Tabernacles, Feast of

This was an annual feast or festival occurring during October and celebrating God’s protection of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness.  It was a time for Israel to renew their commitment to God and trust in His guidance and protection.  During this seven-day period, the people reverted to living in tents, as their ancestors had done during the wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan.  It is also called the Feast of Booths and the Feast of Ingathering as it occurred at the end of harvest (Lev 23:33-43).

This was one of the three festivals each year that all males were required to travel to Jerusalem to attend (Ex 23:14-17; Deut 16:16).

See also: feasts.