Sukkot is one of the Holy Feasts that have two High Holy Shabbat days where no work is to be done. It is important that you do all that you can do to get these two High Holy Shabbat days off. (Numbers 29:12, Deuteronomy 16:13, Leviticus 23:40, Leviticus 23:37)

Welcome to Elisheva Eliyahu's (אלישבע אליהו) Sukkah!

Leviticus 23: 39-44
39Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto YAHUVEH seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
40And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before YAHUVEH seven days.
41And ye shall keep it a feast unto YAHUVEH seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
42Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
43That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am YAHUVEH.
44And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of YAHUVEH.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a week-long (7 days) autumn harvest festival. Tabernacles is also known as the Feast of the Ingathering, Feast of the Booths, Sukkoth, Succoth, or Sukkot (variations in spellings occur because these words are transliterations of the Hebrew word pronounced “Sue-coat”). The two days following the festival are separate holidays, Shemini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah, but are commonly thought of as part of the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles was the final and most important holiday of the year. The importance of this festival is indicated by the statement, “This is to be a lasting ordinance.” The divine pronouncement, “I am the Lord your God,” concludes this section on the holidays of the seventh month. The Feast of Tabernacles begins five days after Yom Kippur on the fifteenth of Tishri (September or October). It is a drastic change from one of the most solemn holidays in our year to one of the most joyous. The word Sukkoth means “booths,” and refers to the temporary dwellings that Jews are commanded to live in during this holiday, just as the Jews did in the wilderness. The Feast of Tabernacles lasts for seven days and ends on the twenty-first day (3×7) of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which is Israel’s seventh month.

This holiday has a dual significance: historical and agricultural (just as Passover and Pentecost). Historically, it was to be kept in remembrance of the dwelling in tents in the wilderness for the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert.

It is expounded in Leviticus 23:43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your YAHUVEH.

What were they to remember?

Matthew Henry’s commentary explains,

1.) The meanness of their beginning, and the low and desolate state out of which YAHUVEH advanced that people. Note: Those that are comfortably fixed ought often to call to mind their former unsettled state, when they were but little in their own eyes.

2.) The mercy of YAHUVEH to them, that, when they dwelt in tabernacles, YAHUVEH not only set up a tabernacle for Himself among them, but, with the utmost care and tenderness imaginable, hung a canopy over them, even the cloud that sheltered them from the heat of the sun. YAHUVEH’s former mercies to us and our fathers ought to be kept in everlasting remembrance. The eighth day was the great day of this holiday, because then they returned to their own houses again, and remembered how, after they had long dwelt in tents in the wilderness, at length they came to a happy settlement in the land of promise, where they dwelt in goodly houses. And they would the more sensibly value and be thankful for the comforts and conveniences of their houses when they had been seven days dwelling in booths. It is good for those that have ease and plenty sometimes to learn what it is to endure hardness.

They were to keep this holiday in thankfulness to YAHUVEH for all the increase of the year; however, the emphasis is that Israel’s life rested upon redemption which in its ultimate meaning is the forgiveness of sin. This fact separates this holiday from the harvest festivals of the neighboring nations whose roots lay in the mythological activity of the gods. Was the first Thanksgiving a Feast of Tabernacles Celebration?

Many Americans, upon seeing a decorated sukkah for the first time, remark on how much the sukkah (and the holiday generally) reminds them of Thanksgiving. The American pilgrims, who originated the Thanksgiving holiday, were deeply religious people. As they were trying to find a way to express their thanks for their survival and for the harvest, it is quite possible that they looked to the Bible (Leviticus 23:39) for an appropriate way of celebrating and based their holiday in part on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Note: celebrating Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November was established by the American government and may not necessarily coincide with the pilgrim’s first observance.

YAHUSHUA Celebrate

YAHUSHUA celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. He taught in the Temple on the Feast of Tabernacles. Although His disciples had not expected YAHUSHUA to attend the feast, the vast majority of the pilgrims from afar who had heard of Him entertained the hope that they might see Him at Jerusalem. They were not disappointed, for on several occasions He taught in Solomon’s Porch and elsewhere in the temple courts. These teachings were really the official or formal announcement of the divinity of YAHUSHUA to the Jewish people and to the whole world. YAHUSHUA risked His life to go to the Feast of Tabernacles, but the audacious boldness of YAHUSHUA in publicly appearing in Jerusalem overawed his enemies; they were not prepared for such a daring challenge.

On the last day and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (the day the Rabbis poured the water) YAHUSHUA stood (calling special attention to his message) and proclaimed Himself the very fountain of living water in John 7:37-38. Spiritual Lessons from the Feast of Tabernacles

YAHUVEH is Our Shelter

This holiday reminds us not to hold too tightly to material things. We live in a very materialistic age. When the Israelites were wanderers in the desert, they all lived in tents–rich and poor alike. Material possessions can control and manipulate us; they become gods, or idols, over us. We must remember that this life is only temporary. We are also on a pilgrimage to a Promised Land in eternity. We need to seek YAHUVEH’s kingdom, not earthly comfort. As we seek first the Kingdom of YAHUVEH (Luke 12:31), YAHUVEH is our shelter. For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall (Isa. 25:4).

YAHUSHUA is the Living Water

Our spiritual thirst cannot be quenched with anything less than YAHUSHUA. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14).

YAHUSHUA Washes Away Our Sins

YAHUSHUA is the true living water cleansing us from sin through His blood. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of YAHUSHUA, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to YAHUVEH, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living YAHUVEH (Heb. 9:13-14).

YAHUSHUA is the Light of the World

The light from the Feast of Tabernacles lamps illuminated the whole city. Scholars suggest that YAHUSHUA referred to this custom when he spoke those well-known words, “I am the light of the world…” (John 8:12) Also see John 1:1-9 and John 9:5.

