Feast of Tabernacles - SukkotWatch and Pray

This is photo of a Jewish rabbi blowing the shofar for the Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is one of seven feasts God commanded Israel to observe. All Jewish adult males were required to return to the Temple in Jerusalem with their offerings for the priests.

The Feast of Tabernacles is also known as the “Festival of Booths,” “Feast of Harvest,” Feast of Ingathering,” and “Sukkot.” This festival is a week long celebration on the 15th of Tishrei.

Celebrating the Lord’s Feast in ancient times

God gave Moses the instructions for the Lord’s Feast in Leviticus 23:33-34. It required all Jewish people to leave their homes and travel to the Temple in Jerusalem. They would dwell in 3-sided temporary shelters or booths with leafy roofs. This served as a reminder of how their ancestors lived while in the desert, after their exodus from Egypt. Additionally, the Jews were reminded, by dwelling in these insecure booths, that true security comes from God.

The Feast of Tabernacles was also a thanksgiving festival. The Israelites celebrated the gathering of the harvest and God’s provision. God commanded the Israelites to rejoice during this occasion (Deuteronomy16:14).

Celebration of this holiday in current times

The Jews as well as Christians continue the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Most synagogues build a communal sukkah, and people build their own, outside of their homes, to celebrate this joyous occasion. Besides building booths, Jewish people celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles by waving the lulav and etrog (based on Leviticus 23:40) while reciting a blessing. The lulav (Hebrew for palm tree) is a bouquet of palm, myrtle, and willow branches. In addition, the etrog is a citron fruit similar to a lemon, which is native to Israel. The lulav and etrog waved on Sukkot is a reminder of the harvest God provided for His people.

American Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving and the Feast of Tabernacles

It is interesting to note that the American Pilgrims fashioned the first Thanksgiving after the Feast of Tabernacles. The Pilgrims began a tradition of giving thanks for the harvest of the year, after they had survived multiple challenges.

This week is a good time to reflect and thank God for His provision and presence in our lives. Moreover, it is an opportune time for us to remember that God is the source of our security and hope.

Christianity and the Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles has great and joyous significance to Christianity. It symbolizes the 1,000-year period, often called the “Millennium,” that will follow immediately after the return of Jesus Christ. During this period, Christ will rule for a thousand years from His throne in Jerusalem. And, all the nations of the earth will be required to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:16-17).