Everything to Know About the Feast of Tabernacles (for believers in Messiah)

Sukkot is the last Biblical holiday of the year. This post has all the information you need to know about this set apart time and how to celebrate this holiday!

Tabernacles, Tents, Booths, or Sukkot?

The Feast of Tabernacles goes by many different names. In Hebrew, it is called Sukkot, which is the plural word for sukkah or temporary dwelling shelters. Because of this it makes sense to translate this holiday as the Feast of Tents, Tabernacles, or Booths. Tabernacles is generally the most common name for it in English.

Who invented the Feast of Tabernacles?

This holiday was created by the Creator, the Living God, YHWH himself. He gave directions for this holiday in Exodus 23:15-16, Leviticus 23:33-43, and Deuteronomy 16:13-17, and it is spoken of elsewhere in Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments.

What is the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles?

The temporary dwellings or sukkahs of this time call to mind historic and prophetic events of the Bible. The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of when the people of Israel wandered in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, after the exodus from Egypt. This calls to mind that YHWH made a way for them and provided for their needs while they were in the wilderness. As believers in Messiah, we look forward to the day when He returns to dwell or tabernacle amongst us! 

What is the purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles? 

The Creator gifted us a special time, and two extra days to rest! He intended to bless us with this holiday. This time is a pause from business as usual. It was intended to be time off work and time to celebrate with family and friends, as well as grow in our faith. We should view this with the same joyous attitude we have when we don't have to go to school or work because of cultural holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day.

What happens during the Feast of Tabernacles?

During the eight days of Sukkot, believers are instructed to dwell in temporary shelters. There are many different approaches to this. Some people travel during this feast, staying in a cabin or hotel. Others pack up the RV and meet with other believers to camp. Some pitch a tent at home and sleep in their backyard. Others put up a temporary pergola of some sort and eat their meals out there while sleeping inside.

Is the Feast of Tabernacles in the New Testament?

Yes, it is! It was celebrated in the Messiah's day. In fact, the Messiah himself took part in Sukkot celebrations and had a lot to say at that time. Most of John 7 takes place around the Feast of Tabernacles.

Is Sukkot like Shabbat?

Just the first and last days of this Bible holiday are to be treated as Sabbaths where we don't work, shop, run errands, and so on. Not sure what to do on a Sabbath day? This post will help!

Can you work during the Feast of Tabernacles?

While Tabernacles lasts for eight days, we are only instructed to not work on the first and the last day (also called the Last Great Day or the Eight Great Day), as well as the regular weekly Sabbath during that time. You can feel free to work your regular job, buy groceries, do home or camp chores as needed on the other days. Of course, taking time off to focus on the Feast and time with your family can be special and meaningful if that's an option for you, but it's not a Biblical requirement!

Who celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles?

Historically, Sukkot has mostly been celebrated by those of the Jewish faith, but the Bible says nothing about limiting this holiday to only Jews or it being done away with! Like the rest of the Biblical holidays, the Feast of Tabernacles is for all Bible believers, no matter what your family traditions or ancestry might be. Bible holidays are for Bible believers, and by celebrating them we learn to better see the work of the Messiah in Scripture and in our lives.

Is Sukkot a happy holiday?

Very much so! This is an opportunity to joyfully look back on the miracles in the Bible, God's provision in our own lives, and His promises for things to come!

When is the Feast of Tabernacles this year?

It depends on which calendar you go by, but this year (2022) the days land on October 9-17 on the most used calendar. In Judaism, days start at sundown in the evening, so by this reckoning Sukkot would start the evening of Sunday, October 9th.

Where is the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated?

It can be celebrated anywhere you are! At your home, in your church or congregation, or anywhere you travel to. Many people choose to travel to where a group of believers is celebrating.

Are there Sukkot events to go to?

As a matter of fact, there are more gatherings of believers in Messiah every year! People gather all across the US, Canada, and around the world. This post may have a Tabernacles event near you!

How do you celebrate Tabernacles at home?

Today you can celebrate Tabernacles by pitching a tent in your yard or setting up some sort of canopy on your patio. Start with having meals out there or spending time there in prayer and Bible study. Spread the festivity by inviting friends over or going to congregation or a worship night, if that's possible. Give an offering of financial resources or time to a worthy cause or ministry. Take at least the first and last days off from work and ordinary household tasks like cleaning and cooking. Make good food and do fun things like picnicking or visiting an apple orchard. Not everything you do during this week has to be spiritual - this is a time of joy so feel free to do things you and your family find fun!

What do you eat on the Feast of Tabernacles?

While Passover has added food restrictions to not eat anything leavened, Tabernacles comes with no extra rules, beyond the instructions for Biblically clean eating. Since there is some emphasis on the provision of YHWH through the physical harvest from gardens and farms, you could eat what's in season in your area, or foods from your garden if you have one. If you're camping out, it makes sense to eat traditional campfire foods like hotdogs and s'mores (the Biblically clean version of course). We also like to have a chili cookoff during Sukkot, and a make-your-own pizza night is another tradition in our congregation, but feel free to enjoy foods you like!

