Feast of Tabernacles - The Festival of the Millennium (Zechariah 14)

The minor prophets are small in length but amazingly full of important insights into God's relationship with His Chosen People. From the unique command for Hosea to honor his marriage commitment to the harlot Gomer to the promises of a glorious future Temple in Haggai, the minor prophets are anything but insignificant.

One of the most stirring passages found in the closing texts of the Old Testament (Tanakh), you know those books that are never preached from by most preachers(!), is found in Zechariah 14. This passage invites the reader into a promise and hope of the ultimate Festival of Sukkot (Booths). This final and penultimate festival of this present age is more commonly known as the millennial reign of Messiah Jesus which begins after casting of Satan into the bottomless pit found in Revelation 20.

However, when one first begins to read Zechariah 14 one is struck with the desperateness of the situation for the Jewish people. They are surrounded. They are alone.

They are defenseless (vs. 1-2). It is at this point that Adonai (Jehovah or Yahweh) comes to the rescue not as the cavalry of Western movies but as the King of Kings of Revelation 19. This glorious arrival is noted by several unique aspects including the absence of natural light, for God himself will be our light and hope (vs. 6-7). Another unique twist to His arrival is that the geography of the Holy Land changes to reflect the power of His arrival (v. 3-5, 8-11). In other words, Jesus' arrival changes everything!

The joy of the millennial reign is somewhat tempered by the fact that those who do not rejoice and celebrate His victory properly will experience drought and desolation (vs. 16-19). This admonition is difficult to comprehend as most cannot imagine experiencing zealous happiness at the arrival of the Lord. However, Scripture reminds us that even in the presence of total victory some will rebel against the Holy One of God.

Ultimately, Zechariah 14 promises a party that will last 1,000 years for all those who believe in Messiah Jesus! This will be one Sukkot (Festival of Booths) for the ages.