Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish festival with a future fulfillment anticipated in biblical prophecy. A key passage in Zechariah 14:16–19 describes a time after the Messiah’s coming when survivors from all nations that attacked Jerusalem will go up annually to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. The text warns that nations failing to participate will receive no rain, a severe consequence given the devastating impact of drought. Rain, in this context, symbolizes God’s blessing.
Zechariah 14:16–19 (NIV) “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain. If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The Lord will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.”
This prophecy also resonates with contemporary events, as Israel frequently dominates global news and political discourse. For example, between 2015 and 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted 154 resolutions against Israel, compared to 71 against all other countries combined, reflecting a persistent bias against the nation.
Ushpizin: A Tradition of Inclusion A cherished Sukkot tradition called Ushpizin involves Jewish families inviting non-Jews to join them in their sukkah (temporary booth) to share a meal and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This practice aligns with Zechariah’s vision of nations coming together to honor the festival. Additionally, the sacrifices offered during the seven-day feast symbolically include the nations of the world.
During the festival, the number of bulls sacrificed each day decreases by one, starting with 13 on the first day:
- Day 1: 13 bulls
- Day 2: 12 bulls
- Day 3: 11 bulls
- Day 4: 10 bulls
- Day 5: 9 bulls
- Day 6: 8 bulls
- Day 7: 7 bulls
This totals 70 bulls. According to Genesis 10, the 70 nations of the world descended from Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sacrifice of 70 bulls during Sukkot is understood to represent these nations, offered by the Israelites to pray for their well-being and to ensure sufficient rainfall for the coming winter. This reflects God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:18: “and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.”
When the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 CE, they unknowingly halted these annual sacrificial offerings for the nations’ welfare. Today, the Feast of Tabernacles continues to draw thousands of Christians from around the world to Jerusalem, where they join in celebrating this significant festival, demonstrating the gathering of the nations at Sukkot as foretold in the scriptures.
© 2025 B Arnold Stein
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