How do you keep Tabernacles with children?

Teach your children about this special time. Let them know that God made certain holidays for us to enjoy and learn from. Use this time to teach them Bible stories or do crafts or activity sheets related to the Feast of Tabernacles. Most kids enjoy camping and would be excited to sleep in a tent or in sleeping bags in the living room.

What about the Eighth Great Day?

Tabernacles is eight days long and the Last Great Day or Eighth Great Day is part of that! Some view Tabernacles and the Eighth Great Day as 'separate' holidays, but either way there are eight days of celebration in a row. Biblically, on this day the Messiah announced that if anyone is thirsty we should come to Him and drink! Traditionally, this is a day for celebrating having the Written Word or Torah, and beginning again the reading of the annual Torah portions cycle. 

What Bible verses talk about the Feast of Tabernacles?

Exodus 23:15-16
Leviticus 23:33-43
Deuteronomy 16:13-17
Ezra 3:4
Nehemiah 8:14-18
Zechariah 14:16-19
John 7:1-44

And more.

Did Jesus fulfill Sukkot?

During the Messiah's time on earth there was deep connection to the Feast of Tabernacles, because for a time He did dwell among men. Many scholars believe He was born on or at least near the Feast of Tabernacles, which must have made that year's festival very rich indeed for His parents.

Scripture records in John 7 that He attended Sukkot festivities and went to Jerusalem at that time as the Bible instructs.

However we are still awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of His return when He will once again dwell with His people!

Will Sukkot be kept during the millennial reign?

Yes, Zechariah 14 tells us that all the nations will eventually celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles - or they won't get any rain.

More about the Feast of Tabernacles:
The Biblical Holiday of Tabernacles for Beginners
8 Things Scripture Says about the Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles: What it Means and Why You Should Celebrate It

The Feast of Tabernacles: What it Means and Why You Should Celebrate It

The Feast of Tabernacles is the seventh and final Biblical holiday given to Believers. It also goes by the name Sukkot, which means something like thicket or temporary shelter. Less often it is called the Feast of Booths or the Festival of the Ingathering, and it is a very special time given to us by the Creator, filled with prophetic and historical significance for his people. 

We are instructed to celebrate Sukkot for eight days. Scripture specifies that this is to be a time of rejoicing and that we are to make temporary dwelling places for ourselves, known as sukkahs or booths. It is a time for gathering with other believers, making offerings to YHWH, and there are two days (in addition to the weekly Sabbath) when we are commanded to do no work. 

Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles:

Prophetically, the time of Sukkot reminds us that one day Yahusha the Messiah will dwell with believers. He will someday 'tabernacle' right here with us. It is amazing to think of the ramifications of living with the Messiah being actually physically present and ruling over us! I can't imagine the difference in the world once it is taken over by whom Scripture refers to as, "the only one worthy," which I think explains why Leviticus 23:40 says that Sukkot is a time of joy. There is so much joy ahead for believers! We especially see cause for rejoicing in the name Festival of Ingathering, when YHWH gathers in his people.

Historically the people of Israel lived in temporary dwellings for their forty-year sojourn in the wilderness while awaiting entry to the Promised Land. There is also evidence that the Messiah was born during this particular feast, which explains why he wasn't born in a house, but outside in a sukkah with animals. We can remember these significant events during this set apart time.

Sukkot serves as a reminder to all of us that this world, our homes, and even our bodies, are but temporary as YHWH has more for us beyond our cultures and lifetime. Since this happens at the time of the autumn harvest of crops, we are reminded both that YHWH provides for our physical needs and nourishment, and also that he will one day gather all believers to himself.

Why you should celebrate Tabernacles:

When we choose to celebrate the set apart time of the Feast of Tabernacles, we are literally doing what Scripture instructs (see Leviticus 23:41). Really just following YHWH's instructions for us should be reason enough, but we also see the Messiah honoring Sukkot and telling others to, and the New Testament tells us to keep the feasts!

By celebrating this special time we are being obedient to the word, we understand more about the Messiah's life, and we can grow in historic and prophetic understanding of Scripture. And if that's still not enough...this is a time of joy! Scripture actually tells us there is joy in this set apart time. Could you use more joy in your life? Then celebrate Tabernacles!

What to do for Tabernacles:

-Decide on your temporary dwelling. Leviticus 23:42 says that we are to dwell in temporary shelters during this time. Scripture does not go into detail on what this shelter is like. Believers do everything from week long camping trips in a traditional tent, RV, or rented cabin to pitching some sort of patio tent in their backyard or on their patio to have their meals in. If you need sukkah inspiration, check out this post.

