Feast of Tabernacles

1. INTRODUCTION
Stewarton Bible School (SBS) considers itself highly privileged to be in a position to extend the following invitation to all believers in Yahweh the Almighty God of Israel; believers who are unable to visit Israel but still wish to keep the sacred Feast of Tabernacles.

2. TABERNACLES IN JERUSALEM
According to Scripture, 'all Israelite males' are required to visit Jerusalem three times a year. (Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16). Moreover, during the Week of Tabernacles they are also required to dwell in temporary shelters (booths). Concerning this we read:

Leviticus 23:39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
40: And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
41: And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
42: Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
43: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
44: And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.

Were we living in or close to Israel, the command to dwell in booths (or tents) would present no problem. But, regretfully, at the moment most of us are unable to go to Jerusalem even once a year, let alone three times. The Saviour was fully aware of the approaching destruction of the Temple and the scattering of the Almighty's chosen people Israel when he said to the woman of Samaria:

John 4:21: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22: Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

When the people of Israel were scattered across the world, observing the Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) in the country of their stay was difficult and often impossible. As you can imagine, the weather is very wet and cold in many countries and believers are unable to dwell in booths or tents - even if they wanted to. In these countries some Jewish communities erect temporary shelters (booths) in the grounds of their synagogues or homes. Believers then take their meals in these shelters or sit for a few minutes of prayer and meditation; all the while calling to mind the time when the LORD God of their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob led and fed His people Israel for 40 years in the wilderness of Sinai. This practice is praise-worthy.

3. TABERNACLES IN SCOTLAND?
Stewarton Bible School celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles each year on its own camp site; where believers stay in tents or caravans for the festival week (8 days actually). The weather in Scotland can be wild, windy and wet, but that does not deter us because the blessings are enormous - far greater than we could ever tell. All through eternity we shall be pleased that we kept Tabernacles out in the open Scottish countryside - and for all Stewarton to see; not to mention our witness to the mighty angelic host! I personally compare camping out in Scotland during Tabernacles to 'going the second mile.'

Tabernacles is the greatest of festivals! No words can do justice to its eternal importance. That's why we in SBS keep it and encourage others to do likewise. If you care to join us this year - even for a day or two, you will be made most welcome.
Facilities at the SBS camp site are very basic; so there is NO CHARGE for anything!
We believe that luxury defeats the very purpose of trying to remember what Tabernacles commemorates, which is:

Revelation 21:3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God

ACCOMMODATION
If you are interested in coming to Stewarton, then request a printed brochure for details concerning accommodation in the West of Scotland. Please supply name and full address when e-mailing us for the brochure. As many people already know, Scotland is an extremely beautiful country and there are many places of interest within striking distance of Stewarton; so why not time your vacation from work to coincide with the Feast of Tabernacles. As far as accommodation in this area is concerned there are several options to choose from.

Remember, if you are interested in coming, then ask for the printed brochure giving details of name and address. Our e-mail address is given at the end of this file.

MEALS
On the weekly and festival Sabbaths free meals will be provided at our camp site. On other days campers may cater for themselves or eat with those of us who stay at the camp site. Our camp kitchen has the usual cooking facilities: stoves, utensils, cutlery and crockery etc. So do not bring these items.

CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR
If you decide to camp out then make sure you come prepared with warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Remember, ours is a camp site and our meetings are held in a marquee; not a five star hotel or conference hall. A waterproof jacket is recommended as the weather in Scotland can often be wet. My wife Inge insists that I also mention the luxury of bringing your own hot-water bottle! I wonder what Moses would have thought of her idea!

TRANSPORT

THE MEETINGS
We have two services each day, and many informal opportunities for discussion on any scriptural subject that may arise. Often we stay up late into the night speaking about the things of God. There is no better time to get to know fellow believers from near and far than at the Feast of Tabernacles. This time apart allows spiritual priorities (prayer, study, discussion, music & song) full sway. An unforgettable experience I can assure you. If you play a portable musical instrument - consider bringing it.

I trust that this information will prove useful. Please write to us or email if you require more details.

Please pass the word around that all are welcome. Remember, there is absolutely no charge for anything Stewarton Bible School provides.

For Tabernacle Dates see
Holy Day dates for this year

In Emmanuel's Name

Elder: David Loughran


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Stewarton Bible School, Stewarton, Scotland