Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus

In what ways does Jesus fulfill the symbolism underlying the Feast of Tabernacles? (This is not to be confused with the “Tabernacle”)

I really did not see any symbolism between Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles until I started to research this paper. I’ve never looked at the life of Jesus and the time that He spent with us on earth and tried to relate it to teachings or events of the Old Testament. But now that I’ve done the reading and research I can’t stop comparing things that I’ve read before with the life of Christ and how it all relates and points to Jesus himself. This exercise has been illuminating to say the least! The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, comes on the fifteenth of Tishri (September-October) during the seventh month according to the Jewish calendar. It was the third pilgrimage feast. All Israelites were required to live in booths made of branches of trees, including the poplar and palm. (Lev 23:40, 42) (Ward, 2013)Because it was a harvest feast special offerings were made in the temple. (Lev 23:37-38), and it was a feast marked by great joy. (Deut 16:13-15) (Elwell, 1984, 2001, p. 442) This feast took place to remember all the great things God had done for the people of Israel during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness living in tents and living off the promises God had made to the nation. It was a joyous celebration of life.  You can look at all the wonderful things that God did for the people of Israel during this 40 years period and draw examples of God fulfilling those same promises through His Son Jesus. The symbolism is explosive. The food that God provided in the Old Testament (manna from Heaven) is now being provided through Jesus who sustains us from now into eternity. He (Jesus) is the Bread of Life under the New Covenant. He provides all the necessities of life to the entire world, not just to Israel. Jesus makes it clear He is the source of life. (Morris, 1989, p. 31) Another example can be seen when Jesus says that He is the light of the world and that anyone who follows him “will have the light of life”. (John 8:12) During the exodus out of Egypt, God provided the “pillar of fire” so that the people of Israel could see and find their way. During the feast was the nightly illumination of the Temple by lightning enormous golden candelabra in the Courts of Women. When these lamp stands were lit you could see everything around and in the temple courts.  Jesus illuminates the heart of all men so that we might see and believe. The final example of the symbolism of Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles that I’d like to point out is water. I think this last example of symbolism is the most direct connection between the Feast and Jesus. Part of the ritual on the last day of the Festival was that a Priest would draw water out of the pool of Siloam and take it to the temple. (Towns, 2002, p. 76) This water would be poured out on the altar. Minds would not only be focused on the past blessings of God but the future blessings based on His promises. Here Jesus makes His announcement “If any man is thirsty let Him come to me and drink. (John 7:37-38. This symbolic prayer for rain that is made by the Priest during this last day of the Festival forms the background for Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and never thirst again. (Elwell, 1984, 2001, p. 443) The symbolism between Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles not only led me to further study of His Word but reinforced the truth that all scripture is inspired by God. (2 Tim 3:16)

Elwell, W. A. (1984, 2001). Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Morris, L. (1989). Jesus is the Christ. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans.

Towns, E. (2002). The Gospel of John, Believe and Live. Chattanooga, TN: AMG.

Ward, D. (2013, Nov 10). The Incarnation and the Feast of Tabernacles. Retrieved from Faith Web: http://graceandknowledge.faithweb.com/feast.html