“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites: “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days.” ’ ” Leviticus 23:33-34 (NIV)
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Festival of Booths (in Hebrew, “Succot”) and Feast of Ingathering, stems from the command to the children of Israel to commemorate God’s protection and provision as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. During the Feast, the people lived in booths or tents to remember what God had brought them through. Joshua finally led Israel into their Promised Land, a place of rest and peace, but God never wanted them to forget the wilderness experience.
This Feast still is kept today and is a time of joy, festivity, rejoicing, and celebration. As Jews and Christians from around the world pilgrimage to Israel to keep the Feast, remember to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” God promises that “they shall prosper that love [Jerusalem].” (Psalm 122:6)
Christian Retreat hosts a Feast here in the United States. Many people come to give thanks to Jehovah God for His bountiful blessings, to enjoy the pageantry of praise and worship in the Jewish tradition, and to learn more about their Judeo-Christian faith. It is important to celebrate the final ingathering, when Christ returns and every knee shall bow to the Lord.
PRAY: “Great Jehovah, I remember my wanderings before You became Lord of my life. Thank You for bringing me to my spiritual Promised Land. Bless Israel today in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Purpose for Life 