The Joyous Feast of Tabernacles

Pool of Siloam

The Jewish people are in the midst of their observances of Sukkot, the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles.  It is described by many as the most joyous of feasts prescribed by the Lord in Leviticus 23.

The mood of these days are the result of harvest ended and the remembrance of God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and his provision for the people while in the wilderness.

In order to get in touch with the sojourn in the wilderness, families eat, if not live, in outdoor booths.  What fun this must be for all, especially children!

In the time of Jesus, a priest would descend from the Temple precincts to the Pool of Siloam for the drawing of a pitcher of water.  The priest would return and pour the water in the altar area.  Prayers would be offered for much-needed rain during the upcoming season.  While this custom is missing today, any visit to the Pool of Siloam brings to mind the words of Jesus.  Jesus seized this important moment in the celebrations to declare that he is the water source for the spiritually thirsty.

May these days be doubly joyous for all God's children! 

Jesus' Teaching During Sukkot

According to John 7 and 8, Jesus attended the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. There He seized upon the pageantry and imagery of the feast to teach the crowds regarding himself and His mission.

For each of the seven days of the feast, the high priest would descend from the Temple precincts to the Pool of Siloam for water. Returning with the water in a golden pitcher, he would approach the Great Altar and pour water around its base. Psalms were sung, and prayers of thanksgiving ascended for God's gifts of the past and the coming rains.

Surely, the words of the prophets were upon the hearts of the worshippers. God is the source of "living water." At this moment, Jesus cried out: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:37-38)

Jesus' claim is clear. One of the roles of the Messiah was to bring the living water.

The Feast of Tabernacles

Tonight, the celebration of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, begins and continues through October 20. Since the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the observant Jew has prepared the outdoor tabernacle for use throughout the week.

Although little or nothing of Sukkot is celebrated by Christians, I have always felt that we miss out on a rare opportunity especially for teaching our children. What child does not love an evening outdoors or "camping out." Add to this the telling of stories from the desert wanderings of the people of Israel and you have a ready-made teaching laboratory.

Among the rituals of great interest is the blessing over the "four species:" the myrtle, the willow, the citron, and the date palm. The daily waving of four branches and a fruit accompanies the blessing:

Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to dwell in the sukkah.

Such prayer and practice remembers the God who provides an abundant harvest.

The mood of the observance is one of great joy. May you know the joy of Sukkot!

The Feast of Tabernacles

Tonight, the celebration of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, begins and continues through October 1. Since the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the observant Jew has prepared the outdoor tabernacle for use throughout the week. Among Christians, little to nothing is done to remember the experiences of the people of God in their desert wanderings.

I personally have always felt that this season held special promise for children and families whether Jew or Christian. What child does not love an evening outdoors or "camping out." Add to this the many lessons to be learned from the scriptures and the rituals and you have a ready-made teaching laboratory.

Among the rituals of great interest is the blessing over the "four species:" the myrtle, the willow, the citron, and the date palm. The daily waving of the four branches and fruit is accompanied by the blessing:

Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives
with holiness, commanding us to dwell in the sukkah.

Such a practice remembers the God who provides an abundant harvest.

The mood of the observance is one of joy. During the Second Temple period, there was dance with music and song as water was drawn for use in the Temple and to accompany the prayers for rain. Jesus used the occasion to proclaim: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink" (John 7:37-38).

Have a joyous Sukkot!