Celebration of The Feast of Tabernacles

Here is a list of things housewives are most thankful for: “For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals. For children who put away their things & clean up after themselves. They’re suc … More

Thanksgiving

Israel as a nation has not only been a scattered people and a sinful people, but they have been a suffering people. However, one day their suffering will be turned into joy. Like our Thanksgiving day in the United States the “Feast of Tabernacles” was a time of feasting, rejoicing, and giving thanks to God for His bountiful gifts (Duet. 16:13-15).

We must remember that the “Day of Atonement” preceded this feast. People who want happiness without holiness are sure to have disappointment. The “Feast of Tabernacles” was the final and most important feast of the year. It lasted for seven days (from the 15th through the 21st of the seventh month).  The feast was not only an agricultural thanksgiving at the end of the fall harvest but also served as a celebration of God’s protective care during Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness living in tents (vv. 33-34).

On the first and eighth day of the “Feast of Tabernacles,” the Israelites were to have a sacred assembly and were not allowed to do any occupational work (v. 35). The offerings to be given were the most elaborate and impressive of the entire year (Num. 29:12-38) The foliage from the trees may have been used in constructing the booths in which the people were to live for seven days. This was a reminder of the tents they lived in when they first came out of Egypt. The “Feast of Tabernacles” pictures the future kingdom that God has prepared for Israel when the Messiah comes (vv. 36-43). For Israel the best is yet to come. The scattered people will be gathered; the sinful people will be cleansed and the sorrowing people will rejoice. This is how Moses instructed the people of Israel to celebrate the Lord’s festivals (v. 44).

Application

Just as the “Feast of Tabernacles” was a time to remember and offer thanks for all God had done for the Israelites I need to be thankful for all that God has done and is constantly doing for me and be sure to express this through my prayers.

Leviticus 23:33-44 (English Standard Version)


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