Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Ronald H. Stewart, Sr." <cpaman4 AT juno.com>]

I would like to have your assistance regarding the interpretation of a
portion of the Hebrew Scriptures.  The subject is found in Leviticus
23:15-16.

I have read and heard various arguments about the interpretation of 
several
words in these verses and I am not attempting to start any type of debate 
on which "group" or "religion" is correct on what day Pentecost/Shavuos 
takes place.  I am not trying to determine which is the "day of rest" to 
start the count.

The point that I am not sure of is the statement that the count should be 
inclusive because the term "mi-mohorat" (excuse the transliteration 
please)
in verse 15 makes the count "inclusive" at the start of the count which 
would make day "one" the day after the "day of rest."  Since "mi-mohorat" 
is at the end of the count in verse 16 would this not make the last day of 
the count inclusive?  If this is a correct argument then why is only 49 
days counted to arrive at the correct day?  The command for the Sabbatical 
Year specifies to count 49 years and hallow the 50th.  49 years are "fully 
counted" then the Sabbatical Year is hallowed.  Why is only 49 days counted 
and the 50th day sanctified here?  Some translations have verse 16 having 
count 50 days "then" offer the offering.  Should not the 50th day be over 
before the Holy Day starts?

Are there any plain examples in the Tanakh that shows that God does not 
fully count or completely reckon the number that He specifies?

Any assistance would be very much appreciated.

Ron Stewart, CPA
1098 Dry Fork Road
Ashland City, TN  37015