Deuteronomy 16:13

KJV

Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt observe {H6213} the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, after that thou hast gathered {H622} in thy corn {H1637} and thy wine {H3342}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to keep the festival of Sukkot for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing-floor and winepress.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt keep the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in from thy threshing-floor and from thy winepress:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:13 commands the Israelites to observe the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) for seven days immediately following the completion of their agricultural harvest of grain and wine. This divine instruction, delivered by Moses, underscores a profound call to communal thanksgiving for God's abundant provision and serves as a vital reminder of Israel's forty-year sojourn in temporary dwellings in the wilderness, fostering both gratitude for present blessings and remembrance of past faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16:13 is situated within Moses' final discourse to the nation of Israel, specifically within a section (Deuteronomy 16:1-17) that reiterates the laws concerning the three major annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover and Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These festivals collectively form the liturgical calendar of Israel, designed to punctuate the year with acts of worship, remembrance, and thanksgiving. The placement of these commands emphasizes their foundational importance for Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land. The preceding verses detail the observance of Passover, while the following verses (Deuteronomy 16:14-15) further elaborate on the joy and inclusivity of the Feast of Tabernacles, culminating in a general command for all males to appear before the Lord at these feasts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew: *Chag HaSukkot*, "Feast of Booths") was one of the three *Shalosh Regalim* (Pilgrimage Festivals) during which all Israelite males were commanded to journey to the central sanctuary (later Jerusalem). Its timing was strategically set at the conclusion of the agricultural year, after the ingathering of the summer grain and grape harvests. This made it inherently a festival of profound thanksgiving for God's bountiful provision, a joyous celebration of the land's fertility. Beyond its agricultural significance, Sukkot served as a powerful historical commemoration of Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, during which they lived in temporary shelters or "booths" (as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - The Reason for Living in Booths")). This dual purpose—celebrating the harvest and remembering the wilderness journey—linked God's past faithfulness and provision with His present blessings, fostering a deep sense of dependence and gratitude.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, in conjunction with the broader context of [Deuteronomy 16](/deuteronomy/16 "Deuteronomy 16 - Laws for the Feasts and Justice"), contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. A primary theme is **Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, as the festival's timing after the harvest explicitly calls for acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all sustenance. Closely related is **Remembrance of God's Provision**, which is central to Sukkot's wilderness connection, reminding Israel of God's miraculous care even in instability. **Joy and Celebration** are also paramount, as [Deuteronomy 16:14](/deuteronomy/16-14 "Deuteronomy 16:14 - Command to Rejoice During the Feast") explicitly commands rejoicing before the Lord, emphasizing the delight found in God's presence and blessings. Finally, **Obedience to Divine Command** is foundational, as observing this festival was an act of covenant faithfulness, reinforcing Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and their commitment to His statutes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **observe (Hebrew, שָׁמַר, _shamar'_):** This verb means "to keep," "to guard," "to watch," or "to diligently perform." It implies more than mere passive acknowledgment; it demands active, careful, and faithful adherence to the command. In the context of the covenant, _shamar_ signifies a commitment to upholding God's laws and stipulations, ensuring that the prescribed rituals and their underlying spiritual intentions are maintained.
* **Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew, סֻכּוֹת, _Sukkot'_):** Derived from the singular word _sukkah_ (סֻכָּה), meaning "booth" or "temporary shelter." This festival's name directly refers to the temporary dwellings in which the Israelites were commanded to live during the seven days. These booths symbolized their transient existence during the forty years in the wilderness, highlighting their dependence on God's protection and provision in an unstable environment, and serving as a stark contrast to the settled life they were about to enter in the Promised Land.
* **gathered (Hebrew, אָסַף, _asaf'_):** This verb means "to gather," "to collect," or "to bring in." Its use here signifies the completion of the major agricultural harvests—corn (grain) and wine (grapes). The timing of the feast, *after* the ingathering, emphasizes that it is a celebration of the harvest's successful completion, a time of abundance and rest following the labor of the season, and a moment to give thanks for the fruitfulness God has granted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days,"**: This clause issues a direct, imperative command to the Israelites. The duration of "seven days" is significant, often symbolizing completion and divine perfection in biblical numerology. It specifies the particular festival, "the feast of tabernacles," linking the command to the specific historical and symbolic practices associated with Sukkot, including the dwelling in temporary booths.
* **"after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:"**: This clause establishes the precise timing of the festival. It is to occur *after* the final major agricultural harvests of the year—specifically, the grain (corn) and grape (wine) harvests. This timing underscores the festival's primary agricultural purpose as a harvest festival, a time of thanksgiving for God's provision of sustenance from the land. It also implies a period of rest and celebration following the arduous work of the harvest season.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:13 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Emphasis**. The "feast of tabernacles" itself is rich in **Symbolism**, representing both the temporary dwellings of Israel during their wilderness wanderings and, by extension, the transient nature of human life on earth in contrast to God's eternal dwelling. The "corn and thy wine" symbolize God's abundant provision and the blessings of the land, transforming agricultural produce into a tangible sign of divine favor. The precise timing, "after that thou hast gathered," **emphasizes** the connection between human labor and divine blessing, highlighting that the celebration is a response to God's completed work in providing the harvest. The imperative "Thou shalt observe" serves as a direct **emphasis** on the mandatory nature of this command, underscoring its importance within the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to observe the Feast of Tabernacles is deeply rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with God, serving as a powerful annual reminder of His past faithfulness and present provision. It encapsulates the theological principles of gratitude, dependence, and remembrance, compelling the Israelites to acknowledge that all blessings, whether agricultural bounty or safe passage through the wilderness, originate from God. This festival was not merely a ritual but a communal act of worship designed to instill humility and joy, fostering a collective memory of their origins as a people utterly dependent on divine grace. The very act of dwelling in temporary booths, even amidst the abundance of the harvest, served as a tangible lesson in humility and the transient nature of earthly existence, pointing them beyond their present comfort to God's enduring presence and future promises.

