Leviticus 23:40

KJV

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall take {H3947} you on the first {H7223} day {H3117} the boughs {H6529} of goodly {H1926} trees {H6086}, branches {H3709} of palm {H8558} trees, and the boughs {H6057} of thick {H5687} trees {H6086}, and willows {H6155} of the brook {H5158}; and ye shall rejoice {H8055} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} seven {H7651} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day you are to take choice fruit, palm fronds, thick branches and river-willows, and celebrate in the presence of ADONAI your God for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willows of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.

American Standard Version

And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:40 provides precise divine instructions for the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, known as Sukkot, one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by God for the Israelites. It details the gathering of specific plant species—boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook—to be used in the celebration, culminating in a seven-day period of commanded rejoicing before the LORD, serving as both a profound remembrance of God's wilderness provision and a joyous celebration of the completed harvest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the seven annual feasts of the LORD, presenting them as a divinely ordained liturgical calendar for Israel's worship and remembrance. These feasts, including the weekly Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles, collectively narrate the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan and His covenantal relationship with His people. Leviticus 23:33-43 specifically details the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which commences on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. This feast is unique in its prescribed duration (seven days, followed by an eighth day of solemn assembly) and its explicit command for profound joy. Verse 40, therefore, is an integral component of the practical observance of this final, climactic feast, providing the very materials necessary for its central ritualistic and communal expression. The preceding verses establish the precise timing and initial sacrificial requirements, while verse 40 shifts focus to the communal, joyful, and material aspects involving specific flora.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, held profound historical and cultural significance for ancient Israel. Historically, it served as a vivid and tangible reminder of the forty years of wilderness wandering, during which the Israelites lived in temporary shelters or booths (Hebrew: *sukkot*). The divine command to dwell in these temporary dwellings, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 23:42](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - Dwelling in Booths"), was a powerful, experiential way to remember God's miraculous provision, protection, and intimate presence throughout their nomadic journey from Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land. Culturally, Sukkot was also the "Feast of Ingathering," marking the completion of the agricultural year, as referenced in [Exodus 23:16](/exodus/23-16 "Exodus 23:16 - The Feast of Ingathering"). It was a joyous celebration of the final ingathering of produce, particularly grapes and olives, signifying God's faithfulness in providing sustenance. The specific branches mentioned in [Leviticus 23:40](/leviticus/23-40 "Leviticus 23:40 - The Four Species")—the "four species" (Hebrew: *arba minim*)—were gathered and waved in a ritual known as the *lulav* and *etrog* ceremony, symbolizing praise, prayer for rain, and national unity. This dual nature—remembering God's past faithfulness and celebrating His present bounty—underscored His sovereignty and care across all aspects of Israelite life.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 23:40 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Command and Obedience**, as the instructions for the feast, including the specific materials and the command to rejoice, are direct mandates from the LORD. Secondly, it highlights **Remembrance and Gratitude**, calling Israel to recall God's faithful provision during their wilderness journey and to express thanksgiving for the harvest. This is deeply intertwined with the theme of **God's Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating His ongoing care for His people, both spiritually and physically. The emphasis on "rejoicing before the LORD" introduces the theme of **Joy in Worship**, portraying gladness not merely as an emotion but as an essential, commanded act of devotion and acknowledgment of God's goodness. Furthermore, the temporary dwelling in booths, though mentioned in [Leviticus 23:42](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - Dwelling in Booths"), is intrinsically linked to verse 40's context, emphasizing **Dependence on God** and the transient nature of earthly life compared to God's eternal dwelling. The collective gathering and celebration also reinforce the theme of **Community and Unity** in worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From a primitive root, meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." This word signifies not merely a passive reception but an active, intentional gathering or acquisition. In the context of the feast, it implies a deliberate act of obedience and preparation, where the Israelites are commanded to actively procure the specific plant materials. This "taking" is foundational to the ritual, setting the stage for the subsequent acts of worship and rejoicing.
