In Jerusalem, thousands of Jewish people have built their sukkot, or booths, and are enjoying this very special time of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths. The Hebrew name is Chag Sukkot (חַג סֻכּוֹת).
We read in Leviticus 23:39–42 that the people of Israel were to dwell in booths during this feast. We see a similar celebration in Nehemiah 8:15–17, when the people returned from exile and built booths throughout Jerusalem.
The sukkah was a reminder of the years Israel spent in the wilderness after God delivered them from Egypt. During those years, Israel experienced the presence and protection of the Lord. God led them by a cloud during the day and fire at night.
But Sukkot was not simply a remembrance of a difficult journey. It was also to be a time of great joy and thanksgiving before the Lord.
Looking Up
The sukkot built today are generally humble, temporary, and fragile structures made from branches and leafy materials. Many have an opening through which those sitting inside can look toward the heavens.
I have sat in these booths in Israel and imagined what it must have been like for the children of Israel in the wilderness—to live in temporary shelters and yet experience the very real presence of the Lord among them.
There is something deeply meaningful about sitting beneath a fragile roof and looking upward.
These booths can also remind us of our own lives. We are physical, temporary, and fragile beings. Yet, like Israel in the wilderness, we can experience the presence of God in the midst of our circumstances.
Our world can also seem fragile and unsettled. We see conflict, uncertainty, and suffering around us. Yet Jesus gave His followers an important instruction when He spoke about difficult times:
“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
— Luke 21:28, NASB 1995
Sukkot gives us a beautiful reminder of this truth.
When difficult circumstances surround us, we can look up.
We can remember that our circumstances do not change who God is. We can remember His faithfulness. We can remember His presence. And we can give thanks that our hope is not anchored in the stability of this world, but in the Lord.
God Dwelling With His People
There is also a beautiful connection between Sukkot and God’s desire to dwell among His people.
The sukkah reminds Israel of the wilderness journey, when God’s presence accompanied them. The very idea of tabernacling carries the thought of dwelling or living among God’s people.
For Christians, this also points our hearts toward Jesus, who came and dwelt among us. John 1:14 tells us:
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…”
The Feast of Tabernacles therefore gives us an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout Scripture—from His presence with Israel in the wilderness, to His dwelling among His people, and ultimately to the day when God’s presence will be fully realized among His people.
Sukkot is a feast of remembrance, thanksgiving, joy, and hope.
Continue to Study and Pray for Israel
We also want to let you know that new videos continue to be posted on the AMI Jerusalem Center website, including videos from AMI Center tours and Bible studies concerning Israel.
If you would like to see these videos about Israel, along with many articles and other resources about Israel, please visit:
amijerusalemcenter.org
One of the interesting articles on our website describes Shlomo’s work in founding the Bnei Arazim childcare center and the impact this ministry has had in the lives of children and families.
We encourage you to continue learning about Israel and searching the Scriptures to understand what God has said concerning Israel and the Jewish people.
We also ask you to continue praying for Israel and for the situation in the Middle East.
Isaiah speaks of watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem who continually remind the Lord of His promises. Moses also prayed for Israel by appealing to God’s covenant and His Word, and God heard his prayer.
Our prayers should likewise be grounded in God’s Word.
Please also continue to pray for the major airlines to resume and maintain flights to Tel Aviv, so that the AMI Jerusalem Center can continue pursuing its vision of bringing people from the nations to Israel. We long to see Christians come to Israel, experience the land of the Bible, and gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His purposes.
A Time to Look Up
As we remember the Feast of Tabernacles, may we remember the lesson of the sukkah:
We may be fragile, but God is faithful.
Our circumstances may change, but God does not change.
The world may be uncertain, but our hope is secure in Him.
So during this special season, let us remember God’s faithfulness, give thanks for His presence, pray for Israel, and continue to look up.
May the Lord bless each of you during this special time of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Bruce Larson