Topical Encyclopedia The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals instituted in the Old Testament. It is a time of joyous celebration, commemorating the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness and God's provision during that period. The observance of this feast is detailed in Leviticus 23:33-43, where the Israelites are commanded to dwell in temporary shelters for seven days as a reminder of their ancestors' experiences.Despite its significance, there are instances in biblical history where the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles was neglected or omitted. This omission often coincided with periods of spiritual decline or apostasy among the Israelites. The failure to observe the feast was not merely a neglect of tradition but a departure from the covenantal relationship with God, as the festivals were integral to Israel's worship and identity. One notable period of omission occurred during the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, when idolatry and syncretism became prevalent. The neglect of the Feast of Tabernacles, along with other appointed times, reflected a broader disregard for the Law of Moses. In 2 Kings 17:7-23, the narrative describes how the Israelites turned away from the commandments of the Lord, leading to their eventual exile. Although the text does not explicitly mention the omission of the Feast of Tabernacles, the general abandonment of God's statutes implies that such observances were likely neglected. The restoration of the Feast of Tabernacles is recorded during the reforms of King Hezekiah and later, more prominently, under King Josiah. In 2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah reinstituted the Passover, which suggests a broader revival of religious practices, including the Feast of Tabernacles. Josiah's reforms, as described in 2 Kings 23, included the removal of idolatrous practices and a return to the covenantal laws, likely encompassing the observance of all prescribed feasts. The post-exilic period also saw a renewed emphasis on the Feast of Tabernacles. In Nehemiah 8:14-18, after the return from Babylonian exile, the people rediscovered the Law and celebrated the feast with great joy, as it had not been observed in such a manner since the days of Joshua. This revival underscored the importance of the feast in re-establishing Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. The omission of the Feast of Tabernacles serves as a reminder of the spiritual consequences of neglecting God's commands. It highlights the need for continual faithfulness and the dangers of allowing cultural and religious syncretism to overshadow divine ordinances. The restoration of the feast in times of revival illustrates the power of returning to God's Word and the blessings that follow obedience. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 8:17And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness. Nave's Topical Index Library End of Three Months' Ministry in Jerusalem. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian The Historical Books. Colossians ii. 16-19 Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... What Messiah did the Jews Expect? [Endnotes] The Iranian Conquest Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Passover? | GotQuestions.org What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Feast of Tabernacles: Design of Feast of Tabernacles: Instituted Feast of Tabernacles: Jeroboam Institutes an Idolatrous Feast to Correspond To, in the Eighth Month Feast of Tabernacles: Observance of, After the Captivity Feast of Tabernacles: Observance of, Omitted Feast of Tabernacles: Penalty for not Observing Feast of Tabernacles: The Law Read in Connection With, Every Seventh Year Related Terms Marriage-feast (4 Occurrences) Feast-offerings (1 Occurrence) |
    |