“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.”
Historical Context:Exodus 12:16 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. In this chapter, God provides instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover feast, which commemorated their liberation from slavery. The events described in Exodus took place during the time of the Israelites’ captivity in Egypt, around the 13th century BCE.
Holy Convocation: The verse mentions two holy convocations, one on the first day and another on the seventh day. A holy convocation refers to a gathering or assembly of people for a sacred purpose. In this context, it refers to a special gathering of the Israelites for worship and observance of the Passover festival.
The First Day and Seventh Day: The first day and the seventh day mentioned in Exodus 12:16 have specific significance. The first day refers to the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed the Passover. It was a day of rest and a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:6-7). The seventh day refers to the seventh day of the same feast, which was also a day of rest and a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:8).
Prohibition of Work: On these holy convocations, no manner of work was to be done, except for preparing food. This prohibition is a recurring theme in the instructions regarding the Sabbath and other sacred days in the Old Testament. It emphasizes the need to set aside dedicated time for worship, rest, and focusing on God.
Significance: The holy convocations and the prohibition of work during the Feast of Unleavened Bread were important for the Israelites. They provided a time for the community to come together, remember God’s deliverance, and express their devotion to Him. By setting aside these days for rest and worship, they acknowledged God’s authority over their lives and demonstrated their trust in His provision.
Application: While the specific instructions in Exodus 12:16 were given to the Israelites for their observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, there are valuable principles we can apply to our lives today. This verse reminds us of the importance of setting aside dedicated time for worship, rest, and fellowship with other believers. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and find balance in our work and rest.
In summary, Exodus 12:16 instructs the Israelites to observe holy convocations on the first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On these days, they were to refrain from work, except for necessary food preparation. This verse highlights the significance of setting aside dedicated time for worship, rest, and focusing on God, and it encourages us to find a balance in our lives as well.
