The Feast of Tabernacles, as outlined in Leviticus 23, is a seven-day feast to the LORD, emphasizing God's command to keep it fully for all seven days. God declares that this feast must be observed with Him as the central focus, ensuring it remains His feast rather than becoming a mere personal vacation. The instructions in Leviticus 23:34, 39, 41, and 42 specify that the feast is for seven days, during which the people are to dwell in booths, recalling the temporary dwellings of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. This feast shares commonalities with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as both are observed for seven days and involve specific actions each day. In the Feast of Tabernacles, dwelling in temporary booths for the full duration is commanded, reflecting the impermanence of the Israelites' journey and their complete dependence on God for sustenance and protection in the wilderness. Historical accounts, such as in Nehemiah 8, demonstrate how the returned exiles kept the feast by staying in temporary dwellings and engaging with God's word daily, showing their eagerness to observe it to the LORD. Contrasts between the Feast of Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread emerge in the symbolism of dwellings. While Unleavened Bread involves houses, representing stability and permanence, Tabernacles focuses on booths, symbolizing temporariness and pilgrimage. The booths, made from branches that wither over the week, highlight the transient nature of physical life and the journey toward a greater inheritance, reminding us of our reliance on God's provision during this pilgrimage. Food also plays a significant role in the Feast of Tabernacles, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:23-26, where God instructs the people to eat before Him, using their tithe to rejoice in His abundance. This act of feasting is intended to instill a reverential awe of God, ensuring that rejoicing is done with Him at the forefront of their minds. However, the temporary dwellings during this feast create a sense of being off-balance, lacking the comforts of home, which prompts reflection on what is missing and why, teaching trust in God's perfect providence. The Feast of Tabernacles connects to the exodus journey, as God commands remembrance of the time when He brought the Israelites out of Egypt, living in booths. This linkage is evident in the name Succoth, the first camping place after leaving Egypt, which relates to the Hebrew word for booths, Sukkot. This shared origin with Unleavened Bread underscores a deeper connection between the feasts, inviting exploration into God's purpose and design in their arrangement.

The Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned in the Bible as the Feast of Ingathering, connected with the harvest. It is a time of gratitude and appreciation for what God has allowed us to reap throughout the year. In Deuteronomy 16, it is again connected with the harvest, and everyone is invited to rejoice in gratitude for God's blessings. The offering brought during the Feast is an expression of this gratitude. In Leviticus 23, the Feast of Tabernacles is referred to as Tabernacles, emphasizing the temporary dwellings of Israel during their wilderness journey. This symbolizes our temporary state and pilgrimage toward the Kingdom of God, reminding us not to become too settled. The Feast of Tabernacles lasts seven days, symbolizing a long process rather than a single event. It foreshadows a time of judgment and a pilgrimage, representing the journey of God's people under judgment toward the Kingdom of God. Zechariah 14 indicates that the Feast of Tabernacles will be observed after Christ's return, with nations coming to Jerusalem to worship the King. This symbolizes their time of judgment and their journey toward eternal life. Not keeping the Feast signifies rejecting God's calling and salvation.

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the Millennium, a time when the whole earth will rest under the reign of Christ. During this period, survivors of all nations will be gathered, and Jesus Christ will appoint the resurrected saints to rule over them. People will be required to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles to worship the King, Jesus Christ, as a primary reminder of their place in God's plan and the need to secure their salvation. If they fail to keep the Feast, they reveal their refusal to accept Christ as sovereign and to cooperate with Him in His purpose. Should any nation initially rebel against His rule, He will cut off all rain until they submit and observe the Feast of Tabernacles, demonstrating their submission to God.

