Numbers 29:12

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day {H3117} of the seventh {H7637} month {H2320} ye shall have an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}; ye shall do {H6213} no servile {H5656} work {H4399}, and ye shall keep {H2287} a feast {H2282} unto the LORD {H3068} seven {H7651} days {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you are to have a holy convocation. You are not to do any kind of ordinary work, and you are to observe a feast to ADONAI seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:12 introduces the divine instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of ancient Israel's three annual pilgrimage festivals. This verse precisely dictates that on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, a holy convocation is to be held, prohibiting any servile work, and marking the commencement of a seven-day feast dedicated to the Lord. It sets the stage for a period of national thanksgiving, remembrance, and joyful celebration of God's faithfulness and provision, serving as the grand culmination of Israel's annual sacred calendar.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:12 is strategically placed within a comprehensive liturgical section of the book, specifically chapters 28 and 29, which meticulously detail the prescribed offerings and observances for all the annual feasts, Sabbaths, and new moons. This particular verse immediately follows the solemn instructions for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the tenth day of the seventh month ([Numbers 29:7-11](/numbers/29-7-11 "Numbers 29:7-11 - The Day of Atonement Regulations")), creating a deliberate and profound transition from national repentance and expiation to a period of profound national rejoicing and thanksgiving. The instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles then continue in [Numbers 29:13-38](/numbers/29-13-38 "Numbers 29:13-38 - Offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles"), outlining the unique and decreasing number of bull offerings for each of the seven days, culminating in a distinct eighth day of assembly. This placement highlights the Feast of Tabernacles as the grand finale of the annual festival cycle, a joyful conclusion to a month rich in spiritual significance and a powerful demonstration of God's ordered worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers were given to Israel during their wilderness wanderings, preparing them for life in the Promised Land. The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths or Ingathering, was deeply rooted in Israel's history and an agricultural society. Historically, it served as a vivid reminder of God's faithful provision and protection during the [forty years in the wilderness](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remembering the Wilderness Journey"), when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters or booths (sukkot). Culturally, it coincided with the ingathering of the final harvest—grapes and olives—making it a joyous harvest festival where the people celebrated God's bounty from the land. The seventh month, Tishrei (September/October), was a climactic period in the Israelite calendar, encompassing the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and finally, the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing a progression from new beginnings to national repentance and culminating in joyful communion with God. This sequence underscored the holistic nature of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Pentateuch and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Appointment and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous ordering of time and worship for His people. The precise dates and commands for a "holy convocation" emphasize God's initiative in calling His people to sacred assembly, establishing a rhythm of life centered on Him. Secondly, the prohibition of "servile work" highlights the theme of **Sacred Rest and Devotion**, echoing the principles of the [Sabbath](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Command to Remember the Sabbath Day") and other feast days, where ordinary labor is set aside to prioritize spiritual focus and communion with the Lord. This rest was not merely cessation of work but an active engagement in worship. Thirdly, as the introduction to the Feast of Tabernacles, this verse introduces themes of **Remembrance and Thanksgiving**. The feast itself was a powerful annual reminder of God's past faithfulness during the wilderness journey and a joyous celebration of His present provision through the harvest, as commanded in [Leviticus 23:34](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34 - The Initial Command for the Feast of Tabernacles"). Finally, it anticipates the theme of **God's Dwelling (Tabernacling)** among His people, a concept central to Israel's identity, from the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the Temple, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy Convocation (Hebrew, _miqrâʼ qôdesh'_):** This phrase literally means "a summoned, sacred assembly." The word _miqrâʼ_ (H4744) derives from the verb _qara_ (קָרָא), "to call" or "to summon," emphasizing that these gatherings were not optional human initiatives but divine appointments. They were "holy" (_qôdesh_, H6944), meaning set apart for God's purposes, distinct from ordinary life. This term consistently marks the most sacred days of the Israelite calendar, indicating a mandatory cessation of regular activities for corporate worship and spiritual focus.
* **Servile Work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh'_):** This specific phrase refers to laborious, occupational work, the kind of work one performs for a livelihood. The term _mᵉlâʼkâh_ (H4399) denotes "employment" or "work" (never servile in itself), while _ʻăbôdâh_ (H5656) signifies "work of any kind," including "service" or "labour." The combination specifies work related to one's regular occupation or livelihood, distinguishing it from necessary tasks like preparing food or carrying water, which were generally permitted on most feast days (though not on the Sabbath or Day of Atonement). The prohibition underscores that the day was to be dedicated entirely to the Lord, freeing the people from the demands of daily toil to fully engage in worship, reflection, and communal celebration.
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** The term _chag_ (H2282) refers specifically to one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks/Pentecost, Tabernacles) during which all Israelite males were required to journey to the central sanctuary. The root meaning of _chag_ (H2287) is often associated with "circling" or "dancing," suggesting a joyful, communal procession and celebration. This term emphasizes the festive, celebratory nature of Tabernacles, in stark contrast to the solemnity of the preceding Day of Atonement, highlighting a shift from repentance to joyous communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month":** This precise chronological marker immediately follows the Day of Atonement (10th of the 7th month), indicating a swift and intentional transition from solemn repentance to joyful celebration. The seventh month (Tishrei, H2320), with its "fifteenth" (H2568, H6240) "day" (H3117), was the climactic month of the Israelite religious calendar, containing the major fall festivals. The fifteenth day signifies the full moon, often associated with ancient harvest festivals, and ensures the celebration occurs at the peak of the harvest season, connecting the spiritual celebration with God's natural provision.
* **"ye shall have an holy convocation":** This command establishes the sacred and mandatory nature of the day. It was not merely a holiday but a divinely appointed assembly, a time when the community was "called out" by God to gather for worship, instruction, and communal celebration. This emphasizes the corporate dimension of Israelite faith and the importance of collective participation in God's appointed times, fostering unity and shared devotion.
* **"ye shall do no servile work":** This prohibition reinforces the sanctity of the day. By commanding a cessation of ordinary labor, God ensured that the people would be free from worldly distractions and able to fully dedicate their time and attention to the spiritual significance of the feast. It underscores the principle of sacred rest, allowing for spiritual renewal and focus on God's blessings and His covenant relationship with His people.
* **"and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days":** This specifies both the duration and the divine recipient of the celebration. The "seven" (H7651) "days" (H3117) provided ample time for the people to fully immerse themselves in the festival's meaning, to remember God's faithfulness in the wilderness, and to give thanks for the harvest. The phrase "unto the LORD" (H3068) highlights that the entire celebration was an act of worship and devotion directed towards God, acknowledging Him as the sovereign source of all blessings and the object of their joy.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:12 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Legal/Prescriptive Language**, characterized by direct commands ("ye shall have," "ye shall do," "ye shall keep") and precise instructions regarding dates and actions. This imperative mood underscores the divine authority behind these ordinances and their non-negotiable nature for the Israelite community, emphasizing obedience to God's revealed will. There is also an element of **Repetition** throughout Numbers 28-29, as the phrases "holy convocation" and "no servile work" are reiterated for nearly every feast day. This repetition serves to emphasize the consistent requirements for sacred rest and assembly across all major festivals, reinforcing their importance and the need for Israel to set aside specific times for God. Finally, the verse functions as an **Introduction/Framing Device** for the detailed instructions of the Feast of Tabernacles that follow, setting the general parameters before the specific daily offerings are enumerated, providing a clear and structured approach to the divine commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:12, in its introduction to the Feast of Tabernacles, reveals profound theological truths about God's relationship with His people and His design for their worship. It underscores the divine initiative in establishing sacred time, demonstrating that worship is not merely a human endeavor but a response to God's gracious invitation and command. The emphasis on a "holy convocation" highlights the importance of corporate worship and communal identity, where the people gather as one body to remember God's faithfulness, express gratitude, and renew their covenant commitment. The prohibition of "servile work" teaches the value of intentional rest and the prioritization of spiritual pursuits over worldly labor, a principle that transcends ancient Israel and speaks to the human need for spiritual replenishment and focus on eternal realities. The seven-day duration of the feast, coupled with its historical context, powerfully connects God's past acts of deliverance and provision (wilderness wandering) with His present blessings (harvest), fostering a deep sense of gratitude and dependence on Him, recognizing His continuous involvement in their lives.

