A booth or Sekhakh |
After the return from Exile, Ezra read the law and led the Israelites in acts of penitence during the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:13-18). The dedication of Solomon's' Temple also took place (I Kings 8:2) during this feast. Later, Josephus referred to the Feast of Tabernacles as the holiest and greatest of the Hebrew feasts.
To remember this time the Jews build small tabernacles or booths which walls of plaited branches and thatched roofs as God instructed in Leviticus 23:42. Today to fulfill the commandment, sekhakh (booth) is still constructed. It must be made of something that grew from the ground and was cut off, such as tree branches, corn stalks, bamboo reeds, sticks, or two-by-fours and constructed so it will not blow away in the wind. The Sekhakh roof must be left loose, not tied together or tied down. Sekhakh must be placed sparsely enough that rain can get in, and preferably sparsely enough that the stars can be seen, but not so sparsely that more than ten inches is open at any point or that there is more light than shade.
As you can imagine there are ceremonies and passages that are read and followed though out the Feast of Tabernacles.
It is in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles and this eighth day that the gospel of John records a fascinating event. John wrote: "In the last day (eighth day), that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38). Yashewa was saying in the clearest possible way that He alone was the source of life and blessing; that He could meet every need of the human heart.
No matter how you celebrate your Feast of Tabernacle, you should come away the knowledge and feeling that Yashewa is coming back for his people. So keep HIM in your heart, let every thought and word from your being be as if HE spoke it. Love each other, help each other. Give and not expect anything back. Live as if Yashewa's kingdom is in you and you will be better for it. Give thanks in all things and praise HIM. We are not of this world but HIS in the end, so set yourself apart from the world. It is not easy, in fact it is hard to do. But how great is his reward.
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