Deuteronomy 16:15
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The command to "be altogether joyful" is intense, using a Hebrew phrasing that emphasizes not just happiness, but a singular, exclusive focus on joy derived from God's blessing and presence. It suggests a deliberate setting aside of other concerns to immerse oneself fully in this commanded gladness.
For seven days you shall keep the feast to the LORD your God at the place that the LORD will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of the instructions for the three major annual festivals, specifically the Feast of Tabernacles, which follows Passover and the Feast of Weeks. Moses is reiterating the command for all Israelite men to present themselves before the Lord, emphasizing the joyful nature of this celebration as a response to God's abundant blessings on their harvests and labor. This joyous remembrance of God's faithfulness is set against the backdrop of their history of deliverance from Egypt, reminding them to integrate their gratitude for past and present blessings into their worship.
God's blessing on our 'increase' and 'work of your hands' isn't just for silent gratitude. It's fuel for vibrant celebration!
This verse connects God's tangible blessings directly to the command to celebrate.
A Blessing of Abundance
The feasts were tied to harvests – Passover in the spring, Pentecost in early summer, and Tabernacles in the fall. God promised to bless the fruit of the land and the labor of their hands. This meant a bountiful harvest, successful ventures, and overall prosperity.
The Purpose of Celebration
But the blessing wasn't just for private enjoyment. The 'seven days' of feasting were a public, communal act of worship. The reason given for the feast is because God blessed them. This wasn't a reward for feasting, but a command to express joy in response to His goodness. It's turning the bounty of the harvest into heartfelt praise.
Imagine a joy so pure, so focused, that even personal celebrations take a backseat. That's the intensity of the commanded joy!
The intensity of the command to 'altogether be joyful' suggests a complete, unadulterated celebration.
All In, All Joyful
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The Hebrew word translated here as 'altogether' or 'surely rejoice' implies exclusivity – 'only,' 'nothing but.' It speaks to a singular focus on this commanded joy.
Guarding the Celebration
Some ancient Jewish traditions understood this to mean that even personal milestones, like weddings, were deferred during these feasts. The goal was to ensure that national, corporate rejoicing in God’s faithfulness and provision wasn't diluted by personal or private celebrations. The focus was entirely on God and His goodness to the community.
Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
The bestowing of favor or power by God upon His people, resulting in prosperity, fruitfulness, and success in their endeavors.
ak sameach · Hebrew Adverb/Adjective phrase
A state of total or full gladness, often characterized by contentment and spiritual delight in God's presence and provision.
This passage also commands the Israelites to celebrate three annual feasts, emphasizing God's blessing on their labor as the reason for joy and remembrance.
Psalm 126:5-6This psalm beautifully captures the essence of rejoicing after a time of blessing and abundance, mirroring the joy commanded in Deuteronomy after receiving God's favor on their produce and work.
Luke 15:10Jesus highlights the immense joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, a powerful echo of the profound, all-encompassing joy commanded for the Israelites when they celebrated God's blessings.
1 Corinthians 15:57This verse speaks of giving thanks to God who gives victory through Christ, underscoring that true rejoicing and thankfulness stem from God's transformative work in our lives, similar to the feast's purpose.
pooleDeuteronomy 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."
To wit, in God and the effects of his favour, praising him with glad heart.
gillDeuteronomy 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."
Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God,.... The feast of tabernacles still spoken of: in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: the city of Jerusalem: because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all…
The command to "be altogether joyful" is intense, using a Hebrew phrasing that emphasizes not just happiness, but a singular, exclusive focus on joy derived from God's blessing and presence. It suggests a deliberate setting aside of other concerns to immerse oneself fully in this commanded gladness.
This verse is part of the instructions for the three major annual festivals, specifically the Feast of Tabernacles, which follows Passover and the Feast of Weeks. Moses is reiterating the command for all Israelite men to present themselves before the Lord, emphasizing the joyful nature of this celebration as a response to God's abundant blessings on their harvests and labor. This joyous remembrance of God's faithfulness is set against the backdrop of their history of deliverance from Egypt, reminding them to integrate their gratitude for past and present blessings into their worship.
This verse is part of the instructions for the three major annual festivals, specifically the Feast of Tabernacles, which follows Passover and the Feast of Weeks. Moses is reiterating the command for all Israelite men to present themselves before the Lord, emphasizing the joyful nature of this celebration as a response to God's abundant blessings on their harvests and labor. This joyous remembrance of God's faithfulness is set against the backdrop of their history of deliverance from Egypt, reminding them to integrate their gratitude for past and present blessings into their worship.
"For seven days you shall keep the feast to the LORD your God at the place that the LORD will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful." — The command to "be altogether joyful" is intense, using a Hebrew phrasing that emphasizes not just happiness, but a singular, exclusive focus on joy derived from God's blessing and presence. It sugge…
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Last reviewed October 2026
