Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 16:15. It’s a really important message about how to celebrate and show gratitude for God's blessings. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “You should take a special day to honor God with a celebration – a feast – because he wants to bless you and reward you for everything you do.” Let’s unpack it further: “Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God…” This means you need to dedicate a specific time – seven days – to focus on worshipping and giving thanks to God. “Solemn” means serious and important. It's not just any day; it’s a dedicated day. “…in the place which the LORD shall choose:” God has chosen a particular spot or location for this feast. This could be a specific building, park, or even a simple gathering. It shows that God is leading you to a special place. “because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands…” This is the big part! The blessing isn't just about having things; it’s about being blessed because of them. "Increase" means your wealth, your success, your good fortune - everything you gain. And “the works of thine hands” means everything you do – your labor, your talents, your efforts. God wants to reward you for all that you do. “therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.” This is the final message: You should feel joy and happiness because God loves you and appreciates your work. It's a promise of blessing and satisfaction! In a nutshell: This verse encourages us to take a day off to show our gratitude to God for everything he’s given us, and to enjoy the rewards that come from living a life pleasing to him. It’s about recognizing his blessings and celebrating with joy! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give some examples of what a "solemn feast" might look like? Discuss the historical context (why was this law given)?