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Feast of Tabernacles - Sukkot
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Feast of Tabernacles – Sukkot
Rabbi Yehudah ben Shomeyr
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 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. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 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. 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: Beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the Lord. 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. 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. 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. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. 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. And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord. – Lev. 23:33-44
Biblical Month: Tishrei
Secular Month: Sept./Oct.
Fall/Autumn Harvest Festival: A seven day commemoration the 40 years wanderings of Israel in the Wilderness.
Five days after Yom Kippur (Day of Atonements)
Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles/Booths (Plural)
Sukkah- Tabernacle/Booth (Singular)
· Ex. 23:16
· Lev. 23:34-43
· Num. 29:12-39
Feast of YHWH, NOT a “Jewish Festival”:
“Regretfully, many in the Christian churches tend to dismiss this celebration as "just another Jewish holiday." This day is a day in which there were sacrifice offerings in the Temple for each of the Gentile nations. According to the Rabbis, there were 70 Gentile nations in ancient times. Beginning in Numbers 29:13, you can read about the sacrifices that were offered on each of the days of Sukkot. On the first day, 13 bullocks were offered as a burnt offering. On the second day, 12 bullocks, on the third day, 11 bullocks, until finally on the seventh day, only 7 bullocks were offered, making a total of 70 bullocks-one for each of the Gentile nations.” – Rick Aharon Chaimberlin, Litt. D. “Sukkot: Feats of Tabernacles”
“This concept of focusing on the positives of others is also learned from the order of sacrifices that is brought on Sukkot. Throughout the holiday, we bring 70 sacrifices, corresponding to the 70 nations of the world. (The Torah views the nations of the world as 70 roots with many other nations as branches.) This is because we see all nations of the world as important. Each has a specific role to fulfill in God's world and we pray to God, through these offerings, that He inspire them to true service of Him. It is especially on Sukkot that we do this because, as mentioned, it is called "The Season of Rejoicing." When we are happy with ourselves, we look at the world positively and can see good in others, even other nations, even if those nations are presently our enemies.” – Rabbi Baruch Leff
· Matt. 5:17-19
- Mixed Multitude accepted Torah on behalf of the 70 nations at the foot of Mt. Sinai with Israel. Therefore Torah is for Jew and Gentile alike.
“Jewish Thanksgiving”:
Sukkot ~ The Original Thanksgiving
The Feast of Sukkot, also known as, The Feast of Tabernacles, is a High Holy Holiday appointed by God Himself. It’s a week-long Harvest Festival of thanksgiving and feasting, Leviticus 23:39-41: On the 15th day of the 7th month, when you have gathered in the fruits of your land, you shall keep the Feast of ADONAI seven days it is a statute forever… Most Americans don’t realize that Sukkot is the Original Thanksgiving. It is well documented that the pilgrims got their inspiration for Thanksgiving by reading about The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in their Bibles. During this Feast of Tabernacles, also called a Feast of the LORD; not a “Jewish Holiday,” we dwell in make-shift, temporary shelters called, a sukkah (singular, and Sukkot (plural), likewise, during the pilgrim’s first winter in Massachusetts, they lived in huts called, wig-wams, which the local Indians helped them build. Historians speculate the pilgrim’s celebration was originally in early October, which, coincidentally, is during the time of Sukkot. They however, modified it from the original seven days as God commanded, to three days of thanksgiving. In our modern times, it has dwindled down to one day.
What a Sukkah is:
- Temporary three walled structure lived in for 7 days.
- Can use virtually any material.
- Decorate it, make it a home
- Reminds us of Temporariness and vulnerability of our bodies and this life and that God is our sustainer.
- It is the great equalizer: for one week out of the year everyone is the same.
- Hospitality is practiced. Even inviting Bible Greats to come and visit.
- Life over Law: Not required to live in it if climate is inhospitable. Required to at least eat a meal, study Torah or pray in there.
- Leafy roof so as to see the stars to remind us of Messiah’s origins and our future home.
Yeshua’s Birth:
· Luke 2:1-5: Pilgrimage festival Israel required to sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. Caesar took advantage of this and had a taxation and census at this time.
· Luke 2:6-7: Jerusalem full. Nativity scene looks like a Sukkah.
- Yeshua said Himself that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:48).
- Yeshua was born in Beyt-Lechem, Bethlehem, being translated, the House of Bread.
- When He was born He was laid in, of all things, a feeding trough, a manger, in which grain, which is used to make bread, was put to feed the livestock.
- The Scriptures, especially in Psalm 23, we are likened as unto sheep, who at times eat grain.
· John 1:1-14
- dwelt = “sukkah-ed”
- This word “sukkah” as in it the root word “Shekinah” which is used to describe the manifest presence of God dwelling or “sukkah-ing” among Israel in the Tabernacle and Temple. So Yeshua the Messiah, the figurative Son of God, the emanation of God Himself “sukkah-ed” now in flesh among Israel as He did in a cloud in the Tabernacle and Temple.
- Personal Statement of Faith: I believe Yeshua Ha Moshiach of the Branch is the prophesied Messiah of Israel. That He was FULLY ADONAI to be able to redeem us from our sins, and FULLY man to have the right to redeem us from our sins, to be our Kinsmen Redeemer (Ruth, Jer.17:5-7, Jn.1). Yeshua is the perfect, holy, sinless Messiah, the figurative Son of ADONAI, who is the Word that became flesh dwelt among us (Jn.1:14) who came to dwell in a mortal body that never saw corruption (Ps.14:10), a pure deity manifest in the flesh. He was not an incarnation, which would denote that 100% of ADONAI came in the flesh. Yeshua was FULLY ADONAI in the flesh, but not 100% ADONAI. ADONAI is so infinite that He is everywhere and fills everything, so it would be impossible for ALL of ADONAI to be limited to a mortal body. In the words of Dr. Friedman, “If we were to go to the Mediterranean Sea and fill a glass with sea water, we can say that all the water in the glass is truly sea water. However we cannot call the glass, “The Mediterranean Sea.” There is much more to the Mediterranean Sea than the glass. Yet nonetheless, the water in that glass is truly Mediterranean Sea water through and through.” I believe that Yeshua is the Kohen Ha Gadol (High priest) who became the ultimate, once and for all atoning sacrifice Himself, for all mankind (Heb.4:14-5:10; 6:19-8:2). I believe salvation is only available through Him. I believe Yeshua came first as Messiah ben Yosef (Joseph) the Suffering Servant, and will be returning as Messiah ben David the Kingly Messiah. I believe that these two pictures of the Messiah, given in Scripture are one and the same.
