What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:21?

On that same day

Leviticus 23:21 sits in the middle of instructions about the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). “That same day” points to the exact fiftieth day after the sheaf offering (Leviticus 23:15-16).

• The wording anchors the command in a specific calendar moment, showing God’s orderly design (Genesis 1:14).

• Precision matters: Israel’s worship schedule was not optional or vague (Numbers 9:3).

• By tying worship to a set day, the Lord demonstrates His authority over time itself (Psalm 31:15).

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you are to proclaim a sacred assembly

A “sacred assembly” means gathering publicly for worship and sacrifice (Leviticus 23:2).

• The community aspect keeps faith from becoming private or isolated (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Public proclamation reminds Israel—then and now—that God’s deeds are worth declaring openly (Psalm 107:2).

• The assembly underscores holiness; people set apart to the Lord meet on His terms (Exodus 19:5-6).

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and you must not do any regular work

Work cessation sets the day apart from ordinary life (Exodus 20:8-11).

• Rest reenacts God’s own rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3).

• By laying aside “regular work,” Israel trusts God to provide, mirroring the manna test (Exodus 16:22-30).

• The pause allows full attention to worship rather than divided loyalties (Isaiah 58:13-14).

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This is to be a permanent statute wherever you live

The command isn’t bound to geography; it follows God’s people into every future dwelling (Deuteronomy 12:1).

• “Permanent statute” signals unchanging divine authority—no expiration date (Psalm 119:160).

• Even in exile or dispersion, the feast could remind Israel of covenant identity (Jeremiah 29:7).

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for the generations to come

The Lord’s vision extends beyond the first hearers to their descendants (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

• Obedience today shapes faith tomorrow; children learn God’s rhythm through parental practice (Psalm 78:5-7).

• Continuity of worship preserves collective memory of redemption (Joshua 4:6-7).

• New-covenant believers still see Pentecost’s fulfillment when the Spirit descended (Acts 2:1-4), showing the feast’s forward reach.

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summary

Leviticus 23:21 commands a precisely timed, public, restful, enduring celebration that spans place and posterity. God claims Israel’s calendar, community, labor, and lineage, ensuring every generation remembers His saving acts and rests in His provision.