The Feast of Tabernacles focuses on the contrast between the temporary and the permanent, depicted through the booths in which God made Israel dwell. These booths, lasting only a short time, symbolize temporariness and pilgrimage, reflecting a life on the move toward a destination, not a settled place of residence. They compare to a tent, a dwelling that can be folded up and taken to another location, underscoring that our current existence is not permanent by God's design. The direct focus of the Feast of Tabernacles is on these booths, which highlight our spiritual state as pilgrims journeying toward the Kingdom of God. This earth, this nation, this area is not to be considered our permanent home. Even though we do not live in literal tents, we must understand our current dwelling as temporary, intended by God to be so. In connection with the Feast of Tabernacles, the book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally expounded upon due to its focus on the temporary nature of life. It heavily emphasizes vanity, futility, and meaninglessness, presenting a generally depressing and negative outlook. This focus is intended to move us to be grateful for and to rejoice in the permanence that has begun to be part of our lives through the hope of the Kingdom of God. Ecclesiastes challenges us to view life with the perspective of fearing God and keeping His commandments, aligning with the purpose of the Feast to instill this reverence. The reason for attending the Feast, as found in Deuteronomy 14, is to learn to fear God. There is a direct connection between this purpose and the choice of Ecclesiastes to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, as it reinforces the need to prioritize pleasing God above all, knowing we must give account to Him for all we do. Life, without the right reason for living, is futile and vain, offering no lasting anticipation of good, and the Feast, through its symbolism and associated teachings, directs us to seek that right reason in God. Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles, with its focus on pilgrimage and suffering in this temporary world, reminds us not to lose sight of our journey toward permanence. It is not a happy place, filled with frustration and vanity, but God desires that we rise above it through the knowledge and Spirit He has given us. By enduring the suffering of this pilgrimage, we look forward to being glorified together with Him in the permanence of His Kingdom.

The Feast of Tabernacles stands as the most anticipated event of the year for those who observe it, marking the peak of enjoyment on both physical and spiritual levels. Physically, enjoyment comes from having more to spend during this extended week if one has tithed faithfully, ensuring access to good food, special activities, and wholesome fellowship. Spiritually, the Feast offers fulfillment through the command to observe it for a full seven days, providing an abundance of the year's best spiritual food through numerous sermons and sermonettes. It is the spiritual highlight of the year. The Feast also focuses on the future, picturing the peace and prosperity of the Millennium when God's second harvest of mankind occurs. The fundamental reason God commands its observance is to rejoice within the context of learning to fear Him always, brightening faces and lifting spirits after a troublesome year. This rejoicing, however, is not merely for fun but is tied to a deeper understanding of fearing God. Additionally, the command to rejoice appears alongside the instruction to live in temporary dwellings, remembering the pilgrimage of the children of Israel through the wilderness, further enriching the meaning of the Feast.

The Feast of Tabernacles holds a special place among the feasts of the Lord, eagerly anticipated for its joy and spiritual enrichment. It is often the most enjoyed of all feasts, yet it carries an enjoyable dark side, easily perceived as a vacation or a substitute for other celebrations. The preparation and travel to observe it can bring stress, and at times, weariness or illness can mar the experience, making it miserable for some. Family problems may also surface during this time. Despite these challenges, the Feast of Tabernacles often leaves cherished memories of shared activities, fine meals, beautiful locations, and precious family time. However, caution is necessary, as similar enjoyment can be found outside the Feast, and the danger lies in equating a pleasant experience with a spiritually fulfilling one. Personal preferences and perspectives vary widely, and disappointments with accommodations, meals, service, or interpersonal conflicts can color the experience negatively. God expects the Feast of Tabernacles to be the spiritual high of the year, with more offerings required for it than all other feasts combined, indicating a profound spiritual emphasis. These offerings, representing worship, underscore the importance of the spiritual aspect over mere physical enjoyment. If the focus at the Feast is purely on enjoyment, the spiritual depth may be lacking. Approaching the Feast with a heart for worship, allowing rejoicing to be the fruit of spiritual engagement, promises a truly good Feast, even if feelings of enjoyment vary. The emphasis must be on spiritual profit rather than fleeting emotions. God does not desire mindless observance or the pursuit of enjoyment for its own sake. Instead, the Feast of Tabernacles should be a time for understanding, transformation, and renewal in one's relationship with Him. Historical examples reveal that improper attitudes and conduct during the feasts, even when kept at significant locations, render them unacceptable to God. The Feast of Tabernacles is not merely a vacation or a social event; it is a prime environment, akin to a Garden of Eden, for enhancing one's relationship with God. With the right fellowship, spiritual food, and opportunities for reflection over eight days, it stands as the high time of the year. The church exists to serve Him, and the Feast plays a crucial role in preparing us for this purpose. Therefore, let us resolve to attend the Feast of Tabernacles with the Spirit as our priority, ensuring that rejoicing is the fruit of spiritual focus, and making it a springboard for significant positive change.

