The Bible contains several instances where God commands or implies a prohibition on mourning and feasting, often as a response to the spiritual state of His people or as a sign of impending judgment. These prohibitions serve as a divine communication tool, reflecting God's displeasure or the seriousness of a situation.

Prohibition of Mourning

In the Scriptures, mourning is a natural human response to loss or calamity, yet there are occasions where God explicitly forbids it. One notable instance is found in the book of Ezekiel. God commands the prophet Ezekiel not to mourn the death of his wife as a sign to the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 24:16-17 , God says, "Son of man, behold, I am about to take away the delight of your eyes with a single blow. Yet you must not lament or weep or let your tears flow. Groan quietly; do not observe mourning rites for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet. Do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners."

This command serves as a symbolic act to illustrate the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, where the people would not have the opportunity to mourn due to the severity of the judgment.

Another example is found in Jeremiah 16:5-7 , where God instructs Jeremiah not to enter a house of mourning: "For this is what the LORD says: 'Do not enter a house where there is mourning. Do not go to lament or console them, for I have withdrawn My peace from this people,' declares the LORD, 'as well as My loving devotion and compassion. Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.'"

Here, the prohibition underscores the totality of God's judgment and the removal of His peace and compassion from the people due to their persistent disobedience.

Prohibition of Feasting

Feasting, often associated with celebration and joy, is also subject to divine prohibition in certain contexts. In the book of Amos, God expresses His disdain for the feasts and assemblies of Israel, which had become empty rituals devoid of genuine worship and justice. Amos 5:21-23 states, "I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; I will have no regard for your peace offerings of fattened cattle. Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps."

This passage highlights God's rejection of feasting when it is not accompanied by righteousness and justice. The prohibition serves as a call to repentance and a return to sincere worship.

In Isaiah 22:12-14 , God calls for mourning and repentance, but the people choose to feast instead: "On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But behold, joy and gladness, slaughtering cattle and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine—'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!' The LORD of Hosts has revealed in my hearing: 'Until your dying day, this sin will not be atoned for,' says the Lord GOD of Hosts."

The people's choice to feast in the face of impending judgment is met with divine disapproval, emphasizing the gravity of their spiritual condition and the urgency of repentance.

Theological Implications

The prohibitions of mourning and feasting in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of sin. They illustrate that human responses, whether mourning or celebration, must align with God's will and reflect a heart of obedience and reverence. These prohibitions also underscore the importance of discerning the times and responding appropriately to God's call for repentance and righteousness.