Numbers 28:25 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:25 mean?

Numbers 28:25 commands the Israelites to gather for a special sacred assembly on the seventh day and to refrain from doing any ordinary work. This instruction sets apart the seventh day of the festival as a day of rest and worship, not for regular labor.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to instruct the people of Israel about their responsibilities during the festival of Unleavened Bread. The "holy convocation" means a gathering for worship, and "no servile work" means abstaining from routine, work-related tasks. This verse highlights the importance of setting aside time for communal worship and rest during significant religious observances.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:25

• "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." The day is not just a break from work but is dedicated to God.
• "Convocation" (מִקְרָא, miqra): This means an assembly or gathering, emphasizing that the people were to come together for worship, not just rest individually.
• "Servile" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word refers to labor or work done as a servant. The restriction is not on all activity, but specifically on ordinary, work-related tasks.

Why Numbers 28:25 matters

• Numbers 28:25 clarifies that not every day of the festival was a Sabbath, but the seventh day was to be observed with special rest and worship.
• The verse emphasizes the communal aspect of Israel's worship, requiring everyone to gather together, not just observe privately.
• This instruction connects to the larger section in Numbers 28, which details the regular and special offerings, showing how rest and worship were woven together in Israel’s religious life.