Eschatological Perspective of the Sukkot Biblical Festival

Abstract

Sukkot is a festival that occurs in autumn and finishes the agricultural cycle of holidays in the Old Testament. It  reflects divine care of his own people. In the eschatological texts of the Old Testament, the term “Sukkot” refers to a new, changed reality. Prophet Ezekiel recognizes only two holidays in eschatological times: Pesach and Sukkot. Zechariah leaves only one term “Sukkot” and connects it with a general concept of the conversion of all nations to God in Jerusalem. Jesus gives the eschatological significance to the meaning of Sukkot when he refers to himself in the texts of the New Testament (Mt 17: 1–8; 21: 1–9; 33–34; Mk 9: 2–8). In theological sense Jesus becomes “sukka” – “the shelter.” Eschatological meaning of Sukkot fulfills itself in a gift of salvation in Jesus and through Jesus. He becomes the climax of salvation. Jesus is the eschatological, ritual and theological meaning of shelter, water and light.