* **goodly (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From the root הָדַר, meaning "magnificence, i.e. ornament or splendor; beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty." This adjective describes the trees from which the boughs are to be taken, emphasizing their aesthetic quality and perhaps their fruitfulness. It suggests that the materials used in worship should be of excellent quality, reflecting the honor and majesty due to God. The "goodly trees" (often identified as the *etrog* or citron) are chosen for their beauty and fragrance, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere and symbolizing the bounty and splendor of God's creation.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** A primitive root, probably meaning "to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome; cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice." This verb is in the imperative form, indicating not merely permission but a divine command to experience and express joy. It is a recurring and central theme throughout the instructions for Sukkot, highlighting that joy in the LORD is an essential component of proper worship and a necessary response to His abundant goodness and faithfulness. This commanded joy signifies a deep, Spirit-filled gladness rooted in God's presence and provision, transforming the observance from a mere ritual into a profound spiritual experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook":** This clause specifies the "four species" (*arba minim*) to be gathered on the opening day of the feast. "Boughs of goodly trees" (Hebrew: *pᵉrîy ʻêts hâdâr*, often identified as the *etrog* or citron) represents the fruit of the land, symbolizing beauty and perhaps the heart. "Branches of palm trees" (Hebrew: *kaph tâmâr*, referring to the mature, unopened frond, the *lulav*) are tall and straight, symbolizing uprightness and the spine. "Boughs of thick trees" (Hebrew: *ʻânâph ʻâbôth*, commonly identified as myrtle, known for its dense, leafy branches) symbolize abundance and perhaps the eyes. "Willows of the brook" (Hebrew: *ʻârâb nachal*) grow by water, symbolizing dependence on God's provision of rain and perhaps the lips. These four species were bound together (except for the *etrog*) and waved in all four cardinal directions, up and down, during daily Temple rituals, symbolizing God's omnipresence and sovereignty over all creation, and expressing gratitude for His blessings and prayers for rain.
* **"and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days":** This is the culminating command and the emotional core of the Feast of Tabernacles. The rejoicing is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative, making gladness an act of obedience and worship. It is to be performed "before the LORD your God," indicating that this joy is an act of worship, a direct expression of gratitude, adoration, and delight in God's immediate presence. The duration of "seven days" emphasizes the sustained, complete, and intentional nature of this joy, reflecting the completeness of God's provision, the fullness of the harvest, and the perfection of His faithfulness. This commanded joy transforms the feast from a mere ritual into a profound, communal spiritual experience of gratitude, security, and celebration in the presence of the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 23:40 is **Symbolism**. The "four species" are not merely decorative elements but carry rich symbolic meaning, representing various aspects of God's creation, the diverse types of people within Israel, or even parts of the human body devoted to God (e.g., *etrog* as the heart, *lulav* as the spine, myrtle as the eyes, willow as the lips). Their collective use in the ritual signifies unity in worship and the comprehensive nature of God's blessings. The act of dwelling in temporary booths, though specified in later verses, is a powerful **Symbolism** for Israel's wilderness journey and God's faithful presence during that transient period. Furthermore, the explicit command to **Rejoice** is symbolic of the ideal posture of a worshiper—one of gratitude and delight in God's goodness and provision. The entire Feast of Tabernacles, in its design and purpose, functions as a **Type** or **Foreshadowing** of future spiritual realities, particularly God's desire to dwell intimately with humanity and the eschatological joy found in His ultimate, eternal presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:40 profoundly connects to themes of divine provision, commanded joy, and God's desire for intimate fellowship with His people. The gathering of the "four species" and the dwelling in temporary shelters served as tangible reminders of God's meticulous care for Israel during their wilderness wanderings, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and dependence. The explicit command to "rejoice before the LORD" elevates joy from a mere emotion to an act of worship and obedience, demonstrating that true gladness is found in acknowledging God's goodness and dwelling in His presence. This feast, therefore, is a celebration of God's past faithfulness, a thanksgiving for present blessings (harvest), and an anticipation of future rest and communion with Him, underscoring the holistic nature of Israel's relationship with their covenant God.

