Leviticus 23:39

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to celebrate a feast to the LORD for seven days. There shall be complete rest on the first day and also on the eighth day.

Study Bible

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month
This phrase marks a specific time in the Hebrew calendar, known as Tishri, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. The fifteenth day is significant as it begins the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot. This festival is a time of joy and thanksgiving, celebrating the harvest and God's provision. Historically, it commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. The Hebrew word for "seventh month" is "Tishri," which is a time of great festivity and spiritual reflection in Jewish tradition.

when you have gathered the produce of the land
This phrase indicates the completion of the agricultural cycle, a time when the Israelites would gather the fruits of their labor. The Hebrew root for "gathered" is "asaph," which implies collecting or bringing together. This gathering is not just a physical act but also a spiritual one, symbolizing the ingathering of blessings from God. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness in providing for His people and the importance of stewardship of the land.

celebrate the feast of the LORD
The command to "celebrate" is a call to rejoice and give thanks. The Hebrew word "chagag" means to hold a feast or festival. This celebration is directed towards the LORD, emphasizing that the feast is not merely a social or cultural event but a sacred observance dedicated to God. It is a time to remember His goodness and mercy, acknowledging His sovereignty over creation and history.

for seven days
The duration of seven days is significant in biblical numerology, symbolizing completeness and perfection. The number seven often represents divine order and fulfillment. This week-long celebration allows the Israelites to fully immerse themselves in the joy and gratitude of the festival, reflecting on God's provision and presence in their lives.

The first day is a Sabbath rest
The concept of "Sabbath rest" is rooted in the Hebrew word "Shabbat," meaning to cease or desist. This day of rest is a gift from God, a time to pause from labor and focus on spiritual renewal. It is a reminder of God's rest after creation and a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to believers. The Sabbath rest underscores the importance of setting aside time to honor God and rejuvenate one's spirit.

and the eighth day also is a Sabbath rest
The inclusion of an "eighth day" extends the celebration beyond the typical seven-day cycle, symbolizing a new beginning or a new creation. The eighth day, also a Sabbath rest, highlights the perpetual nature of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings and promises extend beyond the temporal into the eternal, offering hope and assurance of His unending grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The primary audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles.

2. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
A significant Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and commemorating the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

3. The Seventh Month (Tishrei)
The month in the Hebrew calendar when the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated.

4. The Land of Israel
The promised land where the Israelites were to gather their produce and celebrate the feast.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who commands the observance of the feast as a time of rest and celebration.

Teaching Points

Celebration and Rest
The feast is a time of joy and rest, reminding us of the importance of taking time to celebrate God's provision and rest in His presence.

Remembrance and Thanksgiving
The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness during the Israelites' wilderness journey, encouraging us to remember and give thanks for God's faithfulness in our lives.

Spiritual Harvest
Just as the Israelites gathered their physical harvest, we are called to consider our spiritual harvest and the fruits of our labor in God's kingdom.

Community and Fellowship
The feast was a communal event, highlighting the importance of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The Feast of Tabernacles points to future fulfillment in Christ, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to rest on the first and eighth days of the feast apply to our modern lives, and what practical steps can we take to incorporate rest into our routines?

2. In what ways can we celebrate and give thanks for God's provision in our lives today, similar to the Israelites during the Feast of Tabernacles?

3. How does the concept of a spiritual harvest challenge us to evaluate our personal and communal contributions to God's kingdom?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual celebrations, and how can we foster a sense of unity and fellowship within our church or small group?

5. How does the prophetic aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles influence our understanding of God's future promises and our current walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:16
This verse also refers to the Feast of Ingathering, which is another name for the Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting its significance as a harvest festival.

Deuteronomy 16:13-15
Provides additional instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing joy and thanksgiving.

John 7:37-39
Jesus speaks during the Feast of Tabernacles, offering living water, which connects the physical celebration to spiritual fulfillment.

Zechariah 14:16-19
Prophecies about the nations celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in the Messianic age, indicating its enduring significance.