All About Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles)! | October 4, 2025

Steve Conover: Thank you for joining us for The Friends of Israel Today. I'm Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel. With me is our host and teacher, Chris Katulka. Now Chris, you've done a lot of teaching live on behalf of The Friends of Israel, and you come off the stage and you get asked questions after you speak. We get asked questions here at The Friends of Israel and have for decades, as long as I've been part of the ministry. And I've collected these questions. We have years worth of questions that are the most common questions we receive here at The Friends of Israel. It's a video series called AskFOI, and you're going to hear one of those segments today, which I'm really excited about.

Chris Katulka: That's right. If you want to listen to Steve's AskFOI series, which he does a phenomenal job hosting, you can go to foiradio.org. There not only can you keep up with what's happening with The Friends of Israel, but you can also see all of these questions that Steve's been developing answered right in a video form for you to watch on YouTube by going to foiradio.org. And today actually, we're going to feature one of those questions with Bruce Scott. Bruce Scott is the director of Ministry Mobilization here at The Friends of Israel, and Steve did a fantastic job interviewing Bruce on the Feast of Tabernacles. So you're going to hear from Bruce and Steve on the Feast of Tabernacles. And then I'm going to follow up with some thoughts about what this means, why it's important biblically and what it means to us as Christians to think about and worship the Lord through these Fall Feasts of Israel.

Steve Conover: Before we get to that, in the news, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked if he would approve President Trump's 21-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The prime minister confirmed he's working with the Americans to finalize the details. Netanyahu hopes it will move forward, since Israel's goals are to free the hostages, dismantle Hamas, ensure Gaza's demilitarization and establish a new future for both Gazans and Israelis.

Chris Katulka: Well, Steve, here's my take. I really respect the Trump administration's commitment to ending the war and pursuing peace. But any ceasefire, it must hold Hamas accountable for its grievous actions and firmly secure Israel's ability to protect its citizens. Otherwise, we risk putting Israel right back at square one.

Steve Conover: Welcome to AskFOI where we answer the most common questions we receive at The Friends of Israel on prophecy, Israel, and the Bible. Today we're looking at the Feast of Sukkot, and with me is Bruce Scott. Welcome, Bruce.

Bruce Scott: Shalom, Steve. Good to be with you.

Steve Conover: Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Booths is celebrated by the Jewish people in the fall, and it is typically a more lighthearted or celebratory feast. Why is that?

Bruce Scott: Well, that’s a good question. It's because it goes back to the days in the Bible when the Jewish people would be ingathering. In fact, it was called the Feast of Ingathering at times because it was the end of the wheat harvest. So it was a celebratory time, but it was also a commemorative event because it looked back on the days when the children of Israel wandered around in the wilderness after they were redeemed out of Egypt and they lived in booths. They lived in temporary shelters in the wilderness, and yet at the same time, there was God dwelling with them. There was a canopy, if you will, of the Shekinah glory of God that dwelt in their midst, cloud by day, fire by night. So this is why God instructed them in the Torah and the law of Moses in Leviticus 23, that every year they were all together, together. In fact, this was one of the three pilgrim feasts where all Jewish adult males were to make this pilgrimage up to Jerusalem. Of course, they brought their families many times with them. But God said, you're to celebrate this every year to remember this time when you lived in booths, when you lived in these little temporary structures, and I dwelt in your midst, and also they celebrated the harvest time.

Steve Conover: Is there any indication that Jesus celebrated Sukkot?

Bruce Scott: Oh yes, very definitely. In fact, well of course he kept all of the law. He couldn't break any of God's law otherwise he wouldn't have been the promised Messiah. And so every year he went to Jerusalem. But we do know for sure because it's recorded in John chapter seven that he went up to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot. And that was the time when at a very important observance called the water libation, where they would take water from the Gihon Spring, the spring where kings were anointed. They would take water from there and then they would pour it on the altar in the temple. Well, on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood up and he cried out. It says he cried out. So this wasn't a private thing, this was a public thing. He cried out saying that all those who come to him out of their innermost being will flow rivers, not just a little juglet of water, but rivers of living water. So he was proclaiming to be the Messiah at that time, very publicly as well as that ablation with the water symbolized the time of the coming of the Messiah and the Messianic age when God would pour out his Holy Spirit on them. So that's why Jesus said that from your innermost being will flow rivers of living waters, and the text says that he spoke of the Holy Spirit, which had not been given at that point. So yes, Jesus definitely observed it.

