Deuteronomy 16:15

KJV

Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seven {H7651} days {H3117} shalt thou keep a solemn feast {H2287} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} in the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} shall choose {H977}: because the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bless {H1288} thee in all thine increase {H8393}, and in all the works {H4639} of thine hands {H3027}, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice {H8056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Seven days you are to keep the festival for ADONAI your God in the place ADONAI your God will choose, because ADONAI your God will bless you in all your crops and in all your work, so you are to be full of joy!

Berean Standard Bible

For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.

American Standard Version

Seven days shalt thou keep a feast unto Jehovah thy God in the place which Jehovah shall choose; because Jehovah thy God will bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the work of thy hands, and thou shalt be altogether joyful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:15 serves as a culminating directive for the Israelites to observe the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) for seven days at the divinely chosen central sanctuary. This annual pilgrimage festival, celebrated at the close of the agricultural year, was a profound expression of gratitude for God's abundant provision in their harvests and all their labors. The verse powerfully commands the people to "surely rejoice," establishing joy not merely as an emotion but as a mandated response to the Lord's unwavering faithfulness and comprehensive blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 16:15 is embedded within Moses' final, extensive discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter meticulously outlines the statutes for the three primary annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover and Unleavened Bread (vv. 1-8), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) (vv. 9-12), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) (vv. 13-17). These festivals are presented not merely as religious rituals but as foundational pillars of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, designed to foster communal worship, remembrance of God's redemptive acts, and expressions of profound gratitude. Verse 15, specifically addressing Sukkot, acts as a capstone, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional zenith of the agricultural year in a commanded outpouring of joyful thanksgiving. The pervasive repetition of "the LORD thy God" throughout the chapter powerfully reinforces the personal, intimate, and covenantal nature of these divine commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, known as Sukkot, was one of the most significant and joyous festivals in ancient Israel, observed from the 15th to the 21st day of the seventh month (Tishrei), typically in late September or early October. Historically, it served as a vital commemoration of God's miraculous provision and steadfast protection during the forty years of wilderness wandering, when the Israelites resided in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot), a practice explicitly commanded in [Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - Dwelling in Booths"). Culturally, Sukkot was also celebrated as the "Feast of Ingathering" (or Booths), marking the triumphant completion of the year's agricultural harvests—including grapes, olives, and late grains. The directive to gather "in the place which the LORD shall choose" (a recurring and central theme throughout [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship")) underscored the paramount importance of a single, centralized sanctuary. This centralization, eventually established in Jerusalem, was crucial for fostering national unity, preventing syncretism, and ensuring the purity of worship against the backdrop of surrounding pagan practices. The pilgrimage aspect of the feast required significant travel for many, reinforcing their collective identity and absolute dependence on God.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 16:15 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes vital to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Command and Obedience**, unequivocally stating that Israel's worship and celebration are not optional but are divinely mandated as integral to their covenant obligations. This emphasizes the seriousness and privilege of responding to God's will. Secondly, the verse powerfully articulates **Gratitude for Divine Blessing**, establishing an unbreakable link between God's boundless generosity ("all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands") and the people's required response of thanksgiving. This theme permeates the entire book, consistently reminding Israel that their prosperity and well-being are solely derived from God's gracious hand, not from their own strength or efforts, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17-18 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Do Not Forget the Lord"). Thirdly, the explicit and emphatic command to **Commanded Rejoicing** is a unique and profound theological statement. Joy is not merely permitted; it is required, signifying a deep, heartfelt gladness rooted in the tangible experience of God's goodness and faithfulness. This joy is a testament to God's character and an indispensable component of authentic worship, distinguishing Israel's vibrant faith from the often somber or fearful rituals of surrounding pagan nations. Finally, the feast itself embodies **Remembrance and Dependence**, prompting Israel to look back at God's past deliverance in the wilderness while celebrating His ongoing provision for their present and future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to kneel," and by implication, to bless God (as an act of adoration) or to bless man (as a benefit). In Deuteronomy 16:15, it refers to God's active bestowing of favor, prosperity, and abundance upon His people, particularly in their agricultural produce and vocational endeavors. It underscores God as the benevolent source of all good things, prompting a response of gratitude and worship.
* **solemn feast (Hebrew, _châgag'_):** This term refers specifically to one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles) during which all Israelite males were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. The root meaning "to move in a circle" implies a festive procession, a designated time of joyous assembly, and a communal celebration before the Lord, marking a significant event in the religious calendar.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmêach'_):** This verb denotes a profound, heartfelt gladness or delight, often expressed in outward celebration, feasting, and even dancing. It is not a superficial or fleeting happiness but a deep, spiritual joy rooted in the recognition of God's goodness, faithfulness, and the tangible experience of His blessing. In the context of the feasts, it points to a commanded spiritual state of delight in the Lord and His provision, transcending mere emotional responses to circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God":** This clause precisely defines the duration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and explicitly identifies its divine recipient. The imperative "shalt thou keep" (or "observe") emphasizes the mandatory nature of this celebration, not as a burdensome obligation, but as a privileged act of worship and covenant fidelity. The "solemn feast" (ḥag) highlights its character as a pilgrimage festival, necessitating a communal journey to the designated place of worship. This fosters national unity and a shared spiritual experience directed "unto the LORD thy God," underscoring the covenantal relationship.
