Library
<< Deuteronomy 16:12 Deuteronomy 16:14 >>
Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain Deuteronomy 16:13:
The Feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths of the HebrewsDeuteronomy 16:13-15
Excerpted from: Teachings from TabernaclesWhile the previous instructions mentioned booths, this is the first time the observance is officially called “the Feast of Tabernacles.” This underlines that the dominant theme of this Feast is the temporary dwellings. The theme is right in the name, just as the theme of Unleavened Bread is the true Unleavened Bread, and the theme of the Day of Atonement is the atonement God provided through Christ, and so on.
In this passage, we are reminded of the temporary dwellings. We are also reminded of the ingathering. We are reminded that it is a feast of seven days, and verse 15 calls it a sacred feast, which means it is dedicated to God. He does not want it to stray from our minds that we are here because of Him.
These instructions also reiterate the work of the individual, again showing that it isn’t God’s intent that we merely show up at the place He chooses, but that we labor in the time leading up to it. For a physical people, the harvest was agricultural, but even so, God did not accept their rejoicing when there was blatant unrighteousness throughout the rest of the year. For God’s spiritual nation, the emphasis is on a harvest of spiritual fruit, produced through our connection to the Vine.
Verse 15 gives a second explanation for this Feast. We saw that Leviticus 23 had God’s explanation that the temporary dwellings are a memorial of the wilderness journey. Here God adds that the Feast is about God’s blessing on our produce and all the work of our hands. This verse contains the expectation of cooperation between man and God throughout the seasons, and the result will be rejoicing during this week. That is, as we are faithful in our labors, God then gives an increase.
We who are under the New Covenant can apply all the New Testament verses and principles concerning good works and spiritual fruit to these instructions. What we see is that as we are faithful in our spiritual labors, God will bless the effects of those labors such that there will be rejoicing. But if there hasn’t been much in the way of spiritual labors during the year, the harvest and the rejoicing at the Feast may only be physical. What we have sown during the year in terms of our focus and efforts will be what we reap and bring with us. If we have sown mostly material things during the year, the Feast may be a good time, but it will not contain the rejoicing that God intends, which depends on our relationship with Him on an ongoing basis.
Godly rejoicing is not dependent on whether the Festival location is exciting or Millennial, because the source of true rejoicing is what is above the sun. We can rejoice regardless of the circumstances under the sun, if our focus is right. Think about Paul and Silas singing hymns at midnight while in prison with their feet in stocks. They could rejoice because the spiritual reality meant more to them than their circumstances, which indeed were miserable.
We have a number of old timers in the faith here, and you might seek them out and ask them about their experiences with God. Ask them about seeing prayers answered, and seeing deliverances and blessings coming from a God who is pleased to respond to us. When you experience this sort of spiritual cultivation, and when you recognize the Creator blessing your efforts and giving the increase, you understand rejoicing in a way that this world cannot. The world only understands happiness that fades, but we can rejoice with elation and heart-singing that comes from receiving a generous and reassuring response from the Most High God.
ArticlesGod's Way of Give at the Feast of Tabernacles
EssaysThe Feast: Vacation or Holy Time?
SermonsRejoice in God's Feast
Fearing God
Teachings From Tabernacles
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part 6)
Rejoice in God's Feast
Dystopia? Utopia?
Handwriting on the Wall (2015)
Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!
<< Deuteronomy 16:12 Deuteronomy 16:14 >>
Join 137,528+ readers
A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning
Consistent Bible study is hard to start.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.