I believe in Yeshua Messiah’s prophesied virgin birth, holy, sinless life, Torah observant lifestyle, His miracles, redemptive sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, ascension, and future return and reign.
I believe The Messiah will come again.
· Luke 2:21-24
- No Yeshua WAS NOT born on December 25th, this is a date on the solar calendar which we Jews do not use in reckoning the Feast of ADONAI. The calendar ADONAI goes by is one we keep by the cycles of the moon, a Lunar calendar. But I will tell you who was born on December 25th; Saturnalia, Mithra, Tammuz, all pagan gods! Hmmm, do you smell a conspiracy here. After all, who choose the date of December 25th to celebrate Yeshua’s birth? Sure wasn’t the Jewish Believers! It was the Catholic Church, and sadly the Protestant church never dropped this part of Catholicism when the Reformation took place.
- Yeshua apparently was born on Sukkot, and circumcised on Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah, which is the last day of Sukkot. Simchat Torah is when we read the last portion of the Torah and start all over again back in Genesis one. Yeshua, the Living Torah, the First and the Last, the Aleph and the Tav, was brought into the Abrahamic Covenant of circumcision on the time we rejoice in the Written and the Living Torah!
Yeshua’s Return:
- It is believed that Yeshua may return on or around Sukkot to retrieve His Bride. Another reason we look through the leafy roof of our sukkah to watch for His return.
Sukkot Throughout History:
Solomon:
- In I Kings 8 and II Chronicles 7, it speaks of King Solomon fulfilling the life long dream of his father David and himself, of having built the Holy Temple of ADONAI. It says the he “Chanukah-ed” it, dedicated it, and had a 7 day festival and ended it on the 8th day, hence 8 days of Chanukah, just as we have today. The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the newly built Temple during the Festival of Sukkot, so that particular Sukkot doubled as a Chanukah celebration as well!
- Today Sukkot is the last of the High Holidays and is the precursor to Chanukah as we know it. Yet both deal with the Dwelling place of G-d among men. So these eight crazy days of Sukkot (counting Shimini Eretz and Simchat Torah) leads us to the eight crazy nights of Chanukah!
Nehemiah:
- Neh. 8:14-18: We see that a portion of Judah has returned from Babylonian captivity. We also see the model for the modern synagogue service, but we also see that Sukkot had not been celebrated with regularity since the time of Yehoshuah (Joshua)!
Yeshua:
· Matt. 7:1-8: Yeshua celebrates Sukkot with Moses and Elijah!
· John 7:37-38: Yeshua celebrates Sukkot at the risk of his own life!
Sukkot in the Future:
- In the Time to Come Gentiles will celebrate Sukkot along with Hebrews and Jews.
· Zechariah 14:1-2 - These two verses along with verse five indicate that the Battle of Armageddon and the Return of Messiah happens all in one shot. Prophecy points to it being around the time of Sukkot, possibly the last day when traditions says that the books of judgment in heaven are sealed for the year and the fate of the world and everyone on it is set for the coming year.
· Zechariah 14:3-4
- These verses speak of Messiah’s physical return to earth.
· Zechariah 14:5
- Survivors and the Remnant flee to safety.
· Zechariah 14:6-11
- We take back occupied Israeli Land and Jerusalem is safe and secure.
· Zechariah 14:12-15
- Here we see Jerusalem smite their enemies and the enemy is plagued. Could be a flesh eating virus or the result of radiation poisoning, or it could be entirely something else. All we know is that no matter how you slice it, it doesn’t look good for the bad guys.
· Zechariah 14:16-21
- When Messiah returns, goyim will convert and keep the festival of Sukkot. Those who don’t will not get rain for the coming year and be plagued with famine and drought.
“Prophetically, we learn that in the Messianic Kingdom Age (the Millennium), it will be a biblical commandment for Gentile nations to observe Sukkot. The nations that choose to disobey this commandment to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship ADONAI will be cursed with draught. In fact, instead of Judeophobia, we read: "In those days, it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the kanaph of him that is a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" These Gentiles are literally grabbing hold of the tzitzit (ritual fringes) of Jews. I would assume that these are Messianic Jews. It might be good for Messianic Jews to have these fringes in order for a literal fulfillment of this prophecy to take place.
For those who "just want to be like Jesus," it should be noted that Yeshua observed all the Biblical holidays, including even Chanukah, which is a Jewish tradition, not a biblical commandment. It was at the Feast of Sukkot that Yeshua's own unbelieving brothers mocked Him, urging Him to make Himself known publicly. Presumably, they hoped to see their Brother arrested.” – Rick Aharon Chaimberlin, Litt. D. “Sukkot: Feats of Tabernacles”
Monte Judah says this about the Future Sukkot to Come:
“The Scripture definitely says much about the Feast of Tabernacles and our future. The reference to the tribulation saints described in the Book of Revelation is about the Feast of Tabernacles.
Revelation 7:9
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
Revelation 7:14-15
And I said to him, “My Lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them.”
The palm branches reveal the setting for the tribulation saints. They are gathered for the Feast of Tabernacles - the Feast of Ingathering. This is why the Lord’s throne is spread like a tabernacle over them. This is confirmed by the prophet Zechariah. He says the first event upon the Lord’s return to Jerusalem after the Day of the Lord, is the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Zechariah 14:16
Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
That makes sense because the Feast of Trumpets symbolizes the resurrection, and Atonement symbolizes the Day of the Lord. It follows then that Tabernacles is the true ingathering of all of His saints at Jerusalem.
Apparently, God intends to use the future Feast of Tabernacles in the kingdom as the reference counter for the number of years in the millennial reign. The Feast of Tabernacles, therefore, will commemorate not only our ancestors’ exodus from Egypt, but also our greater exodus (the tribulation saints - the final generation) leading into the promised kingdom. This is consistent with God’s promise concerning the kingdom of David. King David served as the king of Israel for 40 years and held the greatest amount of territory in Israel’s history. God’s promise is to raise up David’s booth (tabernacle) in the same manner in the Messiah’s kingdom.
Amos 9:11-12
“In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by My name,” declares the Lord who does this.”
