“Then all your people will go out and live in temporary shelters, so your descendants will know that I made the Israelites live in shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” — Leviticus 23:42–43
For seven days, Jewish families around the world are celebrating Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles — one of the most joyful and prophetic festivals in the Bible.
They build small shelters, or sukkahs, open to the sky. Inside, they eat, pray, and remember:
God once led His people through the wilderness, and even in the desert, His presence dwelt with them.
The Meaning of the Sukkah
A sukkah is fragile. Its roof lets in rain. The wind can rattle its walls.
Yet, it reminds us that our security is never in walls or roofs — it is in God Himself.
During Sukkot, Jewish families leave the comfort of their homes and step into temporary dwellings to remember that their ancestors survived in the wilderness not because they were strong, but because God was faithful.
As Christians, we too are called to live with that kind of holy dependence.
In a world that feels unstable — where headlines shift by the hour and peace feels fragile — the sukkah reminds us that our strength is not in circumstances, but in covenant.
Sukkot and the Messiah
Sukkot also points forward — prophetically — to the coming Kingdom of Messiah.
The prophet Zechariah spoke of a time when “the nations will go up to Jerusalem year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.” — Zechariah 14:16
When Jesus (Yeshua) walked the earth, John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
The Greek word for “dwelt” literally means tabernacled.
Sukkot reminds us that God doesn’t just deliver — He dwells.
He is not distant. He is Emmanuel — God with us.
How We Can Live Sukkot Every Day
Even if you never build a sukkah, you can live its message.
-
Make space for God’s presence.
Turn your home, car, or quiet corner into a meeting place with Him.
The sukkah teaches us that when we make space, He fills it. -
Hold possessions lightly.
The sukkah’s walls are temporary. So is everything we cling to.
What lasts is relationship — with God and with His people. -
Remember joy.
Sukkot is called Z’man Simchateinu — “The Season of Our Joy.”
Joy is not the absence of struggle; it is the presence of God amid it. -
Pray for Israel.
As families in Israel celebrate under open roofs, we remember the hostages still held in Gaza. Pray that they too may soon “dwell in safety.”
Today’s Reflection
In this season of Sukkot — even as Israel waits for peace — we can build our own spiritual sukkahs: hearts that trust, homes that welcome His presence, and faith that stands even when the wind blows.
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1
Let’s live like that promise is true — because it is.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for teaching us through Sukkot to find joy in simplicity and strength in Your presence. Dwell in our hearts and homes. Remind us that You alone are our shelter. As Israel celebrates this Feast of Tabernacles, may Your peace — Shalom — spread from Jerusalem to every home that honors Your name. Amen.
