FEAST OF TABERNACLES(SHELTERS):A JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE AND WORSHIP

Annual Festivals established by God hold great significance for His people. These festivals serve as important ways to commemorate and honor significant events in the history of Israel and during the Apostolic Church days. Their significance extends far beyond mere celebration, offering a framework for spiritual growth and providing opportunities for reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Observing these festivals enables believers to deepen their understanding of God’s plan of salvation and cultivate a deeper connection with Him and His people. One such significant festival is Shelters, which we will delve into in more detail on this page.

The Third of the Annual Feasts: Feast of Tabernacles also known as the Feast of Shelters, is a significant religious holiday celebrated toward the end of the year. It is observed in the seventh month (Ethanim), specifically on the 15th day of the month to the 21st day of Ethanim. This feast holds a special place in the Israelite calendar, as it is one of the three annual feasts commanded by God in the Old Testament.

Before the Feast of Tabernacles commences, two important annual Sabbaths precede it. The first of these Sabbaths, known as the Day of Trumpets, occurs on the first day of Ethanim every year. This day marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, which lead up to the highly anticipated Yom Kippur. “And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD” (Lev. 23:23-25).

The Day of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, is a significant Jewish holiday that holds deep significance for Gentile Believers as well. This annual event serves as a yearly reminder of the Second Coming of Jesus, when He will return to earth to save the saints and destroy the ungodly.

The Day of Trumpets is a time of introspection and reflection for the children of God, as we consider our deeds and repent of our sins. We also hold this day even greater significance as it serves as a reminder of the impending return of Jesus Christ. The Second Coming of Jesus: A Promise to be Fulfilled.

The Second Coming of Jesus is one of the most highly anticipated events in the Christian calendar. It is prophesied in Scripture that Jesus will return to earth to establish His Millennial Kingdom and judge the nations accordingly. The Day of Trumpets serves as a yearly reminder of this promise, encouraging believers to remain steadfast to their faith and eagerly await His arrival.

The Feast of Tabernacles commemorates the Israelites journey through the wilderness and their temporary dwellings during their 40 years of wandering. It is a time of joy and celebration, as Jews and Gentile Believers gather in Jerusalem and across the world to commemorate the historical event.

During the entire period of the feast, the children of God are commanded to dwell in “booths” (Lev. 23:42-43). These tabernacles serve as a symbol of God’s presence and as a reminder of the temporary nature of human dwellings. This aspect of the feast emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s provision and guidance.

Furthermore, God has provided further instructions regarding the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, an annual event that holds great significance for believers. Leviticus 23:40 states, “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.” This passage outlines specific materials and rituals to be observed during this joyous occasion.

The Bible also teaches that the saved will continue to observe this feast in heaven, as described in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 7:9, we read, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” This vivid image conveys a sense of unity and rejoicing among the redeemed.

The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God and His provision. It is a time for believers to gather in celebration and praise, acknowledging His sovereignty over their lives. Through obedience to these instructions, we can experience a deeper connection with the Lord and cultivate a sense of unity with fellow believers.

As we celebrate this feast, we embrace the spirit of joy and unity that it brings. As we gather with our fellow believers, carrying branches of goodly trees, palm trees, thick trees, and willows of the brook, as a symbol of our devotion to God.

As we rejoice before Him for seven days, our hearts be filled with gratitude and anticipation forb the eternal celebration that awaits us in His heavenly kingdom.

The celebration of Feast of Tabernacles ends with the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn, on the 10th day of the month of Ethanim. This act symbolizes the end of the feast and the coming of a new year.

The Feast of Shelters is a sacred holiday must be celebrated by the children of God and observed as a time of remembrance and worship. It serves as a reminder of God’s love and protection, as well as His provision in the wilderness.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a time for reflection, worship, and fellowship among believers. It is a time for renewing spiritual connections and drawing closer to God. Through the verses in Lev 23:33-34, John 7:1-2, and John 7:37-39, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this feast and how it relates to the life and work of Jesus.

In addition to these commands, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of continuing to celebrate this feast in heaven. The saved are encouraged to continue rejoicing in similar fashion, as they celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in the presence of the Lord. Just as the Biblical patriarchs did, we must earnestly look forward to a permanent “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10). As the songwriter writes, “this world is not our home; [we] are just passing through.”

The Apostle John records the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles during the time of Christ Jesus, as mentioned in John 7:2. During this feast, Christ commanded His brethren to “go ye up unto this feast,” as recorded in John 7:8. Moreover, Jesus Himself followed His brethren to the feast and later went up to the temple, where He taught.

This event took place in the midst of the festivities, as mentioned in John 7:14. Jesus stayed at the feast until the last day, when He stood up and cried, saying, “if any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” He promised those who believed in Him that
rivers of living water would flow from their bellies, as recorded in John 7:37-38.