- Even though it is not required for the Goyim to dwell in a Sukkah:
Lev. 23:42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
- Nonetheless we see in Zechariah that Gentiles will convert and end up keeping Sukkot anyhow.
- There is a tradition that claims that if you convert to Judaism you are considered born again as a native Israeli; based on the Psalms.
· Psalm 87
“Because of the wording is Leviticus 23:42
“Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths.”
Some feel that this excludes Jews, Hebrews or Israelites in the Diaspora from building and dwelling in Sukkahs during the Feast of Tabernacles.
However from a Remez level of interpretation, if one looks carefully at the words used dealing with this subject one will find that The Hebrew root words in "native" are "branch", "seed" and "Diaspora"; hinting at least that Jews, Hebrew and Israelites born outside the land of Israel are also to dwell in Sukkahs. On a Sod level, one who converts or is already a Jew, Hebrew and or Israelite has the inheritance of the Land and seeing as Adam and Noah came from these lands that we to originate from there and are also obligated to dwell in Sukkahs. It is the concept of Spiritual birth. For the Terms Jew, Hebrew and Israelite are not only ethnical, but religious in connotation as well. Psalm 87 seems to also hint about this “native birth” for Diaspora Jews, Hebrew and Israelites as well as converts. Even if you are not convinced those of us in exile are not required to dwell in Sukkahs, I do not think anyone is hurting anything or twisting scripture by dwelling in booths, tents, or however you are willing to observe Tabernacles.
This is just my two cents, but MAYBE the verse in Leviticus is worded as such because the Holy One knew we would observe Sukkot in exile and for us in volatile climates, such as Maine, Idaho, Canada, etc., it is not always safe health wise to dwell in Sukkahs because when Sukkot comes it’s usually fall and it is damp, cold, rainy and sometimes even snowing; even the Rabbi’s say, Life over Law. ADONAI does not expect us to dwell in Sukkahs at the risk of our health and possibly for the zealous heart he wrote this to show its okay if you can’t dwell in a Sukkah for reasons stated above.
We see in Zechariah 14 that Gentiles will convert and end up keeping Sukkot, those who dwell in Jerusalem and beyond because it says they will bring sacrifices because of the Festival of Sukkot.” – Sukkot, Only for Natives?
The Sacrifices of Sukkot:
· The Feast of (Sukkot) Tabernacles there were a total of 71 bullocks, one for each nation and one for Israel.
· 15 rams, the number fifteen symbolizes the Completion of God's Grace, and His Kingdom. The Completion of God's Grace 3 x 5. The fifteenth day of the first month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the symbol of the sinless body. The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles marks the end of the sixth day of man and the beginning of the seventh day of the Kingdom.
· 105 lambs. The number 105 is make up of three Hebrew letters, Ayin, Lamed and Hey, and it creates the word meaning to rise or to go up. Going up is always referred to as going up to meet G-d on the Temple Mount to sacrifice and fellowship with Him. This speaks to us that ADONAI is King and we are created to serve and worship Him. This testifies to the obligation of the word to recognize and follow through with these facts.
· 8 goats offered during the feast, with accompanying meal and drink offerings. Eight is the number symbolizing new beginnings, speaking of a new week and a New Era, a New World, a Heavenly Divine Kingdom Age to Come. Goats also remind us of Yom Kippur and alludes to the fact that this new rule and world will be without sin and will be forever new.
Deut. 16:13-15 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: 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. 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.
Why Passover and Not Yom Kippur or Sukkot?
Although we see Messiah’s atoning death typified in every offering on the Brazen Altar of Sacrifice, we know He was sacrificed on Passover; but why Passover instead of Yom Kippur? Why Passover and not Sukkot when the Sacrifice were made with 70 Bulls on behalf of the 70 Nations? Also, why a human sacrifice, seeing as ADONAI abhors such a sacrifice?
The simple answer is that Yom Kippur is only for the National Atonement of Israel, the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob and the 70 Bulls sacrificed at Sukkot is only for the Nations, whereas Passover, all the world is included because not only Israel received their deliverance and freedom, but so did the 70 Nations, for they, in the guise of the “mixed multitude” that left with and Israel received the Torah with them at Mount Sinai. This typifies our outer physical and spiritual freedom to worship ADONAI, but Messiah’s Passover Sacrifice gives us our inner spiritual freedom from the effects of the Fall of Mankind from sin which all plays a role in the ultimate redemption and restoration of all things.
Yeshua and the Oral Laws; Traditions of Sukkot
“He who has not witnessed the rejoicing at the water-drawing huts has, throughout the whole of his life, witnessed no real rejoicing.” (Sukkah 53b).
- Yeshua wasn’t against man made traditions or Oral Torah as long as it didn’t nullify the Written Torah. For in the Brit Chadasha we find Yeshua keeping holidays and traditions not commanded in the Written Torah.
· John 7:37-38
“When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, one of the special Sukkot observances was to pour water on the Altar. The drawing of water for this purpose was preceded by all-night celebrations in the Temple courtyard; on the 15 steps leading to the azarah (inner courtyard) stood Levites while playing a variety of musical instruments, sages danced and juggled burning torches, and huge oil-burning lamps illuminated the entire city. The singing and dancing went on until daybreak, when a procession would make its way to the Shiloach Spring which flowed in a valley below the Temple to "draw water with joy." "One who did not see the joy of the water-drawing celebrations," declared the sages of the Talmud, "has not seen joy in his life."
While water was poured each day of the festival, the special celebrations were held only on Chol Hamoed since many of the elements of the celebration (e.g., the playing of musical instruments) are forbidden on Yom Tov.
Today, we commemorate these joyous celebrations by holding Simchat Beit HaShoeivah ("joy of the water drawing") events in the streets, with music and dancing. The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of holding such celebrations on Shabbat and Yom Tov as well -- without musical instruments of course. The fact that we cannot celebrate as we did in the Temple, said the Rebbe, means that we are free to celebrate the joy of Sukkot with singing and dancing every day of the festival.” – www.chabad.org
And why was this ritual so significant, especially in Yeshua’s time?
