TLDR;
This video explores the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in relation to the second coming of Christ. It highlights how Sukkot connects to other feasts, symbolizes the final harvest of souls, and foreshadows Christ's role as the light of the world, the source of living water, and the King of Kings. The video also touches on the traditions associated with Sukkot, such as building temporary shelters, waving palm branches, and the ritual of living water, and how these traditions point to Christ's ministry and future reign.
- Sukkot foreshadows the final harvest of souls at Christ's coming.
- The feast symbolizes Christ as the light of the world and the source of living water.
- Sukkot is connected to the coronation of kings and the dedication of the temple, anticipating Christ's return as King of Kings.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and its importance in understanding the last days and the second coming of Christ. It explains that Sukkot reveals the Savior's role as the light of the world, the living waters, and the King of Kings. In addition to daily, weekly, and monthly worship, Israel was commanded to participate in three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot, which occurred during the spring, summer, and fall harvests. These feasts were meant to remind Israel of past events and teach them of future events.
Sukkot's Connection to the Other Feasts [1:18]
The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) on the first day of the seventh month initiates a ten-day period of penitence, preparing the people for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Yom Kippur is the holiest day, when the high priest enters the Holy of Holies, symbolically bringing Israel into the Lord's presence. After being forgiven of their sins, Israel prepares for the Feast of Tabernacles, which begins five days later. The feast's connection to the final harvest of the year foreshadows the final harvest of souls at the coming of the Messiah.
Building a Tabernacle or Sukkah [2:03]
The law required Israelites to construct temporary shelters, or booths (Sukkahs), to dwell in for seven days. These Sukkahs, generally moderate in size with at least three walls and a roof made of branches, served as a reminder of Israel's time dwelling in booths after the Lord delivered them from Egypt. It also reminded them that the Lord dwelt among them in the tabernacle. John taught that when the Savior came to earth, He tabernacled among us. Just as the Lord was with the people as they escaped bondage and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, so too is the Savior with us as we seek shelter from worldly cares and troubles.
Celebrating with Palm Branches [3:24]
The Lord commanded the people to celebrate by taking fruit from beautiful trees, palm branches, leafy boughs, and willows, rejoicing before the Lord during the feast. When Jesus triumphally entered Jerusalem on a donkey during Passover, the people greeted Him with palm branches, likely understanding the connection between His entry and the coming of the Messiah during Sukkot. By waving palm leaves and shouting "Hosanna," they were obeying the law.
The Ritual of Living Water [4:07]
During the second temple period, additional celebrations were added to Sukkot. Each morning for seven days, priests processed from the temple to the Pool of Siloam, drawing water from the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem's main water source. This water, considered "living water" for ritual purification, was carried back to the temple in a golden pitcher. Arriving at the court of the priests, they circled the altar once, pouring the water onto the altar of sacrifice. On the seventh day, the "great day of the feast," the ritual was the same, except the priest circled the altar seven times. This symbolized Israel's request for rain for the next harvest season. On this day, Jesus proclaimed that anyone who thirsts should come to Him and drink, declaring Himself the ultimate source of living water and His divinity. The day following the feast, Jesus healed a blind man by anointing his eyes with mud and instructing him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, the same pool used for drawing the living water.
Lighting the Temple Candelabras [6:25]
On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, in addition to the water drawing ceremony, people gathered in the court of the women at the temple. Young Levi boys lit four massive candelabras filled with oil, creating a light so bright that it illuminated every courtyard in Jerusalem. In this same area, days later, Christ proclaimed, "I am the light of the world." Just as the candelabras' light shone over the entire city, so too does the light of Christ shine throughout the world for all to see.
Coronation and Temple Dedication [7:11]
The fall feasts were connected with significant events, including the anointing of kings and the dedication of Solomon's Temple during Sukkot, when the Lord's presence came down to accept the temple.
Second Coming of the Messiah [7:30]
The season of Tabernacles is when we look forward to Christ's coming as the King of Kings, coming to His temples or places of worship. The prophet Zechariah declared that all nations will celebrate Sukkot when Christ returns. The Feast of Tabernacles is a time of joyous celebration as we await the return of our Savior. The scriptures teach that at the sounding of the trumpet at Christ's coming, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord. The video asks if we are willing to confess now that Jesus is our anointed King and Savior and if we are spiritually prepared to greet Him when He comes again to the temple mount. Every day, we can drink of the living water of Christ as we study the scriptures, pray to the Father, and serve others as God loves them.