The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, is celebrated from October 6 through 13 this year. It is the seventh and final of the seven annual festivals for ancient Israel.
Meaning "booths" or "tents" in Hebrew, Sukkoth commemorates God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:42).
Today in Israel, thousands build sukkahs—makeshift tents—for dining and sleeping, symbolizing reliance on God's faithful presence.
For Christians, Sukkot foreshadows God's ultimate dwelling with humanity, as in John 1:14: "The Word (Jesus) became flesh and tabernacled among us."
Jesus Reveals His Messianic Identity as Living Water
Jesus also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The Book of John, in chapter 7, tells us that one year the disciples went up to Jerusalem for Sukkot, but Jesus stayed behind and then came up secretly.
Then “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39).
This declaration came during the water libation ceremony—pouring water from Siloam's pool to pray for rain and spiritual renewal—amid Israel's spiritual drought under Roman rule. He offered Himself as the Messiah's life-giving solution, prompting cries of "This is the Christ (the Messiah)!" (John 7:41).
Jesus Declares Himself the Light of the World
The illumination ceremony lit massive menorahs in the Temple's Court of Women, recalling the pillar of fire in the desert and promising messianic restoration. In this glow, Jesus declared: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Unlike temporary lamps, Jesus embodies God's eternal Shekinah glory—the true light freeing from bondage.
Sukkot Points to Christ's Return and Kingdom
Prophetically, the feast envisions God's future reign, where all nations worship at Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:16).
Revelation 21:3-4 echoes this: God's tabernacle among people, ending death and pain. The New Jerusalem features a "river of life" and divine light from the Lamb (Jesus), fulfilling Sukkot's water and light themes.
John recounts, "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away'" (Revelation 21:3-4).
What It Means for Us Today
The Feast of Tabernacles invites us to reflect on God's provision and joy in His indwelling Spirit as living water and light.
Sukkot is a time for us as believers and “Covenant Keepers” to rejoice in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our earthen vessels—and anticipation of Christ’s soon return.
Join me as we celebrate this joyous occasion with a special Feast of Tabernacles PraiseMoves Workout!
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