Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "booths" refers to temporary shelters or huts, often constructed from branches and leaves. In Hebrew, the word is "sukkot" (סֻכּוֹת), which is the plural form of "sukkah." These structures are significant in biblical history and religious observance, particularly in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths. Biblical Significance: Booths hold a prominent place in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel, primarily through the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals outlined in the Torah, where Israelites were commanded to dwell in booths for seven days. The purpose was to commemorate the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, during which they lived in temporary shelters. Scriptural References: 1. Leviticus 23:42-43 : "You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths, so that your descendants may know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." 2. Nehemiah 8:14-17 : "And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month. So they proclaimed this message in all their cities and in Jerusalem: 'Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make booths, as it is written.' So the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths for themselves on their rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim. The whole assembly who had returned from exile made booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this, and there was great rejoicing." Historical and Theological Context: The Feast of Booths, or Sukkot, is celebrated in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei, and is a time of joy and thanksgiving for the harvest. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. The construction of booths symbolizes the transient nature of life and the reliance on God's providence. New Testament Connection: While the New Testament does not explicitly command the observance of the Feast of Booths, it does mention Jesus attending the festival. In John 7:2-10, Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, which underscores the continued importance of this festival during His time. Cultural and Modern Observance: In contemporary Jewish practice, Sukkot is still observed with the construction of sukkot (booths) where meals are eaten, and some even sleep in them. This practice serves as a tangible connection to the historical experiences of the Israelites and a reminder of God's faithfulness. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons: The booths symbolize humility, dependence on God, and the impermanence of earthly dwellings. They remind believers of the need to trust in God's provision and protection, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness. The Feast of Booths also points to the eschatological hope of dwelling with God eternally, as seen in prophetic visions of a future where God tabernacles with His people (Revelation 21:3). Smith's Bible Dictionary Booths[SUCCOTH; TABERNACLES, THE FEAST OF, FEAST OF] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BOOTHS, FEAST OFGreek 4634. skenopegia -- the setting up of tents ... October. Word Origin from skene and pegnumi Definition the setting up of tents NASB Word Usage feast of Booths (1). tabernacles. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4634.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5524. Sukkoth Benoth -- "booths of daughters," an Assyr.-Bab. god... 5523, 5524. Sukkoth Benoth. 5525 . "booths of daughters," an Assyr.-Bab. ... Word Origin from Sukkoth and bath Definition "booths of daughters," an Assyr.-Bab. ... /hebrew/5524.htm - 6k 5521. sukkah -- a thicket, booth 5523. Sukkoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egypt Library The Consecration of Joy Chastity the Chief Ornament of the True Tabernacle; Seven Authorship of the Pentateuch. Instructed in the Law of God At the Feast of Tabernacles Ezra-Nehemiah Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem. The Exodus That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ... In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast' Thesaurus Booths (24 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BOOTHS, FEAST OF. See FEASTS AND FASTS, I, 2. Multi-Version Concordance Booths (24 Occurrences). ... /b/booths.htm - 14k Succoth (18 Occurrences) Booth (9 Occurrences) Tabernacles (43 Occurrences) Eli'jah (93 Occurrences) Home-born (14 Occurrences) Natives (6 Occurrences) Native-born (16 Occurrences) Ben-ha'dad (26 Occurrences) Succoth-benoth (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths / Sukkot? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and importance of the transfiguration? | GotQuestions.org What is the Valley of Succoth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Booths (24 Occurrences)Matthew 17:4 Mark 9:5 Luke 9:33 John 7:2 Genesis 33:17 Leviticus 23:34 Leviticus 23:42 Leviticus 23:43 Deuteronomy 16:13 Deuteronomy 16:16 Deuteronomy 31:10 2 Samuel 11:11 1 Kings 20:12 1 Kings 20:16 2 Chronicles 8:13 Ezra 3:4 Nehemiah 8:14 Nehemiah 8:15 Nehemiah 8:16 Nehemiah 8:17 Song of Songs 1:8 Zechariah 14:16 Zechariah 14:18 Zechariah 14:19 Subtopics Related Terms |