“And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, Moses is instructing the people regarding the appointed times of worship and the observance of the feasts.
The Command to Rejoice: In verse 11, Moses emphasizes the importance of rejoicing before the Lord. This command applies to everyone, including family members, servants, Levites, strangers, the fatherless, and widows. The call to rejoice is not limited to a specific group but encompasses the entire community.
Rejoicing in the Presence of God: The phrase “rejoice before the LORD thy God” highlights the significance of God’s presence in the lives of His people. It conveys the idea that joy should be experienced in the context of a relationship with God. The Israelites were to express their gratitude, praise, and joy in the designated place of worship that God had chosen.
Inclusion of All People: The verse specifically mentions various individuals who were to rejoice together. This demonstrates God’s concern for inclusivity and highlights His care for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, such as servants, Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows. The celebration of feasts provided an opportunity for the entire community to come together, regardless of their social status or background.
Worship and Social Justice: The inclusion of the marginalized in the celebration of feasts reminds the Israelites of their responsibility to care for and uplift those in need. It serves as a reminder that worship should not be divorced from acts of social justice and compassion. The gatherings were meant to be occasions of communal joy and solidarity, reinforcing the principles of love, mercy, and justice within the community.
Application for Today: Though this verse directly addresses the Israelites in their historical context, it carries broader principles that can be applied today. We are encouraged to rejoice in the presence of God and to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and praise. Furthermore, this verse reminds us of our responsibility to include and care for those who are marginalized, vulnerable, or in need.
In summary, Deuteronomy 16:11 calls for the Israelites to rejoice before the Lord during their appointed times of worship, including all members of their community. It emphasizes the inclusive nature of rejoicing and highlights the importance of combining worship with acts of justice and care for the vulnerable. Today, we can apply these principles by cultivating a joyful attitude in our relationship with God and extending love and compassion to those around us, especially those in need.
