Camping Out

They celebrated the Festival of Booths as prescribed and offered burnt offerings each day, based on the number specified by ordinance for each festival day. Ezra 3:4 HCSB

When I was 10 years old, my parents and I took a six week trip to the west coast. We traveled through Texas to visit my grandparents, and then we continued to travel west where we saw the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and Death Valley before we made our way to San Francisco where my father attended the Southern Baptist Convention and preached a revival for a friend. We then traveled through the Redwood Forest to Seattle, Washington where we went to the World’s Fair and saw the Space Needle. On our way back home we traveled through Yellowstone National Park where I caught my first fish. Except for the time with grandparents and when my dad was preaching the revival, we camped out every night in a small tent. It was a memorable trip that I will never forget.

The people of Israel “camped out” for 40 years as they traveled in the wilderness. They lived in tents and lean-tos. The Festival of Booths (also called the Festival of Shelters) lasted seven days, and it was a reminder of how their ancestors had lived in temporary housing as they journeyed through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. The festival was to remind the people of God’s protection, guidance, and provision. The Festival of Booths is described in detail in Leviticus 23:33-36.

Challenge: Even though the people had disobeyed God, He still loved them and provided for their needs. God loves you and will provide for your needs if you will only trust Him. Thank Him for your home and the many blessings He has provided for you and your family.

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