YAHUSHUA is Preparing Our Permanent Home

These physical bodies we now occupy are only temporary dwelling places. Our bodies are frail, and will eventually begin to deteriorate. Life is short. Our hope is not in what the world has to offer, but in what YAHUVEH has already provided for us for eternity. Our permanent home is being prepared for us in eternity. YAHUSHUA said in John 14:2-3, In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As the Israelites Left Bondage, We Leave the Bondage of Sin

YAHUVEH brought the Children of Israel out of the bondage of their Egyptian taskmasters into freedom. For Christians, we can celebrate that YAHUVEH redeemed us from a life of bondage to sin and brought us into His freedom in the Kingdom of YAHUVEH.

Was the Birth of YAHUSHUA during the Feast of Tabernacles?

Many scholars believe YAHUSHUA was born during the Feast of Tabernacles. Matthew Henry states:

It is supposed by many that our blessed Saviour was born much about the time of this holiday; then He left his mansions of light above to tabernacle among us (John 1:14), and he dwelt in booths. And the worship of YAHUVEH under the New Testament is prophesied of under the notion of keeping the feast of tabernacles, Zec.14:16. For, [1.] The gospel of YAHUSHUA teaches us to dwell in tabernacles, to sit loose to this world, as those that have here no continuing city, but by faith, and hope and holy contempt of present things, to go out to YAHUSHUA without the camp, Heb. 13:13, 14. [2.] It teaches us to rejoice before the Lord our YAHUVEH. Those are the circumcision, Israelites indeed, that always rejoice in YAHUSHUA, Phil. 3:3. And the more we are taken off from this world the less liable we are to the interruption of our joys.

The Bible does not specifically say the date of YAHUSHUA’ birth. We know it was not during the winter months because the sheep were in the pasture (Luke 2:8). A study of the time of the conception of John the Baptist reveals he was conceived about Sivan 30, the eleventh week.

When Zechariah was ministering in the temple, he received an announcement from YAHUVEH of a coming son. The eighth course of Abia, when Zekharya was ministering, was the week of Sivan 12 to 18 (Killian n.d.). Adding forty weeks for a normal pregnancy reveals that John the Baptist was born on or about Passover (Nisan 14). We know six months after John’s conception, Mary conceived YAHUSHUA (Luke 1:26-33). Therefore, YAHUSHUA would have been conceived six months later in the month of Kislev. Kislev 25 is Hanukkah. Was the “light of the world” conceived on the festival of lights?

Starting at Hanukkah, which begins on Kislev 25 and continues for eight days, and counting through the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy, one arrives at the approximate time of the birth of YAHUSHUA at the Festival of Tabernacles (the early fall of the year).

During the Feast of Tabernacles, YAHUVEH required all male Jews to come to Jerusalem. The many pilgrims coming to Jerusalem for the festivals would spill over to the surrounding towns (Bethlehem is about five miles from Jerusalem). Joseph and Mary were unable to find a room at the inn because of the influx of so many pilgrims. They may have been given shelter in a sukkah, which is built during a seven-day period each year accompanying the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. Due to the difficulties during travel, it was common for the officials to declare tax time during a temple Feast (Luke 2:1).

We know our Messiah was made manifest into a temporary body when He came to earth. Is it possible He also was put into a temporary dwelling? The fields would have been dotted with sukkoths during this harvest time to temporary shelter animals. The Hebrew word “stable” is called a sukkoth (Gen. 33:17).

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Joseph and Mary took the child and flew to Egypt and remained there until they were told by YAHUVEH that Herod was dead. Joseph and Mary brought the baby YAHUSHUA into Jerusalem forty days from His birth for Mary’s purification and the child’s dedication (according to Torah this had to be done within forty days of the birth of a male child–not doing so is considered a sin). This indicates that Herod died within the same forty days, because as long as Herod was alive, they could not appear at the Temple. (According to Josephus’ calculations, Herod’s death occurred during the Autumn in the fourth year before the Common Era 4 b.c.e.).

Later in His life, YAHUSHUA celebrated His birthday on a mountain with three of His disciples. In contrast to birthday parties, such as Herod’s, where people were killed for entertainment, His was a celebration of life. On the Festival of Succoth, Moshe and EliYahu (Elijah), from centuries past, representatives of the Torah and the Prophets, appeared and talked with YAHUSHUA. One disciple, Kepha (Peter), suggested building three succoth for YAHUSHUA, Moshe, and EliYahu, because it was required for the festival, but he did not understand that these three were fulfilling that which the festival symbolized: they were dwelling in their succoth (temporary tabernacles) of flesh, awaiting their eternal resurrection temples (Killian n.d.)

A number of Christians are celebrating YAHUSHUA’s birth during the Feast of Tabernacles, complete with decorations and lights on the sukkah, a birthday cake, and music celebrating YAHUSHUA’ birth.

YAHUSHUA preached three sermons in which he declared himself the “light of the world,” and all three would be during the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) in the winter of the year (December).

Prophetic Significance

These fall festivals speak of a future time when men will again tabernacle with YAHUVEH, when He will dwell with them and they with Him (Rev. 21:3). They speak of a day in which all nations will gather to Jerusalem (Zech. 8:22; 14:16). Curiously, even in the days to come, Bible prophecy tells us that people from the nations of the world will come up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the Jewish people in Jerusalem (Zech. 14). The stage is being set and prophecy is being fulfilled. The “coming-up” (aliyah, in Hebrew) is taking place now in Israel with the massive influx of Jews from over a hundred nations. Christians, also, are already visiting the land in record numbers—the majority of pilgrims coming to Israel are Christians! We believe this is all in preparation and building for future scriptural events. Jerusalem continues to be the focus of YAHUVEH’s earthly pattern and plan, for ultimately it is to Jerusalem that Messiah is coming (Wagner 1996).

