direct commands ("ye shall have," "ye shall do no") to convey divine mandates, leaving no ambiguity about the required observances. This authoritative tone reinforces the sanctity and non-negotiable nature of the Feast of Trumpets. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is profoundly present, particularly with the "blowing of the trumpets." The trumpet blast is not merely a sound but a powerful symbol of divine summons, spiritual awakening, remembrance, and anticipation. It serves as an auditory reminder of God's presence and His call to His people, resonating with both past deliverances and future expectations. The designation of a "holy convocation" itself is symbolic of the ideal of a holy, gathered community devoted to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:1 powerfully articulates God's desire for His people to live in a rhythm of divine appointment and sacred remembrance. The Feast of Trumpets, with its unique sound, served as a spiritual alarm, calling Israel to introspection, repentance, and preparation for the Day of Atonement. It underscored the principle that true worship involves not only specific rituals but also a dedicated cessation from worldly pursuits to focus entirely on God. The emphasis on communal gathering highlights the corporate nature of faith and the importance of the assembly in fostering spiritual unity and shared devotion. This setting apart of time and sound served as a perpetual reminder of God's sovereignty over all life and His call for His people to remain spiritually alert and responsive to His voice.

* [Leviticus 23:23-25](/leviticus/23-23-25 "Leviticus 23:23-25 - The Feast of Trumpets")
* [Nehemiah 8:2-3](/nehemiah/8-2-3 "Nehemiah 8:2-3 - Ezra Reads the Law")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 29:1 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites were called to set aside a specific day for a "holy convocation" and to cease from "servile work," we are invited to cultivate intentional rhythms of rest, worship, and spiritual focus in our lives. In a world that constantly demands our attention and labor, this verse reminds us of the profound importance of prioritizing God's presence and His purposes. The "blowing of trumpets" symbolizes God's ongoing call to spiritual alertness—a call to examine our hearts, to remember His faithfulness, and to anticipate His future acts. It challenges us to consider how we are responding to God's summons in our daily lives, whether individually in quiet devotion or corporately in communal worship. Are we truly setting apart time and space for Him, allowing His voice to penetrate the noise of our busy lives, and living in a state of readiness for His divine appointments?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "holy convocation" challenge my understanding of corporate worship and my commitment to gathering with other believers?**
* **What "servile work" or worldly distractions might I need to set aside more intentionally to create space for spiritual focus and rest?**
* **In what ways does God "blow the trumpet" in my life today, calling me to attention, repentance, or preparation? How am I responding to these calls?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual alertness and anticipation for God's future plans, both personally and corporately?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "seventh month" in the Israelite calendar?**

Answer: The seventh month, Tishrei, was highly significant in the Israelite religious and agricultural calendar. It marked the culmination of the annual cycle, beginning with the Feast of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1), followed by the most solemn day of the year, the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/23-27 "Leviticus 23:27 - The Day of Atonement"), and concluding with the joyful Feast of Tabernacles ([Leviticus 23:34](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). This month was a period of intense spiritual focus, introspection, atonement, and celebration, highlighting God's provision and His ongoing relationship with His people.

**Why was "servile work" prohibited on the Feast of Trumpets?**

Answer: The prohibition against "servile work" (`mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh`) on the Feast of Trumpets, similar to the Sabbath and other high holy days, underscored the sacredness of the day. It was a divine command for the Israelites to cease from their ordinary, mundane occupations to fully dedicate their time, energy, and attention to spiritual matters, worship, and communal assembly before the Lord. This cessation from work symbolized God's sovereignty over their time and labor, emphasizing that the day was set apart exclusively for Him and His purposes, allowing for spiritual focus rather than worldly pursuits.

**What was the purpose of "blowing the trumpets" on this day?**

Answer: The "blowing the trumpets" (`tᵉrûwʻâh`) on the first day of the seventh month served multiple symbolic and practical purposes. It was a loud, piercing sound, likely from a ram's horn (shofar), intended to be a spiritual alarm and a call to attention. It functioned as a memorial before God, reminding Him of His covenant with Israel, and simultaneously served as a call to the people for introspection, repentance, and preparation for the solemn [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - The Day of Atonement Rituals") that would follow. It also symbolized a new beginning, a spiritual awakening, and an announcement of God's presence and His divine appointments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:1, with its emphasis on a "holy convocation" marked by the "blowing of trumpets" and a cessation of "servile work," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Feast of Trumpets, often seen as a foreshadowing of future eschatological events, points ultimately to the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Just as the trumpet blast summoned Israel to attention and preparation, the "trumpet of God" will herald the ultimate "holy convocation"—the gathering of God's elect at Christ's second coming, as described in [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect") and [1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Last Trumpet"). This future event will mark the true cessation of all "servile work" of sin and striving, as believers enter into the eternal rest and worship of God's presence. The call to spiritual alertness and preparation inherent in Numbers 29:1 thus becomes a call to live in readiness for the Lord's return, anticipating the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, fulfilling the ultimate "day of blowing the trumpets" in the establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and Christ's Reign")).

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 23:24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

Leviticus 23:25

Ye shall do no servile work [therein]: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Zechariah 9:14

And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

Numbers 10:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 10:10

Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.