[42] You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, [43] that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 23:42-43
Today is the first day of The Feast of Booths. It was given as a statute from the LORD to the people of Israel through Moses. Why? See, the people of Israel had wandered the wilderness for 40 years because they feared the Nephilim in the Promised Land more than they trusted and had faith in the LORD God. Their faith was in their own fear, not in the LORD. So, the LORD had them wander the wilderness for 40 years. And to remember this? They were to dwell in tents for seven days in the seventh month starting on the fifteenth day.
Each year they ware to keep this Feast to the LORD, that the LORD Himself sanctioned. Now, I want you to notice something, they were to dwell for seven years in tents in remembrance of the 40 years in the wilderness. 40 seems to be the number of sanctification, which means to be set apart as holy. During those years, the Israelites who were unfaithful and who refused to enter the Promised Land died in the wilderness. Their descendants however were baptized (by going through the Jordan) and then circumcised into the covenant when they entered the Promised Land.
For 40 years the LORD was sanctifying His people so they could inherit their promise. Then to remember them being sanctified, they were to dwell in tents for seven days. Seven is the number of completion. It was almost like they were sealing their ancestors’ sanctification for themselves. Like they were claiming it for their generation.
Everything the LORD has a do is for a reason, even if we don’t truly understand it at that time. Even if we have to wait for eternity to understand and see the full picture we can trust that the LORD has a plan for us. A good and perfect plan for our lives. One for our good and not for our evil. One of a hope and a future. So, don’t let fear keep you from your promise. And don’t fail to do something because you don’t fully understand it. We live by faith, not by sight.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Watch How You Live.