* [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33-43 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Regulations for the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13-15 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - Rejoicing at the Feast of Booths")
* [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13-18 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Post-Exilic Celebration of Tabernacles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 29:12, while rooted in ancient Israelite practice, offers enduring principles for believers today. It calls us to cultivate an intentional rhythm of life that prioritizes sacred rest and corporate worship. In a world that often glorifies ceaseless activity and productivity, the command to "do no servile work" reminds us of the spiritual necessity of pausing, stepping away from our daily toil, and dedicating time solely to God. This isn't just about physical rest, but about creating space for spiritual renewal, reflection on God's goodness, and communion with Him and with fellow believers. Just as the Israelites remembered God's faithful provision in the wilderness and celebrated His harvest bounty, we are called to regularly reflect on God's past faithfulness in our lives and to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude for His ongoing blessings, both spiritual and material. The "holy convocation" reminds us of the irreplaceable value of gathering together as the body of Christ for worship, encouragement, and mutual edification, acknowledging that our faith is both personal and communal, designed to be lived out in community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I intentionally set aside time for spiritual rest and renewal in my busy life, moving beyond mere physical cessation of work?**
* **What does "holy convocation" mean for me as a participant in Christian community today, and how can I prioritize corporate worship and fellowship with other believers?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's faithfulness and provision, both in my past experiences and my present circumstances, recognizing His continuous grace?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seventh month" in Israel's calendar, and why were so many feasts concentrated in it?**

