Sukkot: The Feast of

Tabernacles
Lev 23:34 "On the fifteenth of this seventh
month is the Feast of Booths for seven days
to YHVH"
Deut 16:13 You shall celebrate the Feast
of Booths seven days after you have
gathered in [the ingathering, KJV] from
your threshing floor and your wine vat.
Sukkot, usually translated as
"Tabernacles," or the festival of "Booths,"
occurs for seven days, from Tishrei 15 to
21. This is a holiday of rejoicing and
celebration where the people are
commanded to build a hut [sukkah;
plural, sukkot) and make it their home
for the seven days. The Torah identifies
the sukkah (booth) with the temporary dwellings in which the Israelites
lived in the wilderness after they left Egypt on their way to the Promised
Land (Lev 23:42).

From Yom Kippur to Sukkot

This time, period reminds us of the construction of YHVH's sukkah, the
mishkan, the sanctuary in the desert (Ex 25:8-9). After Moses had
ascended Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights to receive the second set of
tablets, he relayed YHVH's instructions for building the mishkan or
Tabernacle. This was after the Golden Calf event where many Israelites
died because of false worship. Yom Kippur is associated with this somber
time of disobedience and judgement, but Sukkot represents YHVHs
second chance, extending His forgiveness to His people, reissuing His
Commandments and re-establishing His Covenant with His people. During
the time of Sukkot, YHVH commanded that the Torah be read in the midst
of the people and that signifies the receiving of the Commandments and
the celebration of His grace and forgiveness, having access to His Word
after His Commandments were broken.
Q - Why was the mishkan or Tabernacle built?
The Torah says, "Let them make Me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell among
them" (Ex 25:8); to establish the relationship between YHVH and Israel,
YHVH would dwell amidst the people. YHVHs desire is to dwell with His
people and His forgiveness, and His Commandments are given to man to
allow them to enter into His presence, in the Sanctuary that was built to

house His Glory Spiritually speaking, this physical tabernacle was given by
YHVH to teach and instruct us that He desires to live and dwell with His
people by means of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) (1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor
6:1).

Different Names for the Festival of Sukkot

Abstracts from an article by Eddie Chumney

1. THE FEAST OF JOY

The Feast of Tabernacles completes the sacred
Festivals of the seventh month. In contrast to the
sombre tone of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), the ten
Days of Awe that led to the Day of Atonement (Yom
Kippur), the third feast of Tishrei (Sukkot) was a
time of joy. Israel had passed through the season
of repentance and redemption.
Sukkot is called the "Season of Our Joy." One reason Sukkot was a time of
joy was that after the season of repentance and the redemption of Yom
Kippur, came the joy of knowing your sins were forgiven and the joy of
walking with YHVH, knowing Him, and being obedient to Him. Historically,
Sukkot commemorates the days in the wilderness of Sinai after coming
out of Egypt (Bondage).
According to all natural laws, the Israelites should have perished, but
were instead divinely protected by YHVH. Prophetically, Sukkot is the
festival that teaches on the Messianic Future Kingdom and the joy of that
Kingdom, where YHVH will Tabernacle with us forever. The joy of Sukkot
was so great that it became known as "The Feast."

2. THE FESTIVAL OF INGATHERING

Like the other pilgrimage festivals, Sukkot has an agricultural element.
It marks the time of the harvest, the final ingathering of produce
before the oncoming winter. Hence, it is also called Hag
HaAsif, the Festival of Ingathering. As it is written,
"You shall celebrate the Festival of In-gathering,

at the end of the year, when you gather in your

labours out of the field" (Ex 23:16). Sukkot is

the time when the produce of the field,

orchard, and vineyard is gathered in. The
storehouses, threshing floors, and wine and olive presses
are full to capacity. Weeks and months of toil and sweat put into the soil
have finally been rewarded. The farmer feels happy and elated. No
wonder Sukkot is "The Season of Rejoicing."

3. THE FEAST OF THE NATIONS

Another name for the Feast of Sukkot is the Feast of
the Nations. The future observance of Sukkot by the
nations of the world rests upon Israel's task and
mission. This was the original plan of YHVH, that
reaches back to the covenant with Abraham, to use
Israel to reach the nations so that all families of the
earth will be blessed (Gen 12:3). From Abraham,
YHVH would raise up a people, Israel, to be a blessing to the nations. That
promise was fulfilled through Yshua the Messiah, as stated in Gal 3:8-29.
Sukkot will be celebrated by all the nations on earth after the Second
Coming of Messiah (Zec 14:16-18).

