tribesofsinai2024

Many do not realise that the seven feasts commanded in the law of Moses^[1] still form the backbone of Israel’s identity and social structure. The feasts mark joyous occasions when the whole nation rests, reflects and celebrates at the beginning and end of each week and harvest. Through celebrating Israel’s history with Yahweh, the feasts create a unified sense of meaning, purpose, belonging, hope and destiny for a bright future for the whole community. 

Of the seven feasts, three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD.^[2] This is not a suggestion if they feel like it but a command. I imagine the women were happy to gather with their loved ones at these feasts, but some men needed a stronger word to stop work and make these celebrations a top priority.

We have already looked briefly at how and why the Passover celebrates the beginning of the nation and the year and how Pentecost / Harvest celebrates the giving of the law, the Spirit and the first fruits of the grain harvest. Today we reflect on how the feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles remembers Israel’s journey through Sinai and the main fruit harvest particularly the oil and the wine from the olives and grapes. 

The seventh and final feast is the feast of Booths or Tabernacles or Ingathering. It is the full harvest festival at the end of the agricultural/economic year. During this feast, Jews construct temporary shelters, or sukkahs, to dwell in for seven days, symbolising their reliance on God’s guidance and sustenance. 

Tabernacles signify the ingathering of the harvest and express gratitude for God’s blessings. The feast points towards the future fulfilment of God’s promises, including the establishment of His kingdom on earth. For Christians, it foreshadows the return of Christ and the ultimate fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. 

The Bedouin around Saint Catherine’s tell us how thousands of Israelis used to come and camp in particular wadis during the feast of Tabernacles / Ingathering. They tell us how they all packed up and left suddenly when Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.

Reflection 

How does having a hope of a rich harvest and eternal life at the end of this age generate hope, courage, and perseverance amid great opposition? 

Conversely, what happens to communities that have no such vision or hope for the future? 

Prayer

The Israelites are one of the tribes of Sinai. They love to come here during their feasts. Please don’t give up praying for them, especially in this time of national crisis.  

Please pray for the voice of calm, restraint, and reason to be heard and headed within the nations that surround Israel. Currently, their populations are constantly being reminded through the media how the Israelis and Americans are unbelieving, corrupt, colonial, exploitive powers displacing and killing vulnerable Palestinians. 

Please pray for the Prince of Peace and his people to be active, heard and headed. 

Please pray for goodwill, blessing and a living hope to overcome the hatred and cursing of Israel and America from some mosques and madrassas.  

Please also continue to pray for K our house guest. She is learning to feed on the Word of God and pray yet still senses she is bound by the spirits of Islam. She becomes agitated during the mosque calls and hears the Quran being recited in her head when she reads the Bible. Can we imagine that this timid broken young lady may one day become a fruitful gardener and teacher in God’s Kingdom? 

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, Light in the darkness, My God, that is who You are… 

Bridge: “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working,

Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working, You never stop, You never stop working…”

^[1] Leviticus 23. 

^[2] Exodus 23:17.