Zechariah 14:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He is designated as ‘the light to the Gentiles’ (Luke 2:32) and the covenant for all generations (cf. Luke 1:50, 72), sent ‘to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out those bound in chains, and to release from prison those who dwell in darkness’ (Isaiah 42:7). Therefore, it is revealed that the Gentiles, having renounced the ignorance of idolatry and service to evil, would come to embrace the light of truth, choosing to take on the yoke of the Savior. The remnants of those who received punishment or stood against the churches—countless in number—shall ascend each summer to honor the Lord God Almighty and partake in the feast of tabernacles.

The Law of Moses commanded that this feast be celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, following the gathering of harvest into the barns; hence the name “feast of tabernacles” (ἐξόδιον). The directive was to gather branches from trees, including fig, palm, and willows, and rejoice with water from the stream (Leviticus 23:39-43). This occasion commemorated Israel's temporary dwelling in tents after being freed from Egyptian oppression—symbolic of the sacrament of Christ. We, too, have been liberated from the tyranny of the devil, called into liberty through Christ (Galatians 5:13), and we yield ourselves to the King of all, rejecting the harshness of our former rulers. Thus, we celebrate the true Feast of Tabernacles, specifically the day of Christ's resurrection, when all bodies find their firm standing in Him, even though they are still subject to decay and death. He is the resurrection, He is the life (John 11:25), the firstborn from the dead and ‘the source of the resurrection’ (1 Cor. 15:20; cf. Acts 26:23; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5), filling us with spiritual abundance and enabling us to gather our labor as treasures in the heavenly storehouses. He promises us eternal life in paradise and spiritual bliss as we who conquer sin, bearing the fragrant scent of righteousness, yield fruits indicative of an evangelical life.

The use of the date palm branches and red fruits paired with others (tent plants) serves as a testament to this truth. He is the ‘sweet stream from which God the Father has refreshed us’ (Psalm 35:9). He is the fountain of life and the ‘river of peace’ that flows over those called from the Gentiles (Isaiah 66:12) - of which we have discussed thoroughly elsewhere. Therefore, those who ascend to worship God Almighty and to observe the Feast of Tabernacles find their justification through faith in Christ. Conversely, those who choose not to ascend face the threat of destruction and punishments that correspond to those destined for persecutors and wrongdoers, as Christ Himself stated: ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters’ (Luke 11:23).

Under these structures, the people lived with their families, sharing meals and finding refuge from the harsh sun by day and from rain, cold, and dew at night. They were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles on the 15th day of the 7th month. Further, when your son asks, "What do these tabernacles mean?" you shall reply, "For a long time, we were strangers in Egypt, from which the Lord delivered us into the wilderness. We erect these tents to constantly remember God’s grace as we began to dwell in cities" (Deuteronomy 6:20-21 and Leviticus 23:43). They were also commanded to construct their booths from the finest trees, notably the lemon tree, as well as palm branches and willow leaves.

We have reviewed these significant past events to draw out a deeper spiritual understanding. While we remain in this earthly struggle, we inhabit tents, with our thoughts directed toward transitioning from these temporary shelters to a permanent abode, namely, the house of God. Thus, St. David expresses in the Psalms: "Woe to me that my changing dwelling has continued" (Psalms 119:5) and "I am a stranger and a traveler like all my ancestors" (Psalms 38:13). These words reflect one still dwelling in Egypt and engaged in this earthly life. However, when one emerges from Egypt—symbolizing trials and tribulations—and enters a realm free from vices, they commence their journey, declaring alongside the Psalmist, "I will enter a place of marvelous settlement to the house of God" (Psalms 41:5). It is indeed remarkable to desire not to remain with the Egyptians but to aspire to enter the promised land after overcoming Pharaoh (Exodus 14).

Moreover, it is said, "How beloved are Thy dwellings, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs and craves to strive in the courts of the Lord" (Psalms 83:2-3), and further, "Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will be praising You forever" (Psalms 83:5). The voice of joy and salvation resonates in the abodes of the righteous (Psalm 117:15). Proverbs affirms, "The houses of the righteous endure, and the habitations of those who practice righteousness shall stand" (Proverbs 2:21), promising that their homes will remain steadfast. Likewise, the holy man proclaims, "One thing I have asked of the Lord; this is what I seek—to dwell in the house of the Lord all my days, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to visit His temple" (Psalm 26:4).

Those who abide in such villages, moving towards the more sacred areas of the dwellings and ultimately to the Lord's temple, should celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles using the finest tree of wisdom, which Proverbs describes as "the tree of life to all who grasp it; those who hold it fast will be blessed" (Proverbs 3:18). They should also use palm branches, symbolizing victory and the reward of virtue, and the leaves of the thickest tree, often interpreted as myrtle, representing self-denial. Thus, the wise men brought myrrh as a gift to the Lord Savior (Matthew 2:11). Additionally, the willow and poplar signify chastity; certain interpretations suggest their properties can diminish passion and desires. And those who cover themselves with the branches of such trees will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, transcending worldly concerns and rejoicing in the spiritual Sabbath, which occurs on the 15th day of the month when the moon is full, enlightening the previously dark night. This succinct summary aims to convey the essence of the extensive teachings on these matters.