What was Sukkoth?
Sukkoth (also spelled Succoth) was an ancient location mentioned in the Old Testament, most notably in Genesis 33:17. The Hebrew name סֻכּוֹת (Sukkōt) means “booths” or “temporary shelters”, derived from the word sukkah, which refers to a hut or tent made of branches. This name reflects the actions of Jacob when he reached this place and constructed shelters for his livestock after his reunion with Esau.
Sukkoth is not to be confused with the later Jewish festival of the same name (the Feast of Tabernacles), although the two share etymological and thematic connections involving temporary dwelling and divine provision.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Genesis 33:17 – “Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.”
- Exodus 12:37 – “The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.”
- Numbers 33:5-6 – Lists Sukkoth as one of the first stops in Israel’s journey from Egypt.
- Judges 8:5-16 – Sukkoth is mentioned again during Gideon’s pursuit of the Midianite kings.
These multiple references suggest that there may have been more than one location named Sukkoth, or that the name was used for different settlements at different times, possibly because of its descriptive nature.
What Happened in Genesis 33?
After a tense and long-awaited reunion with his brother Esau, Jacob chose not to accompany him to Seir but instead traveled to a place he named Sukkoth. There he built himself a house and constructed shelters (sukkot) for his livestock. This was a significant moment in Jacob’s journey as it marked a temporary pause in his travels after years of estrangement, deception, and wandering.
Sukkoth served as a transition point—both geographically and spiritually. It was Jacob’s first recorded act of settlement since returning from exile in Paddan Aram, and it reflected his shift from a fugitive wanderer to a man establishing roots, albeit still not in the full land of promise.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Sukkoth reminds believers of the tension between temporary dwelling and God’s promises of permanence. Just as Jacob built temporary shelters at Sukkoth, Christians today are “aliens and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13), awaiting the “city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). The idea of Sukkoth is deeply linked to the concept of pilgrimage, dependence on God, and the temporary nature of this earthly life.
It also models how God‘s people can rest and receive provision, even in a place of delay. Jacob, like the Israelites after him, needed to pause on his journey and tend to what God had given him—his family, his livestock, his responsibilities. Sukkoth therefore becomes a symbol of faithful stewardship in between the promises and their complete fulfillment.
How Sukkoth Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Sukkoth, with its meaning of “booths” or “temporary shelters,” connects directly to John 1:14, where it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The Greek phrase literally means He “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us. Jesus Christ came and dwelt temporarily in human form, much like Jacob and the Israelites dwelled in temporary shelters.
Additionally, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth) later commemorated the Israelites’ wilderness journey and God‘s provision. Jesus celebrated this feast (John 7) and even used it as the context for proclaiming, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37), revealing Himself as the fulfillment of the festival’s deepest meaning—God’s presence and provision with His people.
Sukkoth, then, prefigures Christ’s first coming and reminds believers of the ultimate fulfillment of God‘s promise to dwell permanently with His people in the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:3).
Broader Biblical Themes
Temporary vs. Eternal
The story of Sukkoth underscores the biblical theme that earthly dwellings and circumstances are temporary. From Jacob‘s shelter to Israel’s wilderness journey, God’s people are called to trust in His provision while living as pilgrims.
God’s Provision and Presence
The very act of Jacob building booths was one of caring for his household and flocks, mirroring God‘s later provision for Israel in the wilderness. God‘s presence accompanies His people, even in transitory places.
Separation and Obedience
Jacob chose not to accompany Esau to Seir. His settling at Sukkoth instead reflects a growing obedience to God’s calling rather than human obligation. Christians, too, are often called to make choices that may seem countercultural but are rooted in spiritual obedience.
The Journey of Faith
Sukkoth serves as a milestone in Jacob’s faith journey. It reminds believers that spiritual growth often involves pauses, waiting, and trusting in the unseen hand of God even when the journey is not yet complete.
Reflection Questions
- How does the idea of Sukkoth as a place of temporary shelter help you reflect on your own life’s journey?
- In what areas are you called to wait or pause, like Jacob at Sukkoth, and trust God’s timing?
- How do you see the presence and provision of God in your own “Sukkoth seasons” of life?
- What does it mean for you that Jesus “tabernacled” among us—and how should that shape your worship and daily walk?
- How can the story of Jacob’s obedience at Sukkoth inspire you to follow God’s leading even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear?
Sukkoth serves as a powerful reminder that God‘s people are never alone, even when their dwellings are temporary and their journey is unfinished. The God who provided for Jacob at Sukkoth is the same God who leads us today through Christ, our ultimate tabernacle and eternal dwelling.