In Leviticus 23, God ordained 7 feasts meant for the Jewish people, but also fulfilled by Jesus the Messiah! At sundown today, Jews around the world begin 8 festive days of celebration of the seventh feast, the Feast of Tabernacles. Once the solemn commemoration of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) has passed, Jews begin building their sukkot, miniature tabernacles representing shelters the Jews inhabited while wandering in the wilderness.

The 8-day celebration paints the picture of tabernacling with God for eternity. Not so ironically, the number 8 represents eternity, and there is an interesting twist to this feast. Each of the first six feasts were ordained specifically for Jewish participation (though principles apply to us as Gentiles), but the final feast makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Everyone is invited!

Biblically, the Feast of Tabernacles is our picture of the Millennium when God will gather every nation, tribe and tongue, Jew and Gentile, to dwell with Him forever! This is God’s heart of salvation. He desires that none should perish, and He wants every nation and tribe represented at the greatest worship event ever! Interestingly, the rollcall at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down to inhabit those who would believe, included many Gentiles, including Arabs! (Acts 2:5-12, and Who was Present at Pentecost…and Why Does it Matter?) In the end, we will all gather at that gigantic Feast of Tabernacles called the Millennium!

Sukkot is a joyous time. Stick with us for more Sukkot fun!

Wishing all my Jewish friends Chag Sukkot Sameach!