Zechariah 14 15

Zechariah 14:15 kjv

And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

Zechariah 14:15 nkjv

Such also shall be the plague On the horse and the mule, On the camel and the donkey, And on all the cattle that will be in those camps. So shall this plague be.

Zechariah 14:15 niv

A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.

Zechariah 14:15 esv

And a plague like this plague shall fall on the horses, the mules, the camels, the donkeys, and whatever beasts may be in those camps.

Zechariah 14:15 nlt

This same plague will strike the horses, mules, camels, donkeys, and all the other animals in the enemy camps.

Zechariah 14 verses

Zechariah 14 15 Meaning

This verse describes a specific consequence for those nations that do not march to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, during the Feast of Tabernacles. They will not receive rain, indicating divine drought and a withholding of God's blessing and provision.

Zechariah 14 15 Context

Zechariah chapter 14 describes a future day of the LORD, a climactic event of divine intervention where Jerusalem will be a center of worship for all nations. Following a great battle against Jerusalem, the nations that were against her will be judged, and surviving nations will be drawn to worship the LORD there. This verse, specifically, details a punitive measure against those who fail to participate in this universal pilgrimage and worship during the Feast of Tabernacles, resulting in drought. The overall theme is the ultimate establishment of God's reign in Jerusalem and the global recognition of His sovereignty. This prophecy fits within the broader prophetic literature concerning the eschatological restoration of Israel and the nations turning to God.

Zechariah 14 15 Word Analysis

• וְהָיָה (v'hāyāh): "and it shall be" - a conjunction with the imperfect verb "to be." Signifies a future consequence or a condition's outcome.

• כִּ֚י (kî): "because," "for," "that" - introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement.

• לֹא (lō): "not" - negation.

• יַעֲל֨וּ (ya‘ălū): "they will go up" - from the root ʿālah (to ascend). Refers to the physical act of making the pilgrimage up to Jerusalem.

• מִכֹּל (mikkol): "from all" - preposition "min" (from) combined with "kol" (all).

• מִשְׁפְּח֛וֹת (mishpəḥōwṯ): "families" or "clans" or "tribes" - indicates widespread groups of people.

• הָאֲדָמָ֖ה (hā’ăḏāmāh): "the earth" or "the land" - refers to the land of the earth, distinguishing from Israel’s specific land.

• לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֥ת (lǝhištăḥăwôṯ): "to bow down," "to worship" - the infinitive of shāḥaḥ (to bow). Signifies reverential worship.

• לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (lammeleḵ): "to the King" - the preposition "l'" (to) with "hammeleḵ" (the king). Refers to the LORD.

• יְהוָ֥ה (Yəhwāh): "Yahweh" - the personal covenantal name of God.

• צְבָאֽוֹת (ṣəḇā’wôṯ): "Sabaoth," "of Hosts" - God's title indicating His sovereignty over heavenly armies and all powers.

• וּלְחָג (ūləḥāg): "and to celebrate the Feast" - "vav" (and) with "lĕ" (to) and "ḥāg" (feast, festival).

• הַסֻּכּֽוֹת (hassukkôṯ): "the Tabernacles" - "ha" (the) with "Sukkoth" (booths). The Feast of Tabernacles.

• לֹא (lō): "not" - negation.

• יַעֲלֶה (ya‘ăle): "he will go up" or "it will go up" (referring to rain) - singular form.

• בָהֶם (bāhem): "upon them" - preposition "bĕ" (in, on) with the suffix "hem" (them).

• גֶּשֶׁם (gěšem): "rain" - a common word for precipitation.

• Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

  • "those of the families of the earth who will not go up": Emphasizes universality; no group on earth is exempt from this divine command and consequence.
  • "to worship the King, the LORD Almighty": Highlights the ultimate authority and majesty of God, to whom all creation is accountable.
  • "and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles": Connects this universal worship to a specific Old Testament festival, signifying God's enduring plans for His people and the nations.
  • "will not go up upon them rain": Directly links the refusal to worship with the withholding of essential natural resources, representing divine displeasure and judgment.

Zechariah 14 15 Bonus Section

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) commemorated God's provision for Israel during their wilderness wandering, a time when they lived in temporary shelters (booths). In this prophecy, the observance by all nations symbolizes their participation in God's kingdom, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty over their lives. The withholding of rain is a severe curse in the ancient Near East, directly impacting agriculture and livelihood. This curse highlights the severity of defying the King, the LORD Almighty. The New Testament portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Sukkot's symbolism when He declared Himself the source of "living water" (John 7:37-39), a concept related to the "rain" that will be withheld from the disobedient. The future worship described is both literal and symbolic of the spiritual sustenance that comes from drawing near to God.

Zechariah 14 15 Commentary

This verse is a powerful eschatological statement. It outlines a consequence for nations that refuse to participate in the future worship of God in Jerusalem, specifically during the Feast of Tabernacles. The failure to receive rain signifies a cessation of divine blessing, prosperity, and sustenance, painting a picture of spiritual barrenness and judgment upon disobedience. It underscores that participation in God's appointed worship is not optional for those who wish to experience His favor and provision in the end times. This anticipates a universal recognition of God's sovereignty, marked by obedient worship and adherence to His commands.