Each year we are commanded by God to keep His annual feasts. These feasts are a constant reminder of God’s divine purpose. We see the command to rejoice in the instructions given in Leviticus pertaining to the Feast of Tabernacles. Leviticus 23:40: “And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.” Here we see “rejoice” used for the first time in the Bible. Why is rejoicing during this Feast so significant to God, and how are we to rejoice?

The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes God’s restoration process. These seven days represent the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ over this restoration process. During this time, Satan will already have been locked away temporarily (represented by the Day of Atonement), and peace and harmony will be maintained. What could be a better occasion for rejoicing? We should be filled with joy because this will set up an environment conducive to teaching mankind. The teaching of God’s truth will be bountiful. Mankind will finally have the opportunity to devotedly obey God without Satan’s influence and begin to repair their relationships with Him that were damaged through a life of sin. Today we are each striving to be lights in a world with little regard to God’s instruction. We can rejoice during the Feast because we know the significance of teaching God’s way of life in an environment that will finally be focused on God.

Rejoice that if we remain diligent and faithful to God’s work, then we will take part in guiding those who don’t know the truth prior to Christ’s return. Jesus promised in Revelation 2:26: “And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations.” 

By diligently saving our festival tithe and obeying His commandments, blessings are bestowed upon us.

Imagine the excitement as the firstfruits and Christ educate those who live during this period; the bliss that mankind will experience by following God’s every commandment. We are currently striving to prepare ourselves for this time in the world today. We are learning and growing in God’s truth. We are preparing to reach those who are searching and are called by Him today. The opportunity to help God’s family grow is why we rejoice. 

We are given a special opportunity at the Feast of Tabernacles. By diligently saving our festival tithe and obeying His commandments, blessings are bestowed upon us. Deuteronomy 14:22-29 depicts faithfully tithing and the use of the tithe to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Verse 26 gives specific instructions on how to handle some of our tithe: “And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires; for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household” (Deuteronomy 14:26).

Here we see “rejoice” again. This time it correlates to the purchase of things that we would enjoy. This is significant because during Christ’s reign the earth will produce an abundant harvest for those who are obedient. For those attending the Feast, we receive a small glimpse into what is in store for the future. The enjoyment that occurs when we receive blessings today is going to be multiplied a hundredfold when the earth is repaired and restored. Rejoice in the blessings today and pray for the time when all will take part in that joy.

It is always a good idea to do our best to help others rejoice during the Feast as well. Hebrews 13:16 says: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Anything we do to support our brothers and sisters is a blessing to not only them, but ourselves also. Most Feast sites I have attended in the past have had a table set up with cards that can be signed. These cards are generally for shut-ins and others with health issues that make it difficult to attend a Feast site. Everyone is invited to sign the cards or even write a note. After a few days, these cards will be mailed to the recipients in hopes that they will receive them before the Feast concludes. Imagine how uplifting it must be for them to feel included by their brothers and sisters.

Another possibility could be treating an individual, couple or family to dinner if you have additional festival tithe. Maybe even babysit so that a couple could enjoy a dinner with their spouse. These are just a couple of ideas that you could try. Make a conscious effort to be aware of ways you can help others rejoice at the Feast.

By attending the Feast of Tabernacles we express to God that we have learned some discipline in our lives. We have diligently tithed all year long and have shown up to keep the Feast where He has placed His name.

This is why we are to rejoice in some of the finer things that we don’t get to partake of during the other parts of the year. God trusts that we will not use the tithe in inappropriate ways such as over-indulging. Let’s not take for granted and misuse the blessings God has provided us with.

Rejoicing is an important element during the Feast of Tabernacles. Not only is the Feast enjoyable for us today, but it also represents a time in the future we should all look forward to. What better reason to be excited than the coming of the peace and widespread truth of God? I hope you have a delightful and uplifting Feast of Tabernacles. I look forward to rejoicing with you.