Well, first off the Cohenim (Levitical Priests) had a special schedule during Sukkot:
The Kohanim were divided into three divisions and each day of Sukkot there was a special ritual. Division one sacrificed the animals and items prescribed out in Numbers 29. Division two went to the East Gate of the Temple and headed to the Motzah Valley where they would discard the sacrificial ashes at the start of Shabbat. While there they would cut 25 foot willows and they would line up across the road holding the willows. About 30 feet behind them would be another row of priests with willow branches. They would then begin to march waving the willows in a swooshing motion creating the sound of the Ruach (Wind), symbolizing the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit. Division three in the meantime would be heading down to the pool of Siloam, meaning “peaceful flowing waters” (John 9:7, 11). The Kohen HaGadol (High Priest) was in this third group and he had a golden flask and drew the water called mayim chayim (living waters) because any water that was flowing was considered “living”. The High Priests assistant had a silver flash of wine. Both Groups would return to the Temple with the sound of the Shofar upon their arrival. One man would play the flute, the flute player was called “the pierced one” and symbolizes the Messiah (Psa. 22:16, Zech. 12:10, John 19:34-37, Rev. 1:7) and the flute players led the procession of the “wind” and “water” carrying priests. The Willow carriers would circle the Brazen Sacrificial Altar seven times while singing Psalm 118:25-26; the sacrificial division of priests would lay the slain sacrifices on the altar. Then the Cohen HaGadol and his assistant the ascended the altar and all Israel gathered into the Temple courts and sang a song called “Mayim (Water)” based on Isa. 12:3 according to Mishnah Sukkot 5:1. Then the High Priest poured out the water on the southwest corner of the altar on the horn, and then the wine was poured out as the Willow holders leaned their branches against the altar and made a sort of Sukkah.
According to the Mishnah Rosh HaShannah 1:2f says that it is during Sukkot that G-d decides who gets rains for next year and how much. Sukkot is also that time after Yom Kippur when it is said that the fate of each human is decided for the next year and the books in heaven are closed. So this is probably another reason for the water pouring ceremony, a type of supplication for rains.
These rituals and ceremonies are no where commanded in the Torah but the Rabbis and Sages feel by the spelling inconsistencies in Numbers 29 that spell the word ‘mayim” they nonetheless base the tradition of the water pouring ceremony on the Torah itself.
Rabbi Akiva (Ta'anit 2b) asserted that the water libation was alluded to in the Torah with the use of the plural form nesakhehah ("drink-offerings thereof") on the sixth day (Numbers 29:31), reflecting that one of the two libations consists of water.
“On Succoth even the humblest of all has its place on the Altar: water. The Midrash tells us that at the time of creation, the waters cried out to G-d that everyone has a place on the Altar -- oxen, sheep, wheat, barley, oil, wine. All except for water. The waters threatened to engulf the world until God promised them that on the festival of Succoth, Israel would offer a libation of humble water on the Altar, accompanied by SIMCHAS BEIS HASHO-EVA, "the Joy of the Water Drawing", which was so great that it brought people to prophecy.
The water libation on Succoth is not written explicitly in the Torah but only allusively. Three seemingly minute anomalies in the Hebrew phrasing of the laws of the offerings of the second, sixth and seventh days of the festival of Succoth, enable us to trace the letters of the word Hebrew word MAYIM -- WATER -- running through the Hebrew text (see Rashi on Numbers 29:18).” – Gil Marks
Three anomalies are derived from looking at how words are rendered differently on the second, sixth, and seventh days of the Festival:
1. Second day - "their libations" (Heb. niskeyhem נסקיהם), where there is an extra "yod" (י) and an extra "final mem" (ם) in the usual rendering of "its libation" (Heb. niskah נסקה).
2. Sixth day - "its libations" (Heb. niskeyhah נסקיה), where the usual rendering of "its libation" (Heb. niskah נסקה) has an extra "yod" (י).
3. Seventh day - "after the manner" (Heb. KaMishpatam כמשפטם), which has an extra "final mem" (ם) when compared to the other instances of "after the manner" (Heb. KaMishpat כמשפט) in this passage.
These anomalies actually gives us two extra "mems" and two extra "yods", however the Hebrew word for "water" (Heb. "mayim" מים) only needs one of the "yods". What are we to do with the extra "yod"? That lies in the realm of the Kabbalah and we will not delve into that here.
And obviously Yeshua had NO PROBLEM with it and included Himself with in the derived tradition.
A custom, a tradition, something that the Pharisees and Sadducees did; something that made it into the Talmud that Yeshua did not oppose but participated in and used to proclaim His divine Messiahship! Therefore it stands to reason His own talmidim were there and participated too and the believers that came after his resurrection and ascension.
We see now why He said:
"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."
A further fulfillment was when Yeshua was executed on the Roman cross and blood (symbolizing the wine) and water flowed (John 19:34).
YHWH the Father obviously didn’t have a problem with this man made ritual for HE told Yeshua to go and deliver such a message, for Yeshua speaks only what the Father bids Him to (John 5:19, 30; 8:28; 14:28).
The Sukkot of Moshiach
“What a day, that will be, when my Jesus, I shall see, when I look, upon His face, the One who saved me, by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me through, the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day, that will be.”
I bet the Festival of Sukkot was the furthest thing from the Christian hymnist mind when they penned these words. But growing up Christian, this song cannot help but spring to my mind when I think of Sukkot and the Moshiach Yeshua.
Positive Commandment 16
"HakHail" - Assembling the entire Jewish People
Deuteronomy 31:12 "Gather the people together, men and women, and children"
When Moshiach comes you may hear the radio announcing:
"This is the M.T.N. (Moshiach Times News) Radio, announcing the biggest greatest, most phenomenal Jewish reunion to be held on the second day of Sukkot!
The last convention, seven years ago, was an outstanding occasion. All men, women and children are invited to this festive gathering."
“At the end of the Shemita year (see Positive Mitzvah 140), we are commanded to gather at the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
Portions of the Torah are read aloud by the king at this assembly, uniting the Jewish people and inspiring all in the service of Hashem.” – Chabad.org
Won’t that be the most wonderful Sukkot ever!? The Sukkot when Messiah returns, we are all gathered together at the 3rd Temple and The One who spoke the world into creation, the One in Who’s words are the very Breath of Life, The Living Word, the Living Torah, Yeshua Ha Moshiach will read the very Torah He authored and gave to Moshe Rabbinu over 4000 years ago! Hearing the Torah read by the Author Himself!
We will celebrate Messiah’s Birth, Return, Our deliverance from Egypt and Exile, and His eternal reign all at the same time. “What day, glorious day,” What an 8 day celebration that will be!
