Feast of Tabernacles (Booths)
During the Feast of Tabernacles the children of Israel constructed temporary booths and dwelt in them for seven days in the seventh month, recalling how the Lord sheltered them amid the wilderness wanderings after their deliverance from Egypt. This joyful observance, the most celebratory of the annual feasts, highlighted God's faithful provision of food, water, and guidance throughout their journey, while pointing ahead to the time when He would dwell permanently among His redeemed people. In the days of Nehemiah the people renewed this feast with great gladness, and the Savior later used its imagery of living water to invite all who thirst to come unto Him.
Details
- Category
- Fall Feasts
- Hebrew Name
- Sukkot
- Timing
- 15th-21st of Tishri (September/October)
- Calendar
- Tishri, 15th-21st
- Season
- Fall
- Observance
- Dwell in booths for seven days, wave palm branches, water-pouring ceremony, torch-lighting ceremony, great rejoicing.
Significance
Celebrates God's provision and presence during the wilderness journey. The most joyful feast, looking forward to God dwelling permanently with His people.
New Testament Fulfillment
Jesus may have been born during Tabernacles (God tabernacling among us). Points to the Millennium when God dwells with humanity. On the last great day, Jesus offered living water.
Key Passages
The Command
Leviticus 23:33-43
33nd the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Living Water
John 7:37-39
37n the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
God Dwells With Man
Revelation 21:3-4
3nd I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Nehemiah's Celebration
Nehemiah 8:14-17
14nd they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:
Did You Know?
Families lived in temporary shelters (booths) for 7 days. Remembering the wilderness wandering.
Jesus was likely born during Tabernacles, not December. 'the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.'
On the last day of this feast, Jesus stood and cried 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.'
This is the only feast that will be celebrated in the Millennium (Zechariah 14:16).