Thursday, November 24 is the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Originally a day to celebrate a successful harvest, President Abraham Lincoln made it an official Federal holiday in 1863 when he declared a day for, “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
Though still ceremoniously celebrated only one day a year, Judaism considers every day of life, a day to thank and praise God. In fact, the Jewish people get their Hebrew name, Yehudim, from the Biblical Matriarch Leah naming her fourth son Yehuda [Judah] (see Genesis 29:35).Yehuda comes from the Hebrew word hodah, which means to ‘give thanks.’
The Bible is full of texts which reflect thanksgiving for the blessings God has bestowed upon us. It is a wonderful addition to any special gathering, and certainly a Thanksgiving day feast, to share thanks and include Bible verses of thanksgiving.
Here are the top 10 Biblical verses about Thanksgiving:
- “When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to Hashem your God for the good land which He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10)
- “In that day, you shall say: ‘I give thanks to You, Hashem!’” (Isaiah 12:1)
- “The living, only the living can give thanks to You. Fathers relate to children Your acts of grace.” (Isaiah 38:19)
- “Gladness and joy shall abide there, Thanksgiving and the sound of music.” (Isaiah 51:3)
- “From them shall issue thanksgiving and the sound of dancers.” (Jeremiah 30:19)
- “Give thanks to God of Hosts, for Hashem is good, for His kindness is everlasting!” (Jeremiah 33:11)
- “I wash my hands in innocence, and walk around Your mizbayach, Hashem, raising my voice in thanksgiving, and telling all Your wonders.” (Psalms 26:6)
- “I, with loud thanksgiving, Will sacrifice to You.” (Yonah 2:10)
- “I acknowledge and praise You, O God of my fathers, You who have given me wisdom and power.” (Daniel 2:23)
- “Praise Hashem for He is good; His steadfast love is eternal.” (Chronicles 16:24)