YAHUSHUA Ha Mashiach is the tabernacle or dwelling place of YAHUVEH. In Him dwelled the fullness of YAHUVEH (John 1:14, Col. 2:9), and YAHUVEH dwells in our midst through YAHUSHUA (Matt. 18:20). It may be that YAHUSHUA will ultimately fulfill the Feast of Tabernacles at His second coming. There will be a literal rest for planet earth and all its inhabitants. Until then we can find rest in our souls.

The Beginning of the Millennium

Most Bible scholars agree that Tabernacles represents the beginning of the Millennium. We should look forward expectantly to the Feast of Tabernacles, just as we look forward to the coming of the Messiah, to bring His government, His Kingdom, and His laws. But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the YAHUVEH of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more (Micah 4:1).

Tabernacles and Passover are the only holidays mentioned in the millennial worship (Ezek. 45:21-25; Zech. 14:16). Note that the number of days between Nisan and Tishri is always the same. Because of this, the time from the first major festival (Passover in Nisan) to the last major festival (The Feast of Tabernacles in Tishri) is always the same. Could this have any connection to YAHUSHUA’s birth during Tabernacles and His death on Passover? Passover is in the first month in the religious calendar and Tabernacles is in the first month of the civil calendar. Hosea 6:3 explains YAHUSHUA will come as the latter and former rain. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. The spring holidays are during the former rain and the fall holidays are during the latter rain.

Zechariah chapter 14 introduces the millennial age. The chapter tells of the liberation of Jerusalem and how the Messiah will be king over the whole earth. It ends with all nations keeping the laws of the Most High. The Feast of Tabernacles–that great feast which symbolizes the very presence of YAHUSHUA the Messiah (He is the very “Tabernacle of YAHUVEH”), will be kept by all the nations of the world. The prophet tells us that fearsome punishments and plagues will be meted out on nations that refuse to send delegates to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles.

And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: … And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one … And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came up against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles (Zech. 14:8-19).

Building A Sukkoth

The Bible says “Build a sukkah (or booth).” Rabbis have added all details about size, materials, location, etc. You might want to use any scrap lumber you have available, pitch your tent, or use old sheets to create an adventure for your children (attach tarps with bungee cords to your deck or swing set). One family had sick children and made a booth out of old sheets in their living room. Meals were eaten in it and they occasionally spent the night. The importance of this and each holiday is making a memory – not getting hung up on customs.

Building and decorating a sukkah is a fun family project. Jim Gerrish, with Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, describes one plan for building a sukkah:

Actually it is not such a difficult job. You will need to start planning early though, in order to begin your construction as quickly as possible after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In Israel some devout Jews begin construction as soon as the sun is down on Yom Kippur, four days before the Feast of Tabernacles starts.

Since the sukkah is not to be an elaborate or permanent structure, the most inexpensive materials may be used. You will need 4 sturdy posts (2 x 4s in the U.S.) for the corners, 4 smaller poles (2 x 2s) for the roof. All of these boards should be approximately 7 or 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length. To cover the roof you will need several slats or small boards capable of holding up light tree branches. For the sides, old bedsheets seem to work well. Other materials like canvas, cane matting or even light plywood are also fine. You will need enough to enclose three sides, with a drape for the entrance. For the top you simply need to trim a few trees in the back yard.

Now for the actual construction. The tabernacle can be almost any size so long as it is large enough to sit in. A seven foot cube (2.5 meters) is recommened, since this will allow plenty of room for guests (make a larger Sukkah if you are blessed with a big family).

First, you will need to sink four holes in the ground for the four upright corner poles. In lieu of this, you may anchor the uprights in the holes of stacked concrete blocks, or design other sturdy legs for them. If you want to do it the easy way, you may use an existing building for one side of your sukkah. Once the uprights are firmly in place, then attach the horizontal rods at the top along the outside. With this finished, you can now place the slats or other small support boards on the roof.

The next step is to drape the bed sheets or other coverings around three sides. In the front, a bed sheet attached on a wire track works well for a door. Finally, place the tree branches on top, but if you like to see the stars, don’t make the roof too thick. The sukkah can now be outfitted to your own taste. A table and chairs are a must. You may wish to decorate the walls with pictures or Bible verses. Fruit may be hung from the ceiling; paper chains and other decorations may be hung on the walls. Use your imagination, and by all means, let the children participate.

It is customary to decorate the inside of the sukkah with pictures, hangings, and the agricultural produce for which Israel is famous: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, olives, dates, and pomegranates.

All that is left now is the enjoyment. Invite your friends to see your masterpiece and rejoice with you. Try a meal out in the sukkah, or even spend the night there. It will be an unforgettable and blessed experience.

What to do in a Sukkah

Praise YAHUVEH through prayer.
Praise YAHUVEH by singing praise songs.
Invite relatives, friends, and neighbors to celebrate with you.
Wave the Lulav.
Eat, drink, relax, nap.
Read the section titled “YAHUVEH is Our Shelter” and “YAHUSHUA is Preparing Our Permanent Home” from the “Messianic Significance of Tabernacles.”
Sing songs to celebrate the birth of YAHUSHUA. Such as “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noel,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” etc.

The light from the Feast of Tabernacle lamps illuminated the whole city. Decorate the sukkah with strings of light. Read Bible verses about YAHUSHUA being our light (John 1:1-9; 8:12; 9:5).

