The Feast Of Tabernacles

In a few days the third of a series of ancient High Holy Days, the Feast of Tabernacles, takes place. It is on this day under Moses’ direction that a sacrifice was made for every nation on the earth, thus forgiveness was made for the entire world.

The contemporary commemoration continues with the same celebration and joy that has been central to the feast for over three millennia because it is recognition of the love and grace of God.

It is also on the feast that roughly a third of the gospels center and on which most of Jesus’ words are recorded.

The theme is recognition of the time the children of Israel spent in the wilderness upon leaving Egypt and dwelled in tents or small tabernacles. The events are remembered with joy and festivities as it was during the time in the desert God dwelt with Israel in such a close and intimate way in the pillar of fire.

Water plays an important role in the party as Moses and the rest of the people depended upon the rain sent from heaven and from the rocks to sustain their very lives.

The gospel of John records, “In that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37–38).

Thus during the feast where life giving water was a central theme Jesus proclaimed that he was the true living water that would pour forth the love of God in overflowing abundance in people’s lives.

Another seminal event recorded in the gospels records, “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17).

At this point the apostles hear the voice of God and Peter offers to make tents for their heavenly guests as this too was during the feast.

The imagery is eternally rich. Just as the pillar of fire lighted the way in the desert, Christ shines forth “like the sun.” Just as water was miraculously provided in the desert, Christ proclaims himself the never ending supply to quench the deepest thirst of every human heart. And just as sacrifices were made for every nation, Jesus proclaimed that as he laid down his life, “It is finished.”

So may we take time in these coming weeks to simply remember all that God provides, recognizing that our greatest hunger is met in him and to celebrate the grace and forgiveness found in the God who draws near and whose love shines brighter than the sun.