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Exodus 12:16

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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.

And in the first {H7223} day {H3117} there shall be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744}, and in the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} there shall be an holy {H6944} convocation {H4744} to you; no manner of work {H4399} shall be done {H6213} in them, save {H389} that which every man {H5315} must eat {H398}, that only may be done {H6213} of you.

On the first and seventh days, you are to have an assembly set aside for God. On these days no work is to be done, except what each must do to prepare his food; you may do only that.

On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly, and another on the seventh day. You must not do any work on those days, except to prepare the meals—that is all you may do.

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

Commentary

Exodus 12:16 is part of the instructions given to Moses and Aaron regarding the first Passover and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread, detailing the specific observances for the initial and final days of this significant week.

Context

This verse falls within the passage describing the institution of the Passover in Egypt, immediately before the tenth plague. After outlining the sacrifice of the lamb and the marking of the doorposts, the text provides commands for the seven days following, which would become the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Verse 16 focuses on the first and seventh days of this seven-day feast, designating them as special, set-apart days.

Key Themes

  • Holy Convocation: The term "holy convocation" (Hebrew: miqra qodesh) signifies a time set apart by God for a summoned assembly, dedicated to worship and spiritual focus rather than ordinary labor. These days were divinely appointed gatherings.
  • Rest and Cessation of Work: A central command is that "no manner of work shall be done." This emphasizes the sacredness of these days, mirroring the principle of the Sabbath rest, but applied specifically to the beginning and end of this particular feast. It underscores the importance of pausing from daily toil to focus on God.
  • Provision and Necessity: The single exception to the work prohibition is preparing necessary food ("that which every man must eat"). This practical allowance highlights God's understanding of basic human needs while still upholding the spiritual purpose of the day. It shows that worship and rest are not meant to lead to neglect of essential provision.
  • Divine Appointment: These days were not arbitrarily chosen but were commanded by God, marking them as significant milestones in Israel's calendar and their relationship with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy convocation," miqra qodesh (מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ), combines miqra, meaning "a summoning," "reading," or "assembly," and qodesh, meaning "holy" or "set apart." It literally means a "holy summoning" or "sacred assembly," highlighting that these were days God called His people to gather for sacred purposes.

Related Scriptures

The concept of a holy convocation and commanded rest is echoed in other passages detailing Israel's feasts, such as those found in Leviticus chapter 23, which lists the various appointed times (moedim) throughout the year. The principle of rest and provision for basic needs on holy days is also seen in the instructions for the Sabbath itself. The focus on these specific days within the Feast of Unleavened Bread reinforces their importance as bookends to a week commemorating God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, a theme central to the narrative in Exodus chapter 13.

Practical Application

While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law of the Old Testament feasts, the principles of Exodus 12:16 offer valuable lessons. They emphasize the importance of setting aside specific times for worship and spiritual focus, distinct from our regular work and routines. This reminds us that intentional rest and corporate gathering are vital aspects of our relationship with God. It challenges us to prioritize divine appointments and trust God to provide for our needs even when we pause from labor, understanding that true rest and spiritual renewal come from Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:7 (6 votes)

    In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

  • Leviticus 23:8 (6 votes)

    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].

  • Numbers 28:18 (6 votes)

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

  • Numbers 28:25 (5 votes)

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

  • Exodus 16:23 (5 votes)

    And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

  • Exodus 16:29 (3 votes)

    See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

  • Exodus 35:2 (3 votes)

    Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.