Set up a nativity scene. Read the story of YAHUSHUA’s birth in Luke or one of the gospels.
Pour water on the ground and read YAHUSHUA’ proclamation (John 7:37).
Read aloud the verses explaining this feast (Lev. 23:34-43 Deut. 16:13-15, and Num. 29:12-40).
Read John 7:2-39 about YAHUSHUA celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles.
Many Bible prophecies tell of the Messiah’s reign over all nations. Read some of them aloud to your family (Psalms 2, 47, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 110, and 126).
Tell Bible stories.

Get started, evaluate each year, and have fun. Plan to eat at least one meal in your sukkah, and use it for your time alone with YAHUVEH, perhaps. Younger children will want to “play house” which is alright since the Israelites were “housed” in them for forty years.

The Biblical Institution of the Feast of Tabernacles - Sukkot

In contrast to the somber tone of Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur, the third feast is a time of pure joy. The time of introspection and searching now make way for the feast called; "The season of our rejoicing."

The Names of the Feast

The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths: The name comes from the Hebrew - Sukkot; meaning - tabernacles, booths. It comes from the command in (Lev 23:42-43). The impermanent leafy shelters were to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The tabernacles symbolized man's need to depend on YAHUVEH for His provision of food, water, and shelter.

The feast of Ingathering

The command to build tabernacles and dwell in them coincided annually with Israel's final harvest of the season, and so the name "Feast of Ingathering" was used of the holiday as well. We see this being applied to the feast in Lev 23:34; Deut 16:13. The emphasis is on the relationship to the holiday to the final gathering of the crops in the fall. Ancient Israel's economy was agrarian. The seasons guided Israel's activities. Each season's plentiful harvest brought a renewed sense of relief and thankfulness that they would not go hungry for YAHUVEH had once more provided for His people. It is this feast which provided the Pilgrims with the Biblical foundation for the first Thanksgiving observance.

The Season of Our Joy - Simcha

The agricultural year was at an end, the crops were gathered into the storehouses. The work was done the harvest was over. God gave Israel seven festive days to set aside all worldly cares to thank and praise Him who had provided in abundance. That too was the intention behind the institution of our own thanksgiving celebration

The Feast

The impact of the holiday upon the Israelites was so significant that the feast of Tabernacles came to be known as the "Feast of the Lord" or more simply "The Feast." The Hebrew word behind the term feast is "Hag" in fact means to dance or to be joyous. It was the high point in the yearly cycle - it was the feast.

The Commanded Observances

What exactly were the Jewish people commanded to do during the seven days of Sukkot? The building of Tabernacles. The Israelites were commanded to gather bunches of boughs (or Lulavs) to wave before YAHUVEH and build leafy tabernacles in which to dwell for seven days. Living in tabernacles was a reminder not of an unsettled time in the wilderness but, of the sustenance, care, and protection given by YAHUVEH in the desert. The prophet Isaiah reflects this attitude in (Is 4:6). The foliage reminded the Israelites of their humble origins and of the way YAHUVEH cared for them. The tabernacles were a reminder that YAHUVEH would shelter His people and give them food as long as they were obedient to Him.

The Command to Rejoice

We read in (Deut 16:13-14) the key aspect of the Feast was rejoicing in YAHUVEH. In contrast of Yom Kippur and Rosh haShanah, Sukkot was to be a time of rejoicing. The Israelites were to rejoice in YAH'S provision for their daily bread and their spiritual lives.

Celebration of Sukkot in Biblical Times

The Jewish people were not required to go up to Jerusalem for the feast of Rosh haShanah or for Yom Kippur, but they were required to do so for Sukkot. Jerusalem was dotted with thousands of lean-tos. We see in addition to the commandments of building tabernacles and rejoicing before YAHUVEH; two customs had been added to the celebration by YAHUSHUA'S time.

The Ceremony of the Water Drawing

The Jewish tradition describes a major ceremony of Sukkot, called the Ceremony of the water drawing - in Hebrew called - Nissuch Ha-Mayim, and is rooted in the agricultural nature of the feast.

Rain was a prominent feature in the celebration of Sukkot.

The water-drawing ceremony was a joyous occasion. The Levitical priest would draw water from the pool of Siloam in a special golden pitcher. He would be joined by a crowd of people who would return with him to the Temple - through the water gate.

As the priest arrived - shofars would sound and he would pour the water on the great altar. The ceremony of the water-drawing held a significance much deeper than the agricultural implications. The rain represented the RUACH ha KODESH, and the water drawing pointed to that day, when according to the prophet Joel, YAHUVEH would rain His Spirit on Israel (Joel 2:28). This ceremony took on an even greater meaning when YAHUSHUA attended the feast in (John 7:37-39) and proclaimed that He would quench the thirsting of the soul.

The Illumination of the Temple

Another ceremony of the Feast of Tabernacles was the Illumination of the Temple.

At the end of the first day of the feast, the priests and Levites went down to the Court of the Women. Four golden candlesticks were set up in the court with four golden bowls placed on them - and would be lit. The light emanating from the candlesticks was so bright that the Jewish tradition says; "There was no courtyard in Jerusalem that was not lit up with the light" (Sukkah 5:3). The mood was very festive, people would dance well into the night holding torches and singing songs of praise to YAHUVEH. The meaning of the lights was to symbolize the Shkhinah Glory of YAHUVEH that had once filled the Temple. Again this whole ceremony took on a new and greater meaning when YAHUSHUA stood in the Temple (John 8:12) and declared that He was the Light of the world, for in Him dwelt all the fullness of the glory of YAHUVEH (Col 1:19). In YAHUSHUA we see the fulfillment of the feast of Tabernacles (John 1:14). YAHUSHUA is God tabernacling among men. It is interesting to note that the word "dwelt" implies a temporary dwelling - a sukkah booth.