* **"in the place which the LORD shall choose":** This phrase, a foundational and recurring motif throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place for Worship")), refers to the single, centralized sanctuary where all legitimate worship, sacrifices, and major festivals were to be offered. This location was eventually established in Jerusalem, where the Temple would be built. The divine choice emphasizes God's sovereignty over worship and served to prevent the proliferation of unauthorized cultic sites, thereby ensuring the purity of worship and fostering national cohesion around a single spiritual center.
* **"because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands":** This pivotal clause provides the profound *reason* and ultimate motivation for the commanded celebration. The feast is presented as a direct, grateful response to God's comprehensive and unfailing blessing. "All thine increase" refers specifically to the agricultural bounty—the abundant produce of the land and the successful harvests. "All the works of thine hands" expands this blessing to encompass all vocational and productive endeavors, signifying God's favor upon every aspect of their labor and prosperity. This emphasizes God as the ultimate, benevolent source of all material and vocational success, cultivating a deep sense of dependence and profound gratitude.
* **"therefore thou shalt surely rejoice":** This climactic imperative is the commanded and expected outcome of God's boundless blessing. The "therefore" establishes a clear and direct cause-and-effect relationship: *because* God blesses comprehensively, the appropriate, necessary, and required response is profound and unreserved joy. The adverb "surely" (or "very much") intensifies the command, indicating that this joy is not optional, superficial, or half-hearted, but rather an essential, overflowing expression of gratitude and deep delight in God's goodness. It is a joy rooted in theological understanding and experienced reality, a testament to God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 16:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and profound message. The most prominent is **Cause and Effect**, clearly articulated by the logical structure "because... therefore." God's comprehensive blessing ("all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands") is presented as the direct and compelling cause, leading inevitably to the commanded effect: "thou shalt surely rejoice." This highlights the theological imperative for gratitude as a natural and required response to divine generosity. **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD thy God" throughout the verse and the broader chapter serves to reinforce the covenantal relationship and underscore the personal nature of God's commands and blessings to His people. The expansive phrase "all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands" employs **Totality** or **Merism** (using two contrasting parts to represent a whole) to emphasize the comprehensive and overflowing nature of God's blessings, encompassing every aspect of their lives and labor, from agricultural bounty to personal endeavors. Finally, the verse is fundamentally structured as a **Divine Command** or **Exhortation**, utilizing strong imperative language ("shalt thou keep," "shalt surely rejoice") to convey the non-negotiable nature of this worship and the expected, joyful response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth: divine blessing is purposefully intended to evoke a response of joyful worship and profound gratitude from humanity. It establishes a reciprocal relationship where God's boundless generosity and faithfulness are met with human delight and thanksgiving. This commanded joy is not a superficial or fleeting emotion but a deep, spiritual gladness rooted in the unwavering recognition of God's steadfast faithfulness and His consistent provision. It transforms what might otherwise be perceived as mere religious obligation into a heartfelt, overflowing celebration, demonstrating that true worship is both an act of obedient submission and an authentic outpouring of joy. The emphasis on communal celebration at a divinely chosen place further underscores the vital importance of corporate worship as a unified expression of thanksgiving and a shared experience of God's goodness. This model of worship, fueled by gratitude and expressed in unreserved joy, serves as an enduring blueprint for believers across all generations.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:15 offers timeless and transformative principles for contemporary believers, providing a powerful lens through which to view our lives. Just as ancient Israel was called to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of their prosperity and respond with unreserved joy, so too are we. In a world that often attributes success solely to human effort, ambition, or chance, this verse profoundly reorients our perspective, reminding us that "every good and perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")). It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound and pervasive gratitude, not just for material blessings, but for all aspects of our existence—our health, relationships, talents, spiritual growth, and even the breath we breathe. Furthermore, the emphatic command to "surely rejoice" teaches us that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion dependent on favorable circumstances, but a spiritual discipline, a conscious choice, and a commanded response to God's unfailing goodness and unchanging character. Even amidst trials, we can find deep and abiding joy in God's sovereign control, His promised presence, and His ultimate redemptive plan. This verse also powerfully affirms the vital role of communal worship, encouraging us to gather regularly with other believers to collectively celebrate God's faithfulness, share our testimonies of gratitude, and experience the shared joy that strengthens our faith, deepens our fellowship, and magnifies His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of "all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands" transform your perspective on your daily work, finances, and material possessions?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally cultivate and express the "commanded joy" in your life, even when circumstances are challenging or uncertain?**
* **What role does communal worship and fellowship play in your personal expression of gratitude and joy for God's faithfulness? How can you participate more fully in this corporate celebration?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the place which the LORD shall choose" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the place which the LORD shall choose" is a crucial theological concept in Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over Israel's worship. It refers to a single, centralized sanctuary where all legitimate sacrifices and major festivals were to be observed. This command served several vital purposes: it prevented the Israelites from adopting the polytheistic practices of the surrounding nations, which often involved multiple local shrines and cultic sites; it ensured the purity and uniformity of worship according to God's specific instructions, preventing syncretism; and it fostered national unity by requiring all tribes to gather at one designated location for communal celebration, thereby strengthening their collective identity. Historically, this place was eventually identified as Jerusalem, where the Temple was built, becoming the spiritual and political heart of Israel, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - God's Chosen Place for Worship") and subsequent passages throughout the Old Testament.

