Shalom Partner and Friend of Israel,

"’To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." Those are Biblical words in Ecclesiastes 3:1. This passage of Scripture expresses our feelings about this particular TIME that we are living in …and as the last of the 7 Feasts of the Lord; 25 September ends with the 8^th Day of Rejoicing - 04 October 2026. As Ecclesiastes plainly tells us, "There is NO new thing under the sun" … During the holiday of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), it is customary to highlight humility by experiencing a 7-Day "relocation" from one’s permanent dwelling to the temporary, humble, wooden booth (Sukkah in Hebrew) …which sheltered the people of Israel during the time of Exodus. The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the Biblical "Holy" Days and a time to come together worship, study the Scriptures, rejoice, fellowship …and remember the promises of the Most High – Yahweh God!

The Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is the 3rd 3,300-year-old Jewish Biblical pilgrimage holiday… after Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (Pentecost) …highlighting faith, reality-based-optimism, can-do mentality and the defiance of all odds!  It is also the 3rd MAJOR Jewish holiday following Rosh HaShanah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (Atonement) in the month of Tishri, the holiest Jewish month.

According to Jewish writings the number 3 represents; “divine wisdom - stability - peace!” In addition, the 3rd day of the Creation was blessed twice; God appeared on Mount. Sinai - 3 days after Moses’ ascension of the mountain; there are 3 parts to the Bible; the Torah which represents the Old Testament first 5 Books; the Prophets and writing; the 3 Jewish Patriarchs; the 3 Major ANNUAL pilgrimages to Jerusalem where NOBODY should come empty-handed. The number 3 is the total sum of the basic odd (1) and even (2) numbers, symbolizing strength: “a three-strand cord is not quickly broken” - Ecclesiastes 4:12.

Traditionally, Sukkot (Tabernacles) is dedicated to the study of Ecclesiastes (“Kohelet” in Hebrew, which was one of King Solomon’s names) …and was written by King David’s son, Solomon, which highlights; “humility, morality, patience, learning from past mistakes, commemoration and historical perspective, family, friendship, long-term thinking, proper timing, realism and knowledge!”

Yom Kippur is a “solemn” and awe-inspiring day …but Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34-39) is a time “giving” and of celebration …and thanksgiving! The Jewish people remember that the Lord God had freed their forefathers from the bondage of slavery in Egypt …He had given them a bountiful harvest …and He had accepted their annual sacrifice …and so it is a time for celebration. The Israelites had come from all over the Nation to Jerusalem to celebrate for an entire week. They built their “booths” on every available piece of ground, and the aroma of delicious foods cooking over open fires permeated the whole City. For 7-Days there was an air of joy and festivity as the people remembered El Shaddai God our Provider and gave thanks.

We might wonder how they could drop everything and take a whole week off to celebrate? Simple! You see, the Lord provided! In three passages from Deuteronomy, He explained how He was going to do this, commanding the people to put aside one tenth of their annual production for Him. (Deuteronomy 8:6-18, 12:4-7, 14:22-29). God called it their TITHE. Then they were to take the Lord’s tithe to Jerusalem each fall (autumn) after the harvest and to celebrate His blessings upon them.

The reason God commanded them to separate the "tithe" was that He wanted to remind them it was His! Also, if He hadn’t required them to do so, most wouldn’t have set anything aside for the feast. It would all have been absorbed into their living costs instead …and they would have missed out on the blessing of this Tabernacle celebration. Obviously, the Lord didn’t need their money. He only wanted them to remember who had blessed them as everything we own comes from God. By celebrating this giving …they were reminded! Further, He commanded that it was first His and not theirs, so they wouldn’t start thinking they had created their own blessings …and NOTHING has changed in our Modern Days!

Contrast that with the way of "giving" today... Many NO longer believe that 1/10th is the Lord’s and NO longer credit God for the blessings. If we think everything belongs to us …then we are NOT clear about God’s "divine" benefit …and sadly, the "joy" is then gone from "giving!" "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" – 2 Corinthians 9:7. If we never learn the real purpose of "giving" especially during the time of the 3 Major-Feasts of the Lord …then we are deprived of the blessings of abundance that the Lord promises for those who do so! For the past 19-Years Pray4Zion and partners have supported many needs each month and will continue to do so as it is such an honour to be a part of God’s Land and people - Israel. We are reminded that God looks at the heart and loves a "cheerful giver."