The Future Sukkot

The prophet Zechariah writes of a celebration of Sukkot in the future. YAHUVEH deems this feast as so important that the Gentile nations are commanded to observe it as well - (Zech 14:16).

Universal themes in the Feast of Tabernacles

In Jewish sources Israel's role in world redemption is a major theme. In commenting on (Ps 109:4) it is said; "At the festival of tabernacles we offer up seventy bullocks (as an atonement ) for the seventy nations, and we pray that rain will come down for them." Israel is considered a nation of intercessors for the sins of the Gentiles.

The Meaning of the Prophecy in Zechariah

The prophet Zechariah spoke of the end of days, when Israel and the nations would together celebrate the feast of Tabernacles. This day of restoration will take place after the time of Jacob's distress (Jer 30:7), or in the New Covenant, the Great Tribulation (Mat 24:21). Israel will be restored, both spiritually and nationally. Her enemies will be crushed, and YAHUSHUA ha MASHIACH will reign, not over Israel alone but over all the nations of the earth (Zech 14:9). YAH will command the faithful among the Gentiles to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech14:16).

Why did YAHUVEH choose the Feast of Tabernacles, and not one of the other major festivals, as a test of obedience for the Gentiles? Some scholars believe that Sukkot, as the feast of ingathering, is the most appropriate time for God to gather the human fruit for His kingdom. Ultimately, the whole earth will become the sukkah booth of YAHUVEH, and He will reign for all eternity (Rev 21:3-4).

Elisabeth's Sukkot Message

October 23, 2005

Shalom All My Beloved Family In YAHUSHUA!

I am writing this on Sukkot evening of the 6th day, according to the calendar that started the Sukkot on the 17th day of October.

The Ministry Site at www.amightywind.com was hacked into and files deleted. We discovered this on the Sabbath. Thank you to all who wrote me and told me that there was a problem with accessing the site and certain files. YAHUSHUA had you on guard duty because with moving to a new land, I might not have discovered it so quickly.

This is the first time in ten years on the Internet this has happened. It is a sign to us to change web providers. YAHUVEH'S wrath will fall on the enemies who have done this. I would be surprised if it hasn't begun to happenalready. You are only fit for destruction, so YAHUVEH allowed it. It is also a sign just how evil the enemies are that are trying to destroy this ministry and silence this prophet.

We are having the host provider see if you left your tracks and they will find out who did this, but I believe I know, and YAHUVEH said HE let you do this, to give you enough room to hang yourself just as surely as Judas did. YIKES! OY VAY! You are heading for damnation and hell now for sure! You are probably amazed we discovered your tracks this quick for you left the empty folders. How demonic you are, for you even deleted the pages to the Bible as well as links to the Prophecies. Oy vay!

It is not my words that you deleted, it is YAHUVEH'S and YAHUSHUA'S words under the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) anointing.

I would not want to be in your shoes, for Judgment shall come upon those that dared to enter by breaking into this this Holy Sanctuary on the Internet. You will see the wrath of YAHUVEH come upon you and all those that helped you do what never has been done before in the 10 years I have been on the Internet.

Below are just two of the ways our two enemies are being dealt with and it is YAHUVEH our Creator who is taking vengeance for this ministry.

Remember when I told you I audibly heard YAHUVEH ROAR and the Words HE spoke as He said HE roars before HE devours HIS enemies! Enemies, if you have any hope of forgiveness of YAHUVEH and IF your name is found in the Lamb's Book of Life, you will read what is below and shudder in fear of YAHUVEH'S WRATH, for your name will also be going up on the Internet when YAHUVEH takes vengeance on you.

I heard YAHUVEH say on October 23, 2005, “Your enemies will fall like dominos now." I don't even play dominos and know little about them, but I know it can't be a good thing for those who have set themselves up as enemies of this Ministry and Minister.

Thus far two of our enemies who are slandering this ministry as well as me are beginning to suffer the effects of their evil. One woman who is being used by the satanists, pretending to be Christians, now writes us and says, "Pray for me, I have a brain tumor." Her name is Tari Demario, and she has been used by Zeph, Frankie, and Richard Keltner, among others, to slander and tell all manner of evil lies against me through the Internet and on the radio airwaves.

We are looking into the process of starting the radio station where it will be used again under the anointing, only this time [another one] and I will be the hosts of it. Please keep this in prayer. One sister already donated money toward this. Thank you, Kathy, you know who you are. We are half a world away and things are so different where we are living now. It is like another world here. I have had to relearn so many things, and forget the way my homes use to look like.

I had no idea how far we would travel when I thought we were going to one place, YAHUVEH speaks to me in my sleep and we ended up in another place, a place I wondered if I would ever get to in this lifetime, for I knew it would take miracles. Well, we got the miracles, and it was because of a woman in Finland who sowed abundant seed for this miracle to take place. The enemies like Zeph Daniel, Frank,and Richard Kelter are furious and asking people to tell them where we are at. Ask yourself…who but satanists would demand to know?

I have been told by YAHUSHUA to allow these people to speak as YAHUVEH decreed because HE said they are only fit for the fire of HIS destruction and they are digging a grave with their own tongues! Proof of the beginning of this is written below. A woman from California named Tari Demario, who we know was sent from a Satanic Cult, is full of a legion of demons. We tried to help her get deliverance on Passover.

This is where the nightmare began. She wrote us on October 21, 2005, during Sukkot and said she just discovered that she has a brain tumor. Tari Demario, you were warned and you refused to listen. I am writing this to warn our other enemies that YAHUVEH is so merciful. He always sends the prophets to warn before the Judgment. It has begun.

