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The Feast of Tabernacles-Virtue
October 8, 2025

We celebrate the Kingdom of God during this feast, and when we think of words to describe it, the words we would use are probably going to be different than the words we might use to describe a government of man. We might use words like truthful and honest. We might talk of justice and purity. We would likely describe the Kingdom of God in the most flattering of ways and it would be easy for people to consider that we are praising God for establishing this Kingdom with Jesus Christ. How we think of the Kingdom of God and the words we might use to describe it are given to us in the Book of Philippians where Paul encourages them to be selective on things they give thought to.

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Virtue comes from the Greek word, arete, Strong’s Greek word 703, meaning properly and excellence. When we think of the Kingdom of God, we think of a government that is properly run and that embodies excellence, not from the viewpoint of man, but from God’s perspective. Paul wanted the Philippians to focus on those things which were excellent, each and every day through the return of Christ. As they focused on those things which were excellent, he also wanted them to be filled with the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which comes through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9-11
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

As Christians we are very aware that while in Old Testament times the message of God was primarily relayed by prophets to the people, that now that message comes through Jesus, by Whom all things were created. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels because He suffered death, but He was resurrected and sits on the right hand of God, and has obtained a more excellent name than the angels. When Jesus returns and establishes the Kingdom of God, we also will be given eternal life.

Hebrews 1:1-4
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father who proclaimed that Jesus was His Son in Whom he was well pleased. Peter described the glory of God as excellent showing that God embodies virtue.

2 Peter 1:16-21
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

David knew that God’s name was excellent in all the Earth, signaling that virtue is part of Who God is. From creation to Jesus Christ, all that God has done and will do has been done with virtue.

Psalm 8:1-9
O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

David also wrote of that which is excellent in a psalm foretelling the Messiah. We see one fate awaiting the saints and the excellent, and another fate awaiting those who pursue other gods. The hope that we are to have is a hope that looks forward to life, eternal life, and for us that will happen when the Kingdom of God is established on earth.

Psalm 16:1-11
Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

We live in a society where many see no need for God. These are the people who have no hope for the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Having no need for God there is also no respect for God from these people who think very highly of themselves even when what they think is evil. They are the polar opposites of who we as Christians are to be, and devise evil from the moment they wake up. There is no virtue in these people, and yet we find virtue in the lovingkindness of God. All people have a choice whether to trust evil people who have no need for God or to trust God who acts with righteousness and preserves life. With God there is this fountain of life, as if living waters are flowing from Him. With the evil, there is no hope except death.

Psalm 36:1-12
The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

As we celebrate this Feast of Tabernacles, we know in the end God wins. He will subdue all other kingdoms, and when necessary, will even be terrible to those in authority. God’s glory is better and stronger than any effort to bring harm to those who are God’s.

Psalm 76:1-12
In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah. Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands. At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.

Celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles that looks forward to the Kingdom of God, a kingdom steeped in virtue, means we realize like Jesus taught, that His kingdom is not of this world. When Jesus returns, society will be changed, and the Kingdom of God will be established on Earth. For now, the Kingdom of God is something we wait for.

John 18:33-37
Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

As we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles looking forward to the Kingdom of God, we focus on what that kingdom will be like. Because we are human living on this side of eternity, we might find ourselves focusing more on great food and wonderful beverages. Yet, the Romans were told by Paul the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. During this feast we can definitely enjoy great food and wonderful beverages, but food and beverages are not what the Kingdom of God is about. The virtue of the Kingdom of God will branch out to righteousness, peace, and joy. We need to focus on those things which lead to righteousness, peace, and joy.

Romans 14:13-23 13. Let us not therefore judge one another anymore: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Between now and the Kingdom of God will be some unnerving times. We are told in the Bible that we are living in the last days, but where exactly in those last days we do not know. We can look to future events that should clue us in where we are in end-time prophecy. For instance, when the two witnesses are known it is already the time of the sixth trumpet, very late in prophecy and very close to the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

At the end of their forty-two month ministry, they will be killed by the beast, and their dead bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem. People around the world will celebrate their deaths by giving gifts to each other. Three and a half days later, God resurrects them, and the celebrations and gift-giving stops. It is immediately after the two witnesses are resurrected that the Kingdom of God is announced by the seventh angel. We celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles looking forward to the Kingdom of God, and Biblically, it is immediately after the two witnesses are resurrected that the Kingdom of God is proclaimed.

Revelation 11:1-19
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

In the Kingdom of God it will be easy for all to see that God has done excellent things, that God has done things with virtue, and this will be known throughout the entire planet.

