Deuteronomy Chapter 16 · Verse 13
Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Thou shalt observe
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Thou shalt observe
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
5 of 9
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יָמִ֑ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֑ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְּאָ֨סְפְּךָ֔
after that thou hast gathered
H622
בְּאָ֨סְפְּךָ֔
after that thou hast gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
7 of 9
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
Cross References
Exodus 23:16And 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.John 7:2Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.2 Chronicles 5:3Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.
Historical Context
Sukkot was Israel's most joyous feast, celebrated after Canaan's settlement when agriculture became central. Families built temporary booths (sukkot) from branches, living in them seven days to remember wilderness tents. This tangible reenactment taught children Israel's redemptive history experientially. Sukkot also marked the agricultural year's end, when all crops were gathered. Jesus likely attended this feast (John 7:2-37), where He proclaimed Himself living water, fulfilling the water-drawing ceremony central to Sukkot celebrations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does living in temporary shelters during Sukkot teach dependence on God rather than material security?
- What does combining historical remembrance with harvest thanksgiving teach about worshiping God for both redemption and provision?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days—The Hebrew chag ha-sukkot (חַ֧ג הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת, 'Feast of Booths/Tabernacles') commemorated wilderness wandering when Israel lived in temporary shelters. The seven-day duration (longest of Israel's feasts) reflects creation's pattern and covenant completeness. The verb ta'aseh (תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה, 'you shall observe/do') indicates active celebration, not passive observance.
After that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine—Timing coincides with autumn harvest (late September/October), after grain threshing and grape/olive gathering. The phrase 'thy corn and thy wine' (מִֽגָּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶֽךָ, migornecha umiyiqvecha, literally 'from your threshing floor and from your winepress') emphasizes God's blessing on agricultural labor. The feast celebrates both historical redemption (wilderness provision) and present provision (harvest abundance). This dual focus—salvation history and current blessing—characterizes biblical worship.