The Hebrew word for TABERNACLE is "mishkan," from the root "shakan," which means ‘to dwell’ or ‘to settle.’ In other words, the very name of the "Tabernacle" reveals its purpose: it was the place where God chose "to dwell" with His people. Even the word Shekinah …used to describe God’s Glory, comes from the same root. Together, these words remind us that wherever His people go, God’s glorious presence goes with them! The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is described in the Bible as the most joyful of God’s appointed Holy days, rich with Prophetic and Spiritual meaning for believers in Yeshua – Jesus Christ today. 

The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes God’s provision and His abiding presence, and His ultimate plan to dwell with His people! While many Christians today regard the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) …as merely a Jewish custom or outdated under the New Covenant! But it is in fact central to "God’s Receptive Plan" for ALL humanity foreshadowing the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom as Prophesied throughout Scripture. Observing the Feast of Tabernacles provides a powerful opportunity to express "gratitude," celebrate God’s blessings and look forward to the "glorious future" of His Kingdom when His presence WILL dwell with us forever.

In the New Testament, the Feast of Tabernacles takes on even greater significance through its connection to Yeshua - Jesus Christ and the FUTURE Kingdom of God. John 1:14 uses imagery tied to the Tabernacle to describe Christ’s incarnation: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” The Greek word for “dwelling” - means “to pitch a tent” or “tabernacle.” This language illustrates that Yeshua (Jesus) - the WORD “tabernacled” among humanity directly linking Him to the Old Testament Tabernacle. This verse reveals that Yeshua, as the fulfilment of God’s presence with His people, embodies the ultimate meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles. Through Jesus Christ …God Himself came to dwell with humanity in a more personal and profound way than ever before.

The Prophetic significance of the Feast of Tabernacles extends beyond Christ’s first coming to His soon Return to establish God’s Kingdom on Earth! As we read the Prophecy in Zechariah 14:16-19 that ALL Nations WILL have to observe the Feast of Tabernacles during Christ’s Millennial reign!

The Feast of Tabernacles is NOT merely a historical observance BUT "a timeless celebration" of God’s Sovereignty and His soon-coming Reign. The "gathering of Nations" to worship the King, Yeshua - Jesus Christ symbolizes the UNITY of humanity under God’s Rule and fulfils the promise that: "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." – Habakkuk 2:14. Similarly; Ezekiel 45:25 confirms that the Feast of Tabernacles WILL be observed during God’s Kingdom: "In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month (the Feast of Tabernacles), He (Yeshua - Jesus Christ) shall do likewise for seven days, according to the sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the oil." These Prophetic passages affirm the ongoing relevance of the Feast of Tabernacles in God’s FINAL Redemptive Plan.

The New Testament further associates the "Feast of Tabernacles" with the ultimate RESTORATION of all things and God’s Eternal dwelling with humanity and the culmination of His plan; "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." – Revelation 21:3. This vision of the NEW Jerusalem is where God permanently "Tabernacles" with His people and reflects the core themes of the Feast of Tabernacles - God’s presence, provision, and Eternal relationship with His people. Observing the Feast of Tabernacles allows believers to look forward to this future reality, aligning their lives with the hope and joy of God’s soon coming Kingdom. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and His desire to dwell with humanity forever!

The Feast of Tabernacles also presents a fascinating to consideration that while God’s Kingdom is described as everlasting; "…an everlasting dominion, which shall NOT pass away …and His Kingdom the one which shall NOT be destroyed." - Daniel 7:14. God commands this Feast to be kept in "booths" or "temporary dwellings" (Leviticus 23:42-43). This carries a profound lesson about the "fragile" nature of earthly life by dwelling in "temporary shelters" …and as believers we are also reminded of our dependence on God and the fleeting nature of human existence.

Hebrews 11:13-16 highlights this perspective, describing the faithful as; "strangers, sojourners and exiles on earth "… who long for "a better, Heavenly country."  The Feast of Tabernacles encourages believers to embrace this mindset, living as "sojourners" who trust in God’s provision and remain focused on His Eternal promise of dwelling with His people forever! It serves as a call to prioritize Spiritual over Worldly pursuits, fostering a sense of reliance on God and a forward-looking faith in His Kingdom!

As we see in Zechariah 14:16-19, the Feast of Tabernacles WILL be kept during Christ’s Millennial Reign, with ALL Nations gathering to worship Yeshua - the King …but if this Feast is so central to God’s future Kingdom, then WHY wouldn’t true Christian believers rejoice in it now? Why wait to honour a day that vividly fore-shadows God’s Promise to dwell with humanity forever? If the Nations WILL one day be commanded to keep it, shouldn’t followers of Christ choose to do so today willingly - out of love, faith, and anticipation of His return? By celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles now, we declare our allegiance to the coming Kingdom of God and align our lives with God’s Eternal plan. Isn’t that the very essence of our living faith?

