The last of the Fall Feasts is Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths. The Feast is a remembrance of the dwelling in temporary shelters in the wilderness after the exodus. During this time, Moses was given the commandments, the pattern of the Tabernacle, and when God dwelt with Israel in the camp. A cloud led them by day to provide shade and a pillar of fire by night to keep them warm.
Sukkot begins with remembrance, taking us to present-day communion with the Lord. As Jewish people dwell in their temporary shelters, having meals, studying, and some even sleeping in them, the joy grows with each day.
At this joyous time of year, we are prompted to ask, who may dwell with the Lord? “A psalm of David. Adonai, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may live on Your holy mountain? 2 The one who walks with integrity, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart, 3 who does not slander with his tongue, does not wrong his neighbor, and does not disgrace his friend, 4 who despises a vile person in his eyes, but honors those who fear Adonai, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, and does not change, 5 who lends his money without usury, and takes no bribe against the innocent. One who does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15 TLV).
Psalm chapter fifteen tells us what kind of person can dwell with the Lord. Now, maybe after reading that, you think, who can live up to that!? That’s the beauty of this holiday and the beauty of the four species used during the celebration. Jewish tradition teaches us the four kinds (a palm branch, two willows, three myrtles, and an etrog (citron)) represent four kinds of Jews, and in our case, I believe they can symbolize different types of Christians as well.
The etrog has a pleasant taste and smell; this represents Torah study and good deeds. The fruit of the tree has a good taste but no smell, representing Bible study but no good deeds as a result of that study. The myrtle has fragrance but no taste, good deeds, but no devotion to your spiritual life. Finally, the willow, which has no taste or smell, represents the one who doesn’t study and has no good deeds. At Tabernacles, all four are bound together, signifying that when we all come together, we help each other and all come higher.1
It can be easy for us to judge the walk of another. However, tabernacles is an opportunity to walk in love with fellow believers. It’s a reminder to pray for them and encourage them instead of speaking down to them. When we come together and lift each other up, we can see our friends shed false teaching, come to a deeper place of prayer, be encouraged in good deeds, and more.
This week, we will look at how to increase our prayer lives, Bible study, worship, and good deeds. We are in an appointed time of growth and connection; let us receive everything the Lord has for us during this week!
Casey D. Bell 
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