Rabbi Yehudah ben Shomeyr
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 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. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 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. 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: Beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the Lord. 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. 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. 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. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. 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. And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord. – Lev. 23:33-44
Biblical Month: Tishrei
Secular Month: Sept./Oct.
Fall/Autumn Harvest Festival: A seven day commemoration the 40 years wanderings of Israel in the Wilderness.
Five days after Yom Kippur (Day of Atonements)
Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles/Booths (Plural)
Sukkah- Tabernacle/Booth (Singular)
· Ex. 23:16
· Lev. 23:34-43
· Num. 29:12-39
Feast of YHWH, NOT a “Jewish Festival”:
“Regretfully, many in the Christian churches tend to dismiss this celebration as "just another Jewish holiday." This day is a day in which there were sacrifice offerings in the Temple for each of the Gentile nations. According to the Rabbis, there were 70 Gentile nations in ancient times. Beginning in Numbers 29:13, you can read about the sacrifices that were offered on each of the days of Sukkot. On the first day, 13 bullocks were offered as a burnt offering. On the second day, 12 bullocks, on the third day, 11 bullocks, until finally on the seventh day, only 7 bullocks were offered, making a total of 70 bullocks-one for each of the Gentile nations.” – Rick Aharon Chaimberlin, Litt. D. “Sukkot: Feats of Tabernacles”
“This concept of focusing on the positives of others is also learned from the order of sacrifices that is brought on Sukkot. Throughout the holiday, we bring 70 sacrifices, corresponding to the 70 nations of the world. (The Torah views the nations of the world as 70 roots with many other nations as branches.) This is because we see all nations of the world as important. Each has a specific role to fulfill in God's world and we pray to God, through these offerings, that He inspire them to true service of Him. It is especially on Sukkot that we do this because, as mentioned, it is called "The Season of Rejoicing." When we are happy with ourselves, we look at the world positively and can see good in others, even other nations, even if those nations are presently our enemies.” – Rabbi Baruch Leff
· Matt. 5:17-19
- Mixed Multitude accepted Torah on behalf of the 70 nations at the foot of Mt. Sinai with Israel. Therefore Torah is for Jew and Gentile alike.
“Jewish Thanksgiving”:
Sukkot ~ The Original Thanksgiving
The Feast of Sukkot, also known as, The Feast of Tabernacles, is a High Holy Holiday appointed by God Himself. It’s a week-long Harvest Festival of thanksgiving and feasting, Leviticus 23:39-41: On the 15th day of the 7th month, when you have gathered in the fruits of your land, you shall keep the Feast of ADONAI seven days it is a statute forever… Most Americans don’t realize that Sukkot is the Original Thanksgiving. It is well documented that the pilgrims got their inspiration for Thanksgiving by reading about The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in their Bibles. During this Feast of Tabernacles, also called a Feast of the LORD; not a “Jewish Holiday,” we dwell in make-shift, temporary shelters called, a sukkah (singular, and Sukkot (plural), likewise, during the pilgrim’s first winter in Massachusetts, they lived in huts called, wig-wams, which the local Indians helped them build. Historians speculate the pilgrim’s celebration was originally in early October, which, coincidentally, is during the time of Sukkot. They however, modified it from the original seven days as God commanded, to three days of thanksgiving. In our modern times, it has dwindled down to one day.
What a Sukkah is:
- Temporary three walled structure lived in for 7 days.
- Can use virtually any material.
- Decorate it, make it a home
- Reminds us of Temporariness and vulnerability of our bodies and this life and that God is our sustainer.
- It is the great equalizer: for one week out of the year everyone is the same.
- Hospitality is practiced. Even inviting Bible Greats to come and visit.
- Life over Law: Not required to live in it if climate is inhospitable. Required to at least eat a meal, study Torah or pray in there.
- Leafy roof so as to see the stars to remind us of Messiah’s origins and our future home.
Yeshua’s Birth:
· Luke 2:1-5: Pilgrimage festival Israel required to sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. Caesar took advantage of this and had a taxation and census at this time.
· Luke 2:6-7: Jerusalem full. Nativity scene looks like a Sukkah.
- Yeshua said Himself that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:48).
- Yeshua was born in Beyt-Lechem, Bethlehem, being translated, the House of Bread.
- When He was born He was laid in, of all things, a feeding trough, a manger, in which grain, which is used to make bread, was put to feed the livestock.
- The Scriptures, especially in Psalm 23, we are likened as unto sheep, who at times eat grain.
· John 1:1-14
- dwelt = “sukkah-ed”
- This word “sukkah” as in it the root word “Shekinah” which is used to describe the manifest presence of God dwelling or “sukkah-ing” among Israel in the Tabernacle and Temple. So Yeshua the Messiah, the figurative Son of God, the emanation of God Himself “sukkah-ed” now in flesh among Israel as He did in a cloud in the Tabernacle and Temple.
- Personal Statement of Faith: I believe Yeshua Ha Moshiach of the Branch is the prophesied Messiah of Israel. That He was FULLY ADONAI to be able to redeem us from our sins, and FULLY man to have the right to redeem us from our sins, to be our Kinsmen Redeemer (Ruth, Jer.17:5-7, Jn.1). Yeshua is the perfect, holy, sinless Messiah, the figurative Son of ADONAI, who is the Word that became flesh dwelt among us (Jn.1:14) who came to dwell in a mortal body that never saw corruption (Ps.14:10), a pure deity manifest in the flesh. He was not an incarnation, which would denote that 100% of ADONAI came in the flesh. Yeshua was FULLY ADONAI in the flesh, but not 100% ADONAI. ADONAI is so infinite that He is everywhere and fills everything, so it would be impossible for ALL of ADONAI to be limited to a mortal body. In the words of Dr. Friedman, “If we were to go to the Mediterranean Sea and fill a glass with sea water, we can say that all the water in the glass is truly sea water. However we cannot call the glass, “The Mediterranean Sea.” There is much more to the Mediterranean Sea than the glass. Yet nonetheless, the water in that glass is truly Mediterranean Sea water through and through.” I believe that Yeshua is the Kohen Ha Gadol (High priest) who became the ultimate, once and for all atoning sacrifice Himself, for all mankind (Heb.4:14-5:10; 6:19-8:2). I believe salvation is only available through Him. I believe Yeshua came first as Messiah ben Yosef (Joseph) the Suffering Servant, and will be returning as Messiah ben David the Kingly Messiah. I believe that these two pictures of the Messiah, given in Scripture are one and the same.