And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all

the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up
from year to year to worship the King, the YHVH of
hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it
shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do
not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, YHVH of
hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of
Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall
have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which
YHVH strikes the nations who do not come up to keep
the Feast of Tabernacles.
Sukkot is a picture of the Messianic Kingdom (thousand-year reign of the
Messiah) as the joy, and Sukkot, being the seventh Festival, connects it to
the seventh Millennium as well as the Sabbath, where we as Believers in
Messiah will enter into His Rest (Heb 4:10-11). Although YHVH is
concerned for the universal redemption of the nations, those nations who
do not turn to YHVH will be judged, as stated in Zec 14, not receiving any
rain (Zec 14:1-9,16-18), or the rain will destroy them and be a curse
upon them (Ez 38:22-23). This is why the traditional Scripture reading for
the second day of Sukkot is Zechariah 14 and Ez 38:14 to 39:16.

4. THE FEAST OF DEDICATION

King Solomon dedicated the Temple (Beit
HaMikdash) during Sukkot. This festival is also
called the Feast of Dedication. It was celebrated
after the Babylonian (sin & pagan customs)
captivity (Ezra 3:1-4).

1Ki 3:1 And Solomon joined in marriage with

Pharaoh King of Egypt, and took the daughter of
Pharaoh, and brought her to the City of David until he had completed
building his own house, and the House of YHVH, and the wall all around
Jerusalem.
This is a beautiful picture of the King (Yshua) marrying the bride (Jews &
Gentiles) of Egypt (bound up in captivity), and lived with Him in (New)
Jerusalem.

5. THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (THE LIGHT OF THE TEMPLE)

Another ceremony of the Feast of Sukkot was the
illumination of the Temple. According to the
Mishnah, at the end of the first day of the Feast of
Sukkot, the priests and the Levites went down to
the court of the women. Four huge golden
Menorahs were set up on the court (50 cubits
high) with four golden bowls placed upon them
and four ladders resting against each candlestick.
Four youths of priestly descent stood at the top of
the ladders holding jars containing about 7.5
gallons of pure oil, which they poured for each
bowl. The priests and Levites used their own worn-out priestly garments
for wicks. The light emanating from the four Menorahs was so bright that
the Mishnah states that, no other time was the courtyard in Jerusalem lit
up, like on the days of the light of the water libation ceremony. This was
accompanied with singing and torch dances.
Spiritual Application: Spiritually speaking, the light represented the
shekinah glory that once filled the temple where YHVHs presence that
dwelt in the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 8:10-11; Ez 43:5). During this
time, the temple was thought of as "the light of the world." In the
brilliance of this gloriously lit temple, Yshua cried in John 8:12 that He
was "the light of the world."

Ushpizin Seven Guests

As part of Hachnasat Orechim, the mitzvah of hospitality, there is a
custom of inviting ushpizin, symbolic guests, one guest for each day, to
join the family in the Sukkah. These honorary guests are Abraham, Isaac,
Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and King David. One is invited each day.
Let's look at each one of the guests and find their significance.

1. ABRAHAM - PROMISE
Abraham is known to be one of YHVHs chosen that
was very hospitable. When the three men visited him
on their way to Sodom, he offered them his best and
treated them with high regard. Abrahams generosity
allowed him to intercede for the people prior to the
destruction of Sodom. Abraham referred to himself as
a servant. The word here for servant is ebed
meaning bondservant. This is a well-known term used
by Paul and the disciples referring to themselves as bondservants of
Yshua.

2. ISAAC - COVENANT
Isaacs life represented the Lamb of YHVH when Abraham took
him to be sacrificed on the command of YHVH. This gives us
insight into understanding what must have gone through
Abraham and Isaacs minds when he was obeying the terrifying
thing YHVH asked him to do. This also shows us to be obedient
to YHVHs statutes and instructions, even if we do not
understand the logic behind it.
Isaacs life began as the son of a believing father called
Abraham. Isaacs life was not that impressive where we can see
good examples and values for personal application, but it was
what happened to him is very significant. He was the object of His
fathers character and faith, and this is where we find the hidden wisdom.
Isaacss life represents the Lamb of Elohim, where Abraham took Isaac to
the mountain to be sacrificed. He obeyed the command of YHVH, and this
is the faith Paul was talking about; faith that resulted in action that
declared Abraham as being righteous.
In the same way YHVH used Yshua as the object of the Fathers heart
and character expressed through Yshuas life. Just as Isaac submitted
under his fathers instruction, so Yshua was obedient unto death,
following His Fathers instructions and it was the obedience of Yshua that
led to life and His example shows us what it means to be a bondservant of
YHVH, following Him unto death. Isaac is the symbol of the Covenant the
Father made with man through His Son, Yshua.