Tari Demario is the most mentally insane person I have ever met or tried to help. Very shortly now YAHUVEH told me HE will release me to tell the full story of Tari Demario and who sent her to destroy this Ministry and how she was to do it. I gave her a chance to repent because YAHUVEH told me that she can't say I didn't give her time to repent. Time is over Tari, very shortly the world shall read the truth about who you really are.

It has been very hard to take the blows of their attacks and not speak up and fight back, but YAHUVEH told me to "Stand still and see the salvation of YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA." During Sukkot I got this confirmation that YAHUVEH is keeping HIS word and HIS vengeance has begun, and I know HE will do the same on Zeph, Frank, and Richard Keltner, Hunter, Steven Hanson, who dares call himself a prophet, among other enemies names. YAHUVEH knows every witch, warlock, satanist, shaman, that try and use Voodoo and the occult and try and send demons to kill me, and destroy this Ministry.

Remember this Ministry is not named after a woman or man or a organized Church. Instead it is named after the Creator YAHUVEH and the only Messiah YAHUSHUA. (JESUS CHRIST) in Greek.

The only hope for the enemies is called REPENTANCE, if its not too late. They need to fall on their knees before YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA. Perhaps He will have mercy on you and give you time to try to redeem the damage you have done.

The woman named Tari Demario and the other named Angie Ray are reaping what they have sowed. They will be the first to go by YAHUVEH'S own hand of Judgment, and not anything I have done or will do. YAHUVEH IS ALMIGHTY IN LOVE AND ALMIGHTY IN WAR. HE NOT ONLY BLESSES BUT CURSES. Read Deuteronomy 28 if you don't agree.

YAHUVEH most certainly takes vengeance on our enemies like HE promised. For those of you who are Holy and being unjustly attacked for standing up for Holiness of YAHUVEH and YAHUVEH'S and YAHUSHUA'S truths, take courage.The same YAHUVEH that is vindicating this Ministry and me will deal with your enemies also.

Angie Ray of Word Network, who multitudes of people have written and agreed with me is a voodoo minister pretending to have a Christian Deliverance church, has been having her congregation of thousands fast and pray for my death, destruction, and the destruction of this ministry. She has given them the website and they come here daily. But it is backfiring on her, for when the anointing hits them through the prophetic messages given to me, some of them are set free and they writing me and revealing to me that they have been delivered from her lies and evil spells! They are rebuking and running from this Goliath of a Woman. [Read more about Angie Ray Here]

Someone needs to write Word Network or call them and let them know. I was written an email by a former deacon of her church and told she has a different luxury car for every day of the week! She lives in luxury and so do her daughters at the expense of her poor congregation. Go head, Angie Ray, you may have the wealth of this world, but my treasures are stored up in Heaven where moth cannot corrupt and theives cannot break in! All you have after your last breath is hell and the lake of fire for all eternity because you sold your soul to Satan in my opinion, and others agree.

A dear Sister in YAHUSHUA just wrote me on October 21,2005, and let me know she is no longer a member of Angie Ray's Ministry proudly called ARM. Even that name shows you that Angie Ray thinks her power comes from her name, for the name of her so-called deliverance ministry is initials of her name! The ARM is Angie Ray's arm!

The only ARM I rely on to protect and anoint and bless me and this Ministry is the ARM OF YAHUVEH AND ARM OF YAHUSHUA AND THE ARMOR OF THE RUACH HA KODESH! That should show everyone the true spirit of Angie Ray. Word Network either has no discernment when it comes to her or they are part of her evil or they are under her voodoo spells! What other explanation is there?

The more Angie Ray has her congregation pray against me and this ministry, the more wrath of YAHUVEH is falling on her and on those praying against me and this Ministry. The big secret her own congregation doesn't know and I am telling now, is I am told by this sister who warned me what Angie Ray is doing, that Angie Ray is in the hospital and no one is suppose to know this. For the spies who will read this…if she is out by the time you read this, why don't you find out if this is true?

Woe be unto anyone that thinks they can curse this Jewish Handmaiden with the legal maiden name of Elijah--my mother's maiden name is Elias--and think they can attack this Ministry named after the Aleph and Tav, in Greek the Alpha and Omega, who is YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA…and the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) is the FIRE in it!

I am like a Nehemiah and I refuse to come off this wall on the Internet and will continue to assemble the troops on this wall, which is the Bride of YAHUSHUA! We do the work and YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA do the fighting for us!

Anyone attacking this Ministry is attacking the Holy Trinity, for my name is no where in this Ministry and I am only used as the mouthpiece for YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA. My enemies have set themselves up as YAHUVEH'S and YAHUSHUA'S enemies, for I only preach, teach, and live according to YAHUSHUA'S way, not my way! Angie Ray and the others slandering this Ministry, you are being used by Satan to attack me, just for standing up for YAHUVEH'S truth and Holiness, and if you don't repent quickly you shall surely come under the heavy hand of YAHUVEH'S WRATH AND JUDGMENT and die for what you are trying to do.

In YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH'S name, I pray that the one who calls herself Pastor Angie Ray, and the other enemies who call themselves Christians, but are not behaving like Christians, will repent to YAHUVEH and write me and apologize and turn away from this evil quickly, publically apologizing, for you have set your hand against a Ministry that is Holy and a woman that is an anointed clean vessel of YAHUSHUA, washed in the shed blood of YAHUSHUA, who is being used for YAHUVEH'S and YAHUSHUA'S glory to be a mouthpiece to the nations.

It is the anointing of the Ruach ha Kodesh that breaks the yokes and bondages, and the only reason I can even hear the messages from YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA is not anything of me that I boast on. Without the Name and blood of YAHUSHUA and the anointing of the Ruach ha Kodesh, I am powerless. True Prophets are used to pronounce Blessings as well as curses. Read your Bible, even YAHUSHUA cursed the fig tree because it did not produce fruit, and it withered and dried up!

