Exodus 12:16

An holy convocation. On the 15th of Abib, or Nisan, the first of the seven days of unleavened bread following the night of the paschal meal, the people were to assemble for worship. This is the first instance in the Scriptures in which mention is made of an assembly called for such a purpose. “Holy convocation” is an exact and appropriate translation of the Hebrew term here used, and signifies an assembly called by the express command of God for the promotion of holiness.

In the seventh day. The 21st of Abib, the last of the seven days of unleavened bread, was likewise distinguished from those that intervened, as a day for “holy convocation” (see also Lev. 23:4-8). Only one other Israelite festival, the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:39-42), was of so long duration.

No manner of work. In all countries feast days were occasions when people abstained from those ordinary pursuits of life which would interfere with performance of the religious rites or duties of the day. Only among the Hebrews, however, was absolute cessation from all regular work strictly enjoined. The seventh day of the feast was a day of rest from all labor and was therefore called a “sabbath” (see Lev. 23:15), for “sabbath” means “rest.”

May be done. No “servile work” (Lev. 23:7) was permitted. But God did not intend that His people should suffer by being deprived of food, for those days were to be periods of joy and gladness of heart. Permission was therefore given to perform such duties as are necessary to the normal maintenance of life and health.