3. JACOB ISRAELS MARRIAGE

Jacob means heel catcher or schemer or one that
overthrows something. He stayed with his uncle Laban
who gave Jacob his daughter Leah first, instead of
Rachel, and he had to work seven additional years to
get his beloved bride. YHVH married Israel at Sinai
(Leah) the first time, and He will come again to marry
His Beloved Bride (Rachael) at the Second Coming.
Jacob is known to be the father of the nation of Israel, and His name was
changed from Jacob to Israel when he wrestled with YHVH. The word
Israel is made up of five consonants. YiSeRa'eL The last syllable 'el is the
short form of Elohim and is translated as God in the English Bible. The
first two syllables from the Hebrew word, comes from yashar that
means straight. This leads many linguists to see the people Israel as
those who are God's upright or righteous people. Jacob depicts the
fulfilment of the Covenant and promises mad to Abraham through the
Marriage of Israel, the righteous people of Elohim.

4. MOSES - FOUNDATION
Moses life has to do with water. His name has the letter mem m that
means water and his name means drawing out of water. He lead the
Israelites through the water (Red Sea), they were cleansed with water for
three days before they received the Ten Commandments, the Word or

cleansing water of YHVH. Moses hit the rock it gave water to the people
in the wilderness.

D[N
His Name
Mem = Water
Moses = Drawn from
the water

D[N

Drawn
from the
water

Crossed
through the
water

Cleansing
with water

Rock
giving
water

moshe or Moses means drawing out of water. If read his name

M[D , it reads HaShem the Name of YHVH,

associated with the two judgements of YHVH; water (mem - M) and fire
(shin -[).
from left-to-right,

Moses is associated with the Torah or Instructions, that were given by

YHVH to man, and is the righteous standard He will judge the world with.
Moses was the prominent figure YHVH used to reveal His Torah to
mankind.
Law or Torah

hrvt

is a feminine word (ending on a hey and thus

a response from the Bride. It comes from the verbal root yarah that
means, to flow as water or to rain, that fits the season of this Feast.
It also means to throw, shoot an arrow, cast, pour, to point
out, to direct and to teach.
Sin means to miss the mark, and this shows us that we need the
Torah to help us to aim accurately and hit the target every time. The
Torah being water flowing down and rain falling down, is a symbol of
humility and you will only receive this Living Water, if you humble
yourself and submit under the One Who is the Source from Whom the
water flows.
Moses life show is a picture of Messiah, the first aspects of His Work,
laying the foundation of His Truth in this world as part of His re-creation
process.

5. AARON LIFE GIVER

aharon This is the name of Aaron, the

brother of Moses and the High Priest of Israel when

they journeyed through the Wilderness. Aarons
name is similar to the word for Ark, when you
remove the Hey.
Ark is the word 'aron

means chest and

comes from a verbal root 'arah that means "gathering". In context

here it will be the container or gathering place for the testimony or the
Word and Commandments of YHVH. Aaron's name is exactly the same
spelling as the "Ark" exept for the "Hey "

being added. Hey means

light and also represents YHVH's Spirit or Ruach (sound of breath) that
gave life to what was contained inside the Ark of the Covenant. The
"life" is in the High Priest (Aaron), Who becomes the life giver, giving
His Commandments and His Spirit to humanity. This High Priest is
none other than Y'shua the Messiah through Whom we receive the
essence and spark of life through His Spirit and His Torah (Word).

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

6. JOSEPH SPIRIT OF THE SHEPHERD

SQEI means added. The last part

(physical) SQ means tall. YHVH used Joseph to
Joseph

add people to Him and Josephs life was standing

out, or standing tall as a sign or a banner to all
nations that will be added to the Covenant people
of YHVH. Joseph was rejected by his own people, and
his life is the sign to all of Israel, what YHVH
intended to do through the One Who represented
prophetically. This is revealed through His First Coming of Messiah
where He was the Messenger Who brought the Truth, cleansing His Word
from man-made customs. This is illustrated in a beautiful word picture:
Truth is the word emeth

ZN@ that consists of a Aleph Tav - Z@

and a mem in the middle. The Aleph-Tav is another name for

Messiah (Alpha Omega in Greek) and from His innermost being flows
living water, symbolised by the letter mem
the end

N . He is the beginning and

Z@, and He is the Truth or Word of YHVH manifested in the

flesh. Josephs life depicts the Spirit of the Shepherd that will go out to
all nations to gather those from the streets to partake in the marriage
Feast because the guests have declined the invitation because they
rejected the Groom. Matt 22:9-11.

