Leviticus 23:34

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, The fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day {H3117} of this seventh {H7637} month {H2320} shall be the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521} for seven {H7651} days {H3117} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD begins, and it continues for seven days.

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:34 precisely outlines the commencement and duration of one of Israel's three great annual pilgrimage festivals: the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot. This sacred observance, commanded by God, was to begin on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and last for seven days, serving as a profound time of remembrance, thanksgiving, and communal worship dedicated entirely to the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 serves as a divine calendar, meticulously detailing the "appointed times" (`mo'adim`) or "holy convocations" that God commanded Israel to observe throughout the year. These festivals—including the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles—were not mere holidays but sacred assemblies designed to structure Israel's worship life, commemorate God's mighty acts of redemption and provision, and teach profound spiritual truths. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is strategically placed as the final and most joyous of these annual feasts, occurring after the main agricultural harvest. Its position at the culmination of the liturgical year underscores its significance as a grand celebration of God's abundant provision and faithfulness, bringing the yearly cycle of worship to a climactic close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles was deeply rooted in Israel's historical experience and their agrarian society. Historically, it served as a vivid annual reminder of the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness after their miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - The Departure from Egypt"). During this period, they lived in temporary shelters or booths, entirely dependent on God's miraculous provision for their sustenance and protection. Culturally, its timing coincided with the final ingathering of the harvest (grapes, olives, etc.), making it a harvest festival of immense thanksgiving. The command for all native-born Israelites to live in temporary shelters for seven days (as detailed in [Leviticus 23:42](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - Command to Dwell in Booths")) was a powerful, tangible act of humility and a re-enactment of their transient past, reinforcing their complete reliance on God rather than on their own strength or fixed dwellings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacles (Hebrew, _Sukkot'_):** The Hebrew word סֻכּוֹת (_sukkot_) literally means "booths," "tents," or "temporary shelters." This term directly informs the primary observance of the feast, where Israelites were commanded to dwell in these makeshift structures for seven days. The physical act of living in fragile, temporary dwellings served as a profound spiritual reminder of their ancestors' nomadic journey through the wilderness and God's faithful presence and provision in their vulnerability. It emphasized the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring reality of God's care.
* **Seventh Month (Hebrew, _Tishrei'_):** The "seventh month" in the biblical calendar (which corresponds to Tishrei in the post-exilic Jewish calendar) held immense spiritual significance. It was a month marked by a cluster of major holy days: Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) on the first, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) on the tenth, and then Sukkot beginning on the fifteenth. This sequence underscores a progression from solemn introspection and national repentance (Trumpets and Atonement) to exuberant joy and thanksgiving (Tabernacles), reflecting the cycle of God's redemptive work and the resulting celebration.
* **Unto the LORD (Hebrew, _la-YHWH'_):** The phrase "unto the LORD" emphasizes the divine origin and sacred purpose of this feast. It was not a human invention or a mere cultural custom, but a direct command from God, designed for His honor and for the spiritual benefit of His people. This designation underscores that the entire observance—from its timing to its rituals and the very act of dwelling in booths—was an an act of worship and devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying":** This opening phrase signifies a direct divine mandate, conveyed through Moses to the entire Israelite community. It highlights the authoritative nature of the command and its universal application to all generations of Israel.
* **"The fifteenth day of this seventh month":** This specifies the precise calendar date for the commencement of the feast. The fifteenth day, following the full moon, ensured a clear night for celestial observation, which was important for the agricultural cycle and for the outdoor dwelling during the feast. Its placement after the solemnity of the Day of Atonement (on the tenth) allowed for a transition from repentance to joyous celebration.
* **"[shall be] the feast of tabernacles":** This identifies the specific festival, _Chag HaSukkot_, or the Festival of Booths. The name itself encapsulates the central practice and historical remembrance associated with the observance, distinguishing it from other appointed times.
* **"[for] seven days unto the LORD":** This defines the duration of the feast and reiterates its sacred dedication. Seven days symbolized completeness and perfection in biblical numerology, indicating a full and comprehensive period of devotion, rest, and celebration before God. The phrase "unto the LORD" reinforces that every aspect of the feast was an act of worship and remembrance directed toward the divine.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:34, as part of a larger liturgical calendar, primarily employs **Instruction** and **Command**. God directly instructs Moses to "Speak unto the children of Israel," establishing the divine authority behind the ordinance. The precise dating and duration ("The fifteenth day... for seven days") demonstrate **Precision** and **Specificity**, leaving no ambiguity regarding the observance. Furthermore, the very name "Feast of Tabernacles" (Sukkot) is a powerful **Symbolism**. The temporary booths themselves symbolize Israel's transient journey through the wilderness, their utter dependence on God's provision, and the temporary nature of earthly existence compared to God's eternal dwelling. The feast's placement at the end of the agricultural year also imbues it with **Thematic Resonance**, connecting the historical remembrance of God's wilderness provision with His ongoing blessing of the land's bounty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Feast of Tabernacles is rich with theological significance, serving as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness, Israel's dependence, and the joyous hope of His dwelling among His people. It teaches that true security and provision come not from human strength or permanent structures, but from God alone, who faithfully sustains His people even in their most vulnerable states. The celebration of the harvest also underscores God's generous provision and the call to gratitude. Ultimately, Sukkot points beyond itself to God's ultimate desire to tabernacle with humanity, a theme that finds its profoundest expression in the person of Jesus Christ and the promised new creation.

