September 29, 2023

According to the Jewish calendar, tonight at sunset begins the Feast of Booths, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. It is also called a Harvest Festival by some. It is the last feast that the Lord commanded the Israelites to keep as a remembrance of their dwelling in tents when they left Egypt. It is a feast where they build a hut outside their homes and spend most of their time during the week of the feast. I would say that it’s like camping or glamping because they don’t have to sleep in it, but should have all their meals in it. 

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 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. Leviticus 23:42-43

Jesus taught in the temple during the Feast of Booths. Part of the tradition was for the men to pilgrimage to Judea. His disciples wanted him to go with them to show himself to the world, but he warned that it was not yet his time. However, he secretly departed to go there to teach in the temple after they left. He had healed a man on the Sabbath, and the people sought to kill him. The priests were known to break the sabbath law to complete the eighth-day circumcision of baby boys, but when Jesus made a man whole, they protested that doing that wasn’t allowed. Jesus pointed out their contradiction, which they didn’t like. Many people believed in him; however, the Pharisees heard some people complaining and sent an officer to arrest him, but it wasn’t his time. Jesus honored God by keeping the feast.

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. John 7:33-34