The Biblical Observance
The Meaning of Sukkot
The Feast of Tabernacles is known by at least two names in Scripture. Most often it is referred to as Sukkot of "Tabernacles." The English word "tabernacle is from the Latin tabernaculum meaning "booth" or "hut." It acquired this name from the biblical requirement for all Israelites to dwell in tabernacles or temporary shelters during the holiday. It was to be an annual reminder of God's provision during the 40-year wilderness sojourn when Israel lived in similar shelters. This final feast of the year is known in Scripture also as the "Feast of Ingathering", for it was observed after all crops had been harvested and gathered.
Exodus 23:16 - And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field.
Exodus 34:22 - And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.
The feast was celebrated with great joy. The joy was twofold, for it commemorated God's PAST goodness and provision during their wilderness sojourn, and it commemorated God's PRESENT goodness and provision with the completion of harvest.