Feast Of Tabernacles
Leviticus 23:33-35
23 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
34 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord.
35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
37 These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
38 Beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the Lord.
39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
40 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.
41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
44 And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.
An Elohim-Ordained Festival:
The Feast of Tabernacles begins on the 15th day of the seventh month.
It is a seven-day festival.
This feast is unique because it is a time of great joy and celebration before YeHoVaH (Deuteronomy 16:14-15).
A Holy Convocation
The first day is a Sabbath (holy convocation) dedicated to worshiping YeHoVaH.
No servile work (ordinary labor) is to be done.
The focus is on resting in Elohim’s presence and giving thanks for His provision.
The Eighth Day mentioned, is separate from the 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is also a Sabbath (holy convocation). No Servile Work
Biblical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
1. A Reminder of Israel’s Journey in the Wilderness
The Israelites lived in temporary shelters for 40 years in the wilderness after leaving Egypt (Leviticus 23:42-43).
It reminds us of Elohim’s provision, protection, and faithfulness to His people.
2. A Celebration of the Harvest
Feast Of Tabernacles is also called the Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 23:16) because it marks the final harvest of the year.
It is a time of rejoicing and gratitude for Elohim’s blessings.
Leviticus 23:40 mentions taking branches from trees and rejoicing before Elohim.
Use them as a symbol of gratitude and wave them in praise, as done in Feast Of Tabernacle celebrations.
3. Elohim Dwelling with His People
The word “Tabernacle” (Sukkah) means temporary dwelling or shelter.
This foreshadows how dwelt among Israel in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:8).
It also points to Yeshua, who came to dwell (tabernacle) among us (John 1:14).
4. The Coming Kingdom of YeHoVaH Elohim
The future reign of Messiah is when He will establish His Kingdom on earth.
Zechariah 14:16-17 prophesies that all nations will celebrate The Feast Of Tabernacles in the Millennial Kingdom.
Revelation 21:3 speaks of the ultimate fulfillment when Elohim will dwell with His people forever.
How Can We Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles Today?
Build a Sukkah (Booth or Tent)
Build a temporary shelter and spend time eating or even sleeping in it for seven days beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month.
This symbolizes trusting in Elohim’s protection rather than material things.
Rejoice and Give Thanks
Feast Of Tabernacles is a time of feasting, & joy. So celebrate by worshiping, & praising, YeHoVaH Elohim.
Thank YeHoVaH for His provision and blessings (Deuteronomy 16:14-15).
Read and Meditate on Scripture
Leviticus 23:33-44 – Instructions about the Feast.
Deuteronomy 16:13-15 – Command to rejoice during Sukkot.
Zechariah 14:16-19 – Prophecy about celebrating Sukkot in the future.
John 7:37-39 – Yeshua’s teaching during The Feast Of Tabernacles about the Living Water (Holy Spirit).
Revelation 21:3 – Elohim will tabernacle with His people forever.
The Eighth Day follows the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles and is a separate, sacred assembly.
Leviticus 23:36 (KJV) – “On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.”
It is treated like a Sabbath, meaning no regular labor should be done.
In biblical times, offerings were made (Numbers 29:35-38).
Today, believers offer spiritual sacrifices such as prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and worship (Hebrews 13:15).
Look Forward to Yeshua’s Return
The Feast Of Tabernacles points to the time when Yeshua will dwell with His people forever.
We can use this feast to reflect on His promises and prepare our hearts for His coming Kingdom.