*This is the first part of the 3-part series about Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles. We will review how you are to keep the feast, why it matters, and the prophetical nature of Sukkot and Shemeni Atzeret.
What Is the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)?
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot (Hebrew for “booths”), is one of the three pilgrimage feasts commanded by YAHUAH. It is a week-long celebration that comes after Yom Kippur, beginning on the 15th day of the 7th biblical month (Ethanim/Tishrei).
Leviticus 23:33–34 (KJV) says:
“And the ELOHIM 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 ELOHIM.”
This feast commemorates the Israelites dwelling in tents (booths) during their journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. But it’s more than a historical remembrance—Sukkot is a prophetic celebration of YAH’s provision, presence, and the coming Kingdom.
(Check out our book, Hebrew Israelite Biblical Feast Days: What They Are And How We Celebrate Them)
The Commandments: How YAHUAH Instructed Us to Keep It
Leviticus 23:41-43 (KJV) commands:
“And ye shall keep it a feast unto the ELOHIM seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations… Ye shall dwell in booths seven days… 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.”
Key actions required:
Keep the Feast for Seven Days.
It is a sacred convocation (holy gathering) on the first day and an additional eighth day called the “Last Great Day” (see verse 36). No servile work should be done on the first and eighth days.Dwell in Booths (Sukkot).
This means constructing temporary shelters, often from natural materials like palm branches. The booth symbolizes humility, dependence on YAH, and reminds us of the temporary nature of our earthly dwellings.Make Offerings to YAHUAH.
In ancient times, animal and grain offerings were made daily (Numbers 29:12–38). Today, we offer spiritual sacrifices—prayers, praise, studying the Word, and giving generously.Rejoice Before YAHUAH.
Deuteronomy 16:14–15 commands all—men, women, children, and even strangers—to rejoice during the feast, showing Sukkot is about celebration, not mourning.
This is not a burdensome ritual but a commandment to remember, celebrate, and live out our dependence on YAHUAH.
(See our books, Millennium & Kingdom Reign SUKKOT: Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
Building and Dwelling in Booths: A Prophetic Act of Faith
Why does YAHUAH command us to dwell in booths? It’s not only to remember the Exodus. It’s also a prophetic declaration of our identity as sojourners in this world—citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, not of earthly kingdoms.
Hebrews 11:13 (KJV) says:
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises... and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
By building a sukkah (tent), we physically act out that truth.
The sukkah reminds us that:
Our physical homes are temporary, but YAHUAH is our eternal shelter.
In the wilderness, YAHUAH was our covering. His cloud of glory protected us (Exodus 13:21–22).
Today, He covers us with His Ruach Ha’Kodesh and promises to tabernacle with us again through the Messiah.
John 1:14 subtly alludes to this by saying:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...”
The Greek for “dwelt” here literally means “tabernacled.”
YAHUSHUA’s first coming was a fulfillment shadow of Sukkot, and His second coming is deeply tied to its complete prophetic fulfillment.
(See our books, Millennium & Kingdom Reign SUKKOT: Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
Rejoicing in YAHUAH: The Joy of Obedience
Deuteronomy 16:14–15 (KJV) says:
“And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast... Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto YAHUAH thy ELOHIM... and thou shalt be altogether joyful.”
Unlike Yom Kippur (a day of affliction), Sukkot is a time of overflowing joy. Why?
It follows the atonement and cleansing of Yom Kippur.
It represents freedom, victory, and YAHUAH dwelling with His people.
It is the only feast where rejoicing is commanded!
For Hebrew Israelites returning to Torah, this joy also comes from reclaiming identity and obedience after generations of disconnection. It’s a festival of restoration.
Isaiah 12:3 (KJV)
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
This verse was traditionally quoted during the water-drawing ceremony in the Temple during Sukkot. It pointed forward to spiritual salvation through the Messiah.
The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret): The Last Great Day
Leviticus 23:36 (KJV) says:
“On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation... it is a solemn assembly.”
Though the feast is seven days, the eighth day is set apart. This day is prophetic:
It represents eternity—the number 8 signifies new beginnings and the eternal Kingdom.
YAHUSHUA made a great declaration on this day:
John 7:37–38 (KJV):
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink...”
This was during Shemini Atzeret, and His words reveal that He is the Living Water—fulfilling the meaning of the water-drawing ceremony.
For us today, the eighth day is a time of renewed dedication, praying for spiritual water, and looking forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–9).
(See our books, Millennium & Kingdom Reign SUKKOT: Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles, The 8th Day Shemini Atzeret: The Last Great Day)
Rest and Holy Convocation: Shabbat Within the Feast
Both the first day and the eighth day of Sukkot are considered Shabbat-like rest days.
Leviticus 23:39 (KJV) says:
“...on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.”
These days are to be:
Holy gatherings where no regular work is done.
Times to gather for worship, reading the Word, prayer, and rejoicing.
Just like the weekly Sabbath, these feast-day Sabbaths are about resting in YAH and focusing on Him entirely.
A Call to Return and Dwell With YAHUAH
The Feast of Tabernacles is not a relic of the past—it is a living commandment, a prophetic sign, and a joyful opportunity to return to YAHUAH’s ways.
As Hebrew Israelites, keeping Sukkot:
Honors our forefathers.
Aligns us with prophetic timelines.
Sets us apart as obedient children.
Prepares us for the coming Kingdom when YAH will once again tabernacle among His people (Revelation 21:3).
Let us build our booths, gather with our families, and rejoice before YAH, knowing that our obedience is not just a ritual—it’s a sign of the covenant we have with our King.
Zechariah 14:16 (KJV)
“...every one that is left of all the nations... shall even go up... to keep the feast of tabernacles.”
Even in the Millennial Reign, this feast will be required. Why wait? Start now. Return to the joy, holiness, and prophetic purpose of Sukkot—YAH’s holy appointment with His people.
Shalom,
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