Feast of Sukkot/Tabernacles

Feast of Sukkot/Tabernacles

 

Introduction

Next in a series of Harvests & Celebrations studies is Feast of Sukkot/Tabernacles. The details of this biblical holy week will provide understanding of its significance historically and prophetically.

Signs of the Time

This holy week falls on 15 Tishrei; the seventh month in the ecclesiastical year and the first month in the civil year. In the Gregorian calendar, this day would fall between September and October. All harvested crops would be either in the storehouse, or undergoing treading and pressing. This is a time of uncertainty and hope that the northbound winds would bring in rain clouds to sustain life.

Historical Names & References

There are many names associated with this holy day. Here is a list of them: (Read Verses)

Feast of Tabernacles

Leviticus 23:34 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD."

Deuteronomy 16:13, 16 KJV - "13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: ... 16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:"

Deuteronomy 31:10 KJV - "And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,"

2 Chronicles 8:13 KJV - "Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles."

Ezra 3:4 KJV - "They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;"

Zechariah 14:16, 18-19 KJV - "16 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. ... 18 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. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."

John 7:2 KJV - "Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand."

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Feast of Ingathering

Exodus 23:16 KJV - "And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field."

Exodus 34:22 KJV - "And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end."

Day of your gladness

Numbers 10:10 KJV - "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God."

Solemn Feast(s) (Days)

Deuteronomy 16:15 KJV - "Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice."

Numbers 10:10 KJV - "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God."

Numbers 15:3 KJV - "And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:"

2 Chronicles 2:4 KJV - "Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel."

2 Chronicles 8:13 KJV - "Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles."

Lamentations 1:4 KJV - "The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness."

Lamentations 2:6 KJV - "And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he hath destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and hath despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest."

Ezekiel 36:38 KJV - "As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 46:9 KJV - "But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it."

Hosea 2:11 KJV - "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts."

Nahum 1:15 KJV - "Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off."

Hosea 12:9 KJV - "And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast."

Malachi 2:3 KJV - "Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it."

• “Sukkot” (lit. “booths"/tents"/"tabernacles")

• “Feast of Tabernacles” (Lev 23:24; Deu 16:13, 16, 31:10; 2Ch 8:13; Ezr 3:4; Zec 14:16, 18-19; Jhn 7:2-KJV)

• “Chag HaSukkot” (lit "Festival of Booths") 

• “Feast of Booths” (“Alt. "Feast of Tabernacles")

• “Booths” (Culturally applied)

• “Feast of Ingathering” (Exo 23:16, 34:22-KJV)

• “Chag HaAsif” (lit "Festival of the Ingathering")

• “The Ingathering” (Culturally Applied)   

• “Day of your gladness” (Num 10:10-KJV)

• “Z'man Simchateinu” ("Season/Time of our Rejoicing")

• “Solemn Feast(s) (Days)” (Deu 16:15, Num 10:10, 15:3, 2 Ch 2:4, 8:13, Lam 1:4, 2:6, Eze 36:38, 46:9, Hos 2:11, Nah 1:15, Hos12:9, Mal 2:3-KJV)

Most notably, the Hebrew name for this holy day is Sukkot. In English it is most notably known as Feast of Tabernacles.

Historical accounts that take place around this holy day include: Genesis 33:17, Ezra 3:4, Nehemiah 7:73, 8:14-17, 1 Kings 8:2, 2 Chronicles 2:4, 5:3, 7:9-10, 8:12-13, Jeremiah 28:17, 41:1, Haggai 2:1, John 7:2, 8, 11, 14. (View Verses)

Genesis 33:17 KJV - "And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth."

Ezra 3:4 KJV - "They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;"

Nehemiah 7:73 KJV - "So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities."

Nehemiah 8:14-17 KJV - "14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: 15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. 16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness."

1 Kings 8:2 KJV - "And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month."

2 Chronicles 2:4 KJV - "Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel."

2 Chronicles 5:3 KJV - "Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month."

2 Chronicles 7:9-10 KJV - "9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people."

2 Chronicles 8:12-13 KJV - "12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch, 13 Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles."

Jeremiah 28:17 KJV - "So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month."

Jeremiah 41:1 KJV - "Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah."

Haggai 2:1 KJV - "In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,"

John 7:2, 8, 11, 14 KJV - "2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. ... 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. ... 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? ... 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught."