The Feast of Tabernacles, as described in Deuteronomy 14:23, calls for eating before the Lord your God in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, using the tithe of grain, new wine, oil, and the firstborn of herds and flocks, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. Deuteronomy 16:15 further instructs to keep a sacred feast for seven days to the Lord your God in the place He chooses, promising His blessing on all produce and work of hands, ensuring great rejoicing. This feast is anticipated with positive excitement for its physical enjoyment and potential spiritual rewards. However, it can be perceived merely as a vacation, leading to a focus on enjoyment rather than spiritual growth. While the feast often brings cherished memories of activities, fine meals, nice locations, and time with spiritual and physical families, there is a danger in equating enjoyment with having a good feast, as evaluations of its quality vary widely among individuals. Leviticus 23:35-37 highlights the Feast of Tabernacles as a time not kept with all elements in right proportion since the days of Joshua, indicating a need for obedience, right place, and proper attitude. Ezra understood it as a spiritual bonanza whose fruit was rejoicing. Yet, historical records in Kings and Chronicles show inconsistent or incorrect observance by Israelites, especially in attitude and purpose. In Amos 5, the prophet warns against holding festivals in places like Bethel, Beersheba, and Gilgal, where Israelites assumed God's presence and favor, despite their unchanged conduct and attitude. At Bethel, associated with transformation, Amos questions why no change occurs in their lives during the feast. At Beersheba, linked to God's companionship with the patriarchs, he challenges their assumption that God is with them. At Gilgal, a shrine to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, Amos predicts captivity, confronting their complacency in believing possession of the land ensures all is well. The Feast of Tabernacles is not merely a time for enjoyment or social activity but holds a serious purpose in orienting us toward God's plan. It should not be dominated by vacation-like elements but serve as a springboard for significant, positive spiritual change, giving priority to spiritual matters and letting rejoicing be its fruit.

The Feast of Tabernacles holds a significant place in understanding the purpose and message conveyed through Solomon's experiences. The Jews assigned the reading of Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles, recognizing a connection between the book's purpose and the essence of this feast. The Feast of Tabernacles presents a contrast of two alternatives, compelling us to reflect on where we have been through the pilgrimage aspect and where we are heading toward the future. It is designed to make us consider both the journey and the ultimate goal of our pilgrimage. During this feast, we face the constant choice of whether to remain on the path toward the future that God has set before us or to choose the alternative of aligning with the world. As we prepare for and keep the Feast of Tabernacles, God sets before us two ways, forcing us to look both backward at the life we have lived and forward to what He promises is coming, commanding us to choose life. Through this feast, we are encouraged to evaluate the past and the present, and to commit ourselves decisively to the future with God.

We gather on this wonderful Sabbath, the third day of the Feast of Tabernacles 2024, in Myrtle Beach and other sites around the world where God has placed His name. Is this not ultimately why God has brought His set-apart people together, in reverential fear of Him, to learn to more faithfully do the works of the law as He reveals them to us? This is the whole duty of men, and God is bringing our every work into judgment now. This is one of the reasons God has assembled us during this week, to train us as members of His world-ruling Family of servant-leaders, learning to live exactly like Jesus Christ for the glory of the Father. We are here to make righteous judgments, serving with Jesus Christ as He restores peace and unity to all mankind. These holy days are no mere illusion for us, as we look forward to the reality of the Word of God once again on His throne in Jerusalem, clearly ruling in the sight of all men during the Millennium. In the fall holy days, we focus on God's ever-expanding plan of Christ's return, the remnant brought into the land, and eventually His plan of redemption extended to all mankind.

