Speak unto the children of Israel saying, the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. Leviticus 23:34
There is an expression that is heavily used, misused, and abused these days…it’s the word ‘forever’. If a document takes awhile to load, it takes ‘forever’. If a bus is late, it’s taking ‘forever’ to get here. If a sweater is getting old, you have had it ‘forever’. You get the point. This misuse of forever is such a radical departure from the real meaning of the word that we have lost the sense of awe that forever should instill in us. This word speaks of eternity. And it is defined in the great feast of tabernacles that God gave to His earthly people.
Throughout their history, the Jews have made a great deal of the feast of tabernacles, or Sukkoth. For seven days, they spent every possible hour in booths or outdoor shelters, celebrating and worshiping. The day was to mark God’s provision for them. This is the only feast, of the seven major feasts of Jehovah, in which the Jews were commanded to rejoice. And rejoice they do, even today, in what is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Lights. It is also referred to as the great day, in which we have a mention in the Gospels when Jesus issued His great public proclamation in the temple. This wonderful event is a picture of God’s provision of a glorious eternity for Israelites and for saved Gentiles.
The number seven is significant, indicating completeness, a completeness that only God can provide. For this reason, we look at the feast of tabernacles as a type of the millenium reign of Christ. Even the Jews, who have not as a nation as yet recognized Jesus Christ as their Messiah, are looking forward to the Messiah and His 1000 years of reigning in perfect righteousness. For them, this is the fulfillment of their 40 years in the desert when they were fed daily by God, protected by God from their enemies, and provided with clothing and shoes that refused to wear out or decay. Is it any wonder that they are joyful as they look forward to such a great kingdom of peace and righteousness?
The coming kingdom, and the coming eternity in our Lord’s presence is surely reason for joy. One of the shortest verses in the Bible – Rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16) – is also of the longest duration. In anticipation, let us begin our rejoicing now. – Jim MacIntosh