Steve Conover: Bruce, as we close for Christians that are just starting to understand the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, what's the big takeaway? What should they leave with after watching this interview?

Bruce Scott: Well, they should know that observant Jewish people, their Jewish friends, they will set up this temporary structure sometimes in a synagogue, sometimes in their own homes. In Israel, you'll see them on balconies, rooftops, et cetera. And the holiday lasts for seven days and they are to spend time there and they look up at the stars through this shelter and remember God's promises. But for us, it really reminds us of John 1:14, which says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt (or tabernacled) among us, and we beheld his glory; Glory is of the only begotten from the Father.” So it should remind us not only of God's faithfulness to Israel, but also God's faithfulness in bringing the Messiah who was God in the flesh and tabernacled among us. And the promise that when he returns, he will be tabernacling among us as well in the Kingdom age.

Steve Conover: Amen. Very meaningful. Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Scott: Thank you.

Steve Conover: You know Chris, I was recently rereading Elwood McQuaid's book, It is No Dream, and I was reminded once again of why it's one of my all-time favorite books.

Chris Katulka: I couldn't agree more, Steve. Dr. McQuaid, he may be with the Lord now, but his voice still speaks so clearly through this book.

Steve Conover: It's true. If anyone wants a biblical understanding of God's plan for the Jewish people, this is a must read. He does an excellent job of weaving in the modern history of Israel, and I can't say enough good things about it.

Chris Katulka: Well, his biblical insight and his deep love for Israel and really his connection with Jewish leaders, it comes through on every single page.

Steve Conover: And the newest version is even better than when I first read it because it not only includes maps and photos, but it's expanded since the first release.

Chris Katulka: Steve, It Is No Dream isn't just a good read, it's a reminder of God's promises and his faithfulness through the ages.

Steve Conover: Don't miss out on this timeless book, It Is No Dream. You'll come back to it again and again. Get your copy today at foiradio.org. Again, that's foiradio.org.

Chris Katulka: It was great to hear from Bruce Scott and Steve talking about the broad overview of the Feast of Tabernacles. That word, as Bruce had mentioned, Feast of Tabernacles in Hebrew is actually Sukkot and it is one of the most joyful and richly layered celebrations on the Jewish calendar. It's described in Leviticus chapter 23. It's the final festival of the year. Once Tabernacles ends, the cycle resets in the spring with Passover beginning a new season of God's appointed times. Sukkot begins on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. That's the Hebrew month following the solemn Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. It's interesting, the contrast between the two is striking. From the affliction and repentance of Yom Kippur to the exuberant rejoicing of Sukkot, this seven-day festival, and its concluding eighth day, which draws God's people into a vivid reminder of his provision, his protection, and his presence. And that's where I want to focus our attention today—on God's provision, his protection and presence in our lives as we enter into this season of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.

So let's first start with God's protection In the wilderness. That name, Sukkot, which literally means “booths” or “tabernacles,” refers to the temporary shelters the Israelites built and lived in during their 40 years of wilderness wandering. God commands his people in Leviticus 23:42-43 to live in temporary shelters for seven days. “All native born Israelites are to live in such shelters so that your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” The fragile sukkah constructed with branches, its roof thin enough to glimpse the stars, reminds worshipers that life is short and that they are completely dependent on the Lord. In the wilderness, Israel was utterly vulnerable, exposed to enemies, hunger and harsh conditions, and yet God himself was there covering. A cloud by day shielding them from the scorching sun. A pillar of fire by night lit their path. Their clothing and their sandals, they did not wear out. And in their weakness, God's presence was their safety. The sukkah is not just merely a historical reenactment, because remember Bruce had talked about the fact that our Jewish friends all around the world will be building these booths, these sukkah booths. It's a living parable, actually, when they build these booths, these sukkahs, it's a living parable of trust. To step inside one is to confess, ‘God, we are not sustained by the strength of our walls or the permanence of our possessions, but by the faithful protection that can only come from you.’ The next is provision, especially during this time, as Bruce had mentioned, the provision that's coming from the Feast of Ingathering. That's actually another name for Sukkot, which is also the Feast of Ingathering from Exodus 23:16, which celebrates the completion of the agricultural year.