Answer: The seventh month, known as Tishrei (corresponding to September/October), was arguably the most significant and spiritually intense month in the Israelite religious calendar. It marked the culmination of the agricultural year and was packed with major festivals. It began with Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets) on the first day, a day of remembrance and preparation. This was followed by the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the tenth day, a day of national repentance and expiation. Just five days later, on the fifteenth, began the joyful Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which lasted seven days. This concentration of feasts in the seventh month created a powerful spiritual progression: from preparation and self-examination (Trumpets), to national cleansing and reconciliation (Atonement), culminating in a week of profound thanksgiving, joy, and remembrance of God's provision and dwelling among His people (Tabernacles). It symbolized a complete spiritual cycle, from new beginnings to atonement and joyful communion, reflecting God's comprehensive plan for His people's spiritual journey.

**Why was "servile work" prohibited on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: The prohibition of "servile work" (Hebrew: *mᵉlâʼkâh ʻăbôdâh*) on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as on other key feast days, served to emphasize the sacredness and set-apart nature of the occasion. Unlike the weekly Sabbath or the Day of Atonement, where *all* work was forbidden, "servile work" specifically referred to one's ordinary, laborious, income-generating occupation. By prohibiting this type of work, God ensured that the people would be free from the distractions and demands of their daily livelihoods. This allowed them to fully dedicate their time, energy, and attention to the spiritual purpose of the feast: to engage in worship, remember God's faithfulness during the wilderness wanderings, express gratitude for the harvest, and participate in communal celebration. It was a divine command to rest from worldly pursuits and prioritize spiritual communion, mirroring the principle of the [Sabbath rest](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Sabbath Command") and fostering a deeper reliance on God's provision rather than their own labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Tabernacles, introduced in Numbers 29:12, finds rich Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing forward to the person and work of Jesus and the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity. The temporary booths (sukkot) in which Israel lived during the feast vividly prefigure Jesus Christ, who, as the Word made flesh, "tabernacled" or "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing God's very presence into human history in a way more profound than any tent or temple. During the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant water-drawing ceremony took place, symbolizing God's provision of water in the wilderness and prayers for rain. It was in this context that Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), identifying Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and the fulfillment of Israel's longing for divine provision. Furthermore, the Feast of Tabernacles, as a harvest festival marked by great joy, foreshadows the eschatological ingathering of God's people and the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in the new heavens and new earth. The promise that God will "tabernacle with them" and "wipe away every tear" ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Humanity in the New Creation")) signifies the perfect, unhindered communion and eternal joy that believers will experience in Christ's presence, fulfilling the deepest longings expressed in this ancient feast and culminating God's redemptive plan.

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

Deuteronomy 16:13

Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:

Deuteronomy 16:14

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] within thy gates.

Ezekiel 45:25

In the seventh [month], in the fifteenth day of the month, shall he do the like in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meat offering, and according to the oil.

Exodus 34:22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19

This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.