* [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Detailed Instructions for the Feast of Booths")
* [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - The Revival and Joyful Observance of Sukkot in Ezra's Time")
* [Psalm 107:1-9](/psalm/107-1 "Psalm 107:1-9 - A Call to Thanksgiving for God's Steadfast Love and Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:13, though an ancient command for Israel, offers timeless principles for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a profound and consistent posture of gratitude, recognizing that all good and perfect gifts come from God (as affirmed in [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God as the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift")). Just as Israel was commanded to remember God's faithfulness in the wilderness, we are called to intentionally recall God's past provision and steadfastness in our own lives, building trust for future challenges. The emphasis on joy and celebration reminds us that worship should be marked by delight in God's goodness, not merely rote duty. Furthermore, the symbolism of the temporary booth serves as a powerful reminder that our earthly lives are a temporary sojourn, prompting us to live with an eternal perspective, longing for our true, permanent home with God (as reflected in [2 Corinthians 5:1](/2_corinthians/5-1 "2 Corinthians 5:1 - Our Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling")). This passage ultimately encourages a life of conscious dependence on God, joyful thanksgiving, and hopeful anticipation of His ultimate fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness in your life cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for His present provision?**
* **In what ways can you practically incorporate more communal thanksgiving and celebration into your personal or church life?**
* **What does the temporary nature of the "booth" teach you about your earthly existence and your ultimate hope?**
* **How can the principle of celebrating "after the harvest" encourage you to find joy and rest in God's completed work, rather than striving in your own strength?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "seven days" for the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: The duration of "seven days" holds significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, often representing completion, perfection, and divine fullness. For the Feast of Tabernacles, it signifies a complete cycle of celebration and remembrance. It also parallels the seven days of creation, emphasizing God's perfect order and provision. Furthermore, the seven days of living in temporary booths would have profoundly impressed upon the Israelites the full extent of their wilderness journey and God's sustained care over that extended period.

**Why is the timing of the feast specifically "after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine"?**

Answer: This timing is crucial as it positions the Feast of Tabernacles as the final major harvest festival of the year. "Corn" (grain) and "wine" (grapes) represent the primary agricultural staples and the culmination of the year's labor. By celebrating *after* the ingathering, the feast becomes a profound act of thanksgiving for God's completed provision and bounty. It allows the community to rest from their toil and express collective gratitude for the land's fruitfulness, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of their sustenance and prosperity.

**Is the Feast of Tabernacles still observed today, and what relevance does it have for Christians?**

Answer: Yes, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is still observed by Jewish people worldwide, maintaining its traditions of dwelling in temporary booths and offering thanks. For Christians, while not obligated to observe the literal feast, its spiritual principles remain highly relevant. It provides rich theological insights into God's character as provider and protector. It reminds us of our spiritual pilgrimage on earth, living in temporary "tents" while awaiting our eternal home. Moreover, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself participated in the Feast of Tabernacles (as seen in [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles")), using its water-drawing ceremonies to proclaim Himself as the source of living water. This connects the ancient feast directly to Christ, making its themes of divine provision, shelter, and ultimate fulfillment profoundly meaningful for believers today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Tabernacles, commanded in Deuteronomy 16:13, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the ancient Israelites celebrated God's provision in the harvest and His shelter in the wilderness, Christ embodies the true and eternal provision and dwelling place for humanity. During the very Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus Offers Living Water at the Feast")). Here, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of the water libation ceremony performed during Sukkot, offering spiritual sustenance far surpassing physical water or harvest. He is the true "booth" or shelter, the one in whom we "live and move and have our being" ([Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live and Move")). The temporary nature of the *sukkah* foreshadows our earthly pilgrimage, reminding us that our true and eternal dwelling is found in Christ, who has prepared a place for us in the heavenly city ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). The harvest theme of Sukkot also points to the ultimate spiritual harvest of souls gathered into God's kingdom, a work initiated and completed by Christ. Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles, with its themes of joy, light, and dwelling, anticipates the New Jerusalem where God's "dwelling place is with man, and he will dwell with them" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")), a reality made possible through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:2

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Leviticus 23:34

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.

Leviticus 23:36

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 do no servile work [therein].

2 Chronicles 5:3

Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which [was] in the seventh month.

Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:18

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.