Matthew Poole and continuators on Exodus 12:16

16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation: and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you: no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat , that onely may be done of you.

A solemn day for the people to assemble together and to attend upon the publick Worship and service of God in hearing his Word, Prayers, Praises, and Sacrifices.

Because then Pharaoh and his host were drowned in the Sea; as on the first day the first-born were killed. So their deliverance was begun on the first and compleated on the seventh day, and therefore those days deserved a special character of honour. And indeed that there were seven days between those two miracles the Jews unanimously affirm and it seems probable from the account of their journies.

(i. e.) Of servile work, Lev. 23. 7.

Herein, as many think, these days were inferiour to the Sabbath, in which that was forbidden. But of this see my notes on Exod. 16. 23. and 35. 3.

Marginal references: Heb. soul.