John 7:2
“Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand.”
What does John 7:2 mean?
The Feast of Booths (also called Tabernacles) was one of Judaism's most important celebrations, happening each fall. During this week-long festival, Jewish families would build temporary shelters and live in them, remembering how their ancestors wandered in the wilderness and depended on God. This verse is simply setting the scene for what comes next in John's Gospel, letting us know that Jesus is about to move through a crowded, festive Jerusalem where thousands of pilgrims have gathered for worship. Understanding this context helps us see why the crowds are so large and why Jesus's teachings during this time create such intense reactions.