Zechariah 14 19

Zechariah 14:19 kjv

This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19 nkjv

This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19 niv

This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:19 esv

This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths.

Zechariah 14:19 nlt

Egypt and the other nations will all be punished if they don't go to celebrate the Festival of Shelters.

Zechariah 14 verses

Zechariah 14 19 Meaning

This verse pronounces a universal judgment upon Egypt and all nations that fail to ascend to Jerusalem and participate in the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles during an appointed eschatological age. The punishment specifically highlighted is the withholding of rain, symbolizing divine judgment, lack of blessing, and a barren existence, contrasting with the abundant life found in true worship of God.

Zechariah 14 19 Context

Zechariah 14 depicts the climactic events of the Day of the Lord, a future eschatological period where God intervenes decisively in world history. The chapter describes Jerusalem under siege, divine deliverance, the Lord's physical return to the Mount of Olives, the transformation of the land, and the establishment of God's universal reign from Jerusalem. It portrays a time of judgment for nations that oppose God and purification for Jerusalem. Following these tumultuous events, Zechariah 14:16-19 outlines a future where the surviving nations acknowledge God's universal sovereignty and are required to annually make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship Him and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Verse 19 specifically details the consequences for Egypt and any nation that neglects this annual pilgrimage. This prophecy signifies the triumph of God's kingdom and the global recognition of Jerusalem as the spiritual capital, under the reign of the Messiah. The mention of Egypt specifically likely alludes to its historical significance as a primary oppressor and representative of worldly power resisting God, and its dependency on the Nile (not rain) making the threat of "no rain" particularly ironic and pointed for "all the nations."

Zechariah 14 19 Word analysis

• This will be: Connects the punishment described here to the general pattern of judgment on the nations.
• the punishment (חַטַּאת - chatta't): While often translated "sin offering" or "sin" in Levitical contexts (referring to the result or guilt of sin), here it distinctly means the "penalty" or "consequence" for sin. It denotes the direct penal consequence that falls upon those who disobey.
• of Egypt: Singled out as a paradigmatic example of nations that historically resisted God and oppressed His people. Egypt's economy was famously reliant on the Nile, not rain. The punishment of withheld rain thus highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nature and economies, demonstrating that even those who depend on rivers will ultimately suffer if they reject God's authority and worship. It signifies that even a seemingly independent power is subject to the divine will regarding weather and provision.
• and the punishment: The repetition emphasizes the certainty and universal applicability of this consequence, extending beyond just Egypt.
• of all the nations: Underscores the universal scope of God's future reign and the requirement for all humanity to acknowledge Him. This is a profound shift from a national covenant to a global expectation of worship.
• that do not go up (לֹא יַעֲלוּ - lo ya'alu): Refers to the physical act of making a pilgrimage ascent to Jerusalem, which is typically located at a higher elevation. It symbolizes intentional non-compliance and resistance to divine command to engage in appointed worship.
• to celebrate (לַחֲגֹג - lachagôg): To keep a solemn feast, implying participation in a sacred festival. It means to hold a feast or celebrate it, particularly involving a festive pilgrimage.
• the Festival of Tabernacles (חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת - Chag HaSukkot): Also known as the Feast of Booths. This festival holds deep significance:
  • Remembrance of God's provision: Commemorates Israel's forty years in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, dependent solely on God's provision.
  • Harvest Festival: A time of thanksgiving for the harvest.
  • Future fulfillment: Points to a time when God will "tabernacle" or dwell with His people (Rev 21:3-4). Its choice as the mandatory future worship is significant, foreshadowing God's dwelling place among men, and signifying joy, provision, and ultimate reconciliation with God in the Messianic era.

Zechariah 14 19 Bonus section

Zechariah 14, including verse 19, posits an explicit continuation and universalization of a specific Old Testament ritual, the Feast of Tabernacles, into a future Messianic kingdom. This indicates that while elements of the Old Covenant rituals would pass away with Christ's first coming (Heb 8:13, 10:1-10), others are prophesied to gain universal application under a global, physical reign of the Messiah from Jerusalem. The emphasis on Sukkot also ties into the idea of God "tabernacling" or dwelling with humanity, finding its ultimate fulfillment not just in a restored Temple but in the very presence of God and the Lamb among His people (Rev 21:3-4). The mandatory nature of this pilgrimage underscores the reality of Christ's full dominion and the requirement for all created beings to submit to His Lordship.

Zechariah 14 19 Commentary

Zechariah 14:19 unveils a powerful and universal decree concerning the post-Messianic era. After the Lord's definitive triumph and establishment of His kingdom from Jerusalem, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is elevated to a universally mandated annual pilgrimage for all surviving nations. This choice is profound: Sukkot, a harvest festival recalling God's miraculous provision during the wilderness wanderings and Israel's dwelling in temporary booths, will symbolize the future worldwide thanksgiving for God's presence, protection, and provision during the Millennial Reign. The divine demand is simple: participate in the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship and acknowledge the King, or face specific divine retribution. The specific punishment, the withholding of rain, highlights God's absolute control over life's sustenance. For Egypt, known for its reliance on the Nile rather than rainfall, this curse emphasizes that God's judgment transcends typical geographic vulnerabilities and proves His sovereignty over all natural processes and national economies. This verse encapsulates the new world order under Messiah: a transformed world where worship of the One True God becomes universal, compulsory, and central to divine blessing, with severe consequences for any who rebel against His sovereign will.