**Why is joy specifically commanded in Deuteronomy 16:15?**

Answer: Joy is specifically commanded in Deuteronomy 16:15 because it is the natural, appropriate, and divinely ordained response to God's abundant blessings and unwavering faithfulness. It's not merely a suggestion or an optional emotion, but an imperative, highlighting that true worship involves not just obedience to rituals but also a heartfelt, overflowing gladness. The "because... therefore" structure of the verse makes this clear: *because* the Lord blesses comprehensively ("in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands"), *therefore* the people are to "surely rejoice." This commanded joy signifies a deep, spiritual delight in God's character and His acts of provision, profoundly distinguishing Israel's vibrant worship from the often fearful or somber rituals of pagan religions. It transforms an obligation into a celebration, emphasizing that God desires His people to experience profound delight in Him, understanding that [the joy of the LORD is their strength](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength") and a vital component of their walk with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:15, with its profound emphasis on God's chosen dwelling place, divine provision, and commanded joy, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating God's intimate dwelling with His people in temporary shelters during their wilderness journey, powerfully foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, who "tabernacled among us, and we beheld His glory" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making God's presence truly accessible and tangible. He is the ultimate "place which the LORD shall choose," the true Temple where God's glory permanently dwells and through whom we now have direct access to the Father ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). While the Old Testament feast celebrated the harvest of the land, Christ is the ultimate "increase" and the supreme "work of God's hands," providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life that far surpasses any physical bounty. He declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "Living Water" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), fulfilling the deepest longings that the physical provisions of Sukkot could only hint at. Furthermore, the commanded joy of the feast points directly to the unshakeable and eternal joy found in salvation through Christ. His finished work on the cross secures our ultimate blessing, freeing us from the bondage of sin and the fear of death, and inviting us into a perpetual state of rejoicing in God's presence ([Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Rejoicing in God")). This joy is not dependent on fleeting earthly harvests but on the eternal spiritual blessings received through Him, a joy that the Holy Spirit seals within us as a down payment of our glorious inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles anticipates the eschatological reality when God will fully "tabernacle" with redeemed humanity in the new heavens and new earth, and all tears will be wiped away, leading to an eternal, unceasing rejoicing in His glorious presence ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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

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].

Leviticus 23:42

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:

Deuteronomy 30:16

In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Deuteronomy 28:8

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 28:12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.