Sermon Library

Our Doctrine

Kenneth H. Good Books

July 24, 2005

Pastor George H. Heiland

The Feast of Tabernacles

¹³Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.¹⁴They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. ¹⁵So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written¹⁸He read from the book of the law of God daily, from the first day to the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly according to the ordinance.

A. The Feast of Tabernacles Revealed vs.  14, 15

This was the fourth annual Festival commemorating Israel’s pilgrimage from Egypt. The booths symbolized protection from the heat and storms. The festivities celebrated the Fall ingathering of the harvest the first year in the Promised Land. 

¹⁴They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. ¹⁵So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” 

It is especially noteworthy that the people’s desire came from the reading of the Word of God.  One should readily see the sufficiency of the Word in these examples.  Paul clearly states that

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

2nd Timothy 3:16,17

B.  The Feast of Tabernacles Reinstituted         vs.  16,17

Vs.  16 So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” ¹⁷The entire assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in them. The sons of Israel had indeed not done so from the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day. And there was great rejoicing. 

This was a breakthrough for Nehemiah and the people of God.  Their disobedience and idolatry had sent them into exile under the disciplinary rod of God.  Their repentance and revival returned to them the joy of God’s salvation.

C.  The Feast of Tabernacles Revisited         vs.  18

He read from the book of the law of God daily, from the first day to the last day. And they celebrated the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly according to the ordinance.

This was a blessed time for the people.  Their hearts were turned to God and their hard work was rewarded with great joy.  Jesus used many of these Holy Convocations to prepare the people for his ministry as Messiah.  Later additions to the Feast of Tabernacles paved the way for His ministry.  Two significant rituals were added in post-exilic times;

1.  Pouring of water drawn from the Pool of Siloam commemorating the water from the rock.  It is likely that this occasion formed the background for His claim to satisfy the thirsty soul of man and give life to those dead in trespasses and sin.

³⁷Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”  John 7:37,38  

2. The lighting of the huge Menorahs at the Court of the Women which represented the Pillar of Light in their wilderness journey was also included.  In this setting Jesus spoke of His perfection and salvational work.

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”  John 8 12. 

As one can observe, the flowing water and the pillar of light provided during the wilderness wandering (when the people dwelt in tabernacles) were temporary. What a contrast to the continuing water and light claimed by Jesus during this feast which commemorated that wandering period.  You too can have the “joy of the Lord” in your soul as you rest in His Sovereign Grace.  Why not trust Him today?

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”           Romans 5:8

        If you have trusted Him, Praise God!   There is a time and a place to celebrate the goodness and the greatness of God.  In the context of the era of the church, we gather around the communion table and contemplate His death for our sins.  It is a solemn time filled with a deep sense of joy in our God.

If you have never received Christ as you Savior,  you have no assurance of heaven.  Why not trust Him today?  If you know Him, take heart. He loves you!

     Thanks for reading this message.  DO YOU have need of salvation? God's Word tells us to repent of our sins and come to God accepting the fact that Christ died on the cross, rose from the dead and paid the full penalty for all that come to Him in faith.   

See John 6:35-40

³⁵Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. ³⁶“But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. ³⁷“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. ³⁸“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. ⁴⁰“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

Here are some points to consider:

Have you found a church home?  If you are in the area of Port St Lucie, why not visit us?

Have you found new life in Christ? Why not come to Him today? God will receive those who will come to Him.  He has provided the means for you to be saved, baptized and be a part of His New Testament Local Church ministry -- He gave His Son to intercede; all you need to do is cast yourself upon His mercy and grace.  

Jesus said in John 6:37-40

38 “For  I have come down from heaven,  not to do My own will, but  the will of Him who  sent Me. 39 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of  all that He has given Me I  lose nothing, but  raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who  beholds the Son and  believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will  raise him up on the last day.”

 It is important to note Luke's comment in Acts 4:12 

 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

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