I believe in Yeshua Messiah’s prophesied virgin birth, holy, sinless life, Torah observant lifestyle, His miracles, redemptive sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, ascension, and future return and reign.
I believe The Messiah will come again.
· Luke 2:21-24
- No Yeshua WAS NOT born on December 25th, this is a date on the solar calendar which we Jews do not use in reckoning the Feast of ADONAI. The calendar ADONAI goes by is one we keep by the cycles of the moon, a Lunar calendar. But I will tell you who was born on December 25th; Saturnalia, Mithra, Tammuz, all pagan gods! Hmmm, do you smell a conspiracy here. After all, who choose the date of December 25th to celebrate Yeshua’s birth? Sure wasn’t the Jewish Believers! It was the Catholic Church, and sadly the Protestant church never dropped this part of Catholicism when the Reformation took place.
- Yeshua apparently was born on Sukkot, and circumcised on Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah, which is the last day of Sukkot. Simchat Torah is when we read the last portion of the Torah and start all over again back in Genesis one. Yeshua, the Living Torah, the First and the Last, the Aleph and the Tav, was brought into the Abrahamic Covenant of circumcision on the time we rejoice in the Written and the Living Torah!
Yeshua’s Return:
- It is believed that Yeshua may return on or around Sukkot to retrieve His Bride. Another reason we look through the leafy roof of our sukkah to watch for His return.
Sukkot Throughout History:
Solomon:
- In I Kings 8 and II Chronicles 7, it speaks of King Solomon fulfilling the life long dream of his father David and himself, of having built the Holy Temple of ADONAI. It says the he “Chanukah-ed” it, dedicated it, and had a 7 day festival and ended it on the 8th day, hence 8 days of Chanukah, just as we have today. The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the newly built Temple during the Festival of Sukkot, so that particular Sukkot doubled as a Chanukah celebration as well!
- Today Sukkot is the last of the High Holidays and is the precursor to Chanukah as we know it. Yet both deal with the Dwelling place of G-d among men. So these eight crazy days of Sukkot (counting Shimini Eretz and Simchat Torah) leads us to the eight crazy nights of Chanukah!
Nehemiah:
- Neh. 8:14-18: We see that a portion of Judah has returned from Babylonian captivity. We also see the model for the modern synagogue service, but we also see that Sukkot had not been celebrated with regularity since the time of Yehoshuah (Joshua)!
Yeshua:
· Matt. 7:1-8: Yeshua celebrates Sukkot with Moses and Elijah!
· John 7:37-38: Yeshua celebrates Sukkot at the risk of his own life!
Sukkot in the Future:
- In the Time to Come Gentiles will celebrate Sukkot along with Hebrews and Jews.
· Zechariah 14:1-2 - These two verses along with verse five indicate that the Battle of Armageddon and the Return of Messiah happens all in one shot. Prophecy points to it being around the time of Sukkot, possibly the last day when traditions says that the books of judgment in heaven are sealed for the year and the fate of the world and everyone on it is set for the coming year.
· Zechariah 14:3-4
- These verses speak of Messiah’s physical return to earth.
· Zechariah 14:5
- Survivors and the Remnant flee to safety.
· Zechariah 14:6-11
- We take back occupied Israeli Land and Jerusalem is safe and secure.
· Zechariah 14:12-15
- Here we see Jerusalem smite their enemies and the enemy is plagued. Could be a flesh eating virus or the result of radiation poisoning, or it could be entirely something else. All we know is that no matter how you slice it, it doesn’t look good for the bad guys.
· Zechariah 14:16-21
- When Messiah returns, goyim will convert and keep the festival of Sukkot. Those who don’t will not get rain for the coming year and be plagued with famine and drought.
“Prophetically, we learn that in the Messianic Kingdom Age (the Millennium), it will be a biblical commandment for Gentile nations to observe Sukkot. The nations that choose to disobey this commandment to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship ADONAI will be cursed with draught. In fact, instead of Judeophobia, we read: "In those days, it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the kanaph of him that is a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" These Gentiles are literally grabbing hold of the tzitzit (ritual fringes) of Jews. I would assume that these are Messianic Jews. It might be good for Messianic Jews to have these fringes in order for a literal fulfillment of this prophecy to take place.
For those who "just want to be like Jesus," it should be noted that Yeshua observed all the Biblical holidays, including even Chanukah, which is a Jewish tradition, not a biblical commandment. It was at the Feast of Sukkot that Yeshua's own unbelieving brothers mocked Him, urging Him to make Himself known publicly. Presumably, they hoped to see their Brother arrested.” – Rick Aharon Chaimberlin, Litt. D. “Sukkot: Feats of Tabernacles”
Monte Judah says this about the Future Sukkot to Come:
“The Scripture definitely says much about the Feast of Tabernacles and our future. The reference to the tribulation saints described in the Book of Revelation is about the Feast of Tabernacles.
Revelation 7:9
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;
Revelation 7:14-15
And I said to him, “My Lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them.”
The palm branches reveal the setting for the tribulation saints. They are gathered for the Feast of Tabernacles - the Feast of Ingathering. This is why the Lord’s throne is spread like a tabernacle over them. This is confirmed by the prophet Zechariah. He says the first event upon the Lord’s return to Jerusalem after the Day of the Lord, is the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Zechariah 14:16
Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
That makes sense because the Feast of Trumpets symbolizes the resurrection, and Atonement symbolizes the Day of the Lord. It follows then that Tabernacles is the true ingathering of all of His saints at Jerusalem.
Apparently, God intends to use the future Feast of Tabernacles in the kingdom as the reference counter for the number of years in the millennial reign. The Feast of Tabernacles, therefore, will commemorate not only our ancestors’ exodus from Egypt, but also our greater exodus (the tribulation saints - the final generation) leading into the promised kingdom. This is consistent with God’s promise concerning the kingdom of David. King David served as the king of Israel for 40 years and held the greatest amount of territory in Israel’s history. God’s promise is to raise up David’s booth (tabernacle) in the same manner in the Messiah’s kingdom.
Amos 9:11-12
“In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by My name,” declares the Lord who does this.”
