Leviticus 23:34-42 Speak to the children of Israel, saying… It was commemorative (see ver. 43). It was significant of — I. CHRIST TABERNACLING IN THE FLESH. Three facts are suggestive here of Christ's incarnation being foreshadowed in this feast. 1. John's use of the idea, "The Word dwelt (tabernacled) among us, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). 2. The people's gathering of palm branches when persuaded of His Messiahship (Matthew 21:8, 9). 3. Christ chose "the great day of the feast," of this very Feast of Tabernacles, to identify Himself with one of its incidents. While the waters of Siloam were being, on that eighth day, poured on the altar steps, "Jesus stood and cried, If any man thirst let him come unto Me and drink" (John 7:37, 38). 4. Yet His tabernacle life was not permanent. Booths are for pilgrims, not residents. And Jesus was here but for a season. "Yet a little while I am with you." II. MAN'S INSECURE TENURE ON THE EARTH. 1. A booth of boughs and palms would quickly wither; so does our frail tabernacle. What are these bodies but tents of drooping flesh? 2. It was, moreover, occupied but a few days; and we are resident in this body only a brief season. Think not to stay long here. 3. The materials of the booths were of the earth and returned to the earth: mere growths from the soil, soon to decay and go back to the soil. Even so, "dust thou art," &c., "of the earth earthy." III. A CHRISTIAN'S PILGRIM CAREER. Israel dwelt in booths through their journey from Egypt to Canaan (see ver. 43). 1. Christ's redeemed are pressing through a wilderness. It is not their goal. 2. Rest and content are not to be sought here. A temporary accommodation is enough. 3. Earth's discomfort gives zest to desire for the "city of habitation." And as Israel, weary with their booth life, craved the sure abodes of Canaan, so we "earnestly desire to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven; for in this we groan, being burdened." 4. God's ordinance of a booth life was a pledge of the certainty of Canaan. It assured them that He desired them to journey forward to the goodly land. And He would have us "set our face Zion-ward." (W. H. Jellie.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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