1. The Unusual Camping Shelter “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12

2. The Facts, Please! The Feast of Tabernacles was held in the fall, after the whole harvest had ended with the picking of the grapes. It was a time of thanksgiving for the harvest. It was also a time to remember the stories of how God took care of their ancestors in the desert for 40 years.

3. More Facts, Please! This feast lasted for a week. All who could traveled to Jerusalem for the celebration. Everyone lived in shelters, or booths, for seven days. This was to remind them that the Israelites lived in tents during their long stay in the desert. The shelters were made by nailing a three-sided wooden framework to four poles, with the fourth side left open for a doorway. A top was added, also. Over the framework were laid branches and leaves of palm, cedar, willow, and olive trees. The rule was that there must be enough space between the leaves that the stars might be seen. The shelters were build on the flat rooftops, in courtyards, or in gardens.

4. Match-Ups: The Israelites’ Special Camping Trip Every year the Israelites had a special camping trip to celebrate the the harvest. It was held in the tree limbs and leaves. It was a time of thanksgiving for the Pool of Siloam. Everyone live in shelters (booths) for tents. This reminded them that for 40 years the Israelites lived in the desert in food and water. The shelters were made of four poles and a framework into which were woven fall. In Jerusalem the priests led a procession to get water from clothes and shoes. For 40 years in the desert God provided the hungry and thirsty people with seven days. In all those years the people did not need new Feast of Tabernacles.