Light, Dwelling, and Day One of Sukkot at TFC
Last night was the first of three nights that Dr. Burris and his Leviticus and Hebrews class celebrated Sukkot. Each student helped organize the event, attracting visitors who stayed throughout the celebration and marshmallow roast after.
The night began with snacks and Melody Millspaugh’s devotional, focusing on the significance of light and dwelling during Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles (FOT). Millspaugh explained how the feast lasted for eight days, and occurred five days after the Day of Atonement.
“Genesis explains that God made His creation and man and woman and interacted with them, but as the man and woman chose to disobey God by eating the fruit, they forfeited dwelling with a holy God,” Millspaugh said before referencing Genesis 3:6-11, 21-24. “
She continued to explain how humanity became separated from God, but God’s promise to dwell among His people remained.
Millspaugh explained the significance of the candles in the tabernacle: "Leviticus 24:1-4 explains how candles should be arranged in the tabernacle God had appeared as a pillar of fire to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and the light of the candles Aaron was to tend to symbolized God’s presence.”
The Israelites yearned to dwell in YHWH’s presence, yet they did not grasp the depth of His promise immediately. “During the period of the second temple there became a greater focus on lights, the four corners of the court of women would be illuminated by golden candelabras, but dwelling in tents and tending to candles were only a shadow of something greater,” Millspaugh explained.
The devotional concluded with references to John 1:1-18, John 8:12, Hebrews 10:19-25, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and Revelation 21:1-5, 22-26. Each of these scriptures symbolize Christ as the Light and thow all who believe in Him shall dwell with Him, illuminating YHWH’s promise.
After the devotional, Anna Alsobrook, Rebekah Duren, and Conor Sylvain lead the celebration with worship and prayer. The evening ended with a recitation of Psalm 113 and Psalm 114. These psalms are a part of the Egyptian Hallel, which is ancient Jewish liturgy. Psalms 113-118 make up the Egyptian Hallel. Psalms 115-118 will be read on October 22nd and 23rd during the last two nights of TFC’s Sukkot celebration.