The FINAL Biblical 3 Feasts (of 7) are unfulfilled and fall on the following days (always remember that the day begins on the evening of the day before - Biblically);

Tishri 1 (12 September) - The Feast of Trumpets = Return of Yeshua - Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the First Fruits!

Tishri 10. (21 September) Day of Atonement = The saints enter the presence of the Heavenly Temple for the Marriage Supper!

Tishri 15 (26 September). Feast of Tabernacles = Millennial reign of Jesus Christ and the saints

Tishri 23. (04 October) - Last Great Day = Second Resurrection and the next phase of God’s plan!

The Last Great Day – the 8^th Day… Is NOT spoken of a lot in Scripture, but we read about it in the following places …so let’s learn more about God’s plan connection to the last 3 (of the 7) Feasts of the Lord:

1. "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. On the first day, there shall be a day convocation. You shall do no customary work on it. For seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day, you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a sacred assembly, and you shall do no customary work on it. These are the feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day — besides the Sabbaths of the LORD, besides your gifts, besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the LORD. Also, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep the feast of the LORD for seven days; on the first day there shall be a sabbath-rest and on the eighth day a sabbath-rest.’" – Leviticus 23:34-39.

2. "Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day there was a sacred assembly, according to the prescribed manner." – Nehemiah 8:18.

3. "On the eighth day, you shall have a sacred assembly. You shall do no customary work." – Numbers 29:35.

4. "At that time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt. And on the eighth day, they held a sacred assembly, for they observed the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the good that the LORD had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel. – 2 Chronicles 7:8-10.

5. "On the last day, that great day of the feast, "Jesus stood and cried out saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified." – John 7:37-39.

So, we can see in the above Scriptures that the 8^th-Day in Hebrew typifies "fatness, abundance, and fertility." On this 8^th-Day there was more sacrifices than on any other Holy day. This day had a special significance because it is explained by Yeshua (Jesus) as follows: "…He that believes in Me (Jesus), as the Scripture has said, out of his body shall flow rivers of living water…" – John 7:37-39. Yeshua (Jesus) spoke of the spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive as the Day of Pentecost had not yet come!

And so, the Last Great Day also refers to the work of the Holy Spirit of God flowing into and out of God’s elect. As believers in Yeshua, we have that very character today as the Holy Spirt dwells within us. We can look into the order of Scriptural Prophetic events and discover where in the FUTURE the Last Great Day resides; the “Day of Atonement” …and the “Feast of Tabernacles” the last 3 -yet UNFILFILLED Feasts of the Lord. And, when we read Revelation 19-20 it speaks of the “Marriage Supper at God’s Throne …the return of the saints at the Second Coming (believers that were Raptured) with the Angels and Christ to defeat the Beast and the False Prophet;  the putting away of Satan …and then the Glorius Millennial Reign of Christ. And as we read further in; Revelation 20:7-10-15 the release of Satan, and his FINAL attempt to defeat the believers resulting in his destruction into “the lake of fire!”

So, we can see that the Feast of Tabernacles takes on the significance of the last days and the coming of the Lord.  Even the Ancient festival seemed to have an End time significance… Today, it cannot be denied that we are approaching the END of the Age.  Yes, believers have thought that since the 1^st-Century …but we are the first and the last chosen generation that has had the "signs" indicating that we are really in the Last Day.  Let us look quickly at some of these signs;  Evil and Lawlessness is increasing all around the world and Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 that terrible times and terrible people would be the hallmark of the end.  We can hardly turn on the TV or look at Media (who many themselves are corrupt) today without being outraged by the latest EVIL atrocity.  Obviously, "the tares" are getting ripe! We are also told that in the Last Day knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4).  We are living in a time where knowledge is increasing exponentially and through AI (Artificial Intelligence) the Beast System is being created!

In the END of-days we are told that we WILL have "birth pains" (Mark 13:8).  Birth pains are known to come closer together and to also increase in intensity.  Yes, there are birth pains all over …yet, we have a birth pain that is NO doubt greater than all the others and that is the birth of Israel.  This has taken place in many lifetimes, and it is a sign that NO other believers have witnessed since the 1^st-Century.  Israel is alive again, back in her Land of Promise and mostly restored, exceeding great army that of Ezekiel 37. The fact alone that Israel is back in her Land is "a miraculous sign."  And as Israel arises, we can assume that our long and painful Gentile Age of 2,000 years will soon be ending (Daniel 2:31-45; Luke 21:24).  It remains to be seen how this will affect the Gentile Church!