* [Deuteronomy 16:15](/deuteronomy/16-15 "Deuteronomy 16:15 - Command to Rejoice at Sukkot")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 118:24](/psalm/118-24 "Psalm 118:24 - A Day for Rejoicing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Leviticus 23:40 offers enduring principles that transcend its ancient ritualistic context, calling us to cultivate an intentional posture of joy and gratitude in our lives. Our gladness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a commanded response to God's unfailing faithfulness and abundant provision. Just as the Israelites remembered God's meticulous care in the wilderness, we are encouraged to recall God's past provision and protection in our own "wilderness" experiences, fostering a spirit of profound gratitude that strengthens our faith for the future. The temporary nature of the booths, though not explicitly in this verse, is the broader context of the feast and reminds us of our transient earthly existence, pointing us toward the eternal dwelling we have with God. We are called to live with a hopeful anticipation of God's ultimate presence, finding our strength and delight in Him, regardless of our circumstances. This verse challenges us to actively seek and express joy in our worship and daily lives, making our gratitude visible, contagious, and a testament to God's goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "rejoice before the LORD" challenge your understanding of joy as merely an emotion versus an act of worship and obedience?**
* **In what ways can you tangibly remember God's faithfulness in your own "wilderness" experiences, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and trust?**
* **What "boughs of goodly trees" or specific blessings has God provided in your life that call for a sustained period of intentional rejoicing and thanksgiving?**

### FAQ

**What are the "four species" mentioned in Leviticus 23:40, and what do they represent?**

Answer: The "four species" (Hebrew: *arba minim*) are the boughs of goodly trees (traditionally the *etrog* or citron), branches of palm trees (the *lulav*), boughs of thick trees (myrtle), and willows of the brook. They are central to the rituals of Sukkot. While interpretations vary, they are often understood to symbolize different types of people within the community of Israel, united in worship before God, or different aspects of God's creation. The *etrog* is sometimes seen as representing the heart, the palm branch the spine, the myrtle the eyes, and the willow the lips, symbolizing devotion to God with one's whole being. Their waving during the feast signifies praise to God as the sovereign ruler over all creation and a prayer for rain, acknowledging His control over all aspects of life and nature.

**Why is rejoicing so central to the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: Rejoicing is central because the Feast of Tabernacles served a dual and profound purpose: remembering God's faithful provision during the forty years of wilderness wandering and celebrating the ingathering of the final harvest. Both aspects are compelling reasons for profound gratitude and unbridled joy. The command to "rejoice before the LORD your God seven days," as stated in [Leviticus 23:40](/leviticus/23-40 "Leviticus 23:40 - The Command to Rejoice") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 16:15](/deuteronomy/16-15 "Deuteronomy 16:15 - Rejoice Fully"), emphasizes that this joy is not merely permitted but divinely commanded. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God's goodness, His meticulous provision, and His desire to dwell among His people, fostering a deep sense of security, delight, and communion in His presence. This commanded joy transforms the feast into a vibrant expression of faith and thanksgiving.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 23:40, with its profound emphasis on dwelling and commanded rejoicing, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The temporary booths (*sukkot*) of the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate "tabernacling" of God with humanity in the incarnation of Jesus. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," the Greek word for "dwelt" (*skenoo*) literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched his tent." Jesus, the Son of God, became the ultimate dwelling place of God, bringing God's unmediated presence and glory directly to humanity. Furthermore, the commanded rejoicing of Sukkot points to the boundless joy found in Christ, who is our ultimate provision, rest, and source of life. He is the true "living water" (as referenced in [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus, the Living Water"), a passage spoken during the Feast of Tabernacles), and through Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, the down payment of our eternal inheritance and the wellspring of abiding joy. Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles anticipates the new heavens and new earth, where God will permanently dwell with His redeemed people, and there will be no more sorrow, tears, or pain, only eternal joy and perfect fellowship, as gloriously revealed in [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with Man"). Thus, the ancient rituals of Sukkot find their glorious completion and eternal joy in Christ, our tabernacling God and the source of all true gladness.

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

Revelation 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

Deuteronomy 16:14

And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that [are] within thy gates.

Deuteronomy 16:15

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.

Matthew 21:8

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed [them] in the way.

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Romans 5:11

And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.