The Eighth Day

Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea.

Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical scale: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do. Although the eighth note is Do again, it has a brand new beginning and is performed on a higher level. There are seven days in the full cycle of the week, so the eighth day is the first day of the next week and the beginning of a new cycle.

Throughout the Scriptures, the number eight signifies new beginnings. Consider the following examples.

The eighth day was set aside for Levitical priests to begin their ministry after seven days of consecration to the Lord:

Leviticus 9:1 – After the ordination ceremony, on the eighth day, Moses called together Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. (NLT)

The purification ceremony after a person was healed of a skin disease took place on the eighth day.

Leviticus 14:23 – On the eighth day of the purification ceremony, the person being purified must bring the offerings to the priest in the Lord's presence at the entrance of the Tabernacle. (NLT)

On the eighth day after birth Jewish males were circumcised:

Leviticus 12:3 – On the eighth day the boy's foreskin must be circumcised. (NLT)

In the New Testament, the sign of circumcision was also symbolic of regeneration: a circumcision of the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit — becoming a new creation in Christ, and beginning our new life in Him.

Colossians 2:11 – When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision — the cutting away of your sinful nature. (NLT)

In such a case, the number eight signifies the resurrection from the dead for a born-again believer. Significantly, the apostle Thomas first saw the risen Lord on the eighth day after He was raised from the dead:

John 20:26 – Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," he said. (NLT)

Therefore, on this eighth day after the celebration of Christ's victory over death, let us consciously look for a new beginning in our relationship with Him. May we look for new opportunities and possibilities from the Lord. Like notes of a musical scale, let us ask Him for a deeper understanding of His Word that will carry us to a higher level of knowledge and blessings, bringing glory and honour to Christ.

Prayer: Almighty God, according to Your divine purpose, You have called us to be consecrated, cleansed, and circumcised in heart. May we walk in the power of Your resurrection, seeking to serve You always through Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whose holy name we pray. Amen.