This feast was not only the harvest thanksgiving, but the memorial of God's protecting care over Israel in the wilderness. In commemoration of their tent life, the Israelites during the feast dwelt in booths or tabernacles of green boughs. These were erected in the streets, in the courts of the temple, or on the housetops. The hills and valleys surrounding Jerusalem were also dotted with these leafy dwellings, and seemed to be alive with people.

Festen var ikke blot tænkt som et takoffer for høsten, men var en mindefest for Guds beskyttende omsorg for Israel i ørkenen. Til erindring om deres liv i telte boede israelitterne, så længe højtiden varede, i hytter eller telte af grønne grene. Disse blev rejst på gaderne, i tempelgårdene eller på husenes tage. Rundt omkring på bjergene og i dalene omkring Jerusalem så man også disse løvrige boliger, og alt syntes at være levende af mennesker.