Reason for the Season

Immediately following the ingathering, Sukkot is a great reminder to God's people that he is the provider and sustainer of life. It was because of God's blessings, which included the light and rain that allowed his people to have life by access to food and water. As God's people dwell in temporary booths they are reminded of how merciful God is and how much he has blessed his people and brought them salvation. This is a season of great joy, thanksgiving, and supplication to God for continued salvation and favor. 

Ancient Ordinance

Ancient Observance

God commanded his people to observe the feast of tabernacles/ingathering.

Exodus 23:14-16 KJV - "14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field."

​Exodus 34:22 KJV - "And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end."

Leviticus 23:34 KJV - "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 23: 39, 41 KJV – “39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. ... 41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month."

Numbers 29:12 KJV - "And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:"

Deuteronomy 16:13-17 KJV - "13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: 14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. 15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. 16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee."

God commanded his people to dwell in booths for a memorial during the feast.

Leviticus 23:42-43 KJV - "42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: 43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."

Nehemiah 8:14 KJV - "And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:"

God commanded his people rejoice with four species of branches for all seven days of the feast.

Leviticus 23:40 KJV - "And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days."

God commanded his people to holy assemble and bring offerings before the LORD during the feast.

Deuteronomy 16:16-17 KJV - "16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee."

Leviticus 23:35-37 KJV - "35 On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. 37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:"

Numbers 15:2-8, 11-16 KJV - "2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you, 3 And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savor unto the LORD, of the herd or of the flock: 4 Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil. 5 And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb. 6 Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil. 7 And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD. 8 And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD: ... 11 Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid. 12 According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number. 13 All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. 14 And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do. 15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. 16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you."

Numbers 29:13-39 KJV - "13 And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, 15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: 16 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 19 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings. 20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish; 21 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 22 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 25 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 28 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 31 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: 36 But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 38 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings."

View offering chart for Numbers 29:13-39.

​Ezekiel 45:17 KJV - "And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel."

Ezekiel 46:11 KJV - "And in the feasts and in the solemnities the meat offering shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah."

God commanded his people to sound the trumpet during the feast.

Numbers 10:10 KJV - "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God."

God commanded his people to travel through specific gates during the feast.

Ezekiel 46:9 KJV - "But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it."

Reading the law during Sukkot was commanded for the Shmita year (year of "release"), that occurs once every seven years.

Deuteronomy 31:9-13 KJV - "9 And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel. 10 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: 13 And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."

Historical Observance

First Temple Observance

Singing, music, praying, worship, sacrifices, offerings, reading of the law, and blessings are all seen in the observance of Sukkot. While no custom of booths are mentioned during the first temple, scripture details the observance of Sukkot that took place during the dedication of the first temple.

2 Chronicles 5:2-3, 6, 11-14 KJV - "2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. 3 Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month. ... 6 Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude. ... 11 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: 12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God."

 2 Chronicles 6:1-3, 12-13 KJV - "1 Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. 3 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. ... 12 And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands: 13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,"

2 Chronicles 7:1-10 KJV - "1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. 7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat. 8 Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt. 9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. 10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people."

2 Chronicles 8:12-13 KJV - "12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch, 13 Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles."

Intermediate Sukkah Observance

After the destruction of the first temple, no temple service for Sukkot is seen until the construction of the second temple. Nehemiah, however, details the observance of booths.

Nehemiah 8:14-18 KJV - "14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: 15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written. 16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. 17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness. 18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner." 

Pre-Second Temple Observance

Ezra mentions the feast of Sukkot and the sacrifices that were made during the construction of the second temple, before the foundation was laid.

Ezra 3:4-6 KJV - "4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required; 5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid."

Second Temple Observance

There are several preserved historical accounts that provide details of temple services on Sukkot. The following summarizes the events that took place:

SABBATH OBSERVANCE

​The first day and the last day of the festival are feast day Sabbaths. There may also be an additional Sabbath if the weekly Sabbath falls on any of the days in between.

​SOUNDING THE TRUMPET

​For the onset of the Sabbath days, two sets of three blasts are made (tekiah, teruah, tekiah). The first set is to stop labor and the second is to invoke the people to set difference between the holy and profane (Ezekiel 22:26, 44:23). The same set of three blasts are used as signals to announce advancement throughout the temple services. 