- Even though it is not required for the Goyim to dwell in a Sukkah:
Lev. 23:42 Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
- Nonetheless we see in Zechariah that Gentiles will convert and end up keeping Sukkot anyhow.
- There is a tradition that claims that if you convert to Judaism you are considered born again as a native Israeli; based on the Psalms.
· Psalm 87
“Because of the wording is Leviticus 23:42
“Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths.”
Some feel that this excludes Jews, Hebrews or Israelites in the Diaspora from building and dwelling in Sukkahs during the Feast of Tabernacles.
However from a Remez level of interpretation, if one looks carefully at the words used dealing with this subject one will find that The Hebrew root words in "native" are "branch", "seed" and "Diaspora"; hinting at least that Jews, Hebrew and Israelites born outside the land of Israel are also to dwell in Sukkahs. On a Sod level, one who converts or is already a Jew, Hebrew and or Israelite has the inheritance of the Land and seeing as Adam and Noah came from these lands that we to originate from there and are also obligated to dwell in Sukkahs. It is the concept of Spiritual birth. For the Terms Jew, Hebrew and Israelite are not only ethnical, but religious in connotation as well. Psalm 87 seems to also hint about this “native birth” for Diaspora Jews, Hebrew and Israelites as well as converts. Even if you are not convinced those of us in exile are not required to dwell in Sukkahs, I do not think anyone is hurting anything or twisting scripture by dwelling in booths, tents, or however you are willing to observe Tabernacles.
This is just my two cents, but MAYBE the verse in Leviticus is worded as such because the Holy One knew we would observe Sukkot in exile and for us in volatile climates, such as Maine, Idaho, Canada, etc., it is not always safe health wise to dwell in Sukkahs because when Sukkot comes it’s usually fall and it is damp, cold, rainy and sometimes even snowing; even the Rabbi’s say, Life over Law. ADONAI does not expect us to dwell in Sukkahs at the risk of our health and possibly for the zealous heart he wrote this to show its okay if you can’t dwell in a Sukkah for reasons stated above.
We see in Zechariah 14 that Gentiles will convert and end up keeping Sukkot, those who dwell in Jerusalem and beyond because it says they will bring sacrifices because of the Festival of Sukkot.” – Sukkot, Only for Natives?
The Sacrifices of Sukkot:
· The Feast of (Sukkot) Tabernacles there were a total of 71 bullocks, one for each nation and one for Israel.
· 15 rams, the number fifteen symbolizes the Completion of God's Grace, and His Kingdom. The Completion of God's Grace 3 x 5. The fifteenth day of the first month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the symbol of the sinless body. The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles marks the end of the sixth day of man and the beginning of the seventh day of the Kingdom.
· 105 lambs. The number 105 is make up of three Hebrew letters, Ayin, Lamed and Hey, and it creates the word meaning to rise or to go up. Going up is always referred to as going up to meet G-d on the Temple Mount to sacrifice and fellowship with Him. This speaks to us that ADONAI is King and we are created to serve and worship Him. This testifies to the obligation of the word to recognize and follow through with these facts.
· 8 goats offered during the feast, with accompanying meal and drink offerings. Eight is the number symbolizing new beginnings, speaking of a new week and a New Era, a New World, a Heavenly Divine Kingdom Age to Come. Goats also remind us of Yom Kippur and alludes to the fact that this new rule and world will be without sin and will be forever new.
Deut. 16:13-15 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: 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. 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.
Why Passover and Not Yom Kippur or Sukkot?
Although we see Messiah’s atoning death typified in every offering on the Brazen Altar of Sacrifice, we know He was sacrificed on Passover; but why Passover instead of Yom Kippur? Why Passover and not Sukkot when the Sacrifice were made with 70 Bulls on behalf of the 70 Nations? Also, why a human sacrifice, seeing as ADONAI abhors such a sacrifice?
The simple answer is that Yom Kippur is only for the National Atonement of Israel, the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob and the 70 Bulls sacrificed at Sukkot is only for the Nations, whereas Passover, all the world is included because not only Israel received their deliverance and freedom, but so did the 70 Nations, for they, in the guise of the “mixed multitude” that left with and Israel received the Torah with them at Mount Sinai. This typifies our outer physical and spiritual freedom to worship ADONAI, but Messiah’s Passover Sacrifice gives us our inner spiritual freedom from the effects of the Fall of Mankind from sin which all plays a role in the ultimate redemption and restoration of all things.
Yeshua and the Oral Laws; Traditions of Sukkot
“He who has not witnessed the rejoicing at the water-drawing huts has, throughout the whole of his life, witnessed no real rejoicing.” (Sukkah 53b).
- Yeshua wasn’t against man made traditions or Oral Torah as long as it didn’t nullify the Written Torah. For in the Brit Chadasha we find Yeshua keeping holidays and traditions not commanded in the Written Torah.
· John 7:37-38
“When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, one of the special Sukkot observances was to pour water on the Altar. The drawing of water for this purpose was preceded by all-night celebrations in the Temple courtyard; on the 15 steps leading to the azarah (inner courtyard) stood Levites while playing a variety of musical instruments, sages danced and juggled burning torches, and huge oil-burning lamps illuminated the entire city. The singing and dancing went on until daybreak, when a procession would make its way to the Shiloach Spring which flowed in a valley below the Temple to "draw water with joy." "One who did not see the joy of the water-drawing celebrations," declared the sages of the Talmud, "has not seen joy in his life."
While water was poured each day of the festival, the special celebrations were held only on Chol Hamoed since many of the elements of the celebration (e.g., the playing of musical instruments) are forbidden on Yom Tov.
Today, we commemorate these joyous celebrations by holding Simchat Beit HaShoeivah ("joy of the water drawing") events in the streets, with music and dancing. The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of holding such celebrations on Shabbat and Yom Tov as well -- without musical instruments of course. The fact that we cannot celebrate as we did in the Temple, said the Rebbe, means that we are free to celebrate the joy of Sukkot with singing and dancing every day of the festival.” – www.chabad.org
And why was this ritual so significant, especially in Yeshua’s time?
