Sabbath and Set Apart Feast Days: A Journey into Their Deeper Meanings – Part 6

Sukkot: A Celebration of Joy and Restoration Continued:

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is one of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH’s) appointed times, marking a Qodesh (set apart/holy) feast day for His people, Yahshar’el. The Feast of Tabernacles is kept from the fifteenth day of the seventh month, which extends for seven days and concludes with the Eighth Day, Shemini Atzeret, symbolizing the fulfillment of YAHUAH’s eternal plan. This joyous Feast, deeply rooted in scripture, calls Yahshar’el (Israel) to reconnect with the deeper meaning of YAHUAH’s instructions, as seen in the recommitment of His people in Nehemiah 8-10.

Part one explored the foundation and significance of Sukkot, highlighting YAHUAH’s provision, protection, and restoration promised to Yahshar’el and the grafted-in branches. As we move forward, we’ll uncover the deeper prophetic layers of Sukkot, its fulfillment through 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha) Messiah, and its role in YAHUAH’s Master Plan for redemption. Additionally, we’ll discuss how we can honor this Qodesh Feast today through practical observance and by rejecting syncretism, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of YAHUAH’s eternal purpose.

The Prophetic Restoration of Yahshar’el Through Ingathering

The Feast of Tabernacles, at its core, is a prophetic reminder of the ultimate ingathering of YAHUAH’s people from the four corners of the earth. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes YAHUAH’s plan to regather and restore all twelve tribes of Yahshar’el. This exodus will be a time of physical and spiritual renewal, as described in Ezekiel 36:24-28: “For I will take you from the nations and gather you out of all the lands and bring you into your land. Then I will sprinkle pure waters on you, and you shall be purified… I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you… You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. And you shall be a people to Me, and I will be Elohim to you.“

The Renewal of Yahshar’el

This restoration points to the eventual return of Yahshar’el to their ancestral land, a profound spiritual rebirth, and a renewed covenant with 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (YAHUAH). Ezekiel 37:21-22 underscores this promise: “Say to them, ‘Thus says the Sovereign YAHUAH: Surely I will take the children of Yahshar’el from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Yahshar’el; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.'”

Yahshar’el’s Identity and Restoration

Yahshar’el’s restoration will be a multi-faceted event that encompasses both the restoration of the identity of Yahshar’el ( Jeremiah 24:7, Zechariah 10:9) and the return to the physical land of Israel. Baruch 2:30-33 gives a glimpse of what this would look like. This prophetic gathering, highlighted during the Sukkot gatherings in booths, marks a pivotal moment in the future when Yahshar’el will be fully restored, united, and established in the land that YAHUAH promised them.

30 For I knew that they would not hear Me, because they are a stiff-necked people; but in the land of their captivities they shall come to themselves,

31 and shall know that I am YAHUAH their El. For I will give them a heart, and ears to hear;

32 and they shall praise Me in the land of their captivity, and think upon My name,

Baruch 2:30-32

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

The Millennial Reign and the Fulfillment of Prophecies

Yahshar’el’s restoration culminates during Yahusha’s millennial reign, a time of peace, prosperity, and unity for all Yahshar’el and the nations that choose YAHUAH’s way. During this time, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha) will establish a global government based on YAHUAH’s Torah, and nations will be expected to submit to His reign. Peace is promised to those who willingly follow YAHUAH’s ways.

This period, often called the “Kingdom of Yahusha,” will be a time of perfect justice and righteousness. Yahusha will reign from Jerusalem, and YAHUAH’s presence will be felt throughout the earth. The prophetic restoration of Yahshar’el and Torah law will see the fulfillment of prophecies, such as those in Isaiah 2:2-4 and Micah 4:1-3, where all nations acknowledge YAHUAH’s sovereignty and come to worship in Jerusalem:

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of YAHUAH shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of YAHUAH, to the house of the Elohim of Ya’acob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the Torah shall go forth, and the word of YAHUAH from Jerusalem.” — Isaiah 2:2-3

The Feast of Tabernacles and Everlasting Command

Zechariah 14:16-19 further reveals that during this time, all nations will be required to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, and those who do not will face judgment. This universal observance will serve as a sign of YAHUAH’s complete reign over all creation:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, YAHUAH of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, YAHUAH of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which YAHUAH strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.“

This highlights the global significance of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Millennial Reign, where all nations will bow down, worship 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄, and keep this Qodesh feast year after year for 1,000 years. As mentioned in Ezekiel 46:1-3 and Isaiah 66:22-23, these everlasting commands also extend to the other Feast Days (Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Shavuot, Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur), the Shabbat, and New Moons. Sukkot, like YAHUAH’s other appointed times, was commanded for the past, present, and future.