​WATER DRAWING

​Also referred to as Simchat Beit Hashoevah ("rejoicing of the water-drawing house"), this ceremony was the most joyous part of Sukkot for many. At the crowing of the rooster, a set of three blasts are sounded for the gates to be opened; another set for the upper gate and another set for the lower gate. The designated priest for the water-drawing, and his accompaniment, would make their way through the Women's Court and up the steps toward the Court of Israel. The designated priest would be carrying a golden vessel. When the designated priest made it two thirds of the way up the set of 15 stairs, one more set of blasts were sounded. If it was not a Sabbath, a procession would begin and the designated priest would lead the way to the pool of Siloam to draw water. A flutist would play during the procession and the observing crowds would sing and cheer with great joy. On a Sabbath day, water was drawn the night before and stored for use the next day.

​PSALMS OF ASCENT

​During the temple service, musicians would stand on the 15 steps between the Court of Israel and the Women's Court and at their appointed time, they would play and sing Psalms 120-134, known as the Psalms of Ascent.

View Psalms of Ascent

Psalm 120:1-7 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. 2 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. 3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. 5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! 6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. 7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."

Psalm 121:1-8 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

Psalm 122:1-9 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees of David.] I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. 5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good."

Psalm 123:1-4 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. 3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud."

Psalm 124:1-8 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees of David.] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; 2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: 3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: 4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: 5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

Psalm 125:1-5 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. 3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel."

Psalm 126:1-6 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

Psalm 127:1-5 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees for Solomon.] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

Psalm 128:1-6 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel."

Psalm 129:1-8 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say: 2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows. 4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. 5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion. 6 Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up: 7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom. 8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD."

Psalm 130:1-8 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities."

Psalm 131:1-3 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees of David.] LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever."

Psalm 132:1-18 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: 2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; 3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; 4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, 5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. 6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood. 7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. 8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. 10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. 11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. 18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish."

Psalm 133:1-3 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees of David.] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

Psalm 134:1-3 KJV - "1 [A Song of degrees.] Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. 3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion."

​​WATER LIBATION CEREMONY

​When the procession retuned, the priest with the water would arrive at the Water Gate and a set of three blasts were sounded. The priest then entered in through the Water Gate while the crowds returned to the Women's Court. Upon the entering in at the Water Gate, the priest with the golden vessel of water and another priest having a vessel of wine would proceed up to the altar. On the West side of the altar was a water straining vessel with two small holes at the bottom. On the East side of the altar was a wine straining vessel with two larger holes at the bottom. When the trumpets sounded for the drink offering to proceed, water and wine were poured out into their own straining vessels simultaneously and both the water and wine flowed through the holes with even speed through their straining vessels and onto the altar. This was done in thanksgiving for the rain that brought then provisions, as well as, in prayer for blessings of rain to come for the next year's crops.

SACRIFICES (Morning/Additional/Evening)

​The morning animal sacrifices took place alongside the drink offerings. The first animal sacrifices were brought out in preparation for the morning sacrifice at the sound of the trumpets at dawn. The morning sacrifices were killed and burned, starting the 3rd hour of the day. 

Additional sacrifices took place in the afternoon, and evening sacrifices took place in the evening, starting the 9th hour of the day. For some, the multitude of sacrifices throughout the seven days is thought to represent the seventy year human life span. For others, they are thought to represent all the nations.      

SABATICAL READING

​In congruence with Deuteronomy 31:9-13, every seven years, the law was read in the ears of all the people, in the Women’s Court, on Sukkot.

ILLUMINATION OF THE TEMPLE

​In the evening, the people celebrate in the Women's Court. Ushered in by the lighting of the four 50 cubits (75ft) candelabrums, young Levites carried wicks made from priests clothing and oil up ladders to light them. The celebration continued all night with music, dancing, and entertainment from performers; notably jugglers.

The Water of Life

Physical Living Waters

Having greater value than food, water is the main physical substance for sustaining life. Without water, Israel is a barren dry dessert. Many water sources, such as the dead sea, are loaded with minerals; rendering them useless for bathing, drinking, or creating gardens and watering crops with. Fresh water was hard to come by and availability was very much dependent upon rain. Since water was scarce and out of the people's control, locals were both very grateful for water and anxious over whether there would be enough. The former and the latter rains were collected and stored in cisterns. This made the water stagnant. While standing water was good to use, there was nothing as valuable as fresh flowing waters.