The Feast of Tabernacles is approaching swiftly, with only a few weeks remaining until this significant time. Far from being merely a period of physical feasting or indulgence, the Feast of Tabernacles is fundamentally a time of giving. God commands His children to give to family, employees, ministers, strangers, orphans, widows, and the church during this period. Even in financially tight years when managing Feast expenses is challenging, there are ways to give that do not require monetary expenditure. Preparation for the Feast involves rejoicing and learning to fear God, which are primary reasons for attendance. God desires His children to be excited and to enjoy the Feast without criticism of the location or its facilities. Participation in church activities during the eight days of the Feast, such as choir, special music, picnics, tours, group meals, and volunteering, enhances the experience. Lending a hand through volunteering, even if not for the entire duration, supports the necessary organization and lightens the workload for all. Sharing blessings with others, particularly the less fortunate like fatherless children, widows, and widowers, is vital during the Feast. Prayer is also essential, both before and during the Feast, focusing on the sick, the troubled, those unable to attend, and for inspiration in sermons and the smooth functioning of technical matters. For those unable to travel to the designated Feast location due to unavoidable circumstances, God still expects rejoicing and learning to fear His name by setting aside the eight days for special activities and treats within budget and health constraints, ideally spending time with others in similar situations. Attendance at every service from the opening night to the afternoon service of the Last Great Day is crucial, planning travel to accommodate unexpected emergencies and prioritizing services over other attractions. Adhering to quarantine principles when sick prevents the spread of contagious diseases, demonstrating love and sacrifice by not attending services or fellowshipping to avoid infecting others. Listening attentively to the diverse and interesting messages, ignoring distractions, and not disturbing others during services are key aspects of respecting the Feast's purpose. Singing praises to God with gusto during services is both spiritually beneficial and enjoyable to the Father and Jesus Christ. Keeping the meeting hall tidy by picking up trash supports the ushers and cleaning staff. For parents, training children to stay quiet during services, preparing quiet activities, timing restroom visits and naps, using the mothers' room when necessary, and disciplining privately are important for maintaining order and respect. Ensuring children and teens are supervised during services and activities upholds safety and proper conduct. Being considerate in all interactions, whether at services, in hotel rooms, or during travel, reflects God's way during the Feast. Keeping noise levels down and maintaining tidiness in accommodations show respect for others and the good name of God and the church. Friendliness and politeness to everyone encountered, along with guarding against irritability despite tiredness, embody the spirit of giving. Preparing financially by managing second tithe funds and teaching children to save their tithe for the Feast ensures that this time remains a blessing rather than a burden. Through living God's way of give at the Feast of Tabernacles, we prepare to embrace this way eternally.

The Feast of Tabernacles holds a significant place in the framework of God's plan, providing insight into the direction of history and shaping the lives of those who observe it. It is an integral part of God's purpose, and after the return of Jesus Christ, every nation on earth will be required to keep this feast, as highlighted in Zechariah 14. This observance will not be limited to Israel but will encompass all peoples, underscoring its worldwide importance. Keeping the Feast of Tabernacles at a central location serves two primary purposes. First, it fosters a realization among participants that they are part of something far greater than personal salvation, instilling a sense of mission and connection to the salvation of all mankind, portraying a future that includes billions. It unites people from diverse locations, reinforcing the universal and eternal nature of God's plan, and demonstrates that history is moving toward a well-designed conclusion where the whole world comes to conversion. Second, the Feast unifies participants with God's purpose, creating a sense of family and unity as they learn and fellowship together, even with those they may only see annually. This unique religious observance, unlike any worldly convention, strengthens bonds within God's family. The Feast of Tabernacles also serves as an external bond of unity among all nations after Christ's return, complementing the internal bond of God's Spirit. Its importance makes it a prime target for disruption; if one sought to destroy the unity of God's people and their understanding of His purpose and plan, attacking the Feast of Tabernacles would be a strategic move. Historically, revivals among God's people, as seen in biblical accounts, often involved the Holy Days, with the Feast of Tabernacles frequently playing a central role in renewing spiritual direction.

