Jewish Feasts - Feast of Tabernacles/Booths/Sukkot

Feast of Tabernacles/Booths/SukkotObserved: 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri (7th month on the calendar)7th and Final Feast Instituted by God

Alright, before you say anything, I know I’m a little late with this one.  This one was celebrated back in October from the 9th through the 16th.  While Rebecca and I were in Israel, we started to see all the tabernacles being built around the city.  They were built on balconies of apartments, in the restaurants,  and many other places.  There isn’t much to these tent structures, a wood frame and some fabric wrapping it on three sides and the top must be made from natural material, often palm branches, so you could see the night sky.  

This feasat was set up as a reminder for how God was their provider during the Exodus of Egypt and how the Lord was their cover and protection during the years they were wondering in the dessert.

There were three times a year where the Isrealites were to make the trek to Jerusalem, this was the one in the fall and they were to bring their offerings to God.  The people were instructed by God to make a temporary shelter to camp out in for a week.  The shear act of building a shelter would provoke thoughts with the younger generation, giving them a reason to share the story of how God intervened for them in the past.  God provided these instructions in three different places, Leviticus 23, Numbers 29, and Deuteronomy 16.

During this week, the Israelites were to eat, and even sleep in them if they felt up to it.  It’s traditionally a fun family activity.  It’s also tradition to invite guests each night of the feast to share and enjoy this time together. Hospitality, friendship, story telling, and giving thanks to God for His provision and also give back to Him are some of the things this event represents.

Now, how does Jesus fit into this feast?  Glad you asked.

First off, let’s remind ourselves of when Jesus stepped off the Glory Seat of Heaven and came to Earth.  It wasn't December 25th, its been calculated that it was actually in September, and some will say the exact date was September 11th.  With that said, the Feast of Tabernacles takes places sometime in September or October.  Some believe that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles.  I can not confirm or deny this, but it would be kind of cool if He did.  God Himself was coming down to tabernacle with his people for a short time.  That is pretty awesome, and not unlike God.

Also, it’s no coincidence that it is the last feast that the Lord instituted.  You see, the last thing we read in Revelation is when God brings the New Jerusalem down to earth for what reason?  To live with His people, to tabernacle with us.  You see, this feast is not just something to look back on and remember where God moved, buts also a reminder that He is our provider and protector while here on this earth and that we will live in God’s presence in the future.  As Christians, we have not arrived to our Promised Land, we are wandering in the wilderness right now.  We will arrive in our Promised Land at some point.  Awesome stuff.