◄ Zechariah 14:19 ►
This will be the punishment of Egypt and of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Study Bible
This will be the punishment of Egypt
Egypt, historically a significant power and often an adversary of Israel, represents nations that oppose God's people. In biblical history, Egypt is frequently a symbol of oppression and idolatry (Exodus 1-14). The punishment here signifies divine retribution for nations that refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against those who oppose His will (Isaiah 19:1-4). The mention of Egypt specifically may also allude to its historical role in Israel's past, serving as a reminder of God's deliverance and justice.

and of all the nations
This phrase expands the scope of judgment beyond Egypt to include all nations. It underscores the universal nature of God's rule and the accountability of all peoples to His commands. The inclusion of "all the nations" highlights the prophetic vision of a future where God's authority is recognized worldwide (Psalm 22:27-28). This aligns with the eschatological themes found in the prophets, where God's kingdom is established over all the earth (Daniel 7:14).

that do not go up to celebrate
The act of "going up" to Jerusalem is significant, as it was customary for Israelites to ascend to the city for major feasts (Psalm 122:1-4). This phrase implies a pilgrimage, a journey of obedience and worship. The refusal to participate in this pilgrimage symbolizes a rejection of God's appointed times and a refusal to honor Him. This disobedience results in divine punishment, emphasizing the importance of worship and submission to God's ordained practices.

the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is one of the three major Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision (Leviticus 23:33-43). It is a time of joy and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness. In a prophetic context, the Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the gathering of nations to worship the Lord in the Messianic age (Zechariah 14:16). It points to a future fulfillment where all nations recognize and celebrate God's reign, foreshadowing the ultimate gathering of God's people in His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:3-4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel. His prophecies often focused on the future restoration and the coming of the Messiah.

2. Egypt
A nation often symbolizing worldly power and opposition to God's people. In Zechariah 14, Egypt represents nations that do not acknowledge God's sovereignty.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles
Also known as Sukkot, this is a Jewish festival celebrating God's provision and protection during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. It is a time of joy and thanksgiving.

4. The Plague
A divine punishment mentioned in Zechariah 14:19 for nations that do not participate in the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing God's judgment on disobedience.

5. Jerusalem
The city of God, central to biblical prophecy and the location where nations are expected to worship during the Feast of Tabernacles.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God’s Commands
Zechariah 14:19 emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, as disobedience leads to consequences. Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

Universal Worship
The prophecy points to a future where all nations will recognize and worship God. Believers are encouraged to share the gospel, anticipating this fulfillment.

God’s Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over all nations. Trusting in His sovereignty provides peace and assurance in uncertain times.

Celebration of God’s Provision
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds believers to celebrate and give thanks for God's provision and protection in their lives.

Judgment and Mercy
While the passage warns of judgment, it also implies the opportunity for repentance and participation in God's blessings through obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command for nations to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Zechariah 14:19 reflect God's desire for universal worship?

2. In what ways can Christians today celebrate and remember God's provision, similar to the Feast of Tabernacles?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment in Zechariah 14:19 relate to the plagues in Egypt, and what lessons can we learn about obedience?

4. What are some practical ways believers can demonstrate their trust in God's sovereignty in their daily lives?

5. How can the themes of judgment and mercy in Zechariah 14:19 inspire believers to share the gospel with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The plagues of Egypt serve as a historical backdrop for understanding divine judgment and deliverance, paralleling the consequences for disobedience in Zechariah 14:19.

Leviticus 23
Provides the original instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles, highlighting its significance and the expectation of participation by God's people.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, connecting the themes of God's ultimate reign and the gathering of nations to worship Him.
Sermons
The Public Worship of JehovahD. Thomas Zechariah 14:16-19
The Great Harvest HomeW. Forsyth Zechariah 14:16-21
People
Azel, Benjamin, Uzziah, Zechariah
Places
Azal, Corner Gate, Egypt, Gate of Benjamin, Geba, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Rimmon, Tower of Hananel
Topics
Booths, Celebrate, