Leviticus 23:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 23:42 issues a direct and non-negotiable divine command for the annual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), instructing all native-born Israelites to reside in temporary shelters for a period of seven days. This ordinance served as a tangible, communal act of remembrance, designed to perpetually recall God's faithful provision and protection over His people during their forty-year sojourn in the wilderness following their liberation from Egyptian bondage, thereby reinforcing their identity as a people utterly dependent on Him and His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 23 meticulously outlines the "appointed feasts of the Lord" (_mo'adim_), presenting a divine calendar that structured Israel's worship and communal life around God's redemptive acts. This chapter begins with the foundational Sabbath and proceeds through the spring festivals of Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Weeks (Pentecost), then transitions to the autumn festivals of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and culminates with the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), detailed from [Leviticus 23:33](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33 - The Feast of Tabernacles Introduced") to [Leviticus 23:44](/leviticus/23-44 "Leviticus 23:44 - Conclusion of the Feasts"). Verse 42 specifically falls within the instructions for Sukkot, emphasizing the physical act of dwelling in booths as central to its observance. It builds upon the introductory commands regarding the timing and offerings of the feast (e.g., [Leviticus 23:34-38](/leviticus/23-34-38 "Leviticus 23:34-38 - Regulations for Sukkot")) and sets the stage for the explicit commemorative purpose articulated in the subsequent verse, [Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - The Reason for Dwelling in Booths"). The repetition of the command to "dwell in booths" within this short passage underscores its paramount importance as a core, non-negotiable element of the festival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to dwell in booths directly harks back to Israel's foundational experience of the Exodus and their subsequent forty-year journey through the wilderness. After their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), the Israelites lived in temporary dwellings—tents or makeshift shelters—as they traversed the desolate landscape. This period, often marked by hardship but also by profound divine provision (e.g., manna from [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"), water from the rock in [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")), was a crucible of faith where God taught His people absolute dependence. The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, celebrated in the autumn after the final harvest, served as an annual, tangible re-enactment of this wilderness experience. By leaving their permanent homes for seven days to live in fragile, temporary shelters (_sukkah_), the Israelites were to remember their humble beginnings, God's miraculous sustenance, and their identity as sojourners under His direct care, preventing them from forgetting His mighty hand once they settled into the prosperity and security of the Promised Land, a theme powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the broader context of the Feast of Tabernacles, contributes significantly to several key theological and narrative themes found throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Remembrance and Human Obedience**, where God commands a specific action to ensure His people remember His past redemptive acts and their own history of dependence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Identity and Community**, as the command is specifically for "Israelites born," reinforcing their unique status as God's chosen people and the communal nature of their shared history and worship. The act of dwelling in temporary shelters also strongly emphasizes **Dependence and Humility**, reminding them that their security and provision ultimately come from God, not from their own efforts or permanent dwellings. Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **Pilgrimage and Transience**, acknowledging that their journey to the Promised Land was a temporary phase, a concept that later extends to the spiritual journey of God's people in the world (e.g., [1 Chronicles 29:15](/1_chronicles/29-15 "1 Chronicles 29:15 - Sojourners and Pilgrims")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwell (Hebrew, יָשַׁב, _yashav'_):** This primitive root properly means "to sit down," but by implication, it extends to "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In the context of Leviticus 23:42, it implies a temporary but intentional habitation, not merely a brief visit or passing through. The command emphasizes the physical act of residing in the booths for the prescribed period, underscoring the immersive and experiential nature of the commemoration. It signifies a deliberate act of inhabiting, even if for a limited time, to fully engage with the historical memory.
* **Booths (Hebrew, סֻכָּה, _sukkâh'_):** This feminine noun, pluralized as _sukkot_ (as in the name of the feast), refers to a hut, lair, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, or tent. These were flimsy, temporary shelters, often constructed from branches, leaves, and other readily available materials, providing minimal protection from the elements. Their impermanent and vulnerable nature was central to the festival's meaning, vividly recalling the fragile dwellings of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and contrasting sharply with the security of permanent homes in the Promised Land. The very structure of the _sukkah_ was a sermon in itself.
* **Israelites born (Hebrew, אֶזְרָח, _ʼezrâch'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to spring up," this term refers to a spontaneous growth, a native (tree or persons), or one born in the land, of one's own country or nation. In this verse, it specifically denotes a native-born Israelite, distinguishing them from foreigners or sojourners who might reside within Israel's borders. The command was explicitly for those who were part of the covenant community by birth, emphasizing the communal, national, and hereditary identity inherent in this act of remembrance. It underscored that this shared history of wilderness wandering and subsequent dependence on God was intrinsic to their identity as God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall dwell in booths seven days":** This clause presents the core divine command, establishing both the specific action required and its precise duration. The imperative "Ye shall dwell" signifies that this act of residing in _sukkot_ was not optional but a mandatory divine ordinance for the entire nation. The "seven days" (corresponding to the 15th to the 21st of the seventh month, Tishrei) denotes a complete and sacred period, emphasizing the full immersion in this commemorative experience. It was a time set apart to physically embody and relive, in a symbolic way, the historical reality of their ancestors' transient existence.
* **"all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths":** This clause clarifies and reinforces the scope of the command, making it universal for all native-born members of the covenant community. The phrase "Israelites born" underscores the communal and national aspect of the observance – it was a shared national memory and a collective act of humility and dependence that transcended individual choice. No Israelite by birth was exempt from this tangible reminder of their transient past and God's enduring faithfulness, ensuring that the historical lesson was passed down through generations.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:42 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its meaning and reinforce the divine command. **Command** is overtly present in the direct imperative "Ye shall dwell," underscoring the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction. The **Repetition** of the phrase "shall dwell in booths" within the single verse serves to emphasize the central, non-negotiable nature of this act and to etch it firmly into the minds of the hearers. Most significantly, **Symbolism** is paramount; the temporary "booths" (_sukkot_) are not merely shelters but potent symbols of Israel's wilderness wanderings, their vulnerability, and God's miraculous provision during that forty-year period. The very act of dwelling in them annually functions as a profound **Commemoration**, a physical re-enactment designed to embed historical memory and theological truth into the very fabric of daily life and communal worship, ensuring that future generations would not forget their origins or their absolute dependence on Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 23:42 profoundly connects the physical act of dwelling in temporary shelters to core theological truths about God's unwavering faithfulness, human dependence, and the nature of pilgrimage. It underscores the vital importance of communal memory in shaping national identity and faith, reminding Israel that their security and prosperity were never inherent but always derived from God's sustaining hand, even in the most vulnerable circumstances. This annual ritual ingrained a deep sense of humility and gratitude, preventing complacency and fostering a continuous reliance on their covenant-keeping God. The temporary nature of the booths also subtly points to the transient nature of earthly life, directing hearts towards an ultimate, eternal dwelling and a deeper understanding of their identity as sojourners on the way to a permanent home.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 105:37-41](/psalms/105-37-41 "Psalm 105:37-41 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")
* [Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Hebrews 11:9-10 - Abraham, a Sojourner Seeking a City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Leviticus 23:42 serves as a timeless and profound reminder of our own spiritual journey and God's unwavering faithfulness. We are called to live with a conscious awareness of our dependence on God, acknowledging that our earthly lives, much like the temporary booths, are transient and provisional. This perspective encourages us to hold lightly to material possessions, worldly security, and temporal achievements, fixing our hope instead on the eternal realities of God's kingdom and the enduring promises of His presence. It invites us to regularly reflect on God's past provisions and deliverances in our personal lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history, cultivating a spirit of profound gratitude for what He has done and unwavering trust for what He will do. Embracing this "sojourner" mindset can liberate us from the anxieties of accumulation and the pressures of worldly success, empowering us to live generously, sacrificially, and with a clear focus on our true home and ultimate security found in Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does physically remembering God's past faithfulness (like the Israelites dwelling in booths) strengthen your trust in Him for present and future challenges in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways do you tend to rely on your own strength, accumulated resources, or earthly securities rather than fully depending on God for your provision and well-being?**
* **How can cultivating an "eternal perspective," recognizing the temporary nature of this earthly life, influence your daily decisions, priorities, and your approach to material possessions?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of dwelling in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles?**

