Definition: And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 29:12. It's a really important part of understanding how God planned to establish a covenant with the Israelites after their escape from Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about establishing a special, holy time for worship and remembrance of God. Think of it as a special “reset” or a focused period of celebration dedicated to Him. Let's look at the parts piece by piece: “And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month…” – This tells us when this event happens. It’s happening in the middle of the seventh month, which is a specific time of year in Israel. “…ye shall have an holy convocation…” – "Convocation" means a gathering or assembly. So, this means they’re creating a special meeting to focus on God. “…ye shall do no servile work…” – This is the most crucial part. "Servile work" means work that's done for someone else, like laboring in a field or building something for them. This verse specifically forbids any work that’s not dedicated to God and to honoring Him. It emphasizes that this time is about worship and remembrance of God. “…and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:” – This means they're planning a special celebration, a feast, for seven days. They’ll be offering food and drink as a way to show gratitude and devotion to God. It's a time for prayer, giving thanks, and focusing on Him. In essence, this verse is saying: “During the seventh month, you are to dedicate yourselves to worshipping God and remembering His goodness in a special, focused way.” Why is this important? This story is significant because it shows that God cared deeply about the Israelites’ well-being and wanted to establish a relationship with them that would be dedicated to honoring Him. It's a foundational element of the covenant – a promise between God and his people. Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger story or biblical context (like the Exodus)?