Topical Bible: The Feast of Tabernacles: First and Last Days of, Holy Convocations

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, as outlined in the Torah. It is celebrated from the 15th to the 22nd of Tishrei, the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar, and is a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. The feast commemorates the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness, during which they lived in temporary shelters, and it serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection.

Biblical Foundation

The Feast of Tabernacles is instituted in Leviticus 23:33-43, where the LORD commands Moses to instruct the Israelites on its observance. The first and last days of the feast are designated as holy convocations, days of rest and sacred assembly. Leviticus 23:35-36 states: "On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You are not to do any regular work. For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you are not to do any regular work."

First Day: Holy Convocation

The first day of the Feast of Tabernacles is a holy convocation, marking the beginning of the festival with a sacred assembly. This day is characterized by rest from regular work, allowing the community to focus on worship and celebration. The Israelites were commanded to construct booths or temporary shelters, known as sukkot, to dwell in during the festival, as a tangible reminder of their ancestors' dependence on God during their wilderness journey. The first day sets the tone for the week-long celebration, emphasizing gratitude and reliance on God's provision.

Last Day: Holy Convocation

The eighth day, known as Shemini Atzeret, is also a holy convocation and is considered a separate festival, though it is closely associated with the Feast of Tabernacles. This day is marked by a solemn assembly and is a time for reflection and prayer. Numbers 29:35 reiterates the command: "On the eighth day you are to hold a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work." The last day serves as a culmination of the festival's themes, reinforcing the importance of community, worship, and thanksgiving.

Significance in Worship and Tradition

The Feast of Tabernacles holds deep spiritual significance, as it not only commemorates the historical journey of the Israelites but also symbolizes the believer's journey through life, relying on God's guidance and provision. The holy convocations on the first and last days underscore the importance of setting aside time for communal worship and reflection. These days are opportunities for believers to renew their commitment to God, express gratitude for His blessings, and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

In the New Testament, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned in John 7, where Jesus attends the festival in Jerusalem. His presence and teachings during this time highlight the feast's enduring significance and its fulfillment in Him as the source of living water and light to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 23:35,39
On the first day shall be an holy convocation: you shall do no servile work therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 29:12,35
And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do no servile work, and you shall keep a feast to the LORD seven days:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Consecration of Joy
... The unity is all the more probable because, otherwise, the first half would give
the name of the feast as that of 'tabernacles,' and would not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the consecration of joy.htm