Isaiah 12:1-6
And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Daniel wrote of his night visions and in one he saw the Son of Man come with the clouds to meet God the Father, Who gave him dominion, glory, and a kingdom, the Kingdom of God, a kingdom which will never be destroyed. In his vision, Daniel also saw the struggles that the faithful would have during the end time, and how right before the establishment of the Kingdom of God, life would be extremely challenging for the faithful for a period described as a time, times, and half a time, which is thought to also be a three and a half year period of time. Daniel also reveals that this future kingdom, the Kingdom of God, will be given to the people of the saints of God.

Daniel 7:13-28
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

From the Book of Zecheriah we know all will be expected to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, and that a few might test to see if they really need to celebrate the Feast. Those who test to see if they really need to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles will experience drought, and while everyone else is living a life of bounty, they will be living a life of scarcity. During this future time, Jerusalem will be a safe city. There will be no concerns with destruction of any kind as there is today, with threats of war and terrorism. During this future time there will be no wars, nor will there be terrorism. With no wars or terrorism, during the Kingdom of God to come, the people will no longer have this fear or uncertainty. All who have brought harm to Jerusalem and its people will develop diseases that quickly eat up their body. Anyone who tries to rebel against the Kingdom of God will be met with complete destruction.

Zechariah 14:9-21
And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold everyone on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour. And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.

Imagine how wonderful it will be when in the Kingdom of God, Jerusalem is at peace and surrounded by peace. We can all find virtue in that . Kowing there is this peaceful future for Jerusalem, Peter reminds us that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people; and, we are to show praise for God who has called us from darkness to light. Having been called from darkness to light, we, the household of faith, are now the people of God, and we have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Peter also reminds us of the need to ready ourselves for this end time, knowing all will be revealed at the return of Jesus. Knowing we have this opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of God, we do what God expects of us. Because God is Holy, we also strive to be Holy. We know that eternal life in the Kingdom of God is possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus Christ we have hope for the Kingdom of God, and it is because of Jesus Christ we can truly celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. When we think of virtue and the Kingdom of God, we need to purify our souls by obeying the truth. It is insufficient to maintain the status quo of merely living life as a human, even if we are very good humans. Beyond spiritually purifying who we are, we also must fervently love one another with a pure heart. When others focus on living life today, we will be focused on what is needed to be part of the Kingdom of God and to have eternal life, knowing the word of God endures forever.

1 Peter 1:13-25
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

The Kingdom of God will be a kingdom with virtue as an integral part of the fabric of that kingdom. Unlike governments of today that are subject to corruption by individuals who seek to exploit public trust, there will be no such corruption in the Kingdom of God. It’s not unusual for some to lose trust in government today, but in the Kingdom of God, a kingdom built around virtue, there will be no basis for mistrust. What the Kingdom of God will do will be done properly and with excellence. It will be done with virtue.

Knowing that virtue will be part of the Kingdom of God, we need to be developing virtue within ourselves today. We cannot live a life without virtue today just as much as we cannot live a life in opposition to God today and somehow think we will be given eternal life during this future time. If we sense some do not trust governments of today for whatever reason, virtue directs us to live our lives today, so we give nobody reason to mistrust us. People generally develop mistrust when they have prior negative interactions with a person. For instance, if a person is loaned money and doesn’t repay it, it’s normal to mistrust their desire and ability to pay what they owe. If we expect to be part of the Kingdom of God as kings and priests under Jesus Christ, virtue tells us we must be living our lives now in submission to God the Father and Jesus Christ, doing what they expect of us. If today, we are known as being two-faced, where we claim to be doing what God expects of us, but people know we do those things that God and Jesus Christ hate, we should expect mistrust. We must be living a life of virtue believing and doing those things that God and Jesus Christ expect of us.

Between now and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, it will not always be easy for us. We know the Book of Revelation shows many bad times coming for the faithful before the return of Jesus Christ, but we look not to the hardships of this life, but to the crown of righteousness that is laid up for us to wear in the Kingdom of God.

If we want to be part of the Kingdom of God, there is no lie or deception that can be part of us. There can be no shading the truth to gain an advantage. Instead of lies and deceptions we will focus on those things which are true and honest. Instead of those things which seem to be oppression, we will focus on those things which are just. Instead of those things that are disgusting and vile, we will focus on those things which are pure. We will focus on what is lovely and of a good report. When we think those things which are worthy of praise, we will also think on those things founded in virtue.