The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת, pronounced Soo-KOHT), is one of Yah's most joyful Appointed Times. The Hebrew word Sukkot means 'booths' or 'shelters,' reminding us of the temporary homes the Israelites lived in after God brought them out of the land of Egypt. This Feast is celebrated for seven days in the seventh month, Tishrei (September-October on the Gregorian calendar), at the end of the harvest season. “You shall dwell in booths seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 23:42-43)
During this seven-day Feast, Israelite families build shelters made from branches and palm leaves. They eat, visit, and sleep inside them as a way of remembering Yahweh's care in the wilderness. Sukkot is also a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. “You shall keep the feast of booths seven days, after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your wine press. You shall rejoice in your feast… Seven days you shall keep a feast to Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh chooses...” (Deuteronomy 16:13-15)
The 12 Tribes of Israel (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Sukkot with palm branches, fruit, and offerings. “On the first day, you shall take the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh seven days.” (Leviticus 23:40)
King Solomon Dedicates the Temple
When King Solomon (הַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה) finished building the Temple in Jerusalem, he dedicated it during the Feast of Tabernacles. “Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt...” (1 Kings 8:65) The Levitical priests brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies, and a cloud filled the Temple, showing Yah's presence was there. The Israelites offered sacrifices and celebrated with great joy, for they knew God had chosen to dwell among them.
The Last Great Day
In the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, Sukkot included the water-pouring ceremony, when priests carried water from the Pool of Siloam to the altar while the people prayed for rain and blessings. On the Last Great Day of the Feast, Yeshua stood in the Temple and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)
A Wedding Celebration?
Sukkot also points to a wedding celebration. The Book of Revelation calls this the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, when Yeshua, the Bridegroom, will rejoice with His Bride (Rev 19:7-9).
Discover more about the Feast of Tabernacles in The Fall Feasts Activity Book. Click the book below to learn more:
