The concept of temporary dwelling is a significant theme in the Bible, symbolizing the transient nature of human life and the pilgrimage of faith. This theme is most prominently illustrated through the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, which is a biblical festival that commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God for provision and protection.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): The Feast of Tabernacles is described in Leviticus 23:42-43: "You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths, so that your descendants may know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." . This festival required the Israelites to construct and dwell in temporary shelters, or booths, as a reminder of their ancestors' dependence on God during their 40-year journey in the desert. The temporary nature of these booths symbolizes the impermanence of earthly life and the need to trust in God's eternal promises.

Patriarchs as Sojourners: The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often depicted as sojourners living in temporary dwellings. Hebrews 11:9-10 states, "By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." . Their lives in tents underscore the transient nature of their earthly existence and their anticipation of a heavenly homeland.

The Tabernacle: The Tabernacle itself, a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people in a temporary dwelling. Exodus 25:8-9 records God's instructions: "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you." . The Tabernacle's mobility and temporary nature reflect the idea that God's presence accompanies His people wherever they journey.

New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, the theme of temporary dwelling is expanded to include the believer's earthly life. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:1, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." . Here, the "earthly tent" represents the physical body, which is temporary and will be replaced by an eternal, heavenly dwelling.

Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles: Jesus' participation in the Feast of Tabernacles, as recorded in John 7, further emphasizes the theme of temporary dwelling. During the festival, Jesus declared, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: 'Streams of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:37-38). His proclamation points to the fulfillment of the spiritual sustenance and eternal life that He offers, contrasting with the temporary provisions of the wilderness journey.

The symbol of temporary dwelling in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly life and the believer's ultimate hope in the eternal dwelling with God.