* [Numbers 29:12-38](/numbers/29-12 "Numbers 29:12-38 - Offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - Command to Rejoice at Sukkot")
* [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Post-Exilic Observance of Sukkot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command to observe the Feast of Tabernacles holds enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude for God's unfailing provision, even amidst life's uncertainties. Just as the Israelites remembered God's care in the wilderness, we are invited to reflect on His faithfulness in our own "wilderness" experiences—times of challenge, transition, or vulnerability—recognizing that He is our constant source of sustenance and protection. Dwelling in temporary shelters encouraged humility and dependence; similarly, we are reminded that our ultimate security is not found in earthly possessions or achievements, but in our complete reliance on God. This feast also stirs within us a joyful anticipation of God's ultimate dwelling with His redeemed people, inspiring us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing His presence above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in the "wilderness" experiences of my own life strengthen my trust in Him today?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength or earthly resources?**
* **How does the temporary nature of the tabernacles challenge my perspective on material possessions and encourage me to live with an eternal hope?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seventh month" for this feast?**

Answer: The "seventh month" (Tishrei) in the biblical calendar is highly significant because it marks the culmination of the Jewish High Holy Days. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) begins on the fifteenth day of this month, following the solemn observances of Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) on the first and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) on the tenth. This sequence creates a spiritual progression: a call to repentance and introspection, followed by national atonement, culminating in a joyous celebration of God's forgiveness, provision, and dwelling presence. Furthermore, the seventh month typically marked the end of the agricultural year, making Sukkot a harvest festival, a time of thanksgiving for God's bounty.

**Why did the Israelites live in "tabernacles" or "booths" during this feast?**

Answer: The command to live in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot) for seven days served as a tangible and powerful memorial. It was primarily to remind the Israelites of their forty years of wandering in the wilderness after the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - The Departure from Egypt"), during which they dwelt in temporary shelters. This practice fostered humility, a recognition of their transient nature, and a profound sense of dependence on God for their daily provision and protection. It was a yearly re-enactment of their national history, reinforcing the lesson that God alone was their true dwelling place and security, not fixed homes or accumulated wealth.

**Is the Feast of Tabernacles still observed today?**

Answer: Yes, the Feast of Tabernacles, known as Sukkot, continues to be observed by Jewish people worldwide today. Observant Jews build and dwell in temporary booths (sukkah) for the seven-day period, often eating meals and even sleeping in them. The festival remains a joyous time of thanksgiving, remembrance of God's provision in the wilderness, and anticipation of the messianic era. Synagogue services include special prayers and rituals, such as the waving of the lulav and etrog, symbolizing the harvest and the joy of God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Tabernacles, with its themes of God dwelling among His people, His provision, and the joyous ingathering, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The most direct connection is found in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where the Apostle John declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Greek word translated "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." This signifies that Jesus, the eternal Son of God, truly came and "tabernacled" among humanity, embodying God's presence in a way far surpassing the temporary booths of Sukkot. Furthermore, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood in the Temple and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation at the Feast")). This powerful declaration, made amidst the water-drawing ceremonies of the feast, reveals Him as the ultimate source of spiritual life and refreshment. The feast's celebration of light also points to Christ, who declared Himself to be the "[Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Ultimately, the promise of God dwelling with His people, foreshadowed by the temporary tabernacles, finds its eternal consummation in the new heavens and new earth, where the "[dwelling place of God is with man](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")), and Christ Himself is the light and the temple.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:2

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

Nehemiah 8:14

And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

Numbers 29:12

¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

Ezra 3:4

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

Exodus 34:22

And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19

This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.