33 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
Leviticus 23:33 – 36
34 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto Jehovah.
35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work.
36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a solemn assembly; ye shall do no servile work.
When I first set out to honor the words of Yehovah concerning the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, I like so many others, was at a loss.
I had no idea how it was to be done.
First things first, relax, Yehovah isn’t looking for perfection. He is looking for participation. It is more about our attitude than our expertise.
As with many things that are of Yehovah, Tabernacles is rich in symbolism. At the center is the sukkah, a temporary dwelling that can range from a tent to a simple wooden structure. It is a booth originally used as a temporary shelter for animals. It, like the body we now dwell in, was temporary.
During the week of Sukkot, people stay in these sukkahs, often sleeping in them throughout the festival.
The point of Sukkot is to remind us of our passing station in this present world as well as a time of rejoicing and gratefulness for Yehovah’s provision and blessings for His people (us). It looks back at His provision for the Israelites in the wilderness and to today at His provision for us.
It is also intended to teach us that Yeshua will be living among his people for a thousand years before we see New Jerusalem.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:2 – 3
3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God:
How do I celebrate Sukkot?
If you are alone as I was the first time I celebrated sukkot it ok to keep it simple.
The first thing we ask ourselves is typically what about the sacrifices?
The fact of the matter is that all sacrifices having to do with substitutionary offerings for sin were satisfied when Yeshua offered himself for our sins.
It is not necessary to make any such offering today. Consider your time, your effort, and the expense you go to in demonstrating the significance of this Moedim to others as an offering.
How do I build a sukkah?
You can literally build a simple structure with branches and bows if you like, but it is also acceptable to go a simpler route.
Many people choose to use tents. Others use PVC pipe so that the structure can be stored easily and used year after year.
Some choose to decorate the sukkah with foliage, lights, ribbons, flowers, and so forth.
40 And ye shall take you on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days.
Leviticus 23:40
The majority of the people desiring to celebrate Tabernacles will not have the species of trees described in Leviticus 23 available to them.
Use what is available, once again it is more about attitude than perfection.
That first season I personally kept Sukkot. I did it by myself. My wife was still studying it all out. She wanted to have a firmer grasp on the meaning and reasons behind it. She was fasting, praying, and studying.
The next year, when Sukkot rolled around, she was ready.
But in that first year, I spent it by myself – just Yehovah and me. I put up a canopy, pulled out the grill, and got my bible.
I took time under that canopy, reading the verses having to do with the second coming, the installment of the Kingdom of God in the earth. That really is what Tabernacles is about.
Do only men need to be involved in Sukkot?
Many arrive at this conclusion because the bible commands all males to appear before Yehovah three times in the year, the fall feast being among them.
In reality, this is everyone’s celebration. We are all entering into the Kingdom. We all need the object lesson and the blessing.
Do I need to stay in the sukkah at night?
If you can I would suggest you do spend the night in your sukkah. It is a wonderful experience. However, there is no sin in making accommodations for those who simply can’t.
I live in Louisiana. The weather here is much warmer than in Israel at the time of Sukkot. I spend hours in the sukkah reading, praying – and let’s not forget the grill!
If you are able to locate individuals who wish to fellowship during this season, I would strongly suggest you join them.
The celebration takes on another dimension when you are able to share it with others.
Do I need to celebrate for seven days?
7 days is the time prescribed in the word of God.
Leviticus 23:42 – 43
42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are home-born in Israel 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 Jehovah your God.
Seven speaks of completion, of fulfillment. It points to the end of all that is wrong in this world and the birth of another world in which righteousness reigns.
It speaks of the deliverance from Egypt (past tense) and the deliverance from the bondages of this present.
Will I be able to take off work or miss school?
Sukkot is a federally protected holiday in the United States. You have a right to worship in this manner.
We have found that most employers and other institutions will accommodate your choice to celebrate the feast days if you give them a written request for religious accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as any applicable state law(s) and company EEO policies. Make sure you submit it well in advance of the observance dates.
How can I get the most out of observing Sukkot?
The bottom line is this. Turn off the world, the social media, and make a space and a time to spend with Yeshua. Come together with family, friends, and believers and enjoy the life He has given you as we ponder the life to come.
As awkward as it may be at first, you will find the celebration of sukkot to be deeply rewarding.
The business of life will be there when you return but you will be refreshed and strengthened – and more fit for the journey.
Shalom.
Pastor Mayberry
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