Numbers 29:12
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:
Numbers 29:12 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Leviticus 23:34 outlines the commandment to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, which is a significant Jewish holiday. The fifteenth day of the seventh month in the Jewish calendar marks the beginning of this festival, during which the Israelites were instructed to have a holy convocation, meaning a sacred assembly dedicated to worship and praise of the Lord. They were forbidden from engaging in any unnecessary work, emphasizing the importance of dedicating this time specifically to the Lord and the celebration of His blessings to the people of Israel. The Feast of Tabernacles lasted for seven days, during which the Israelites were commanded to gather together, dwell in temporary shelters or booths made of branches, and participate in joyful festivities. This feast served as a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the provision and protection that God granted them throughout their journey in the wilderness. As believers today, we can learn from this verse the importance of setting aside sacred time for worship and thanksgiving to the Lord and to remember His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
Theological Overview
The verse '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:' from Leviticus 23:34 instructs the Israelites to observe a holy convocation on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and to keep a feast unto the Lord for seven days. This verse is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the various feasts and observances they were to keep. The word 'convocation' implies a gathering or assembly for religious purposes, highlighting the importance of coming together as a community to worship and honor the Lord. The prohibition of doing servile work during this feast emphasizes the need for rest and dedication to spiritual matters. The feast serves as a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the blessings of the Lord, reminding the Israelites of His faithfulness and provision. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of community, rest, and spiritual devotion in the lives of God's people.
Numbers 29:12 in other translations
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:
World English Bible
“‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. You shall keep a feast to Yahweh seven days.
Douay-Rheims
And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, which shall be unto you holy and venerable, you shall do no servile work, but shall celebrate a solemnity to the Lord seven days.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the fifteenth day of the seuenth moneth ye shall haue an holie conuocation: ye shall do no seruile worke therein, but yee shall keepe a feast vnto the Lord seuen daies.