On the eighth dayThe eighth day marks the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant festival in the Jewish calendar. Biblically, the number eight often symbolizes new beginnings or a new order, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath. This day signifies a transition from the festival period to regular life, emphasizing renewal and dedication to God.
you are to hold a solemn assembly;
A solemn assembly is a sacred gathering for worship and reflection. In the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, it serves as a culmination of the festival's celebrations, focusing on spiritual renewal and community worship. This assembly is a time for the Israelites to come together in unity, reflecting on God's provision and presence. It parallels the Christian practice of gathering for worship, emphasizing the importance of communal faith and devotion.
you must not do any regular work.
The prohibition against regular work underscores the day's sanctity, setting it apart for worship and rest. This mirrors the Sabbath principle, where rest is commanded to focus on God and spiritual matters. It highlights the importance of dedicating time solely to God, free from the distractions of daily labor. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to find rest in Christ, who fulfills the law and provides spiritual rest for His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving these instructions through Moses.
2.
MosesThe leader and prophet who conveys God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.
3.
Eighth DayThe final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant festival in the Jewish calendar.
4.
Solemn AssemblyA sacred gathering for worship and reflection, marking the conclusion of the festival.
5.
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)A week-long Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and God's provision.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Rest and ReflectionThe command to cease from regular work on the eighth day underscores the importance of rest and reflection in our spiritual lives. It is a time to focus on God and His provision.
The Significance of Sacred GatheringsThe solemn assembly is a reminder of the value of coming together as a community to worship and honor God. It strengthens our faith and unity.
God's Provision and FaithfulnessThe Feast of Tabernacles commemorates God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives.
Symbolism of the Eighth DayThe eighth day symbolizes new beginnings and renewal. It points to the hope and new life we have in Christ, who offers us eternal rest.
Application to Modern Christian LifeWhile we may not observe the Feast of Tabernacles, the principles of rest, reflection, and community worship are applicable today. We are called to set aside time for God and to gather with fellow believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 29:35?
2.How does Numbers 29:35 emphasize the importance of sacred assemblies in worship?
3.What role does "no regular work" play in observing holy days today?
4.How can we apply the principle of rest from Numbers 29:35 in our lives?
5.What connections exist between Numbers 29:35 and the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8-11?
6.How does observing sacred assemblies strengthen our relationship with God and community?
7.What is the significance of the eighth day in Numbers 29:35 for biblical festivals?
8.How does Numbers 29:35 relate to the concept of rest in biblical theology?
9.Why does Numbers 29:35 emphasize a "solemn assembly" in the context of ancient Israelite worship?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 29?
11.What defines a solemn assembly?
12.What defines a solemn assembly?
13.Ezra 2:64 and Nehemiah 7:66 state the assembly was 42,360, but their totals are 29,818 and 31,089. Why don't the numbers add up?
14.Deuteronomy 21:1-9: How does sacrificing a heifer in a remote valley effectively resolve guilt for an unsolved murder?What Does Numbers 29:35 Mean
On the eighth day- The verse situates us at the close of the week-long Feast of Tabernacles, the seventh month celebration Israel observed every year (Leviticus 23:34).
- “Eight” signals a new beginning after a completed cycle of seven; it marks both conclusion and fresh start (Genesis 17:12;Luke 2:21).
- By ordaining a special day after the festival’s seven days, the Lord highlights His desire for lingering fellowship—He is never in a hurry to end communion with His people (John 15:4).
- Jesus later chose “the last and greatest day of the feast” to announce living water to all who believe (John 7:37-39), underscoring the prophetic depth of this eighth-day gathering.
You are to hold a solemn assembly- “Solemn” speaks not of gloom but of weighty joy—an intentional, God-centered gathering marked by worship and sacrifice (Deuteronomy 16:15).
- The nation assembled as one, reminding us that salvation is not merely individual; God calls a people (1 Peter 2:9-10).
- The required sacrifices that follow inNumbers 29:36-38 demonstrate that approach to God still depends on atonement. Every offering pointed forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-14).
- The corporate focus mirrors the heavenly scene where multitudes worship before the throne (Revelation 7:9-12).
You must not do any regular work- Rest is an act of trust. Laying aside labor says, “The Lord is my provider” (Exodus 16:23-30;Matthew 6:31-34).
- Just as the weekly Sabbath celebrated God’s original rest (Genesis 2:2-3), this festival Sabbath celebrated redemption rest—freedom from Egypt and, foreshadowing, freedom from sin (Deuteronomy 5:15;Hebrews 4:9-11).
- Ceasing ordinary tasks made space for extraordinary attention to God, illustrating that worship is not something squeezed into the margins but granted prime time.
- In Christ we enter the ultimate Sabbath, a life where our works cease as we rely on His finished work (John 19:30;Ephesians 2:8-9).
summaryNumbers 29:35 instructs Israel that after seven joyous days of Tabernacles, the people were to gather once more on an eighth day, setting aside work to hold a weighty, joy-filled assembly before the Lord. The command anticipates a new beginning of fellowship, highlights corporate worship grounded in sacrifice, and calls God’s people to rest in His provision—a pattern ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who invites us into eternal, unbroken communion and rest with Him.
(35)
On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly.--Or,
closing feast day.The word
azereth,which is here and in the parallel passage in
Leviticus 23:36 (comp.
Nehemiah 8:18;
2Chronicles 7:9) rendered "solemn assembly," is used in
Deuteronomy 16:8 of the seventh or closing day of the Feast of the Passover. It is used in
Jeremiah 9:2 and
Amos 5:2 in a more general manner. In the former of these passages it is used of an assembly or confederacy of false dealers, and in the latter it appears to include solemn festivals generally, without limitation to the last day of their duration. The primary notion appears to be that of restraint--
i.e.,from the performance of servile work. The sacrifices of the eighth day were the same as those which were appointed for the first day of the seventh month,
i.e.,the Feast of Trumpets, and also for the tenth day, or Day of Atonement. (See
Leviticus 23:36, and Note.) . . .
Verse 35. -
On the eighth day. On the twenty-second day of Ethanim (see on Leviticus 23:36). The offering here specified returns to the smaller number ordered for the first /rod tenth days of this month. The feast of tabernacles ended with sundown on this day.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
On the eighthהַשְּׁמִינִ֔י(haš·šə·mî·nî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8066:Eighth (an ordinal number)dayבַּיּוֹם֙(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayyou are to holdתִּהְיֶ֣ה(tih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bea solemn assembly;עֲצֶ֖רֶת(‘ă·ṣe·reṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6116:An assembly, on a, festival, holidayyou must notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodoתַעֲשֽׂוּ׃(ṯa·‘ă·śū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makeanyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyregular work.מְלֶ֥אכֶת(mə·le·ḵeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4399:Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property
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OT Law: Numbers 29:35 On the eighth day you shall have (Nu Num.) 
