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dwelling in booths on Sukkot. But it gives no explanation for the mitzvah of the Four Species.

One explanation is given in Leviticus Rabbah, a collection of poetic commentaries (midrash) on the book of Levitucus. In Chapter 30:9 of Leviticus Rabbah we read,

“Fruit of a beautiful (hadar) tree”—this is the Holy One, Blessed is He, as it is written of him, “Glory and splendor (hadar) are before Him” (Ps 104:1).

“Palm branches (temarim)” —this is the Holy One, Blessed is He, as it is written of him, “The Righteous One sprouts like a palm" (Ps 92:13).

“Myrtle branches”—this is the Holy One, Blessed is He, as it is written of him, “And He stands among the myrtles” (Zech 1:8).

“Willow branches (aravot)” —this is the Holy One, Blessed is He, as it is written of him, “Praise He Who rides above the heavens (aravot)” (Ps 68:5).