Leviticus 23:42

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:

Ye shall dwell {H3427} in booths {H5521} seven {H7651} days {H3117}; all that are Israelites {H3478} born {H249} shall dwell {H3427} in booths {H5521}:

You are to live in sukkot for seven days; every citizen of Isra'el is to live in a sukkah,

You are to dwell in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must dwell in booths,

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are home-born in Israel shall dwell in booths;

Commentary

Leviticus 23:42 provides a specific command regarding the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for ancient Israel. It instructs all native-born Israelites to live in temporary shelters for seven days, serving as a powerful reminder of their history and God's enduring faithfulness.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed list of the Lord's appointed feasts found in Leviticus chapter 23. The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot (from the Hebrew word for "booths"), was the final harvest festival of the year, celebrated in the seventh month. Its primary purpose, as explained in the preceding verses (Leviticus 23:43), was to commemorate the period when the Israelites lived in temporary dwellings after their exodus from Egypt, during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. By commanding them to dwell in these fragile structures, God ensured that future generations would remember their humble beginnings and His miraculous provision.

Key Themes

  • Remembrance of God's Faithfulness: The command served as a perpetual memorial of God's care and protection during the wilderness journey, where He provided for their every need despite their challenging circumstances. This annual practice reinforced the nation's identity and their reliance on divine guidance, much like Deuteronomy 8:2 reminds them to remember the Lord's leading.
  • Dependence on God: Living in a temporary booth, exposed to the elements, highlighted the Israelites' complete dependence on God for shelter, food, and security, rather than on their own strength or permanent structures.
  • Humility and Transience: The temporary nature of the booths contrasted sharply with the permanent homes they would build in the Promised Land. This reminded them that their earthly dwelling was transient and that their true security and ultimate hope lay in God alone. It also fostered humility, preventing them from forgetting their past struggles once they settled in prosperity.
  • Joy and Thanksgiving: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the Feast of Tabernacles was also a time of great joy and thanksgiving for the year's harvest and God's bountiful provision, culminating the agricultural year.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "booths" is sukkoth (plural of sukkah). A sukkah is a temporary dwelling, a hut or tent, often constructed with branches and leaves for a roof. This term vividly portrays the fragile, impermanent nature of the shelters the Israelites used during their wilderness wanderings, reinforcing the historical memory associated with the festival.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 23:42 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Remembering God's Past Works: We are called to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives and in the history of salvation. Just as the Israelites looked back, we can reflect on God's deliverance and provision, building our faith for the future.
  • Cultivating Dependence: The temporary nature of the booths reminds us that our earthly lives are fleeting and our ultimate security is not in material possessions or permanent structures, but in God. It encourages a spirit of dependence on Him for all things, echoing the sentiment of seeking first the kingdom of God.
  • Living with an Eternal Perspective: Understanding that we are "sojourners and pilgrims" (1 Peter 2:11) encourages us to hold lightly to earthly comforts and to fix our hope on the eternal dwelling God prepares for us, a future where God Himself will tabernacle with humanity permanently.
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Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Nehemiah 8:17

    And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

  • Numbers 24:2

    And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding [in his tents] according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

  • Genesis 33:17

    And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

  • Jeremiah 35:10

    But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.

  • Numbers 24:5

    How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, [and] thy tabernacles, O Israel!

  • Hebrews 11:13

    These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
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