I am not in the occult, nor never have been. I have been saved, sanctified, consecrated, and filled with the HOLY SPIRIT for 30 years. I have been used to expose those who say they are Christian and yet are not. Those accusing me of this are the ones in the occult. These people are furious with me and yet…who will warn the elect so they won't be deceived if this Ministry doesn't warn them?

Woe be unto you people who have touched an anointed, Holy Ministry and prophet. You are getting a taste of my Abba YAHUVEH'S wrath! I am an orphan in this world, I have never known the love of a earthly Father, or Mother, Sister, or Brother, not even so much as an aunt or uncle, or grand parents. Oy Vay! I don't even know what its like to have a cousin!

But I do have a Heavenly Father YAHUVEH who protects and blesses me. I do have a Messiah and soon coming Bridegroom that defends me like none other. HIS name is YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH! In Greek pronounced JESUS. YAHUVEH says woe to the one that harms an orphan. YAHUVEH especially protects us.

To all those being used to attack this Ministry and me, you had better repent to YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA and beg for mercy, or damnation, death, Hell and the Lake of Fire will be your fate! I only stand on the scripture, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper, every tongue that riseth against me shall be condemned, for this is the heritage of the saints."

Enemies of this Ministry, remember I am not only a spiritual Jew but a biological Jew, and you are like a Balaam determined to curse Israel! YAHUVEH told me this during Sukkot. My enemies are like unto a Jezebel, and remember what YAHUVEH did to Jezebel for trying to kill Elijah of old? Satan is using so many of you reading this and you don't even know it, but you shall shortly when Judgment falls and YAHUVEH is deaf to your prayers for help.

Repent today before its too late. All others reading this and watching this persecution aimed at this ministry, remember this ....if your doing nothing to help this Ministry, you will still be held accountable by YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA for you are a hindrance and not a help. When you need help, no one will be there to help you in your hour of need. So many are being tested as they choose sides. You are widows of Zarepheth and know it not, for you have no lack right now.

Let me explain. Ten years ago, when I first started prophesying over the Internet, you couldn't find women prophets. It was a man's world for the most part. I was persecuted by the men who were prophets and Apostles and even threatened and called false because women were not allowed to prophecy on the Internet. I almost gave up at that time. One man named Andrew Strom particularly made it rough on me, He put me on his email list on hundreds of names and blasted me, and said there was no such thing as a true 'thus sayeth the LORD.' I was devastated and not very seasoned in spiritual warfare and, like I said, I wanted to turn and run. But YAHUVEH only increased the anointing in me and the desire to speak forth HIS messages.

YAHUVEH told me never to call myself a prophetess, because that is a label man wanted a woman to carry to separate genders. When the RUACH speaks forth, the RUACH HA KODESH doesn't care if you are a man, woman, boy or girl. Oy Vay! Did the men get mad at that. Even when they had to admit that I have received a prophecy from YAHUVEH, they would write and say, "You're not a Prophet, your a Prophetess!” I refuse to compromise and I will continue to do what YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA say. I will only obey a husband of this world, as long as it lines up with what YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA say! Wives, these are orders given to me straight from Heaven, and I pass this unto you. If that husband, whether he is saved or not saved, gives you an order and it doesn't line up with scripture, REBUKE HIM and let him know you obey your FIRST LOVE. Only if he asks you to do something that lines up with what YAHUSHUA wants you to do will you obey!

YAHUSHUA tells me that I have the office of an Apostle and I was to use that title because it would encourage other women who also have the Apostolic office to walk in that anointing. Men have reared up and told me no woman can be an Apostle. Tell that to Mary Magdalene who was the first Apostle and beloved of YAHUSHUA. An apostle walks in all five offices which are 1-Apostle, 2-Prophet, 3-Pastor, 4-Evangelist, 5-Teacher. Men use to try and put me in a box and ask, “Which office are you in?” I didn't fit in any one box, for all the gifts of the Ruach are equally flowing forth. Then YAHUSHUA told me through confirmation upon confirmation I had the office of an Apostle. The women need to be encouraged again. Don't let your husbands quench that anointing in you. Don't let any man do this, even if he calls himself a Pastor or Rabbi!

Wow! Where did that come from? Someone reading this must have needed that. I was only writing back Sister Joy, in regards to persecution dream, and the next thing I know the anointing is hitting me and now I have also a new open letter to the Congregation that assembles on this AlmightyWind Internet Sanctuary Wall.

I was told by YAHUVEH 10 years ago that HE sends me forth to the widows of Zarepeth though they know it not, for they have the beautiful homes now, and possessions, luxuries of this world, and jobs. But HE would send me forth like he did Elijah of old, to test the metal of the people.

What would have happened if the Widow of Zarepeth had not shared with Elijah of old what she thought was going to be her son and her last meal? She would have missed the miracle of provision, where she never went hungry again, and also she wasn't poor ever again, and she even married later.

She would have missed her visitation from YAHUVEH through Elijah of Old, and now I am sent to the world as YAHUVEH calls me HIS "Elijah of new" and YAHUSHUA calls me HIS "Ring Maiden."

YAHUVEH is testing all those reading this now…what will you do with this "Elijah of new" and YAHUSHUA'S "Ring Maiden"? Will you choose to be a blessing unto this Ministry or a Curse? The choice is yours. I am nothing more then a vessel that YAHUVEH uses to test what metal you are made of. Some reading this will be furious when I tell you that YAHUVEH sent me to reveal to you that you have been tested and you are a Jeremiah 6:27-30.

Jeremiah 6:27-30
I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way. They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

To all my enemies that gnash their teeth and want me dead. I have this to say to you.

