Photo by Ron Almog
Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
By: David Soakell CFI UK
Throughout Israel this week, (September 19th – 25th) the people are celebrating Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles. (Leviticus 23:33-43) At its most basic level, Tabernacles is a celebration of the abundance of God’s blessings in connection with the ingathering of the Autumn Harvests. It is also a memorial to the Exodus, when the Jews wandered in the wilderness, living in tabernacles or booths (temporary dwelling places) en-route to the Promised Land. Could this remind us that we are also in a temporary dwelling? In 2 Corinthians 4:18-5:2 we read, “Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling…”
Many Christians also celebrate this Feast and some believe that this is the correct time of Jesus’ birth when He came to “tabernacle among us [Immanuel].” If so, He would have been conceived around Chanukah/Christmas [the light of the world?]. Chanukah of course means the festival of lights and Yeshua (Jesus) is the Light of the world. Add nine months from Chanukah and you will roughly come up to the Feast of Tabernacles. According to all natural laws, the Israeli’s should have perished in the wilderness, but were instead divinely protected by God. Tabernacles, is therefore a representation of faith in God’s protection and promises.
As the Nation of Israel continues to face a time of uncertainty, may we pray that the Lord would protect His people and tabernacle with them.
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I would like to thank my missionary friend who is heading back to Israel for sending this to me via email.
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Sukkot, Market of the 4 Species at Bnei Brak
Photo by Flavio
Wings of the Wind 
Indeed we are just passing through this world. Just like the people of God were passing through the desert. It will be amazing when one day Israel will turn to Christ and accept Him as God.
That will be a glorious day, Chris.
Some days it feels like I’m in that desert but Jesus is our living water; the well that never runs dry.
I hope you have a great week my friend…