John 7:37

Last day. There is a difference of opinion as to whether the 7th or the 8th day of the feast is meant. There is some doubt as to whether the appellation “that great day of the feast” could appropriately be applied to the 8th day. The feast lasted for seven days (Lev. 23:34), but the eighth day was “an holy convocation” Lev. 23:36). If Jesus’ statement has reference to a water-libation ceremony immediately preceding (see below; cf. DA 454), it seems necessary to identify the “last day” as the 7th day, for in the time of Jesus the ceremony was apparently performed only on the first seven days of the feast (see Mishnah Sukkah 4, 1,9, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, pp. 193, 226).

If any man thirst. This saying of Jesus undoubtedly has reference to the water-libation ceremony conducted during the 7 days of the feast. The Mishnah describes the ceremony thus: “How was the water-libation [performed]? A golden flagon holding three logs was filled from the Siloarn. When they arrived at the Water Gate, they sounded a teki‘ah [long blast], a teru‘ah [tremulous note] and again a teki‘ah [long blast]. [The priest then] went up the ascent [of the altar] and turned to his left where there were two silver bowls. . . . The one on the west was for water and the one on the east for wine” (Sukkah 4. 9, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 226). According to the Talmud (Sukkah 48b, Soncino ed., p. 227) the three trumpet blasts had reference to the Scripture statement, “Therefore with joy shall we draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isa. 12:3). The ceremony followed the morning burnt offering (Tosephta Sukkah 3.16, cited in Strack and Billerbeck, vol. 2, p. 800), and was connected with the ritual of the drink offering. The two bowls contained openings connected with an underground passageway. The sizes of the openings were such that the water and the wine would drain out in approximately the same length of time (Mishnah Sukkah 4. 9, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 226; Talmud Sukkah 48b, Soncino ed., p. 229; cf. DA 449).

Come unto me. For seven successive days the people had witnessed the water-libation ceremony and had entered into the other activities of the feast, but there had been little to satisfy the longing of the spiritual life. Among them stood He who was the source of life, who could supply the living waters to satisfy every true need.

Of the satisfaction to be found in Christ, thousands of Christians can testify. They have found in Him more than they had expected. They have tasted His peace, and their doubts and fears have been taken away. They have found grace to the measure of their need, and strength according to the demands of their days. In themselves they have been often disappointed, but never have they been disappointed in Christ.