What Is the Feast of Booths?

Also called Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, this was one of Israel’s most joyful festivals. Lasting a full week at the end of harvest, it was a time to thank God for His blessings, bring offerings to the temple, and celebrate together — so much so that Deuteronomy says the people were to be “altogether joyful” (Deuteronomy 16:15). Five days after the Day of Atonement, families would build temporary shelters, or “booths,” out of branches and leafy boughs. Living in these huts reminded them of their ancestors’ wilderness journey — and of the deeper truth that God Himself was their true shelter and dwelling place. This feast carried rich history: Solomon dedicated the temple during Sukkot (1 Kings 8:2), marking God’s presence with His people. Centuries later, Jesus also celebrated it, and during the feast He declared, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). In Jesus, the meaning of the feast comes alive: God Himself came to dwell among His people. And one day, its promise will be complete when God makes His home with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).