Today is the seventh day of Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, as commanded in Leviticus 23:33-43. It is a sabbath day, when we rest from our work. It is still a time of joy. Tomorrow is the 8th day, also a sabbath day.
The story of the passover is told in some detail, sukkot take a bit of research.
The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. (Exodus 12:37)
Even though they were slaves in Rameses it was a city with plenty. By contrast they were now in the wilderness in a place called Sukkoth where they now had to trust God for everything. The place was so called because people there were living in temporary dwellings.
The key theme of the feast is to be joyful, to celebrate.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:7-9)
A traditional Jewish wedding:
- 7 days long
- One has to rejoice
- Couple in temporary dweĺling until after the wedding feast is over
- Many guests are invited
In summary, Jesus, God’s anointed, is returning and will reign for a thousand years (Rev 20), the feast of Tabernacles depicts that wonderful time.
The 8th day, which is tomorrow, looks forward to the Great White Throne Judgement, when all people will be resurrected and will be judged – also described in Rev 20.