the tabernacle of God is with men, and He shall dwell with them” (Rev 21:3, ASV)
God’s calendar of sacred seasons is a Divine plan; a schedule whereby man is given the capability of tuning into heavenly frequency. Each festival arrives just in time; each in its respective season – “the voice of my beloved knocks” (Song of Songs 5:4)! In Col 2:16-17 Paul writes that the festivals are “shadows of things to come”. The appointed days of God clearly provide an overview of history – each speaking to a specific event in the life and work of the Messiah. The Spring Festivals (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Pentecost) were fulfilled within the events of the first coming of Jesus. The Fall Festivals clearly speak to Jesus’ return.
The Jewish historian Josephus referred to Sukkot as “a feast very much observed among us”. From the time it was first instituted at Mount Sinai, this feast has held a unique and special place among the festivals of Israel. Its formal structure was given by God, its future significance expounded by the prophets, and its spiritual substance exemplified by Jesus during His life on earth.
Since the fall of Adam, humanity experienced exile from God’s intimate presence. When God called Abraham, the father of our faith, “he was called to go out … and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Heb 11:8). After him, all the patriarchs followed suit: they “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb 11:13). Their walk of faith ended most of them up in booths, temporary dwellings, which were the most comfortable place in God. He wanted them to learn that He IS the tabernacle and that He longed for intimacy with them. Sukkot formally commemorates the forty year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. God provided constant reminders of his watchcare: the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signified his Presence with his people. Those original “huts” of that generation were actually God’s clouds of Presence, which He spread over Israel in His protection and Divine grace. God instituted Sukkot so that we would remember his presence with us during that time, and so that we would rejoice in his provision.
For this reason the Feast of Tabernacles was the final and most important feast of the year. The importance of this festival is indicated by the statement, “This is to be a lasting ordinance.” (Lev 23:41). The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day after Yom Kippur: “On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Sukkot, seven days for the LORD.” (Lev 23:34). This feast follows just 4 days after Yom Kippur, the time of awesome reckoning and the dispensing of justice. And lest one feel dejected, despondent or fearful that perhaps his judgment was not favorable, and he has lost that Divine connection, he goes out into the booth itself, symbol of Divine mercy; in stead of running away from the Holy One he flees directly into His presence. There, he is overwhelmed by the realization of the depth of God’s love and concern. Commenting on the juxtaposition of these feast days, Solomon wrote: “Go your way, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a glad heart, for God has already accepted your works.” (Ecc. 9:7). It is commonly referred to as ‘the season of our rejoicing’.
- Sela: Praise God that He is your tabernacle.
- Read: Deut 26; Jonah 4; Seph 1
- Memorize: Seph 1:12
- For a deeper understanding: Joseph Good: Rosh HaShanah and the Messianic Kingdom to Come