7. DAVID KING MESSIAH YSHUA

In John 7: 37-53, Yshua went to the Temple on
the seventh day of the feast Yshua cried out that
He is the living water:

Joh 7:37-39,42 And in the last day of the great

feast, Yshua stood and cried out, saying, If
anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38
He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said,
"Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." 39 (But He spoke
this about the Spirit, which they who believed on Him should receive;
for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Yshua was not yet
glorified.) 42 Has the Scripture not said that Messiah comes from the
seed of David and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
King Davids life is also an example and picture of the Messiah. He started
out as a humble Sheppard, chose by YHVH to become a king one day, and
he stayed a Sheppard till the right time came up. He was known to be a
man that seeks the will of YHVH. King Davids life is also a prophetic
foreshadow of the King to come, and this King will rule forever.
In Conclusion: What is fascinating, is that Yshua, in John 7, spoke to
the people on the fourth day and the seventh day of the feast of Sukkot.
This is linked to His first coming, that happened between the 4th and 5th
millennium, corresponding with Moses and Aaron, (the Word & High Priest
Life Giver). Then the seventh day of the Feast corresponds with His
second coming, which will be in the beginning of the seventh millennium,
where He will come as King of Israel, symbolised by King David. This is in
line with Yshua being as Melchizedek, the Priest of YHVH (first coming)
and King of Salem (Peace) (second coming).

The Four Species Fruits Arba Minim

The Four Species were referred to as the Lulav and
found as a commandment is Lev 23:

Lev 23:40 Now on the first day (of the Feast of

Tabernacles) you shall take for yourselves (Heb. pri etz hadar) the fruit of beautiful trees, palm
branches, and boughs of braided (Myrtle) trees
and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice
before YHVH your Elohim for seven days
The phrase, you shall take for yourself , gives a
common understanding that each person was to have (make) their own
Lulav to rejoice with.
Practical Application As part of the Feast of Ingathering, palm
branches, myrtle branches, and willow branches are collected and held
in the right hand (Lev 23:40). A fourth entity, the etrog, representing
the Gentiles or non-Jewish believers, is also gathered. Each one of
these four objects represents one of four species or types of people in
the Kingdom of YHVH. They are distinct and categorised by two
attributes; taste and fragrance.

We will now look at these four species and see what each one of them
represent:

1. ETROG TASTE & SCENT - BRIDE

The Etrog is a citrus fruit that grows on a broadleaf evergreen
tree. It is known for its taste and fragrance; other fruits
fall from their trees in one season after ripening; the
Etrog continues to hold on more tightly, it dwells on
the tree, taking years to ripen and bear fruit during
several years. There are fruit at various stages of
ripening that hangs on a tree at one time, each fruit
ripening in its own season. This shows a mature Believer that is
at different stages in different areas in his/her life. The Etrog has both
flavour and fragrance, like one who is both learned and observant of the
mitzvoth/Commandments, who bear fruit and attract others with their
fragrance of peace, love, joy, patience, kindness and goodness.

2. DATE PALM TASTE BUT NO SCENT

The Date Palm Frond represents the Date, which
has a taste but no smell. It is likened to one
who is learned in the Torah, apply it and bear
fruit, but lack people skills and the fruit of the
Spirit of YHVH to convey the Truth to others
effectively. This fruit typically represents Jewish
believers who have the foundation of the Word
but do not have the Spirit of YHVH.

3. THE MYRTLE SCENT BUT NO FRUIT/TASTE

A Myrtle (hadasim) has a pleasant odour but has
no fruit, and it is like one who has little Torah
but lives out a life of love and peace and grace.
This typically represents believers in Messiah
who follow the Commandment to love but rejects
the rest of the Torah. They frequently bear the
Fruit of the Spirit, and this fragrance is evident in
their lives.

4. THE WILLOW NO TASTE AND NO SCENT NON-OBSERVANT ISRAEL

Finally, the Willow (aravot) lacks both fragrance
and fruit, just like one who neither studies the
Torah nor keeps the mitzvoth/commandments
and lacks the Fruit of the Spirit of YHVH. These
are the people who are born into Israel but they
are not observant of YHVHs Torah or His
fragrance of His Spirit and Life in their lives.
At Sukkot we bind all of these species together to emphasise that all who
are Israel are united and interdependent. Within the family called Israel,
you will find people who have a beautiful scent as well as tasty fruit, right
down to people who know about YHVH but do not follow His
Commandments or adhere to His Spirit. YHVH has put us all together so
that those who lack something so that they may be elevated to bearing

fruit and having and a lovely fragrance. You will find these four types of
people within a Fellowship and you must have room and understanding for
each other so that you may learn from one another and grow up into the
Image YHVH wants us all to be.

