“Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you, and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”
Leviticus 23:36 is part of a larger passage in which God instructs the Israelites regarding the appointed feasts or festivals that they were to observe. In this particular verse, God is giving instructions concerning the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths or Sukkot.
Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles:The Feast of Tabernacles was a seven-day celebration that occurred in the fall, usually during the month of Tishri (corresponding to September/October). It was a joyful festival commemorating the harvest and also serving as a reminder of the Israelites’ time of dwelling in temporary shelters during their wilderness journey.
The Offering Made by Fire:During the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Israelites were instructed to offer sacrifices made by fire to the Lord. These offerings were presented on the altar as a symbol of their worship and dedication to God. The specific details of these offerings are outlined in Leviticus 23:34-35.
The Eighth Day:After the seven days of offering sacrifices, the eighth day was considered a holy convocation, a separate and distinct day. On this day, the Israelites were to assemble in a solemn gathering and offer another offering made by fire to the Lord. This day held special significance and marked the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Abstaining from Servile Work:On the eighth day, the Israelites were instructed to refrain from engaging in any servile or regular work. This was a day of rest and dedicated worship to God. By setting aside this day and abstaining from work, the people were able to focus their attention fully on God and experience a deeper spiritual connection with Him.
It is important to note that while these instructions were given to the Israelites as part of their covenant relationship with God, they hold symbolic and spiritual lessons for believers today. The Feast of Tabernacles, along with other feasts and rituals in the Old Testament, foreshadowed the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant.
In conclusion, Leviticus 23:36 teaches us about the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles, the offerings made by fire, the importance of the eighth day as a holy convocation, and the observance of rest from servile work. These instructions highlight the Israelites’ dedication to God and their desire to worship and honor Him during this special festival.
