Zechariah 14:17 kjv
And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
Zechariah 14:17 nkjv
And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.
Zechariah 14:17 niv
If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain.
Zechariah 14:17 esv
And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them.
Zechariah 14:17 nlt
Any nation in the world that refuses to come to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Heaven's Armies, will have no rain.
Zechariah 14 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Zec 14:17 | feast of Tabernacles ... no rain | Zec 14:18 |
| Zec 14:18 | If any ... will not go up ... no rain | Isa 4:6 |
| Lev 23:42-43 | dwell in booths ... your generations | Neh 8:14-18 |
| Deut 16:13-15 | celebrate feast of Tabernacles | 1 Kings 8:2, 65 |
| 1 Kings 12:32-33 | feast in eighth month | 2 Chron 7:8-9 |
| Ezra 3:4 | according to what is written | Neh 8:17 |
| Neh 8:14-18 | feast of Tabernacles | John 7:2, 37-39 |
| Isa 66:23 | from new moon to new moon | Ex 12:14 |
| Hos 2:9 | I will withhold ... grain ... wine | Joel 1:10-12 |
| Joel 1:17 | stores are ruined | Hag 1:11 |
| Hag 1:11 | drought on the land | Deut 28:23-24 |
| Ps 65:9-13 | rains water the earth | Gen 8:22 |
| Jer 3:3 | withheld rain from you | Ps 107:33-34 |
| Matt 5:45 | Father makes sun rise on good and bad | Luke 6:35 |
| Luke 11:2 | Thy will be done | Matt 6:10 |
| Rev 11:15 | kingdoms of our Lord | Rev 15:4 |
| Rev 21:3-4 | God dwelling with them | Zec 8:23 |
| Isa 55:10-11 | word that goes out | John 6:51 |
| Ex 23:25 | serve the Lord | Deut 11:13-15 |
| Deut 11:16-17 | shut up the heavens | 1 Kings 17:1 |
| Lev 18:5 | keep my statutes and rules | Ezek 20:11 |
| Num 15:39-40 | be holy unto your God | Ex 3:5 |
Zechariah 14 verses
Zechariah 14 17 Meaning
This verse describes a consequence for nations that do not participate in the feast of Tabernacles. They will not receive rain. This signifies a withdrawal of God's blessing and provision.
Zechariah 14 17 Context
Zechariah 14 describes a future Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and ultimate restoration for Jerusalem and all nations. This chapter envisions a physical manifestation of God's presence and reign in Jerusalem, with blessings for those who acknowledge Him and judgment for those who oppose Him. Verse 17 specifically addresses the nations' participation in a significant annual observance, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the consequence of their non-compliance. This feast symbolized God's provision for Israel during their wilderness wandering and His dwelling among them.
Zechariah 14 17 Word Analysis
- wəhāyâ (וְהָיָה): "and it shall be" or "and it shall come to pass." A common conjunction introducing future events.
- ‘îr (עִיר): "city." Refers to Jerusalem.
- qōdeš (קֹדֶשׁ): "holy," "sacred." Emphasizes Jerusalem's divine status.
- ‘am (עַם): "people," "nation." Used for gentile nations in this context.
- lô’ (לֹא): "not." A negative particle.
- yā‘al (יַעֲלֶה): "go up," "ascend." Refers to the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the feast.
- ‘ălaṯ (עֲלַת): "going up." Noun form.
- mišpāḥôṯ (מִשְׁפָּחֹת): "families," "clans." Refers to the various peoples of the earth.
- mĕra“băbîm (מְרַבְּבִים): "covering," "rain." Relates to the vital provision of water.
- lô’ (לֹא): "not." Again, a negative.
- yā hôrēd (יָחֹרֶד): "will come down," "will cause to rain." God's active withholding.
- lĕmô (לָהֶם): "to them," "upon them." Directing the consequence.
Words/Groups Analysis:
- "whoever does not go up": This phrase signifies a refusal to participate in God's ordained worship and a rejection of His sovereignty expressed through His chosen people and place.
- "to offer presents to the LORD of hosts": Highlights the aspect of worship, tribute, and submission to God as the sovereign Lord.
- "upon them there shall be no rain": This is a severe curse, linking meteorological phenomena to obedience and covenant relationship with God. In an agrarian society, drought was devastating and symbolized divine disfavor.
Zechariah 14 17 Bonus Section
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, is deeply symbolic. It remembers God's care for Israel in the wilderness (Lev 23:42-43), foreshadows the incarnation and dwelling of Christ among humanity (John 1:14), and ultimately points to the future dwelling of God with His redeemed people in the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:3). The drought mentioned is not just a physical punishment but a spiritual emptiness that results from separating from the source of all life and blessing. The nations' choice is between acknowledging God's rule, participating in His covenant feasts, and receiving His blessings, or rejecting Him and experiencing spiritual and material barrenness. This principle extends to all believers today: embracing fellowship with God and His people leads to spiritual fruitfulness.
Zechariah 14 17 Commentary
Zechariah 14:17 outlines a severe consequence for nations that refuse to observe the Feast of Tabernacles during the future millennial reign of Christ. This refusal signifies a rejection of God’s appointed time of worship and His dwelling among His people. The consequence, the withholding of rain, represents the withdrawal of God's vital blessing and provision. This underscores the interconnectedness of true worship and material well-being in God's kingdom. It points to a universal recognition of God's sovereignty and the blessings that flow from it, a truth echoed throughout Scripture concerning obedience to divine commands.