The Water Pouring Ceremony

Simchat Beit HaShoevah, the rejoicing in the house of the
water pouring, is a ceremony included in the temple
services not mentioned in the Torah, but given in the
Mishnah. The water pouring became a focus of the joy
that the Torah commands for Sukkot. On no other festival
where the people commanded to be joyful, and as a
result Sukkot became known as "the season of our joy,"
just as Passover is "the season of our freedom" and
Shavout (Pentecost) is "the season of the giving of the
Torah."
It is written in the Mishah, that the ritual became elaborated into a
colorful and joyous, even riotous, celebration called Simchat Beit
HaShoevah, "the rejoicing at the house of the water-drawing." This
ceremony took place every day except for the first festival day of Sukkot.
The Talmud (in Sukkah 5:1a-b) describes this ceremony in detail,
including a portrait of venerable sages juggling lighted torches and
performing somersaults as part of the celebration. The Talmud states, "He
who has not seen the rejoicing at the place of the water-drawing has
never seen rejoicing in his life." So, the water pouring ceremony became
the occasion for an outpouring of intense joy.
The name of this ceremony is called the Drawing Out of Water because
of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, according to what is said: With joy
shall ye draw out of the wells of salvation.

Isa 12:2-3 Behold, Elohim is my salvation (Yshua), I will trust and

not be afraid; for YHVH Elohim is my strength and song, and He has
become my salvation (Yshua). Therefore you will joyously draw water
From the springs of salvation (Yshua).
On each of the seven days of Sukkot, the High Priest took a golden
pitcher and filled it with water drawn from the Pool of Siloam. It was
brought into the Temple through the Water Gate (hence the name), and
poured into a bowl at the Altar, alongside the pouring of the wine,
during the daily burnt-offering. (Sukkah 4:9).

10

Detail of the Ceremony: The sequence of the

water ceremony involved a single priest being
dispatched from the temple down to the Pool of
Siloam. Siloam means, "sent." The priest was "sent"
from heaven (the temple mount) down to Siloam,
the lowest part of Jerusalem (the earth). This point
to Yshua Who was sent from heaven and died for
us. He was sent down with a golden pitcher to draw
water from the pool. This water was called "Yshua"
which means salvation. (This is the real Hebrew
name for Jesus). The priest would then ascend back
up to the temple with the sound of a flute and joy.
The flute was called the pierced one which points to Yshuas
crucifixion. The prophet Isaiah wrote these words explaining the
meaning of Yshuas Name (YHVH is my salvation) and this water
ceremony.
As the priest with the water entered the court of Israel, the silver
trumpets were sounded to focus everyones attention on the event. The
priest and a companion (priest) walk up the ramp of the altar and
position themselves at the top of the altar at the southwestern corner.
The first priest carried the gold pitcher with the water; the second
priest carries a silver pitcher with wine. Two funnel goblets were set at
the edge of the altar with the drain spout letting the fluid flow down the
side of the altar. One funnel was for the water; the other funnel was for
the wine. In a synchronous manner, the priests poured out their
pitchers into the corresponding funnels. Beginning low and slow, the
priest raised up the pitchers keeping aim on the funnels. This is done so
all may see the "outpouring." Those witnessing the ceremony observed
the parallel streams on the side of the altar of water and wine.

Pro 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has
gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His
garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His
name or His Son's name? Surely you know!

FULFILMENT OF THE CEREMONY - YSHUAS DEATH

When Yshua died,
water and blood came
from His side, and He
fulfilled this prophetic
action of the Water
Pouring Ceremony and
the symbolism of the
Feast of Sukkot that
links back to the Feast
of Passover, representing Yshua as the Lamb of YHVH that was
slain for us. When blood and water flowed from the body of
Yshua, and it matched the witness of the water pouring
ceremony where water and wine were poured. It symbolised
Elohims redemption (the blood/wine) in parallel with the water
(the outpouring of the Spirit/Word).

11

The water and wine were poured on the western side of the altar during
this ceremony. The blood of animal sacrifices was always sprinkled on
the eastern side of the Ark (for Israel), and the west side was not used.
(West = nations). It is believed when Yshua died, that His blood fell on
the western side of the Ark. The blood and water that poured from His
side fell through a crack in the rock, onto the West side of the Mercy
Seat. This shows that this water pouring ceremony was prophetically
fulfilled by the blood of Messiah that was poured out for the nations
(West).
Blood and water flowed from Yshuas side, and that represent
Him as the Lamb and as the Word (water). Believing in and
following Yshua consists of two choices you have to make; the
first option is to choose Him as your Master and Saviour, and the
second choice you have to make is to seek the Will of the Father,
that is contained in His Word. You need both to have Salvation
(Yshua).

Joh 19:31-35 The Jews therefore, because it was the day of

preparation, so that the bodies should not remain on the cross
on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate
that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken
away. The soldiers therefore came, and broke the legs of the
first man, and of the other man who was crucified with Him;
but coming to Yshua, when they saw that He was already
dead, they did not break His legs; but one of the soldiers
pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out
blood and water. And he who has seen has borne witness, and
his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so
that you also may believe.

