What does John 7:2 mean?

Explanation

John 7:2 refers to a Jewish festival known as the Feast of Tabernacles (also called Sukkot or Feast of Booths).

The verse indicates that this particular festival was approaching at the time.

The festival is characterized by the construction of temporary shelters, called sukkahs, which are meant to remind the Jewish people of the time they spent wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt and how they depended on God's provision.

The deeper meaning beyond the literal celebration could indicate the imminent teaching and revelation of Jesus during this festival.

In the broader context of the Gospel of John, this reference to the festival sets the stage for the events and discourses that will take place in the following verses, where Jesus engages with the crowds and the religious leaders during the feast.

Historical Context

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the three major pilgrimage feasts in the Jewish religion, the other two being Passover and Shavuot.

It is held annually in the fall, starting on the 15th day of the seventh month (Tishrei) according to the Hebrew calendar, and it lasts for seven days, followed by an eighth day called Shemini Atzeret.

Historically, it was a time when Jews would journey to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest and remember their ancestors' journey through the wilderness. This festival was also seen as a time of joy and community gathering.

In the context of John's Gospel, the feast is significant as it is one of the Jewish feasts Jesus attended, thus serving as a backdrop for his teachings and for interactions that reveal his divinity.

Theological Insights

The Feast of Tabernacles has been interpreted in various ways by theologians. For Christians, this feast takes on a symbolic reference to Christ himself "tabernacling" among humans (John 1:14 uses the word "dwelt," which can also be translated as "tabernacled").

Some see hints of Jesus as the true light of the world in the ritual lighting of lamps during the feast, which gets more attention in John 8:12 where Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world.

The feast also has eschatological overtones for both Jews and Christians.

Some Christians believe the Feast of Tabernacles prefigures Jesus' second coming when He will "tabernacle" with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

Practical Applications

The principle of remembering and celebrating God's provision and faithfulness, as exemplified in the Feast of Tabernacles, can be applied in several ways.

Believers today can be encouraged to reflect on their personal "wilderness journeys" and remember how God has sustained them.

It also serves as a reminder to practice hospitality and gratitude, as the festival involved welcoming others into sukkahs and celebrating the harvest.

Furthermore, as the festival emphasized joy and communal celebration, it reminds individuals of the importance of communal worship and the joy of sharing life with others in the presence of God.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 23:34-43: Describes the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Deuteronomy 16:13-15: Provides further details about celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Zechariah 14:16-19: Discusses the eschatological significance of the Feast of Tabernacles for all nations.
• Revelation 21:3: Alludes to God "tabernacling" with humanity, mirroring the practice of dwelling in booths during the feast.
• John 1:14: The use of "dwelt" as a reference to Jesus' incarnation can be seen as an allusion to the concept of "tabernacling."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text for "tabernacles" is "σκηνοπηγία" (skēnopēgia), a compound word from "σκηνή" (skēnē), meaning "tent" or "booth," and "πηγή" (pēgē), which means "to fix" or "to pitch." This term refers to the Feast of Booths, reflecting the practice of pitching tents or booths during the celebration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Feast of Tabernacles bears similarities to various ancient harvest festivals where communities built temporary shelters and celebrated the bounty of their crops.

Ancient agricultural societies often had festivals that coincided with the end of the harvest period.

In a more religious context, while the Feast of Tabernacles is unique to Judaism, many religions have festivals that commemorate important historical events that define their faith and serve as a time of remembrance and communal cohesion.

Scientific Perspectives

The Feast of Tabernacles aligns with the end of the agricultural season in the Middle East, a period that is generally followed by the onset of the rainy season.

From a scientific perspective, the timing of the festival is ideal for a harvest celebration.

The practice of building shelters and dwelling outside could also have health benefits, as it increases time spent in nature and can lead to social bonding, both of which have been found to have positive effects on mental health.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various insights into John 7:2.

Many point out that Jesus' decision to attend the festival was significant, as it provided Him with an opportunity to reveal more of His identity and purpose.

Commentators often highlight the theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of the feast's symbolism, He is the living water (John 7:37-39) and the light of the world (John 8:12), which were both key themes celebrated during the Feast of Tabernacles.

Experts also note that Jesus’ teachings during this feast stirred controversy, revealing the increasing tension between Him and the religious leaders.