The Feast of Tabernacles carries a command to rejoice, set within the context of living in temporary dwellings and remembering the pilgrimage of the children of Israel through the wilderness. Several elements define this Feast, including the second tithe and its harvest festival nature, the temporary dwellings reminiscent of Israel's wilderness journey, the call to rejoice, and the underlying fear of God that ties these aspects together. God's faithfulness emerges as the unifying factor in these elements, guiding us to a deeper reverence for Him. The first element, tithing, relates to the harvest environment of the Feast. Trusting in God's faithfulness is central, as His providence ensures our needs are met even when a significant portion of income is set aside. If we fear God enough to faithfully tithe throughout the year, we gain the means to attend the Feast, where we learn to fear Him more and witness His provision. Though ancient Israel's economy was agricultural, and most of us today do not rely on the land for our livelihood, we must still recognize God's faithfulness in providing for us, not only in physical wealth but also in spiritual blessings. This realization of His blessings gives us continual reason to rejoice. The second element, temporary dwellings, serves as a reminder of Israel's wilderness journey and God's unwavering faithfulness during those forty years. He provided manna daily, water in barren places, cloud-covering by day to shield them from the sun, and fire by night for light and warmth. His care was so complete that even their clothes and shoes endured the entire journey. These dwellings also highlight the impermanence of this life, marking us as pilgrims whose focus should not be on the temporal or physical but on a greater purpose. This aspect of the Feast underscores God's providence in guiding Israel and reminds us that we, too, are on a journey to a greater Promised Land, where He will faithfully lead us to a glorious destination beyond our own ability to achieve.

As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches, we anticipate the longed-for high point of the year, an opportunity to meet where God will be and to hear His Word. It is not merely a chance to escape mundane work or seek entertainment, but a time to gather before God, prioritizing His messages and fellowship with members of His Family over external activities. God's instruction in Leviticus 23:33-43 emphasizes dwelling in temporary booths, teaching us to fear Him with a joy and excitement that comes from rejoicing in God Himself and His salvation. The Feast is a time to encourage one another, share hopes, build relationships, and discuss the astonishing future God has set before us. Above all, we must focus on rejoicing in Him and the rare opportunity He has opened for entrance into His Kingdom, remembering we are citizens of that Kingdom and sojourners on our way to the incredible place Christ is preparing for us. With this perspective, we should approach the Feast with a proper attitude, avoiding complaints and instead displaying an outgoing, serving, and friendly demeanor to encourage and uplift our brethren, ensuring a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a memorial that helps establish the right memories, keeping us pointed in the right direction. It involves staying in temporary dwellings to remember that God made Israel dwell in booths when He brought them out of Egypt. The Feast serves as a reminder of transitoriness, impermanence, and complete dependence on God during times of unsettledness. Keeping the Feast today requires remembering the exodus and the wilderness journey. The Feast of Tabernacles is a harvest, where the Israelites brought the fruit of the land and the increase of their flocks. However, God was more interested in a spiritual harvest, embodied by right living, which the Israelites consistently failed to achieve. They forgot the reasons for the Feast, including their humble beginnings as a nation in need of rescue and their complete dependence on God. The instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles include the exodus, which is typically associated with the spring feasts. This is part of a deliberate structure called a chiasm, where the 8 feasts are arranged so that Passover relates to the 8th Day, and the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread relates to the first day of Tabernacles. The commonalities between the spring and fall feasts help us understand what God wants us to remember and learn. The Feast of Tabernacles also involves dwellings and eating. During this Feast, food is normal and abundant, but the comfort of home is missing. This keeps us off balance, prompting us to think about what is missing and why. God provides abundantly but holds back a little to help us remember that His will matters and that having everything is not good for us. The eating aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles is meant to teach us to fear God always. When practiced correctly, it instills reverential awe of God as we experience His provision and guidance. God wants us to rejoice in His abundance, but the purpose is to learn to fear Him. The Israelites failed to truly seek God at the Feast, forgetting the lessons of the wilderness journey and their dependence on God. The lessons of gratitude, contentment, and trust in God are foundational, and God requires us to practice them year after year to ingrain them. The Feast of Tabernacles provides an opportunity to succeed where Israel failed, remembering not only Israel's experience but also our own beginnings with God, when we endured privations and inconveniences joyfully, eager to understand God and His way, looking to Him to supply every need since He tabernacles within us.