Chapter 49—At the Feast of Tabernacles
This chapter is based on
John 7:1-15, 37-39
.
Three times a year the Jews were required to assemble at Jerusalem
for religious purposes. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, Israel’s
invisible Leader had given the directions in regard to these gatherings.
During the captivity of the Jews, they could not be observed; but
when the people were restored to their own land, the observance of
these memorials was once more begun. It was God’s design that these
anniversaries should call Him to the minds of the people. But with
few exceptions, the priests and leaders of the nation had lost sight
of this purpose. He who had ordained these national assemblies and
understood their significance witnessed their perversion.
The Feast of Tabernacles was the closing gathering of the year. It
was God’s design that at this time the people should reflect on His
goodness and mercy. The whole land had been under His guidance,
receiving His blessing. Day and night His watchcare had continued.
The sun and rain had caused the earth to produce her fruits. From the
valleys and plains of Palestine the harvest had been gathered. The
olive berries had been picked, and the precious oil stored in bottles.
The palm had yielded her store. The purple clusters of the vine had
been trodden in the wine press.
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The feast continued for seven days, and for its celebration the in-
habitants of Palestine, with many from other lands, left their homes,
and came to Jerusalem. From far and near the people came, bringing
in their hands a token of rejoicing. Old and young, rich and poor,
all brought some gift as a tribute of thanksgiving to Him who had
crowned the year with His goodness, and made His paths drop fatness.
Everything that could please the eye, and give expression to the uni-
versal joy, was brought from the woods; the city bore the appearance
of a beautiful forest.
This feast was not only the harvest thanksgiving, but the memorial
of God’s protecting care over Israel in the wilderness. In commemo-
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