-Take off the no-work days. While the festival and festivities of Sukkot last for eight days, only on the first and last are we told to rest and not work (in addition to the Sabbath). If you can take the whole time off from work that's great, but if you can't then prioritize having the first and eighth days of Sukkot off. Wondering what a no-work day is? Find out here.

-Give an offering. Though we no longer sacrifice animals, we can give to YHWH in other ways. A financial gift to your congregation or to a ministry teaching Biblical truth would be appropriate during this time. You could also offer up your time and talents volunteering for your congregation or another ministry or cause you believe in. Providing groceries or other assistance to a family in need would be another meaningful option. More ideas on giving here.

-Rejoice! Make this a time of joy for yourself and those in your life. Plan a get together or play games with kids or friends. Reminisce over happy and funny memories or family stories. Make a list of promises found in Scripture. Take a trip, make a special meal, and do what brings joy to you during this season.

More about the Feast of Tabernacles:

Eight Things Scripture Says About the Feast of Tabernacles

Why I Started Celebrating the Biblical Feasts

Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot

Sukkot Scripture Reading

Fresh Perspective on the Biblical Holidays

8 Things Scripture Says About the Feast of Tabernacles

Eight things Scripture says about the Feast of Tabernacles:

1. It is for all generations. -Leviticus 23:41

This isn't just a holiday for the people that lived in Bible times, or in the future once the Messiah returns. It is for you, today! No matter what part of the world you live in or your family history, YHWH wants you to set apart his feasts.

2. There are eight days of festivities, and you don't work on the first or last day. - Leviticus 23:35-36, 39

Have you ever gone on vacation and stuffed your itinerary so full that you came home exhausted? I think our Creator saw that tendency coming and purposefully set aside a couple of days of rest for us during this special time. For most of Sukkot we are permitted to do professional work, errands, and whatever else needs done. However on the first and last days we are asked to set those things aside in order to rest and focus on YHWH.

3. We should dwell in booths during Sukkot. -Leviticus 23:43

The Hebrew word for booths is sukkah, the plural of that is Sukkot which is where we get the name for this holiday. Sukkah means a temporary dwelling. Scripture does not elaborate on exactly what this looks like, so I think there is room for self expression. So part of the Feast of Tabernacles is stepping out of our normal living arrangement. Take a road trip, pitch a tent in your backyard, go to the lake, put up a canopy to eat meals under, etc. Make it a point to not stick to business as usual this week.

4. We should rejoice. -Leviticus 23:40

Like the Israelites rejoiced in Nehemiah when they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles for the first time in generations after rediscovering Scripture's instructions, we should be overjoyed that we have instruction from the Living God on how we are to live! And you know what else? This holiday is not a burden or drudgery, it is genuinely fun! It's nice to be able to take off from work and spend time outdoors, and maybe even travel. It's also a time when we can grow more joy inside of ourselves. Keeping Scripture's instructions for the Biblical holidays and the Sabbath has made me a more joyful person in my daily life. Couldn't we all use more joy? This is a tangible way to promote that in ourselves and our families.

5. It is a reminder that YHWH made the children of Israel dwell in booths when he brought them out of Egypt. -Leviticus 23:43

Another reason we keep the Feast of Tabernacles is commemorate the history of YHWH's people, and to learn more of the Bible. The hands-on method of learning can help cement those truths in our hearts. Going to living history museums teaches children more about the ways of the past than just reading about it. Same thing with Scripture! By camping out during the Feast of Tabernacles, we learn a little bit what it was like to journey to the Promised Land. This time calls to mind the miraculous stories of YHWH's provision for his people, and teaches us to trust him more.

6. We should guard the Feast of Tabernacles. -Exodus 23:15-16

We shouldn't approach this time haphazardly, maybe celebrating if it works out. We don't get to say, "I know we should celebrate it but we are so busy/my friends aren't interested/my workplace won't cooperate." We are to guard this time. That means it's up to us to make space on our calendars and prioritize celebrating Sukkot. Be proactive and intentional about setting aside the time and resources needed to keep Scripture's instructions. Guard what is important!

7. We shouldn't appear before YHWH empty-handed, but we should present an offering according to what he has given us. -Deuteronomy 16:16-17

Though we no longer sacrifice animals, we can still give an offering during the feast. If YHWH has given you more than you need, then give to his Kingdom. Donate money to a ministry or support a missionary. Do you have more possessions than you need? Give them away during this time. This can be a meaningful part of the feast as you look for ways to meet needs and learn more about the impact ministries and missionaries are having around the world.

8. It will be celebrated in the latter days. -Zechariah 14:16

Not only will the Feast of Tabernacles be kept when the Messiah is ruling on earth, but those nations that don't celebrate it will be cut off from rain. This shows how important this time is to the Messiah! He gives blessings to those who keep his set apart times.