The Feast of Tabernacles, or of Ingathering.
"The festival of tabernacles, as originally instituted, presents but little symbolism. Its primary design was to give expression to joy and gratitude in view of the products of the earth, every kind of which had now been gathered; and it was therefore also called the Festival of Ingathering." As the Passover commemorated the first deliverance, so the Feast of Booths would recall the wilderness life. And "nothing was more natural than to associate in thought the richness of their inheritance with the probationary trials by means of which the nation had been prepared to possess it". It is scarcely necessary here to do more than suggest the underlying principles which are presented here. They must needs have some similarity with those in the preceding Homily. Israel is taught the following truths:
1. After the corn and wine have been gathered in, and the anxieties of the year are so far over, they are then expected to look up gratefully to God as the Author of all.
2. God's mercies are to be enjoyed, in grateful and delightful repose.
3. With the gladsome rest there is to be associated a thankful memory of past guidance and help in the wilderness life.
4. In this rejoicing and thankfulness, master and servant are alike to share, as both equal in the sight of God.
5. By Israel's gladness, the sorrows of the poor, the sad, the lonely, are to be relieved, and the solitary ones are to be made conscious of a kindly care encompassing them.
6. The recognition of a reception of mercy is to be accompanied with a loving offering to God in return (Deuteronomy 16:16, Deuteronomy 16:17). According to the blessing, so is to be the tribute.
7. Thus Israel's nationality is to be thrice sealed every year, as a specifically religious one, in holy and joyful covenant with the Lord their God. Manifestly on each of these points, Israel's temporary and local forms illustrated permanent and worldwide principles, in the exposition of which the Christian teacher may well delight.