FULFILMENT OF THE CEREMONY OUTPOURING OF YHVHS

SPIRIT:
During the time of Yshua, the
Feast of Sukkot set a
magnificent stage for the
preaching of the Messiah.
Rain is essential to the
growing of crops and Israel,
an arid land, prizes rain
greatly as a blessing from
YHVH. Rain was a prominent
feature in the celebration of the Feast of Sukkot. The ceremony of the
water drawing held a significance much deeper than its agricultural
implications. The rain represented the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh)
and the water drawing pointed to that day when, according to the
prophet Joel, YHVH would rain His Spirit upon (all flesh) (Joel2:28-29).
The connection of water to this verse is YHVH pouring out His Spirit. In
the Talmud we read, "Why is the name of it called the drawing out of
water?

12

Because of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, according to what is said,
'With joy shall ye draw out of the wells of salvation'" (Is 12:3). Sukkot
was given by YHVH to teach us of the Messianic era, the Millennium,
when the earth will experience the greatest outpouring of YHVH's Spirit.
The essence of the Water Pouring Ceremony was fulfilled by the
outpouring of YHVHs Spirit during the next cycle of the Festivals, on
the Feast of Shavuot or Pentecost after Yshuas resurrection and
ascension. Shavuot is the Feast where Israel celebrates the receiving of
the Will of the Father (Torah), symbolised through the receiving of
the Commandments at Mount Sinai.
Shavuot (Pentecost) was fulfilled by the giving of YHVHs Spirit, the
Spirit of Truth, Who will help you to live a Holy life (Holy Spirit). His
Spirit will open your eyes so that you will be able to discern truth from
a lie, doctrine from deception and blessings from curses. This fulfilment
of Shavuot is also the fulfilment of the Water Pouring ceremony, the
season of intense joy and celebration.

Joh 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast
(7th Day of Sukkot Hosana Rabbah), Yshua stood and cried
out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and
drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his
innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." But this He
spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to
receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Yshua was
not yet glorified.

The Seventh Day of the Feast

Hoshana Rabbah (The Great Salvation) literally, the great
hosanna or the numerous hosannas) is the seventh day of
Sukkot. Hoshana Rabbah should have been a full festival day,
but is not because of Shemini Atzeret (8th day), which follows it.
However, it has some special rituals and customs that make the
day more like a full festival day than any of the intermediate
days. The most important of these (ceremonies) are:
1. The circling of the altar seven times instead of once while
carrying the four species and reciting the Hoshana prayers.
2. The beating of the willows.
Messianic Understanding: At this season of Sukkot, Is 12:3
was often quoted, as it is written, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw
water out of the wells of salvation." Yshua in Hebrew means "salvation."
The drama of the water drawing ceremony took on a new dimension of
meaning when Yshua attended the Feast of Sukkot. On the seventh
day of the feast, Hoshana Rabbah, which literally means "the great
hosanna, the great salvation," the festival activities were different from
those of each of the six previous days when the priests circled the altar
in a procession, singing Ps 118:25. On the seventh day of the feast, the
people circled the altar seven times.

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That is why the day is called Hoshanah Rabbah, as the cry, "Save now!"
was repeated seven times. Yshua's statement in John 7:37-39 was said
on Hoshana Rabbah.

John 7:37-38, Yshua said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me,
and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his
belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Spiritual Application. Spiritually speaking, in the Bible, there is a link
between water and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh).
Yshua told the woman at the well to drink of living water (John 4:7-14;
6:35; Matt 5:6). This relationship between water and the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit is contained in the symbolism of pouring out water. Is 44:3
links the pouring out of wate, with the pouring out of YHVH's Spirit. Isaiah
parallels the thirsty land and links water with the Holy Spirit.
At the ceremony of the water drawing, the people's attention was focused
on the pool of Siloam. It was here that Yshua healed a man who had
been blind from birth (John 9:1-7). The blindness of the man reflected on
that generations spiritual blindness and the blindness of the leaders.
Yshua was the One that could see that try to tell the blind people that
there is light that can be seen if only they would receive spiritual healing
for their blindness. Notice again the statement in John 9:5.

The Eighth Day of the Feast

Shemini Atzeret functions as the conclusion of
Sukkot, but it is also celebrated as a separate
Festival. Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, also
called the eighth day, the rejoicing in the Torah.
This day the Torah cycle ended for the year and the
Torah was rolled back. It takes about 45 minutes to
roll it back and the last part of Deuteronomy was
read as well as the first part of Genesis, giving the
cycle a complete circle. The thought of the day
would be according to these two pieces of scripture read; in the eyes of
all Israelin the beginning YHVH created the heavens and the earth This
has a spiritual lesson for us as His righteous people to be available for
Him to create through us other peoples lives so that they can also become
righteous.

