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 23:24KJV
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Leviticus 23:24 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:24 mean?

Leviticus 23:24 instructs the Israelites to observe a special day of rest and gathering on the first day of the seventh month, marked by the blowing of trumpets as a memorial and a holy assembly. This verse sets apart this day as a sabbath, emphasizing its sacredness and its role as a time for the community to come together.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to tell the people of Israel about this appointed day. The setting is the giving of instructions for Israel’s annual festivals. The blowing of trumpets signals the day’s importance, and calling it a “holy convocation” means the people are to gather for worship and reflection, not just rest.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:24

  • שַׁבָּתוֹן (shabbaton, H7677): This word means a special rest or sabbath, not just a regular weekly Sabbath but a distinct day of ceasing from work. It highlights the unique character of this festival day.
  • זִכָּרוֹן (zikaron, H2146): This means a memorial or remembrance. The day is meant to help the people remember something significant, though the verse does not specify what, leaving it open to the idea of remembering God’s works or covenant.
  • תְּרוּעָה (teruah, H8643): This refers to a loud blast or shout, often made with a trumpet or horn. The use of this word shows that the day is announced with a dramatic sound, setting it apart from ordinary days.
  • מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ (mikra kodesh, H4744 + H6944): This phrase means a holy convocation or sacred assembly, pointing to the communal aspect of the day where people are called together for worship.

Why Leviticus 23:24 matters

  • Leviticus 23:24 clarifies that the “blowing of trumpets” is not just a musical act but a formal announcement marking a sacred occasion, signaling its importance to the whole community.
  • The verse ties this festival to the larger calendar of Israel’s holy days, showing that God set specific times for rest, remembrance, and gathering, not just for individual reflection but for the nation as a whole.
  • Understanding the original words helps clear up that this day is both a sabbath (a rest day) and a memorial, with the trumpet blasts serving as a call to remember and assemble, not just as a ritual sound.

Where else these words appear

“sabbath” Hebrew H7677 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 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.
  • Leviticus 16:31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
  • Leviticus 23:39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

“memorial” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Numbers 5:15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
  • Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

“convocation” Hebrew H4744 · used in 22 verses

  • 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 23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:

“blowing” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 25:9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.