On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willows of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. On the first dayThis phrase marks the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot. The "first day" signifies a sacred time set apart by God for His people to commence this joyous festival. Historically, this day was a time of preparation and anticipation, as the Israelites gathered materials for the celebration. It underscores the importance of starting with a heart ready to worship and obey God's commands. you are to gather
The act of gathering is a physical demonstration of obedience and participation in God's ordained festivals. The Hebrew root word "laqach" implies taking or collecting with intention. This gathering is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, symbolizing the unity and collective worship of the community. the branches of majestic trees
The "majestic trees" refer to the finest and most beautiful trees available, symbolizing the best of what God has created. The Hebrew word "hadar" for majestic implies splendor and honor. This choice of branches reflects the glory and beauty of God's creation, which the Israelites were to use in their worship. palm branches
Palm branches, or "tamar" in Hebrew, were a symbol of victory and peace. In the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, they represent the triumph of God's provision and protection during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Palms were abundant in the region, making them a practical yet meaningful choice for the festival. boughs of leafy trees
The "boughs of leafy trees" are indicative of lushness and life. The Hebrew word "avoth" suggests fullness and abundance. These boughs symbolize the prosperity and blessings that come from living in accordance with God's will. They remind the Israelites of the fertility of the Promised Land. and willows of the brook
Willows, or "aravah" in Hebrew, grow near water sources, symbolizing sustenance and life. The inclusion of willows in the festival highlights God's provision of water and life-sustaining resources. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for their needs. and rejoice before the LORD your God
Rejoicing is a central theme of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Hebrew word "samach" means to be glad or joyful. This command to rejoice is not merely an emotional response but an act of worship and gratitude. It emphasizes the joy found in God's presence and His faithfulness. for seven days
The duration of seven days signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. This week-long celebration allows the Israelites to fully immerse themselves in the joy and remembrance of God's provision. It is a time of reflection, community, and worship, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe primary audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles. 2. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)A Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision. 3. Majestic Trees, Palm Branches, Leafy Trees, WillowsSpecific types of vegetation used in the celebration, symbolizing joy and God's creation. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who commands the celebration and is the focus of the rejoicing. 5. The Wilderness JourneyThe historical context of the Israelites' 40-year journey, which the Feast of Tabernacles commemorates. Teaching Points Joyful ObedienceThe command to rejoice before the LORD highlights the importance of joy in our worship and obedience to God. Symbolism of CreationThe use of natural elements in worship reminds us of God's creation and provision, encouraging us to appreciate and steward the environment. Remembrance and ThanksgivingThe Feast of Tabernacles serves as a time to remember God's past faithfulness and express gratitude for His ongoing provision. Community CelebrationThe communal aspect of the feast underscores the importance of gathering with fellow believers to celebrate God's goodness. Anticipation of FulfillmentThe prophetic connections to the Feast of Tabernacles point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the future Messianic kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to rejoice before the LORD during the Feast of Tabernacles challenge our understanding of worship and celebration today? 2. In what ways can we incorporate elements of God's creation into our worship practices, as seen in Leviticus 23:40? 3. How does the Feast of Tabernacles serve as a reminder of God's provision in your own life, and how can you express gratitude for this? 4. What are some practical ways to foster a sense of community and shared celebration among believers, inspired by the communal nature of the Feast of Tabernacles? 5. How do the prophetic connections to the Feast of Tabernacles in the New Testament enhance our understanding of its significance and fulfillment in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 8:14-18Describes the revival of the Feast of Tabernacles during the time of Nehemiah, emphasizing obedience to God's commands. John 7:37-39Jesus speaks during the Feast of Tabernacles, offering living water, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Zechariah 14:16-19Prophecies about the nations celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in the Messianic age, highlighting its enduring significance. Psalm 118:25-27A psalm often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, expressing themes of salvation and thanksgiving. | The Festivals | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 23:1-44 | | Feasts of the Lord | W. H. Jellie. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | God's Festivals | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | God's Holy Days | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | Seven Feasts Mentioned in This Chapter | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Great Feasts | J. C. Gray. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Holy Festivals | J. A. Seiss, . D. D. | Leviticus 23:2-44 | | The Hebdomad | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 23:23-44 | | Joy Before the Lord | W. Clarkson | Leviticus 23:33-43 | | The Pilgrim Spirit as Illustrated in the Feast of Tabernacles | R.M. Edgar | Leviticus 23:33-43 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | J.A. Macdonald | Leviticus 23:33-44 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | R.A. Redford | Leviticus 23:33-44 | | A Festival Kept to the Lord | E. Payson, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Dwelling in Booths | S. Martin, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Harvest Thanksgiving | Philip Neale. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Pleasant Ministries | J. Parker. D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | Sojourning in Booths | W. H. Jellie. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacle | J. B. Lowe, . B. A. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | H. M. Grout, D. D. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | De Witt S. Clark. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | Henry, Matthew | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | Bp. Babington. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles (A New Year's Sermon) | Anon. | Leviticus 23:34-42 | | The Feast of Tabernacles | S.R. Aldridge | Leviticus 23:40-43 |
People Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Beautiful, Boughs, Branches, Brook, Fair, Foliage, Fronds, Fruit, Glad, Goodly, Leafy, Palm, Palms, Palm-trees, Poplars, Rejoice, Rejoiced, Riverside, Seven, Thick, Trees, Willows, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 23:40 2590 Christ, triumphal entry Leviticus 23:33-43 4208 land, divine responsibility
8644 commemoration Leviticus 23:39-40 7358 Feast of Tabernacles Leviticus 23:39-41 4406 agriculture
4510 sowing and reaping
7355 feasts and festivals, nature of
8288 joy, of Israel Leviticus 23:39-43 8642 celebration Library The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureOf a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem, …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth "But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." It is true the soul is incomparably better than the body, and he is only worthy the name of a man and of a Christian who prefers this more excellent part, and employs his study and time about it, and regards his body only for the noble guest that lodges within it, and therefore it is one of the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year.
(Nazareth and Jerusalem, a.d. 7 or 8.) ^C Luke II. 40-52. ^c 40 And the child grew [This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke i. 80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds], and waxed strong [His life expanded like other human lives. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 23:40 NIVLeviticus 23:40 NLTLeviticus 23:40 ESVLeviticus 23:40 NASBLeviticus 23:40 KJV
Leviticus 23:40 Commentaries
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