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The Birth of Yshua During Sukkot by Eddie Chumney

The Scriptures seem to indicate to us that
Yshua was born during the festival season of
Sukkot. Let's look for some evidence of this in
the Bible.
In Luke 1:5, Zacharias is a priest of the
division of Abijah. What does this mean?
Israel was divided into 24 districts at the time
of Yshua. Each of these districts sent two
representatives to officiate at the temple
during the weeks of the year. In First Chr 24,
the first division of the priests would serve in
the first week of the year, which would be both in the month of Nisan and
the month of Tishrei since both months begin the new year. As we saw
earlier in this book, Nisan is the first month in the religious calendar set
up by YHVH in Ex 12:2 and Tishrei is the first month of the year according
to the civil calendar.
During the third week in the month of Nisan, the priests from all 24
districts would come to the temple to help during the week of Passover
(Pesach). This would also be the case for the festival of Pentecost
(Shavuot) and for the festival of Sukkot when all males were required to
go to Jerusalem as specified by YHVH in Deut 16:16. In First Chr 24:10,
we see that Abijah was the eighth division or course of priests. The course
of Abijah would minister during the tenth week of the year. Remember,
the weeks of Passover and Shavuot would not be counted because all the
priests were required to go to Jerusalem then.
In Luke 1:9-10, we see that Zacharias is burning incense. This is done in
the room of the temple known as the Holy Place. As the incense (which
represents the prayers of YHVH's people [Ps 141:2; Rev 8:3-4]) is being
burned by the priests in the temple, 18 special prayers are prayed. These
18 prayers would be prayed every day in the temple. One of these prayers
is that Elijah would come. This is important because it was understood by
the people, as YHVH established, that Elijah would precede the coming of
the Messiah as stated in Mal 4:5.
These 18 special prayers would be prayed twice a day, once in the
morning and once in the afternoon. In Luke 1:11-13, the angel appeared
on the right side of the altar and told Zacharias that his prayer was heard
and John the Baptist would be born. John the Baptist was not literally
Elijah, but was of the spirit of power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).
Allowing two weeks for the laws of separation that YHVH commanded in
Lev 12:5; 15:19,24-25 after going back to the house (Luke 1:23) and
then going forward nine months (Sivan [tenth week] + 2 weeks + 9
months) puts the birth of John during the festival of Passover (Pesach).
This is an extremely important point because during the service for
Passover, which is called the Passover Seder, the people are instructed by
YHVH to go to the door during one part of the service and look for Elijah
while the Passover meal is eaten. The cup is called the cup of Elijah.

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The understanding of Elijah preceding the coming of the Messiah was the
basis for the question in Matt 17:10-13. In Luke 1:26 during the sixth
month of Elisabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. This
should have been around the twenty-fifth of Kislev, otherwise known as
Chanukah. During the time of the first century, Chanukah was known as
the second Sukkot. During the time of Chanukah, all of the Sukkot
prayers are prayed once again. Mary's dialogue with the angel Gabriel is
found in the Sukkot liturgy today. If you calculate from the twenty-fifth of
Kislev and add eight days for the festival of Chanukah plus nine months
for Mary's pregnancy, this will bring you around the time of the festival of
Sukkot, or Tishrei 15. On Tishrei 22, known as Shemini Atzeret or the
eighth day, Yshua was circumcised (Luke 2:22-23; Lev 12:1-3).
As we have stated earlier in this chapter, the Feast of Sukkot is called
"the season of our joy" and "the feast of the nations." With this in mind, in
Luke 2:10 it is written, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings [basar in Hebrew; otherwise known as
the gospel] of great joy [Sukkot is called the 'season of our joy'], which
shall be to all people [Sukkot is called 'the feast of the nations']." So, we
can see from this that the terminology the angel used to announce the
birth of Yshua were themes and messages associated with the Feast of
Sukkot.
In Luke 2:12, the babe (Yshua) was wrapped in swaddling cloths and
lying in a manger. The swaddling cloths were also used as wicks to light
the 16 vats of oil within the court of the women during the festival of
Sukkot. So, swaddling cloths are associated with the festival of Sukkot.
Notice also in Luke 2:12 that the baby Yshua was laid in a manger.
The word manger is the Greek word phatn'e. It is the same word
translated as "stall" in Luke 13:15. By seeing how the word is used in
Luke 13:15, we can see that the Greek word phatn'e means a place for
hitching cattle. The Hebrew word for stall is marbek, which can be found
in Amos 6:4 and Mal 4:2. In Gen 33:17 it is written that Jacob journeyed
to Sukkoth and made booths for his cattle. So we can see from these
passages how the word booth (sukkah or sukkot) was used by Jacob for
his cattle in Gen 33:17, and how the Greek word for manger or "stall,"
phatn'e, was also used to refer to hitching cattle in Luke 13:15. Phatn'e is
the same word translated as "manger" in Luke 2:12, where Yshua was
laid at the time of His birth.
During the Feast of Sukkot, YHVH required that all male Jews come to
Jerusalem (Deut 16:16). For this reason, the city would be overcrowded
with people and would explain why Mary and Joseph could not find lodging
in and around Jerusalem (Luke 2:7). Bethlehem, the place where Yshua
was born, is only about four miles from Jerusalem.
The last evidence I will give for the birth of Yshua during Sukkot
according to the Scriptures is in Matt 2:1. There we see that wise men
come from the East to visit Yshua. The land of the East is Babylon, where
the largest Jewish population was at the time of the birth of Yshua. These
Jews were descendants from the captivity when King Nebuchadnezzar
defeated Israel and took the Jews to Babylon to serve him. Babylon is
referred to as the land of the East in Gen 29:1 and Judges 6:3. The wise
men in Matt 2:1 were rabbis. The rabbis, also called sages, are known in