While other nations of the ancient world held harvest festivals, Israel was unique. It was not about the land alone, but about the God of the land. Every bushel of grain, every cluster of grapes, every drop of olive oil was a gift of God's provision. This was not the bread harvest of barley or wheat. Those were gatherings of earlier harvest, like Firstfruits and Pentecost. Rather Sukkot marked the harvest of the, I like to call them the sweet things in life, the sweet things, grapes and olives and figs and dates. Bread sustains us. I love bread, but these fruits are a delight. Sukkot declared that God not only meets our needs, but graciously blesses us with abundance. He provides daily bread of course, but also the sweetness of joy and goodness beyond what we deserve. Imagine Israel bringing in the last of the harvest, families gathering in sukkahs decorated with fruit branches and lights rejoicing together with thanksgiving.

The rhythm of the year reminded them every good gift comes from the hand of the Lord. For us today, the Feast of Tabernacles still whispers that same truth. We may not live by the rhythm of planting and harvesting, but we know what it is to rely on God's provision, his physical provision, his emotional provision in our life, and even more importantly, the spiritual provision that he provides us. He supplies our every need, but he also gives abundantly above all we ask or think as the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 3:20. And finally, God's presence in water and light. The two central ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles brought God's presence into sharp focus, the water pouring libation ceremony and the festival of lights. Each day of the Feast of Tabernacles, priests would draw water from the pool of Siloam and carry it in a procession to the temple and there, as Bruce had mentioned, the water was poured out on the altar as an offering to God as an act of thanksgiving for past rains and a plea for the rains to come.

Rain was very important in an agricultural society. It showed God's blessing on the people. But this ritual carried really deep symbolism as well. Water represented life, refreshment and the Spirit of God. Isaiah 12:3 promised “with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” The Jewish people longed not only for rain, but for the outpouring of God's ultimate deliverance. It was during the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus stood in the temple courts and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” That's John 7:37-38. And I know that Bruce discussed this, but when Jesus is declaring this on the Feast of Tabernacles, he identifies himself as the true source of spiritual provision just as God had quenched Israel's thirst in the wilderness.

So now Christ the Messiah offers eternal refreshment through the Holy Spirit and also even more importantly, through his death, burial, and resurrection. During the Feast of Tabernacles, enormous candelabras would've been set up in the temple courtyard and their flames would've illuminated Jerusalem at night symbolizing the pillar of fire that once guided Israel in the wilderness. This dazzling light reminded God's people of his constant presence in their lives. It was likely during this backdrop that Jesus once again proclaims in John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Here Jesus declares himself the fulfillment of the festival's imagery. The same God who once led Israel by fire was now present in flesh, shining light into a dark world. 

Another significant tradition of Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles is the waving of the lulav and etrog. The lulav, which is like a palm branch bound with myrtle and willow together with the etrog, which almost looks like a lemon, it's a citrus fruit, were waved in six different directions, north, south, east, west, and then up and down. This act symbolized God's sovereignty over all of creation. There's actually rabbinic tradition that also saw the four species as a picture of the diversity of God's people, the Chosen People. Just as the etrog and the palm and myrtle and willow differ in fragrance and taste, so do the people of Israel differ in their devotion and even understanding. Yet together they form one worshiping community. So Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles then was a festival of unity, reminding Israel that God's protection, provision and presence extended to the whole covenant family. Remember though Sukkot is not only about backwards looking, it also has a profound prophetic dimension as well. The prophet Zechariah envisioned today when all the nations would come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

You can read it in Zachariah 14:16-19. In the Messianic kingdom, God's reign will extend over the entire earth and the joy of Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles, will not just be for the Jewish people, but it will be universal. Those who refuse to celebrate will actually experience drought reminding us once again of God's provision of rain and water. The message is clear in the coming kingdom—the provision and protection and presence of God will not be limited just to Israel alone, but will encompass all who worshiped the King, the Lord Almighty. Look, as Christians, we see the Feast of Tabernacles as both a reminder and a promise. It reminds us of the God who provided manna and water in the desert. Who protected his people from enemies and who made his presence visible in fire and cloud. It promises us that in Christ, the Living Water and the Light of the world, that those same blessings are ours today.

