And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.

NUMBERS 29:1KJV
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Numbers 29:1 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:1 mean?

Numbers 29:1 commands the Israelites to gather for a special, sacred assembly on the first day of the seventh month, to do no regular work, and to observe it as a day marked by the blowing of trumpets. This day is set apart as a holy occasion, distinct from ordinary days, and is known as the Feast of Trumpets.

God is speaking to Moses, instructing him to tell the people of Israel about this annual observance. The setting is in the wilderness, as the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land. The verse introduces a festival that signals a new period in the religious calendar, emphasizing rest from daily labor and the importance of communal worship through the sounding of trumpets.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:1

  • "Seventh" (שְׁבִיעִי, shevi'i): This word marks the timing as the seventh month, which is significant because it is a month full of important festivals in the Israelite calendar.
  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) and "convocation" (מִקְרָא, miqra): These words together stress that this is not just a day off, but a sacred gathering with a special purpose.
  • "Servile" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah) and "work" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): These words refer to ordinary, laborious work, highlighting that this day is meant for rest and worship, not for daily chores.
  • "Blowing" (תְּרוּעָה, teruah): This word refers to a loud, joyful noise, often made with trumpets or shofars, signaling both celebration and a call to attention for the community.

Why Numbers 29:1 matters

  • Numbers 29:1 clarifies that the Feast of Trumpets is not just a day of rest, but a day set apart for a communal, sacred purpose, marked by the unique act of trumpet-blowing.
  • The verse shows the start of a series of important festivals in the seventh month, setting the stage for the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles that follow.
  • By specifying "no servile work," the verse emphasizes that the focus is on worship and assembly, not just a break from labor, which helps explain the spiritual rhythm of the Israelite year.

Where else these words appear

“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 23:24 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.
  • Numbers 28:25 And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

“blowing” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 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.
  • 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.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

“servile” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.