Leviticus 23:39

KJV

Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day [shall be] a sabbath, and on the eighth day [shall be] a sabbath.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also in the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day {H3117} of the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}, when ye have gathered {H622} in the fruit {H8393} of the land {H776}, ye shall keep {H2287} a feast {H2282} unto the LORD {H3068} seven {H7651} days {H3117}: on the first {H7223} day {H3117} shall be a sabbath {H7677}, and on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} shall be a sabbath {H7677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'But on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to observe the festival of ADONAI seven days; the first day is to be a complete rest and the eighth day is to be a complete rest.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to celebrate a feast to the LORD for seven days. There shall be complete rest on the first day and also on the eighth day.

American Standard Version

Howbeit on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruits of the land, ye shall keep the feast of Jehovah seven days: on the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:39 meticulously outlines the precise timing and foundational regulations for the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Ingathering. This pivotal verse establishes the festival's commencement on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, immediately following the annual harvest, and mandates its seven-day duration, bookended by two distinct "sabbath" days of holy convocation and rest. It underscores the celebration's dual nature as both a joyous thanksgiving for God's abundant provision and a solemn period of spiritual reflection and remembrance of divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 serves as a comprehensive divine calendar, detailing the LORD's appointed feasts (Hebrew: _mo'adim_), which are sacred times set apart for encountering God. This chapter systematically presents the Passover and Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the solemn Day of Atonement, and finally, the joyous Feast of Tabernacles. Leviticus 23:39 specifically introduces the final and most extended of these annual pilgrimage festivals, occurring just five days after the somber [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/23-26-32 "Leviticus 23:26-32 - The Day of Atonement"), creating a profound shift from national repentance to exuberant celebration. As the culmination of the liturgical year, it provides a grand finale to the cycle of feasts, emphasizing God's continuous provision and faithfulness from the beginning of the harvest season to its very end, and setting the stage for the eschatological hope of God's dwelling with His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was deeply interwoven with the agricultural rhythms of ancient Israel. Occurring "in the fifteenth day of the seventh month" (Tishrei), it marked the conclusion of the year's final harvest—the ingathering of grapes, olives, and other late fruits. This timing made it a profound festival of thanksgiving, where the people expressed gratitude for God's bountiful provision from the land He had given them. Beyond its agricultural significance, the feast also served as a vital historical remembrance. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader instructions for the feast in [Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - Dwelling in Booths") commanded the Israelites to dwell in temporary booths (_sukkot_) for seven days. This practice was a tangible reminder of God's faithful care and miraculous provision for their ancestors during their [forty years of wilderness wanderings](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Israel's Wilderness Wandering") after the Exodus from Egypt. Culturally, it was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) where all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the LORD in Jerusalem, fostering national unity and communal worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, introducing the Feast of Tabernacles, contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, celebrating God as the ultimate source of all material blessings, specifically seen in the completed harvest. The mandated rest days underscore the theme of **Sacred Time and Rest**, emphasizing that God's people are called to cease from their labors and dedicate specific periods to worship and communion with Him, trusting in His sovereignty. Furthermore, the feast embodies the theme of **Remembrance and Gratitude**, calling Israel to recall God's past faithfulness, particularly during the wilderness journey, and to express heartfelt thanks for His enduring covenantal love. Finally, as the culmination of the annual feast cycle, it subtly points to the broader theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, a concept that finds its initial expression in the Tabernacle itself and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, חַג, _chag'_):** This term (H2282) derives from a root meaning "to move in a circle" or "to observe a festival." It specifically denotes a "pilgrimage festival" or "holy day" that involves a festive gathering and often a journey to a central sanctuary (like Jerusalem). Unlike other terms for festivals, _chag_ emphasizes the celebratory and communal aspect, often involving dancing and feasting. Here, it highlights the joyous nature of Sukkot as a time of pilgrimage and communal celebration before the LORD.
* **Gathered in the fruit (Hebrew, אָסַף, _ʼâçaph'_):** The verb _ʼâçaph_ (H622) is a primitive root meaning "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove." Its use here explicitly links the feast to the completion of the agricultural harvest. This phrase emphasizes the practical, tangible reason for the thanksgiving and celebration—God's provision of sustenance from the land. It grounds the spiritual celebration in the lived reality of the Israelite people's dependence on God for their daily bread.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, שַׁבָּתוֹן, _shabbâthôwn'_):** This term (H7677) refers to a "sabbatism" or "special holiday." It signifies a day of complete cessation from ordinary labor and a holy convocation, distinct from the weekly Sabbath but carrying a similar emphasis on sacred rest and devotion to God. The repetition of "sabbath" for both the first and eighth days underscores their particular sanctity and the importance of setting aside time for worship and reflection at the beginning and end of the festival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month,"**: This precise chronological marker places the Feast of Tabernacles in the autumn, specifically on the 15th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew civil calendar. This timing is crucial, as it positions the feast immediately after the solemn Day of Atonement and at the culmination of the agricultural year, setting the stage for a transition from national repentance to joyful thanksgiving.
* **"when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land,"**: This clause provides the agricultural and economic context for the festival. It signifies that the feast is to be observed after the final harvest, particularly of grapes and olives, has been completed. This emphasizes the feast's primary purpose as a harvest festival, a time for Israel to express profound gratitude for God's abundant provision and blessing upon their labor.
* **"ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:"**: This is a direct divine command establishing the duration of the festival. The seven-day period signifies completeness and holiness, marking a dedicated week of celebration and worship directed specifically "unto the LORD," underscoring its sacred and divinely ordained nature.
* **"on the first day [shall be] a sabbath, and on the eighth day [shall be] a sabbath."**: This specifies two distinct days within the festival period that are to be observed as days of solemn rest and holy convocation. The "first day" marks the beginning of the seven-day celebration, while the "eighth day" (which falls on the day after the seven-day feast concludes) serves as a concluding, separate holy day, often referred to as Shemini Atzeret. These "sabbath" days emphasize the sacred nature of the feast, requiring a cessation from ordinary work to focus entirely on worship, fellowship, and remembrance of God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:39 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Instructional Language**, as the verse is a direct command from God, using imperative phrasing to dictate the timing and observance of the feast ("ye shall keep"). This highlights the divine authority behind the law and the expectation of obedience. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "a sabbath" appearing twice, emphasizing the sanctity and mandatory nature of rest on both the opening and concluding days of the festival period. This repetition underscores the importance of setting aside time for God. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** embedded in the timing "when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land." The harvest itself symbolizes God's abundant provision and faithfulness, transforming a natural agricultural event into a profound spiritual celebration of divine blessing and dependence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:39, as the introduction to the Feast of Tabernacles, encapsulates profound theological themes that resonate throughout Scripture. It highlights God's character as a faithful Provider, who sustains His people physically through the bounty of the land and spiritually through His presence. The feast's timing, immediately after the Day of Atonement, underscores the progression from divine forgiveness to joyous fellowship and thanksgiving, demonstrating that true celebration flows from reconciliation with God. The mandated "sabbath" days emphasize the divine principle of rest, not merely as a cessation from labor, but as an act of trust in God's sovereignty and an opportunity for focused worship. Ultimately, the feast points to the eschatological hope of God dwelling fully among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give Thanks in Everything")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Future Observance of Tabernacles")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command in Leviticus 23:39, though given to Old Testament Israel, holds timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a profound and intentional spirit of gratitude for God's ceaseless provision in our lives. Just as Israel celebrated the ingathering of the harvest, we are invited to pause and acknowledge the countless blessings—spiritual, physical, and relational—that flow from God's hand. This verse also reminds us of the critical importance of sacred rest and intentional worship. In a world that constantly demands our labor and attention, the "sabbath" days of Tabernacles challenge us to step away from the relentless pace, trusting God to sustain us, and dedicating focused time to communion with Him. Moreover, the historical context of dwelling in temporary booths, though not explicit in this verse, prompts us to remember God's faithfulness through past "wilderness" experiences and to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing our transient earthly dwelling in light of our ultimate home with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the timing of the Feast of Tabernacles, immediately after the Day of Atonement, inform our understanding of the relationship between repentance, forgiveness, and joy in our own spiritual lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's provision in our daily lives, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to heartfelt celebration?**
* **Considering the emphasis on "sabbath" rest within this feast, how can we intentionally incorporate more sacred rest and focused worship into our busy modern schedules?**
* **How does the anticipation of God "tabernacling" with humanity in the future (as foreshadowed by this feast) shape our present hope and mission?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "eighth day" sabbath mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "eighth day" sabbath, also known as Shemini Atzeret, is a distinct holy day that immediately follows the seven days of Sukkot. While closely associated with the Feast of Tabernacles, it is generally considered a separate festival. Its significance lies in its role as a concluding assembly, a solemn and holy convocation that marks the culmination of the entire cycle of autumn feasts. The number eight in biblical numerology often symbolizes new beginnings or superabundance. Thus, the eighth day can be seen as a day of fresh consecration and a final, intimate gathering with the LORD after the joyous celebrations, perhaps looking forward to the future dwelling of God with His people, as alluded to in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"). It provides a final opportunity for rest and reflection, sealing the spiritual lessons learned throughout the preceding week.

