Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 64:2 (Jun 2021)
Article: The Purpose And Function Of The Feast Of Tabernacles In Ezra 3
Author: Timothy Yap

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The Purpose And Function Of The Feast Of Tabernacles In Ezra 3

Timothy Yap*

* Timothy Yap resides at 11 Regan Place, Rooty Hill, NSW 2766, Australia. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: Why does Ezra-Nehemiah single out the Feast of Tabernacles as the first celebrated festival of the Jews after coming back from exile? This article argues that the Feast of Tabernacles serves three purposes within Ezra 3. First, the festival helps define the identity and mission of the returnees. Second, the feast assures the returnees about the presence of God in a renewed way. Third, the feast marks the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s reconstituted Israel. The article also examines how the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated in Ezra 3 as well as Nehemiah 8. The festival, which bookends Ezra-Nehemiah, tells the story of God’s restoration of Israel, beginning with the cultic leaders and continuing on to the laity.

Key words: Ezra-Nehemiah, Ezra 3, Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, restoration, returnees, Nehemiah 8

Jewish historian Josephus regarded the Feast of Tabernacles as “most sacred and important” (A.J. 8.100–123), an evaluation that would have procured the support of the author of Ezra and Nehemiah.1 Twice in Ezra-Nehemiah, we read of the returnees celebrating the Feast of Booths (Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 8). Not only do the people celebrate the festival, it is also the very first festival in which the Jews participate together after coming back from exile.

Why does the author of Ezra and Nehemiah place such an emphasis on the Feast of Tabernacles? What does the feast have to do with the book’s overarching theme of restoration?2 What does the feast have to do with the immediate context

JETS 64:2 (June 2021) p. 254

of Ezra 3, such as the threat of the “people around them” (Ezra 3:3)?3 What does the festival have to do with the variegated responses of joy and sadness when the temple’s foundation is laid (Ezra 3:13)?

Also perplexing is the manner in which the feast is celebrated in You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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