Honoring YAHUAH’s Feasts Today

The beautiful truth is that YAHUAH has graciously invited us to begin honoring His feasts today. By observing them now, we align ourselves with His eternal plan and prepare for the joy and restoration promised in the coming Kingdom.

Honor This Qodesh Feast

The Call to Embrace the Feast Today

While the ultimate fulfillment of these prophetic events is still ahead, we are called to participate in this divine restoration today. Just as the ancient Yahshar’elites were commanded to observe Sukkot, we are also commanded to keep this Feast. Observing Sukkot is not just about looking forward to the future but about recognizing the spiritual significance it holds for us right now.

In the Book of Revelation, we see a glimpse of what that final restoration will look like. Revelation 21:3 declares: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. Elohim Himself will be with them and be their Elohim.'”

This verse points to the future reality when YAHUAH will truly tabernacle with His people. Yet, even today, we are called to “tabernacle” with Him in our hearts. Sukkot is a reminder that 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 desires to dwell with His people, and this is a promise that is fulfilled not only at the return of Messiah but also in our daily lives as we walk with Him in faith and obedience.

As we celebrate Sukkot, we are encouraged to build “booths” in our hearts—a spiritual shelter where we can seek refuge and find joy in YAHUAH’s presence.

How to Aligning with the Feast of Sukkot Practically

To fully honor the Feast of Tabernacles, we must shed the layers of tradition and return to the Word of YAHUAH. Here’s how:

1. Build Temporary Shelters (Sukkah or Booths):
   • Leviticus 23:42-43 commands YAHUAH’s people to dwell in booths (sukkahs) for seven days as a reminder of Yahshar’el’s journey through the wilderness and YAHUAH’s provision
   • Construct a temporary structure using natural materials like branches or wood. Tents, campers, or other temporary dwellings fulfill this command for modern observance as well.
   • Spend time in the sukkah eating, reading scripture, praying, or even sleeping to reflect on YAHUAH’s protection and provision.
   • These temporary shelters are symbols of our dependence on YAHUAH, our acknowledgment of His provision, and our anticipation of the day when He will once again tabernacle with us, His people on earth.
2. Observances of the Feast Day:
   • Holy Convocations – Treat the first day and the eighth day (often called Shemini Atzeret or the Last Great Day) as Sabbaths (High Shabbats). This means refraining from ordinary work and dedicating the time to worship and assembly (Leviticus 23:35-36).
   • Work is permitted on days 2-7, as they are NOT High Sabbaths.
   • Assemble with Yahshar’el or like-minded believers to worship, study YAHUAH’s Word, and rejoice together.
   • Cooking is allowed on all days of this Feast except the day of the weekly Sabbath.
   • Refrain from self-seeking pleasure.
3. Rejoice Before YAHUAH:
   • Deuteronomy 16:14-15 emphasizes the joy of Sukkot, a time to rejoice in YAHUAH’s berakah (blessing) with family, strangers, and the needy.
   • Reflect on YAHUAH’s provision and express gratitude through song, dance, praise, sharing meals, fellowship, and scripture readings to honor the joyous spirit of the Feast.
4. Rejoicing with Fruit, Branches, and Worship:
   • Leviticus 23:40 commands taking the fruit of beautiful trees, palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook to rejoice before YAHUAH for seven days. This is a tangible way to honor YAHUAH’s faithfulness and provision for Yahshar’el. This practice commemorated how YAHUAH provided for His people during their journey in the wilderness, sustaining them with food, water, shelter, and protection.
     • Gather these elements (or their modern equivalents) to celebrate.
     • Wave them in worship to YAHUAH as a sign of joy and thanksgiving.
     • Combine this wave-type offering with praise, songs, and heartfelt gratitude for His provision and faithfulness.
5. Study and Reflect on Scripture:
   • Delve deeper into YAHUAH’s Word, dedicating extra time to prayer and studying scripture.
   • Study particularly passages highlighting His promises of YAHUAH dwelling with His people (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3).
   • Search the words of Baruch 2:30-35 and their dual prophetic meanings.
6. Look Ahead to Prophetic Fulfillment:
   • Zechariah 14:16–19 reveals that all nations will one day observe the Feast of Tabernacles during Yahusha’s reign.
   • Revelation 21:3 declares the ultimate fulfillment when YAHUAH will dwell with His people forever.
7. Rejecting Syncretism
   • Purity of Worship: Honor Sukkot according to YAHUAH’s instructions, avoiding traditions that mix pagan or non-biblical practices.
   • Base your observance on the Torah and the example of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Yahusha) Messiah.
   • Focus on YAHUAH’s Word and keep the Feast set apart (Qodesh).