**How does the phrase "when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land" connect the Feast of Tabernacles to the agricultural year?**

Answer: This phrase explicitly links the Feast of Tabernacles to the completion of the annual agricultural cycle in ancient Israel. It signifies that the feast was to be observed at the very end of the harvest season, after all the produce, including grapes, olives, and other late fruits, had been brought in. This made Sukkot primarily a harvest festival, often called the "Feast of Ingathering" (Exodus 23:16). The timing ensured that the celebration was rooted in deep gratitude for God's physical provision and blessing upon the land. It was a time to rejoice in the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him, as stated in [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Tabernacles, introduced in Leviticus 23:39, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing directly to Jesus as the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Just as Israel was commanded to dwell in temporary booths, symbolizing God's presence during their wilderness journey, Jesus Christ is the true "tabernacle" or "booth" who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing God's very presence into the world. He is the ultimate "ingathering" of God's people, drawing all nations to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). The joyous celebration of the harvest foreshadows Christ, who is 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")), providing spiritual sustenance and satisfying our deepest thirst. Furthermore, the "sabbath" rest mandated for the feast finds its ultimate realization in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles anticipates the glorious future when God will truly "tabernacle" with His redeemed people in the new heavens and new earth, and Christ will reign eternally ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

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

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.

Deuteronomy 16:13

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

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].

Leviticus 23:24

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first [day] of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.