Answer: The primary purpose, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - The Reason for Dwelling in Booths"), was to commemorate God's faithful provision and miraculous protection for the Israelites during their forty-year journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. By living in temporary shelters, they were to remember their humble origins as a nomadic people and God's miraculous sustenance in a land where they had no permanent homes. It also served to instill humility and profound dependence on God, preventing them from forgetting Him once they settled into the prosperity of the Promised Land and built permanent dwellings.

**Were foreigners or non-Israelites required to dwell in booths?**

Answer: [Leviticus 23:42](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - Command to Dwell in Booths") explicitly states, "all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths." This indicates that the primary command and obligation was specifically for native-born Israelites, those who were part of the covenant community by birth. However, the broader context of the Feast of Tabernacles, as a joyous harvest festival, often included a spirit of hospitality and inclusion. While not strictly obligated to dwell in booths, it is plausible that resident aliens or sojourners living among Israel would have participated in the communal celebrations and festivities, and later Jewish tradition often extended the invitation to proselytes and God-fearers.

**How long did the Israelites dwell in the booths?**

Answer: The verse specifies "seven days." The Feast of Tabernacles began on the 15th day of the seventh month (Tishrei) and lasted for seven days, culminating on the 21st. An eighth day, a solemn assembly and a holy convocation, followed the seven days of dwelling in booths, as mentioned in [Leviticus 23:36](/leviticus/23-36 "Leviticus 23:36 - The Eighth Day of the Feast"). This eighth day was distinct from the seven days of dwelling in the temporary shelters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Feast of Tabernacles, with its command for Israelites to dwell in temporary booths, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate "tabernacle" of God among humanity. Just as God "tabernacled" with Israel in the wilderness through the pillar of cloud and fire and the portable tabernacle, so too did God "tabernacle" or "dwell" among us in the person of Jesus Christ. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory." Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to take on human flesh, experiencing the transient and vulnerable nature of human existence, much like the Israelites in their temporary booths. His earthly life was a journey of perfect obedience, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which secured for us an eternal dwelling not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater Tabernacle")). Furthermore, the celebration of the harvest in Sukkot foreshadows the great ingathering of believers from every nation into God's eternal kingdom, where God Himself will finally "tabernacle" with His redeemed people, wiping away every tear and bringing an end to all suffering, as vividly described in the eschatological vision of [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People in the New Creation"). We, as believers in Christ, are now "sojourners and exiles" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Sojourners and Exiles")), living in temporary earthly "booths" while awaiting our eternal home with Christ, who is our true and permanent Tabernacle and the fulfillment of all God's promises.

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

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.