We may not dwell in sukkahs or booths or wave palm branches as our Jewish friends do, but we know what it is to need shelter, to long for provision and to seek God's presence. Sukkot calls us to rejoice, not in what we have, but in the God who never leaves his people without his care. Ultimately, Sukkot points us to eternity. Revelation chapter 21 describes the New Jerusalem where the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. In other words, the final Sukkot, the everlasting tabernacle will be realized when God's presence is fully with his people. The Feast of Tabernacles is more than just an ancient festival. It's a living testimony of God's faithfulness. In its booths we see his protection. In its harvest we see his provision. And in its light and water, we encounter his presence. From the wilderness of Sinai to the words of Jesus in Jerusalem, Sukkot proclaims the same truth—God provides, God protects and God is present. And one day in his kingdom, all nations will join in this great celebration dwelling forever in the joy of his presence.

Steve Conover: Now, Apples of Gold, a dramatic reading from the life and ministry of Holocaust survivor, Zvi Kalisher.

Mike Kellogg: Sometimes I go to the ultra-Orthodox synagogues where I have long discussions about faith. You cannot go there and immediately begin telling people about Jesus. You must have patience. When I question what they believe, or when they start to understand in whom I believe, they usually become angry and threaten to throw me out. 

Recently I met several men who attend one of the ultra-Orthodox synagogues I have visited. When our discussion turned to the Holocaust, one said, “If you had gone through what we went through in those days, you would not speak as you do.”

“I passed through all the seven halls of hell. I was jealous of those who had died. I was a skeleton; the Gestapo almost beat me to death; and all this began when I was 10 years old.”

Now they all were paying attention. “We would like you to come to our great synagogue and speak about what happened to you,” one said. I was shocked. Here was an opportunity to tell them about the Lord.

When I arrived at the synagogue, they welcomed me warmly and listened intently to everything I said about the Holocaust. Then came the questions: “What synagogue do you attend? Who is your rabbi? Which rabbi taught you to pray?”

I was waiting for them to ask, because if I had mentioned the Lord, they would have become angry. But because they brought up the subject, I gave them my entire testimony, explaining how I came to know Jesus Christ. Of course, I could not say Jesus Christ, but rather, Yeshua

Hamashiach in Hebrew.

As soon as I mentioned Yeshua they all shouted at me. “This is the biggest insolence against heaven!” one yelled. “But you asked me who my rabbi is and how I came to know God,” I said.

“I read the Bible and started to know the Lord and received Him as my Savior. Why? Because I read Isaiah 53, where it is written, ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed’” (v. 5).

They were extremely surprised and asked many questions. They revere their rabbis so much they have practically turned them into gods, believing what the rabbis tell them instead of God’s Word.

“Whom are you following?” I asked them. “I believe in the living God, not as you. I follow God, not men.”

Then they asked how I came to such an understanding of Scripture. I told them, “I do not read books written by rabbis, fictional stories made up by men. I read only what was written by the Holy Spirit of God. What He wrote is what is important. And I believe it. Is this not good enough for you?”

This time they had no reply. They became friendly again, and we finished our long conversation. They were nice to me, and one told me, “This is not the last time we will speak. We will see you again.” I hope so.

Steve Conover: Thank you so much for joining us for today's episode of The Friends of Israel Today. Perhaps you have a question about prophecy, Israel or the Bible. I invite you to view our growing list of answered questions at our AskFOI page, which we'll link to at foiradio.org. We post a new question every week and don't forget to get your copy of It Is No Dream by Elwood McQuaid. Again, you can get that at foiradio.org. Chris, where are we headed next week?

Chris Katulka: We're going to actually turn to Isaiah chapter 62 for a three-part series on combating antisemitism. Really asking the question, is it the Christian's responsibility to combat antisemitism? I'm reminded, Steve, of verse six, “On your walls, oh Jerusalem, I have set watchmen all the day and all the night, and they shall never be silent.” I think it's a call for us to stand up for our Jewish friends. 

Steve Conover: Amen. Today's program was engineered by Bob Beebe, edited by Jeremy Strong, who also composed and performs our theme music. Lisa Small is our executive producer. Sarah Fern is our associate producer. The late Mike Kellogg read Apples of Gold, and our host and teacher is Chris Katulka. I'm Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel. The Friends of Israel Today is a production of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Passion for God's Word. Compassion for God's Chosen People.