Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 16:14. It's a really important message about how to enjoy our time of celebration and abundance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: “Joyfully celebrate your feasts – with everyone you love – but only when you are in your homes or in places where you are safe.” Let's unpack that a little further: "And thou shalt rejoice..." : This isn’t about being happy just for the sake of it. It means feeling glad and thankful. "...in thy feast..." : This refers to a celebration, like a wedding, a harvest festival, or any special occasion. "...Thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy manservant, thy maidservant, the Levite, the stranger, and the widow..." : This is where it gets interesting. It’s saying that everyone who is part of your family or community – those you love and care for – should be included in this joyous time. It's about sharing with them. "...that [are] within thy gates." : This is the crucial part! “Gates” here refers to your home, your family’s dwelling place. So, it means only when you are inside your homes or safe places, should you celebrate. What does this say about our time of celebration? It's telling us that: Don’t hoard everything: We shouldn’t be overly focused on getting as much as possible – like a huge pile of food or gifts. Focus on those we love: The real purpose is to share with the people who are important to you and your family, and who need our blessing. Be mindful of safety: It's about prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone in your community. It’s a reminder that a happy celebration shouldn’t come at the expense of someone else’s security. In essence, Deuteronomy 16:14 is a call to be generous and appreciative with those we love, especially when we are together within our safe homes. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give an analogy (like sharing a big plate of food)? Explain the historical context (why this verse was important for Moses)?