Sukkot and Syncretism

Definition of Syncretism:

• The mixture or fusion of diverse religious ideas or practices from diverse sources.
• A union or attempted fusion of different religions, cultures, or philosophies.
• Merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion.

Christmas is a prime example of syncretism, which is the blending of different practices, ideas, and traditions. This syncretism includes Yule, Saturnalia, Sol Invictus, the Christian birth of Jesus, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Elves, etc…

Syncretism in the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

As we have learned from the previous Shabbat and Feast lessons, syncretism has affected the truth of the Feast Days—Sukkot was not spared. I recently read an article that had me pretty upset with a Rabbi’s interpretation of Sukkot and how far he diverged from the original biblical instruction and understanding. Here is the article so you can read it. The Rabbi’s Sukkot description reflects a syncretic layering of sensual and mystical symbolism onto biblical practices—something not rooted in the Torah.

He insists that the Feast includes “the sexual symbolism of the Lulav and Etrog‘ ‘which celebrates the bounty and mystery of creation and procreation.'” Other sources agreed with the Rabbi and noted this “The lulav clearly seems phallic, particularly with its basket attached below, reminiscent of the scrotum. The etrog is clearly breast like, with its pronounced “nipple.” When our community is fragmented we are weak. But when men and women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, singles and married, young and old, all stand together – we can, as is so of the lulav and etrog, move in many directions.“

Yahshar’el’s Call to Purity in Worship

YAHUAH consistently instructs His people to maintain purity and focus in worship:

• Deuteronomy 12:30-32 warns against incorporating the practices of other nations into the worship of YAHUAH.
• Isaiah 29:13 critiques the people for honoring YAHUAH with their lips while their hearts are far from Him, following human traditions rather than His commands.

The True Meaning of the Lulav and Etrog

First, let’s clear something up. Leviticus 23:40 does command, “take to yourselves on the first day the fruit of majestic trees, palm branches, and boughs of oak trees, and willows of the valley, and shall rejoice before YAHWEH your Elohim seven days.” However, the etrog fruit is not native to Israel, and most scholars agree that the fruit would have been the pomegranate. Either way, YAHUAH never did, nor would He want people to collectively get together and worship Him with sexual intent or motive. Many pagan rituals in the ancient Near East involved sexual symbolism or acts. YAHUAH explicitly forbids His people from engaging in these practices (Leviticus 18, Deuteronomy 12:29–31).

Distortion of the Feast’s True Purpose

The sexual symbolism often attributed to the lulav and etrog during Sukkot exemplifies how external influences and reinterpretations have subtly reshaped Torah practices. This interpretation, rooted in sensual and mystical perspectives rather than scripture, distracts from the Feasts’ true purpose of remembering YAHUAH’s provision and faithfulness during the wilderness journey. Leviticus 23:39–43 commands and calls Yahshar’el to humility, reflection, and rejoicing in YAHUAH during Sukkot, not indulging in carnal or mystical practices. This reinterpretation mirrors the broader historical pattern of Esau’s influence over Yahshar’el, introducing foreign elements that distort YAHUAH’s original instructions and shift the focus from Qodesh worship to human traditions. Recognizing and resisting these layers of influence is essential to preserving the purity and intent of YAHUAH’s appointed times.

Conclusion

A Call to Sukkot

The Feast of Tabernacles is more than a historical observance; it is a profound celebration of YAHUAH’s provision, promises, and prophetic purposes. It invites Yahshar’el and all grafted-in believers to rejoice in YAHUAH’s faithfulness, reflect on His Word, and prepare for the ultimate restoration when He will dwell among His people forever. By keeping Sukkot, we do not simply commemorate the past or anticipate the future—we actively participate in the grand narrative of YAHUAH’s Master Plan.

As we dwell in booths, meditate on His Word, and celebrate the harvest of berakah (blessings), we align ourselves with YAHUAH’s covenant promises. This Qodesh Feast is a call to reject the distortions of tradition and embrace the joy, gratitude, and hope it embodies—a foretaste of the eternal Kingdom under Yahusha Messiah.

Will you honor this appointed time, as YAHUAH commands, and step into the joy of His presence? Join the prophetic celebration of Sukkot, a living reminder of YAHUAH’s enduring faithfulness and the restoration to come. Let us look forward with joyful anticipation to the day when all nations will worship before YAHUAH, and His glory will fill the earth.

Next week we will cover THE LAST GREAT DAY!

By: David Edwards – HalleluYAH – Praise YAH – Praise 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