The main source of fresh water in Israel is gathered from the pool of Siloam. The water that descends into the pool of Siloam comes from the Gihon Springs. Gihon is one of the four original rivers that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. Gihon comes from the word, giyach. Strong's Hebrew 1518, defines giyach as, "to gush forth (as water), generally to issue".

The Gihon Spring has a process of collecting underground rain water until it fills the underground cave of the spring. Each time the cave fills up with water, pressure builds up and the water is forcefully pushed through an aqueduct; down what is known as, "Hezekiah's Tunnel, and down to the pool of Siloam.

Once the water has gushed out and the cave is no longer full, the cave begins to fill again. The number of times it gushes is fully dependent upon how much rain there is.  It is known to occur roughly around two times a day in the summer months and as much as five times a day in the winter months.

The life that the fresh spring water brings to the land and people is often referred to as "life-giving water"; or simply, "living water" ("mayim chaim" in Hebrew).

Living water is an integral part of Sukkot. It is what ties people, crops, and God together. Nothing can survive without it and only God can bring it. This living water is what is drawn from the pool of Siloam for the temple water libation ceremony.

Spiritual Living Waters (Partial Fulfillment)

Living waters is symbolic for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that gives people everlasting life. It fills them and pours out of them that it may bring life to others. Once a prophecy, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is one piece of the partial fulfillment of Sukkot. Jesus taught this and emphasized this on the great day of the feast of Tabernacles, when the second temple was still standing.

Isaiah 44:3-4 KJV - "3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses."

Proverbs 10:11 KJV - "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."

Joel 2:28-29 KJV - "28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

John 4:9-15 KJV – “9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

John 7:2, 14, 37-39 KJV - "2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. ... 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. ... 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

Isaiah 12:2-3 KJV - "2 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. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

The Light of Life

Light of the Temple

THE TABERNACLE

During the time of Moses, when the tabernacle was standing, the holy places were surrounded by an inner court, also known as the court of the priests, or the court of the Israelites. When Moses finished all that was commanded of him in building the tabernacle, the glory of God filled it. The brightness of the glory was one of the reasons why Moses couldn't enter in:

Exodus 40:33-35 KJV - "33 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

View Tabernacle Layout

​​THE FIRST TEMPLE

​The first temple was built with an additional court. Surrounding the holy places was the inner court for the priests, and surrounding the inner court was the outer court where people came to worship. When Solomon finished construction and dedicated the temple to God, God's glory filled the temple and the brightness of the glory was one of the reasons why the priests could not enter or minister:

1 Kings 8:10-11 KJV - "10 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD." (also 2 Chronicles 5:14, 7:1-2)

View First Temple Layout

The only other occurrence of God's glory filling the temple is in the visions of Ezekiel and John:

Ezekiel 10:4 KJV - "Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory." (see also Ezekiel 43:5, 44:4)

Revelation 15:8 KJV - "And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."

THE SECOND TEMPLE

​The second temple was built with a third court known as the middle court, the lower court, and the court of the women. The middle court was attached to the East side of the inner court by fifteen steps and a gateway. The outer court surrounded them all. The middle court is where the four candelabrums stood. The light that they emitted when lit transcended the temple courts; lighting all of Jerusalem. During Sukkot, this light ushered in a lively night as people celebrated the provisions and blessings of God. There are no biblical accounts of the glory of God filling the second temple. As many pagan practices took place in the second temple, the artificial light was all they had. 

View Second Temple Layout

Light of the World (Partial Fulfillment)

The morning after the last day of the feast of Sukkot, when the candelabrums were no longer being lit, Jesus returned to the temple and taught the people that he was the light of the world.

John 8:2, 12, 20, 51 KJV - "2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. ... 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ... 20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. ... 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

John 9:1-5 KJV - "1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

John 12:46 KJV - "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

John 1:1, 4-14, 17 KJV - "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

Luke 1:78-79 KJV - "78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

​Isaiah 9:2 KJV - "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

Luke 2:30-32 KJV - "30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

The light was understood to be symbolic for the law. Jesus proclaimed the spiritual law was the way of eternal life. 

Proverbs 6:23 KJV - "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:"

Isaiah 2:5 KJV - "O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD."

Isaiah 8:20 KJV - "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

Romans 7:14 KJV - "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."

1 Corinthians 9:21 KJV - "To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law."

Galatians 6:2 KJV - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

1 John 1:7 KJV - "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

John 8:12, 51 KJV - "12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. ... 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

John 11:9-10 KJV - "9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him."