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Hebrew as chakamim, which means wise men. The word in Matt 2:1 in
Greek is magos, which is translated into English as "Magi." Magos in Greek
is the Hebrew word ravmag. Ravmag comes from the Hebrew word rav,
which means "rabbi." It should also be noted that the Greek word magos
can also mean scientist, counselor, scholar, or teacher. The rabbis were
scholars or teachers of the Jewish law. Yshua was referred to as "Rabbi,"
or "Teacher" in John 1:38,47,49; 3:2. So, we can see that the wise men
were Jewish rabbis coming from Babylon to witness the birth of Yshua.
A question we can ask ourselves is, "What made the rabbis make the
journey from Babylon to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Yshua?" The
answer is given in Matt 2:2, as it is written, "...we have seen His star in
the east...." One of the requirements during the time of Sukkot was to
build an outside temporary shelter and live in it during this festival
season. The sukkah had to be built with an opening in the roof so the
people could see the stars in heaven. In addition, there was a prophecy in
Numbers, as it is written, "...a star shall come forth from Jacob..." (Num
24:17). King Herod inquired about where the Messiah would be born in
Matt 2:4. He was told in Bethlehem (Matt 2:5-6), based upon the
prophecy in Micah 5:2. In Matt 2:10 it is written, "When they saw the
star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
Once again, remember that Sukkot is called "the season of our joy." In
Matt 2:2, the rabbis saw the star from the East. Salvation was seen by the
Jewish people as coming from the East. Yshua descended from the tribe
of Judah (Rev 5:5).
The tribe of Judah was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle of
Moses in the wilderness. Finally, in Luke 2:32, Yshua is called a light to
the Gentiles. Once again, Sukkot is called "the festival of lights" and "the
festival of all nations." Therefore, by studying and understanding the
festival of Sukkot and the themes and messages that YHVH desired to be
conveyed during this festival, enables us to read the Bible in a new light;
it enables us to understand that Yshua was born during the season of
Sukkot and that He is the Star we are all called to see with our (spiritual)
eyes!

Spiritual Significance of the Feast of Sukkot

Yshua is the rain that came down from Heaven as well as the living water
and the fountain of living water spoken of in John 4:4-6,10-14,20-24; and
Rev 21:6 and 22:1-5,17. Yshua desires that we drink of the water He
gives, which results in everlasting life (John 4:14) that we might be filled
(Mat 5:6). Rain also speaks of revival, restoration, and returning to YHVH
and trusting in Him. Just as the rain came after Elijah prayed seven times
for it (1 Kings 18:41-46), the great rain or outpouring of YHVH's Holy
Spirit will come when the believers in the Messiah will earnestly pray to
YHVH that it be done. YHVH has already declared that He would pour out
His Holy Spirit during the seventh month, which is a spiritual picture of
the end of the age. So far, we have for the most part seen only showers
of blessing (Ez 34:26).

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The greatest outpouring of YHVH's Spirit is yet to come. The feast of

Sukkot and the rain speaks of a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit of
YHVH, a universal outpouring of His Spirit. This outpouring will be
accompanied by signs and wonders and manifestations of the gift of the
Holy Spirit as well as a revelation and illumination of the Word of YHVH
beyond all that has ever been seen in the history of the congregation of
believers in the Messiah.
This outpouring will touch every nation, both Jew and non-Jew. The
believer in the Messiah who is living at the time of the latter rain is called
to seek YHVH and ask Him to send rain on the people of the earth (Zec
10:1;
Ps 46:4; 65:9-10; Jer 5:23-24; 31:10-14).
The fullness of this feast in the seventh month will be experienced at the
coming of the Messiah when He will rule and reign on the earth during the
Messianic age, the Millennium. This time will be a time of joy for all
believers in the Messiah Yshua and will be the age of Israel's glory.

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