Well, first off the Cohenim (Levitical Priests) had a special schedule during Sukkot:
The Kohanim were divided into three divisions and each day of Sukkot there was a special ritual. Division one sacrificed the animals and items prescribed out in Numbers 29. Division two went to the East Gate of the Temple and headed to the Motzah Valley where they would discard the sacrificial ashes at the start of Shabbat. While there they would cut 25 foot willows and they would line up across the road holding the willows. About 30 feet behind them would be another row of priests with willow branches. They would then begin to march waving the willows in a swooshing motion creating the sound of the Ruach (Wind), symbolizing the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit. Division three in the meantime would be heading down to the pool of Siloam, meaning “peaceful flowing waters” (John 9:7, 11). The Kohen HaGadol (High Priest) was in this third group and he had a golden flask and drew the water called mayim chayim (living waters) because any water that was flowing was considered “living”. The High Priests assistant had a silver flash of wine. Both Groups would return to the Temple with the sound of the Shofar upon their arrival. One man would play the flute, the flute player was called “the pierced one” and symbolizes the Messiah (Psa. 22:16, Zech. 12:10, John 19:34-37, Rev. 1:7) and the flute players led the procession of the “wind” and “water” carrying priests. The Willow carriers would circle the Brazen Sacrificial Altar seven times while singing Psalm 118:25-26; the sacrificial division of priests would lay the slain sacrifices on the altar. Then the Cohen HaGadol and his assistant the ascended the altar and all Israel gathered into the Temple courts and sang a song called “Mayim (Water)” based on Isa. 12:3 according to Mishnah Sukkot 5:1. Then the High Priest poured out the water on the southwest corner of the altar on the horn, and then the wine was poured out as the Willow holders leaned their branches against the altar and made a sort of Sukkah.
According to the Mishnah Rosh HaShannah 1:2f says that it is during Sukkot that G-d decides who gets rains for next year and how much. Sukkot is also that time after Yom Kippur when it is said that the fate of each human is decided for the next year and the books in heaven are closed. So this is probably another reason for the water pouring ceremony, a type of supplication for rains.
These rituals and ceremonies are no where commanded in the Torah but the Rabbis and Sages feel by the spelling inconsistencies in Numbers 29 that spell the word ‘mayim” they nonetheless base the tradition of the water pouring ceremony on the Torah itself.
Rabbi Akiva (Ta'anit 2b) asserted that the water libation was alluded to in the Torah with the use of the plural form nesakhehah ("drink-offerings thereof") on the sixth day (Numbers 29:31), reflecting that one of the two libations consists of water.
“On Succoth even the humblest of all has its place on the Altar: water. The Midrash tells us that at the time of creation, the waters cried out to G-d that everyone has a place on the Altar -- oxen, sheep, wheat, barley, oil, wine. All except for water. The waters threatened to engulf the world until God promised them that on the festival of Succoth, Israel would offer a libation of humble water on the Altar, accompanied by SIMCHAS BEIS HASHO-EVA, "the Joy of the Water Drawing", which was so great that it brought people to prophecy.
The water libation on Succoth is not written explicitly in the Torah but only allusively. Three seemingly minute anomalies in the Hebrew phrasing of the laws of the offerings of the second, sixth and seventh days of the festival of Succoth, enable us to trace the letters of the word Hebrew word MAYIM -- WATER -- running through the Hebrew text (see Rashi on Numbers 29:18).” – Gil Marks
Three anomalies are derived from looking at how words are rendered differently on the second, sixth, and seventh days of the Festival:
1. Second day - "their libations" (Heb. niskeyhem נסקיהם), where there is an extra "yod" (י) and an extra "final mem" (ם) in the usual rendering of "its libation" (Heb. niskah נסקה).
2. Sixth day - "its libations" (Heb. niskeyhah נסקיה), where the usual rendering of "its libation" (Heb. niskah נסקה) has an extra "yod" (י).
3. Seventh day - "after the manner" (Heb. KaMishpatam כמשפטם), which has an extra "final mem" (ם) when compared to the other instances of "after the manner" (Heb. KaMishpat כמשפט) in this passage.
These anomalies actually gives us two extra "mems" and two extra "yods", however the Hebrew word for "water" (Heb. "mayim" מים) only needs one of the "yods". What are we to do with the extra "yod"? That lies in the realm of the Kabbalah and we will not delve into that here.
And obviously Yeshua had NO PROBLEM with it and included Himself with in the derived tradition.
A custom, a tradition, something that the Pharisees and Sadducees did; something that made it into the Talmud that Yeshua did not oppose but participated in and used to proclaim His divine Messiahship! Therefore it stands to reason His own talmidim were there and participated too and the believers that came after his resurrection and ascension.
We see now why He said:
"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."
A further fulfillment was when Yeshua was executed on the Roman cross and blood (symbolizing the wine) and water flowed (John 19:34).
YHWH the Father obviously didn’t have a problem with this man made ritual for HE told Yeshua to go and deliver such a message, for Yeshua speaks only what the Father bids Him to (John 5:19, 30; 8:28; 14:28).
The Sukkot of Moshiach
“What a day, that will be, when my Jesus, I shall see, when I look, upon His face, the One who saved me, by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me through, the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day, that will be.”
I bet the Festival of Sukkot was the furthest thing from the Christian hymnist mind when they penned these words. But growing up Christian, this song cannot help but spring to my mind when I think of Sukkot and the Moshiach Yeshua.
Positive Commandment 16
"HakHail" - Assembling the entire Jewish People
Deuteronomy 31:12 "Gather the people together, men and women, and children"
When Moshiach comes you may hear the radio announcing:
"This is the M.T.N. (Moshiach Times News) Radio, announcing the biggest greatest, most phenomenal Jewish reunion to be held on the second day of Sukkot!
The last convention, seven years ago, was an outstanding occasion. All men, women and children are invited to this festive gathering."
“At the end of the Shemita year (see Positive Mitzvah 140), we are commanded to gather at the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
Portions of the Torah are read aloud by the king at this assembly, uniting the Jewish people and inspiring all in the service of Hashem.” – Chabad.org
Won’t that be the most wonderful Sukkot ever!? The Sukkot when Messiah returns, we are all gathered together at the 3rd Temple and The One who spoke the world into creation, the One in Who’s words are the very Breath of Life, The Living Word, the Living Torah, Yeshua Ha Moshiach will read the very Torah He authored and gave to Moshe Rabbinu over 4000 years ago! Hearing the Torah read by the Author Himself!
We will celebrate Messiah’s Birth, Return, Our deliverance from Egypt and Exile, and His eternal reign all at the same time. “What day, glorious day,” What an 8 day celebration that will be!