The Feast of Tabernacles – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Feast of Tabernacles, commanded in the Torah, was a significant annual gathering during September/October. It commemorated both the harvest and God's provision during Israel's journey in the wilderness. Jesus used this feast to illustrate God dwelling among us, offering spiritual rest and fulfillment through Him. As a result of Christ's coming to earth to dwell among us, we are able to enter the Lord's rest through faith in Jesus. The Law has been fulfilled in Christ and made complete in Him, offering us the peace and security of God's Spirit dwelling in believers forever.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Feast of Tabernacles (also called Feast of Booths or Sukkot in Hebrew) was the seventh and final feast commanded in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament).
• The Feast of Tabernacles was the third of three yearly occasions when all Jewish men were to appear before the Lord to worship (Deuteronomy 16:16). It is mentioned multiple times in Scripture.
• The Jewish temple built by Solomon was dedicated during this the Feast of Booths (1 Kings 8:2).
• The Feast of Tabernacles was commemorated on Tishri 15 on the Hebrew calendar, the seventh month, which takes place between late September and early October on Western calendars. It began just five days after the Day of Atonement, shortly after the completion of the fall harvest period. The time marked a celebration of the harvest as well as a remembrance of God's provision during Israel's forty years in the wilderness living in tents (or tabernacles).
• The Feast of Tabernacles was also important for another reason—the tithe. Thousands of travelers attended the feast for eight days each year, bringing a tenth of their harvest for worship.
• Leviticus 23 describes the Feast of Tabernacles as a feast that takes place on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, lasting for seven days marked by a holy day or Sabbath on which no work could occur. Each day included offerings to the Lord, with the eighth day marking another holy day without work. During this time, those celebrating the feast would do so while living in tents made from tree branches. Doing so reminded the people of the way God had sheltered them during the Israelites’ time of wandering in the wilderness.
• The Feast of Tabernacles was described as a key time of revival when the returning Israelites came to rebuild the temple during the time of Ezra (see Nehemiah 8).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In the New Testament, Jesus preached during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, teaching, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37–38).
• It is also likely that the Gospel of John began by making reference to the Feast of Tabernacles when he wrote that Jesus came and dwelt (or "tabernacled") among us: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Feast of Tabernacles provides us with a profound symbol of God's presence and provision. Just as the Israelites dwelt in temporary shelters during this feast, we are reminded of our journey through life—temporary yet purposeful (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). Through Christ's incarnation, God came to dwell among us, fulfilling the Law and offering us His Spirit. His dwelling with us provided the way we can enter into God’s rest. Our striving to fulfill the Law on our own is replaced by the completeness found in Christ. He dwells in us (2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:27). Practically, the Feast of Tabernacles encourages us to celebrate God's presence in our lives daily. It prompts us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, recognizing that God's Spirit dwells within us, guiding and empowering us in our journey of faith. Just as the Israelites looked forward to this feast as a time of joy and provision, we, too, can celebrate the security and peace we find in Christ, our ultimate shelter and source of eternal rest.

UNDERSTAND

• The Feast of Tabernacles was one of three annual feasts required for worship.
• The Feast of Tabernacles follows the Day of Atonement, celebrating the harvest and God's provision during Israel's wilderness journey.
• Those celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles would live in temporary shelters (sukkot) for seven days.

REFLECT

• When in your life have you seen God demonstrate His steadfast care?
• How does Christ's fulfillment of the Law and His indwelling Spirit bring you peace and security daily?
• How does the concept of dwelling in temporary shelters (sukkot) during the Feast of Tabernacles relate to your understanding of finding security and rest in God's presence today?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the historical and biblical context of the Feast of Tabernacles deepen our appreciation for its spiritual significance today?
• Discuss the parallels between the temporary shelters during the feast and our temporary existence on earth. How does this perspective shape our priorities?
• Consider Jesus' teachings during this feast. How can we apply His invitation to come and drink from the living water?