“On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation and afflict yourselves. You shall do no work,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the verse mentions "afflict yourselves," it's not just about sorrow; it's also about actively humbling your whole being before God, which included fasting and abstaining from all enjoyable things as a profound act of repentance and recognition of their need for Him. This wasn't a passive sadness, but a deliberate, all-encompassing posture of humility and dependence.
“On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation and afflict yourselves. You shall do no work,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord is giving instructions for the festivals in the seventh month, following the earlier command for the Feast of Trumpets on the first day. Now, He outlines the observance for the tenth day, known as the Great Day of Atonement, which was a solemn occasion for national repentance and seeking forgiveness. This day of intense focus on sin and God's cleansing is immediately followed by the joyous seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting the transition from repentance to celebration.
This verse calls for more than just a day off. It demands a radical shift in focus.
The tenth day of the seventh month was no ordinary day; it was the Great Day of Atonement. The command to 'afflict yourselves' was central. This wasn't about mild discomfort, but a deep, internal humbling.
What 'Affliction' Meant:
This was a day set apart for serious introspection and a recognition of sin's gravity before God. It was a solemn pause in the year's rhythm, designed to bring the people face-to-face with their spiritual state.
The prohibition of work on this day was more profound than a typical weekly Sabbath.
The command 'you shall do no work' on the Day of Atonement carried immense weight. While the weekly Sabbath was a day of rest, this annual observance was a complete cessation of all ordinary activity.
The Significance of 'No Work':
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Understand the original words
miqra qodesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A formal assembly or gathering of the people of Israel commanded by God for religious purposes, setting the day apart from common use.
anah · Hebrew Verb
A state of self-denial, typically associated with fasting, humility, and repentance, required of the Israelites on the Day of Atonement to signify sorrow for sin.
This verse details the Day of Atonement, a pivotal annual observance. Its historical context stretches from the foundational Exodus and wilderness period, through the establishment of national worship in the land, to the stark consequences of exile, reminding the people of God’s solemn requirements for atonement and their need for His forgiveness amidst national trials.
~1445 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their covenant relationship with God and the establishment of their religious laws.
~1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites sojourned in the Sinai desert for 40 years, during which the Law was given and various festivals and observances were established.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following Joshua's leadership, the Israelites entered and began conquering the Promised Land, establishing their national life under God's covenant.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and brings the Ark of the Covenant, solidifying national worship and religious practice.
c. 960 BC
Temple in Jerusalem Built
Solomon completes the First Temple, providing a central place for national worship and the prescribed sacrifices and festivals.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the ten northern tribes of Israel, leading to their exile and scattering.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and carry many Israelites into exile, a catastrophic event that deeply impacted their identity and religious observance.
This passage directly elaborates on the 'affliction of souls' commanded for the tenth day, identifying it as the Day of Atonement and linking it to repentance and fasting.
Leviticus 23:27This verse reiterates the command for the tenth day of the seventh month to be a day of 'holy convocation' and 'affliction of souls,' providing further context for this solemn observance.
Isaiah 58:3This prophetic passage contrasts true fasting and affliction of soul with mere outward observance, highlighting the importance of justice and compassion alongside the spiritual discipline commanded in Numbers.
Acts 27:9This New Testament example shows the early church understanding 'afflicting the soul' in a way that included fasting, demonstrating the enduring concept of spiritual discipline.
gillNumbers 29:7: "And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:"
And ye shall have on the tenth day of the seventh month an holy convocation,.... The month Tisri, as before; so the Targum of Jonathan: and ye shall afflict your souls; or persons; their bodies by fasting, and their souls by repentance and humiliation; for this was a grand fast, as it is called Acts 27:9, ye shall not do any work therei…
bensonNumbers 29:7: "And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:"
Numbers 29:7 . And — on the tenth day — a holy convocation — On this day was offered annually their seventh national sacrifice. It was the great day of atonement, a day of special humiliation, fasting, and prayer; concerning the particular ceremonies whereof, see on Leviticus 16:29 ; and Leviticus 23:27 . Afflict your souls — Yourselves…
While the verse mentions "afflict yourselves," it's not just about sorrow; it's also about actively humbling your whole being before God, which included fasting and abstaining from all enjoyable things as a profound act of repentance and recognition of their need for Him. This wasn't a passive sadness, but a deliberate, all-encompassing posture of humility and dependence.
The Lord is giving instructions for the festivals in the seventh month, following the earlier command for the Feast of Trumpets on the first day. Now, He outlines the observance for the tenth day, known as the Great Day of Atonement, which was a solemn occasion for national repentance and seeking forgiveness. This day of intense focus on sin and God's cleansing is immediately followed by the joyous seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting the transition from repentance to celebration.
The Lord is giving instructions for the festivals in the seventh month, following the earlier command for the Feast of Trumpets on the first day. Now, He outlines the observance for the tenth day, known as the Great Day of Atonement, which was a solemn occasion for national repentance and seeking forgiveness. This day of intense focus on sin and God's cleansing is immediately followed by the joyous seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting the transition from repentance to celebration.
"“On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation and afflict yourselves. You shall do no work," — While the verse mentions "afflict yourselves," it's not just about sorrow; it's also about actively humbling your whole being before God, which included fasting and abstaining from all enjoyable thin…
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Last reviewed October 2026