Why Thanksgving Matters in the Bible

Gathering around the dinner table, embracing loved ones, and expressing gratitude are all hallmarks of Thanksgiving. But do you know why this festival is important in the Bible? Let's explore the deep-rooted connections between this modern tradition and ancient biblical themes.

Thanksgiving, as we know it today, combines elements from harvest festivals of many cultures, including those of Native Americans and early European settlers. However, the biblical foundation for this celebration can be traced back to the Old Testament, where God commanded his people to set aside times of thanksgiving and feasting.

Biblical Origins of Thanksgiving

The concept of Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in the Bible, with examples of giving thanks to God throughout its pages. One of the earliest occurrences is in Exodus 18, where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises him to appoint leaders to help with governing the people. In response to this wise counsel, Moses 'went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and then kissed him. They asked each other about their well-being and then went into the tent.' This humble act of expressing gratitude was an integral part of their relationship.

A more formal practice of thanksgiving is seen in Leviticus 23, where God instructs Moses to set apart the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals, which involved thankful offerings and feasts, were designed to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness and provision throughout the year.

Festival of Ingathering

The Festival of Ingathering, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, was one of the three major festivals commanded by God in Leviticus. It was held after the fall harvest and involved a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, offering thanksgiving sacrifices, and dwelling in temporary shelters. This festival is one of the clearest biblical precedents for Thanksgiving, as it centered on giving thanks for the harvest and God's blessings.

In Deuteronomy 16:13-15, God commands the Israelites to celebrate this festival, saying, 'You shall keep the Feast of Booths seven days, when you have gathered in the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. You shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your towns. For seven days you shall keep the feast to the Lord your God in the place that the Lord will choose, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.'" This passage illustrates the importance of including all members of society in the celebration, a theme echoed in modern Thanksgiving gatherings.

The Psalms of Thanksgiving

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of thanksgiving prayed by individuals and the Israelite nation as a whole. The Psalms are filled with such prayers, expressing gratitude for God's provision, protection, and faithfulness. Psalm 100:4-5, for example, says, 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.'" This psalm underscores the importance of giving thanks to God, not just with our words, but also with our lives.

Similarly, Psalm 95:1-3 says, 'Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song...for the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.'" This psalm reminds us that thanksgiving should be accompanied by joyful praise, recognizing God's supremacy over all else.

Thanksgiving in the New Testament

The New Testament also provides examples of and instructions for thanksgiving. Although there are no specific commands for a yearly festival, the essence of giving thanks is woven throughout its pages.

One of the clearest examples of thanksgiving in the New Testament is seen in Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals ten lepers. Only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus' response, "Did none return to give praise to God except this foreigner?" (v. 18), highlights the importance of expressing gratitude, especially to God.

Paul's Instructions on Thanksgiving

The Apostle Paul instruction on thanksgiving is found throughout his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he simply states, 'Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.' This verse reminds us that thanksgiving should be a consistent part of our lives, not just during festive seasons.

In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' Here, Paul connects thanksgiving with prayer, emphasizing the importance of coming to God with gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

Jesus as our Source of Thanksgiving

The ultimate reason for our thanksgiving is found in Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:12-14, Paul writes, 'Give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.'" Through Jesus, we have been rescued from sin and death, given new life, and adopted into God's family. This is reason enough for our continual thanksgiving.

In Hebrews 12:28-29, we are encouraged, 'Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.'" This passage reminds us that our thanksgiving should result in worship, acknowledging God's holiness and greatness.

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let us remember the rich biblical heritage of this tradition. From the Old Testament festivals to the New Testament instructions, we see that thanksgiving is not just a sentiment or an occasional celebration, but a lifestyle. May our gatherings be filled with joyful praise, humble hearts, and a sincere recognition of God's goodness. And as we enjoy the bounty before us, let us remember those who are lonely, hungry, or struggling, and find ways to extend our blessings to them.