Numbers 28:18
In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:
Original Language Analysis
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
H3117
בַּיּ֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
In the first
H7223
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
In the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
2 of 9
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
מִקְרָא
convocation
H4744
מִקְרָא
convocation
Strong's:
H4744
Word #:
3 of 9
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
קֹ֑דֶשׁ
shall be an holy
H6944
קֹ֑דֶשׁ
shall be an holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 9
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
work
H4399
מְלֶ֥אכֶת
work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
Historical Context
The first and seventh days of Unleavened Bread were full Sabbaths with sacred assemblies (Exodus 12:16; Leviticus 23:7-8). In Second Temple Judaism, these became pilgrimage occasions when Jerusalem swelled with worshipers. Jesus likely observed these convocations annually until His final Passover week, when He became the ultimate Paschal Lamb.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that worship is a divine "calling" rather than human initiative or personal preference?
- How might setting aside regular times of cessation from work challenge your culture's values?
- In a 24/7 world, what would "holy convocation"—gathered, unhurried worship—require you to sacrifice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
An holy convocation (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ, miqra-qodesh)—literally "a called-together holiness" or "sacred assembly." The word miqra comes from the same root as qara (קָרָא, "to call"), emphasizing that God summons His people together for worship. This was not optional attendance but covenantal obligation. The assembly was "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) meaning "set apart" from ordinary time and activity.
No manner of servile work (כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה, kol-meleket avodah)—literally "all work of labor" was prohibited, similar to but distinct from Sabbath rest. Feast days allowed food preparation (Exodus 12:16) but forbade occupational labor. This rhythm taught that humans exist for worship, not merely work—a counter-cultural truth in both ancient agrarian and modern capitalist economies.