John 12:35-36, 46 KJV - "35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. ... 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

1 John 2:10-11 KJV - "10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."

Romans 13:12 KJV - "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

Traditional Observance

Judaic Observance

DAYS OF JOY

 The 10 days of awe are followed by the days of joy; starting 11 Tishrei. Sukkot is anticipated year round with the joy and hope of blessings it brings.

​PILGRIMAGE

​Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage feasts where Hebrew people living in other nations make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to meet with God and celebrate. Anyone who did not already come to Jerusalem for Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur would make their journey for Sukkot.  

DAYS OF PREPARATION

​On 11 Tishrei, sukkah construction begins along with decorating, and meal preparations.

Observers also purchase their lulavim; which, by tradition, consists of a lulav (date palm branch), a hadass (myrtle branch), an aravah (willow branch),

and an etrog (citron fruit). 

The four species are collected and the branches are bound together. The bound branches are collectively referred to as the lulav.

In accordance to the command in Leviticus 23:40, both the lulav and the

etrog are used for rejoicing.

SUKKAH CELEBRATION

​The first day of Sukkot is a holy convocation. It is a day of celebration and no work. The day starts in the evening, in the sukkah. Several blessings are recited, scriptures are read, songs are sung, and the lulav is waved:

 A blessing is recited for the holiday Shabbat candles as they are being lit:

Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat v'shel yom tov."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat and of the holiday."

A blessing is recited for thanksgiving:

Shehechehyanu Blessing

"Baruch atah, Adonai eloheinu melech haolam shehechehyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu laz'man hazeh."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has kept us alive and brought us to this season."

​A blessing is recited for dwelling in the sukkah:

Sukkah Blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu lee'shev ba'sukkah."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah."

A blessing is recited over the fruit of the vine and everyone drinks from their cup:

Kiddush Blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam borei pri hagafen."

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine."

​A blessing is recited over the challah bread and everyone eats their bread after dipping it in honey:

Challah Bread Blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam hamotzi lechem min haaretz." 

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth."

Chol HaMoed ("mundane of the festival") are the intermittent weekdays of the festival, which are non-Sabbath days. During Chol HaMoed, blessings are recited over the lulav and the lulav (including the citron) is waved in six directions (front, back, left, right, up, down):

Lulav Blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech haolam asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al netilat lulav"

"Blessed are you Lord our God King of the universe who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to take up the lulav"

(Waving the lulav and citron in six directions is not found in scripture and it is unknown as to when the custom started, yet it is waved with joy and thanksgiving and has garnered several symbolic meanings overtime, most notably, to send blessings out in all directions.) 

SUKKAH LIVING

The Sukkah is ready to live, eat, and sleep in it for the week. Families and friends would consume at least two meals together in the sukkah each day. According to Judaic custom, women, young children, and slaves are exempt from performing the sukkah mitzvah (law).

Observers reflect on God's salvation (a memorial of the exodus from Egypt), God's protection (as booths do not provide security), and God's blessings (as the light and rain penetrate the sukkah). Observers recognize that God is both the giver and sustainer of life.

SYNAGOGUE SERVICE

​PRE-SERVICE

​Sukkot observers will keep to the Sabbath law of not carrying anything and thus synagogue attendees may bring their lulav to the synagogue the day before the start of Sukkot.

​HALLEL & LULAVIM

During the Hallel portion of the synagogue service, Psalms 113-118 are sung. Attendees wave their lulav and etrog with joy as they sing.  

​TORAH READING

Portions of scripture relating to Sukkot are read from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Psalms, and Zechariah.

KOHELLET ("someone who convenes or addresses and assembly")

​The Greek rendering of the Hebrew word Kohellet is Ekkisiastis. For some synagogue services, it is customary to read portions from the book of Ecclesiastes for the purpose of focusing one's attention on the importance of spiritual matters versus temporal gains.

HOSHANOT

​This is the portion of service when Hoshana (“please save us”) is cried out. At the end of the service, poems are recited and God is called upon for salvation. It is also a plea for blessings of rain.

HAKKAFAH (“circling”)

 The Rabbi opens a replica ark and takes out a Torah scroll. While attendees carry their lulav and etrog, they follow the Rabbi in a circular procession once around the altar (pulpit), reciting psalms (i.e. Psalm 118:25), and making additional supplication to God for blessings.

