The sages of old and many commentators since see the bulls that are offered during the feast of Succot as sacrifices offered on behalf of the nations (

Rashi: Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040-1105CE), French rabbi who wrote commentaries on the Torah, the Prophets and the Talmud, lived in Troyes where he founded a yeshiva in 1067; focuses on the plain meaning (p'shat) of the text, although sometimes quite cryptic in his brevity

Hirsch: Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888CE), German rabbi, author and educator; staunch opponent of the Reform movement in Germany and one of the fathers of Orthodox Judaism

Perhaps Rav Sha'ul had this idea in his mind when he spoke of "demolishing arguments and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of G-d; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah" (2 Cor 10:4-5, CJB). Firstly, within our own lives, we bring every thought and desire into submission to Messiah Yeshua, that in ourselves we are completely obedient to Him. Secondly, our witness to and among the nations is to decrease the influence of sin and the devil (Revelation numbers the Anti-Messiah as 666, the epitome of flesh/earth rebellion against G-d; Rev 13:18) and help those around us to submit to G-d's authority and come into His kingdom.

Sukkot, then, is a time to rejoice before G-d and a time to remember the nations and the peoples of of world and to pray that all will soon be under the influence, obedience and, ultimately, blessing of G-d.

Further Study: Ezekiel 39:6-8; Z'kharyah 14:16-21

Application: Although it is difficult to pray in an abstract way for "the nations", we can each start by praying for our neighbours, the people we work with, our local councils and those in authority over us. The witness of our lives is often more effective than our words.

© Jonathan Allen, 2004