Take a number and stand in line! My job on this earth that I am anointed by the Ruach ha Kodesh to do isn't finished yet, all for the Glory of YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA and I won't go back to Heaven until it is. I am determined to only leave this earth when YAHUSHUA comes for HIS BRIDE. Until then I am hidden under the shelter of YAHUVEH'S ARMS as in Psalm 91, and plunged and hidden in the shed Blood of YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH, my beloved Messiah and first love of my life. I am determined to always put YAHUVEH and my Messiah YAHUSHUA first in my life, love, marriage and this Ministry! My life and soul and this Ministry depends on this.

Oh, I do pray that YAHUSHUA comes for HIS Bride in 2006, for that is the next time Rosh Ha Shanah falls on a Sabbath. I am so weary of fighting with the enemies in this world. We shall see Beloved members of the Bridal party of YAHUSHUA. Until then, let's keep looking up and know our redemption truly draweth neigh! Let us not say we left this earth without fighting the good fight in the name of YAHUSHUA against satan and his servants! Let us determine to be bold for YAHUSHUA no matter what the cost! Let us refuse to compromise what we know to be true. The Holy Scriptures cannot lie! Let us determine to be HOLY and obedient for the Glory of YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA! By ourselves we cannot do this. But through the Ruach ha Kodesh we can do all things through YAHUSHUA who strengthens us. The Bible says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." How much plainer can that get?

My enemies twist what I say. It is not our goodness that gets us into Heaven, it is only through the name of YAHUSHUA and through HIS Shed blood we get salvation. However, let us not use the word grace to purposely sin and make excuses to sin, for don't we want to be found pleasing unto YAHUVEH the way Enoch was?

One last thing to the enemies that are mocking and sending curses against YAHUSHUA'S DEMON STOMPERS. YAHUSHUA recently told me that YAHUSHUA'S DEMON STOMPERS are the BRIDE OF YAHUSHUA! Who is better anointed to stomp those demons! Take that, Tari Demario, Angie Ray, and the rest of Satan's children. Thank you beloved ones called YAHUSHUA'S DEMON STOMPERS also called the BRIDE OF YAHUSHUA for all your loving support and encouragement. How dearly I love each of you. Even if I don't speak to you all here on earth, we shall gather at one another's mansions in Heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be! Amen, Selah.

Offending some who refuse to listen, and enlightening others who embrace the truths of YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA, given through the prophetic messages given to this Ring Maiden of YAHUSHUA.

Apostle Elisabeth (Elisheva) Elijah
10/23/05

Prophecies

Prophecy 75

Who are you afraid of offending I, YAHUVEH, or your neighbors? Do you really care what others think of you more than what would please I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA? Do you not know that MY People are called the peculiar people, for they walk not to the sound of this world but to the sound of Heaven. Why would you be ashamed of this, MY little one, for this would be a witness unto ME for YAHUVEH’s Glory? Pray that your neighbors will take notice so you can tell them the story of why you build a Sukkot in remembrance of MY Word. This would be pleasing unto me for those who do this witness for ME before their neighbors and I ask you to do the same. How can you witness for ME and be an example of your faith if you hide your Leanto in your bathroom?

The Sukkot is to be outdoors where you can behold the Sky. The Jewish people don’t even realize why the Sukkot has a opening in the roof. It is to fulfill the scripture “Look Up your redemption draweth nigh for YAHUSHUA ha MASHIACH will come in the Eastern Sky” You need not fear the enemies harming you for I, YAHUVEH, will bless and protect those who are MINE and confound those who think themselves wise, as they ignore the ways of this evil world and ignore the snickers of the enemies. I shall mock those that mock you in their time of trouble.

Prophecy 91

MY HOLY WIND, MY SPIRIT, the Precious RUACH ha KODESH, is sweeping this land! In less than a minute, I walked to and fro’, with MY own eyes I beheld on Sukkot. It is not that I am blind, I saw it from Heaven, but I wanted to walk this earth and so I, YAHUVEH, did this on the 27th.

You Jew’s on the days of Sukkot, so full of pride, “My sukkot is better than your sukkot. My food is better than yours. I read the Torah longer than you.” All of you lost focus. Only a remnant few built their sukkots and they were the humblest and they truly touched MY heart for they didn’t do it as a ritual; they didn’t do it out of pride. And those that touched MY heart, looked for YAHUSHUA those nights. I have MY Messianic Jews, some of the very Bride of YAHUSHUA sits in Jerusalem and they touched MY heart. I’m not angry at those that watched for MY Son, waited and grieved for it was not the time to come. I’m angry at those who only did this Holy Day as a ritual.

Prophecy 102

See, I was only that slain LAMB once. I let the enemy strike MY face. But that was only once! I wore the crown of thorns! I took the humiliation of this earth! But that was only once… I hung on that Cross! I was beaten beyond recognition! I thirsted for you! I thirsted for your unrighteousness! I hungered for you! I was mocked and I was scorned! This (Sukkot) is the time of MY birth on this earth! And how few even acknowledge it! They’ll take a heathen holiday dedicated to another heathen (King Nimrod) straight from the pit of hell and they gave ME that birthday? But on this time of Sukkot, how few honor ME? How few honor the price I paid?…

Prophecy 115

Don’t forget Sukkot is coming. Do the best you can to observe it. If you can do nothing more sleep on the floor and make a tent with a blanket. I know your heart. I know what you can do and I will honor it and I will bless you.

Prophecy 116

Explanation on how this Prophecy came forth:

Adam and Elisabeth (Elisheva) were speaking on the phone. They started praying for travelling mercy for Adam and Kathrynyah’s trip to see Elisabeth (Elisheva) for Sukkot.