In the book of Revelation, we learn that the overcomers through Christ WILL exercise authority over the Nations (Revelation 2:6) and that they will actually sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21).  What wonderful things are in store for the faithful believers!  Romans 8:19 states that even; "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."  Just think of it.  Our sad, dreary, evil, defeated world is almost standing on tiptoe waiting for believers to get it together in Christ our Lord and become what we are destined to be!

Even still, as the Body of Christ is the Church of true believers  who wait expectantly for Christ’s return and His Eternal Promise to us; “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.” – Revelation 21:3. That is the END of the story …or rather the BEGINNING of the story we were made for! NO more sin - NO more distance - NO more longing! Just the fullness of God, forever! The “tabernacle” of fabric in the wilderness pointed to the “tabernacle” of flesh in our Lord Yeshua -Jesus …the ultimate fulfilment of God dwelling with His people. And one day soon, it will give way to the FINAL fulfilment, the “Eternal Tabernacle” in the NEW Creation, where God Himself WILL dwell with His people always.

In the garden of Eden… “God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day.”- Genesis 3:8. In the wilderness, God… “Made His dwelling in a tent among His people.” - Exodus 25:8-9; 40:34-35. In Bethlehem, God… “Came in flesh.”- Luke 2:6–7; Matthew 1:23. At Pentecost, God… “filled His people with His Spirit.” - Acts 2:1-4. And one day, in the NEW Heaven and the NEW Earth, God... “Will dwell with us in fulness and glory” - Revelation 21:3–4. From beginning to end, the story is NOT humanity seeking God …but rather God seeking humanity! God has always desired to be with His people, and He has always made a way for His presence to be known. The God who tabernacled in the wilderness …who tabernacled in Yeshua (Jesus) …and who tabernacles now by His Holy Spirit ...will one day “tabernacle” with us forever. That is our hope, our joy, and our future and it may be sooner than we all think.

God is NOT though with the earth!  He is NOT willing to turn it over to Satan or dispense with it or His Creation…  He will in fact "create" a NEW Heaven and a NEW Earth where righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:17).  As Christ "tabernacles" with us in these End of Days we WILL be able to labour together with Him …until Abba - Father God said to Him; " Son go fetch your Bride (the Church).  The Jewish people have a concept called "tikkun Olam" which means "repairing the earth."  This is a Biblical idea.  We believers in Yeshua  through the Gospel are helping God repair and renew the earth.  We must NOT think God is through with this earth even when we see the evil and lawlessness. 

The TRUTH is that Yeshua (Jesus) is coming to TABERNACLE with us and the world is going to be remade! The Lord is coming to establish His Throne in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 3:17) and He is coming to take charge of this World and everything else.  Although it must really upset the UNBELIEVING world that He is coming to live in Jerusalem and to dwell among the children of Israel forever (Ezekiel 43:7).  Daniel sums it; “But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it  forever - yes, for ever and ever!”  - Daniel 7:18.

We most sincerely believe that God WILL bless you for your faithfulness and love for His land and chosen people. God’s Word is true! He IS watching to see how the Nations are treating His people. God will have mercy on Israel through Gentile believers acting as mediators towards them. This is one of the most amazing revelations ever given to the Church – an opportunity to do something that carries the highest priority in the heart of God. Yet, sadly, so few have seen the potential and the rewards of serving God in this manner - as agents of mercy to Israel and the Jewish people! Israel was and still is despised today and a despised Nation continually turning away from God …BUT nothing ever altered the purpose of God for that Nation. The "despised element" is always a noticeable element in the purpose of God. When the Saviour of the world came, He came of that "despised Nation" (and just like Israel) He Himself was "…despised and rejected by men." And there is that despised element; "…things that are despised God has chosen," - 1 Corinthians 1:28.

We hope that you enjoy and become more informed by our work. We serve an awesome God and we are humbled by this opportunity to bring you this information.

With Shalom to you and your family always,

Alf & Julie Saunders

01 October 2026

This can be done SECURELY through PAYPAL by clicking on "Make A Donation" LINK above …or by visiting our Donations page where you will find the list of ministries where you can be a blessing to. Thank you for your love and support for God's chosen people (Ruth 2:12).

John Bunyan once said, "You have never lived successfully until you have done something for someone who can NEVER - repay you!"