​HOSHANA RABBAH (the “Great Please Save Us”)

​For most observers, the last day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah. Rabbah means “great” in Hebrew. Hoshana is a Greek word believed to have been formed from two Hebrew words: yasha, meaning “save or deliver”, or “bring salvation”, and anna, meaning “ah now! I/we beseech you!” Hoshana Rabbah is then understood to be a great plea for salvation.

On Hoshana Rabbah, the Hakkafah procession is made seven times around the altar while prayers are recited and the lulav is waved. Afterward, each person takes their aravah (willow branch) and strikes the ground with them; which is symbolic for the casting down of sin.

Added Judaic Beliefs & Practices

Those who follow Jewish Kabbalah believe that while judgment is set on Yom Kippur, verdicts will not be carried out until after the feast of Sukkot.

Messianic Christian Observance

Generally, the average Christian does not observe this holiday. However, there are a large and steady growing number of believers who do. Those who do may decorate, build a sukkah, eat challah and traditional Sukkot foods, sing songs, and read from the scriptures relating to sukkot, as well as, recall and read God's promises, joy, fulfillment by Jesus (Yeshua) the messiah, and prophecy of the fulfillment to come. 

In Prophecy

There are several aspects of Sukkot that have yet to be fulfilled including, Hoshanot, Sukkot observance, judgment, blessings of rain, living waters, tabernacles, and the light of God's presence. Sukkot is prophesied in scripture to be fulfilled during Christ's return and in the new earth.

Hoshanot

There were several that saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the salvation to come; and though foretold in Psalms 118, which is read on Sukkot, Jesus yet prophesied that he would not return until he is acknowledged by the remnant that he is the one who saves. Hoshanot celebration will also take place in heaven by the multitudes who praise with palm branches in their hands.

Luke 13:35 KJV - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Matthew 23:39 KJV - "For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Psalm 118:14-29 KJV - "14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. 18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. 27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Matthew 21:8-9 KJV - "8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

Mark 11:8-10 KJV - "8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."

Revelation 7:9-10 KJV - "9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

Sukkot Observance, Judgment & Blessings of Rain

During Christ's reign, Sukkot will be kept and required. For those who go to Jerusalem to keep the feast, they will receive the blessing of rain. For those who don't there will be a plague of judgment.

Zechariah 14:9, 16-19 KJV - "9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. … 16 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. 17 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. 18 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. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles."

Living Waters

There will be judgment for those who forsake the living waters and a blessing of living waters will be given during Christ's reign on earth and in the new earth to come. 

Jeremiah 17:13 KJV - "O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters."

Zechariah 14:3-4, 8-9 KJV - "3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. ... 8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."

Revelation 7:17 KJV - "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

Tabernacles

The symbolism of provision, salvation, and protection that is portrayed by a tabernacle will be fulfilled during Christ's second coming.

Isaiah 33:20-22 KJV - "20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. 21 But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. 22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us."

Hosea 12:9 KJV - "And I that am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast."

Ezekiel 37:24-28 KJV - "24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. 27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore."

Revelation 21:2-3 KJV - "2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

Psalm 132:7 KJV - "We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool."

The Light of God's Presence

The light that once emanated from the temple will one day fill the world. The light of God's presence will emanate from the lamb and a portion shall shine forth from the glory that God gives to the wise and righteous.

Numbers 14:21 KJV - "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD."

Psalm 72:19 KJV - "And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen."

Isaiah 60:19-20 KJV - "19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

Revelation 22:5 KJV - "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

Revelation 21:23-25 KJV - "23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."

Colossians 3:4 KJV - "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Daniel 12:3 KJV - "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

Matthew 13:43 KJV - "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

There are many scriptures that carry the theme or terms of of Sukkot. (View)

TABERNACLE/TENTS/BOOTHS

​Numbers 24:4-7 KJV - "4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. 7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted."

Jonah 4:5-8 KJV - "5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. 7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. 8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live."

SHINE

Psalm 31:16 KJV - "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake."

Psalm 67:1 KJV - "[To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or Song.]] God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah."

Psalm 80:1, 3, 7, 19 KJV - "1 [To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph.] Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. ... 3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. ... 7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. ... 19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved."

Psalm 119:135 KJV - "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes."

Daniel 9:17 KJV - "Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake."

Matthew 5:16 KJV - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Isaiah 4:2-6 KJV - "2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. 5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."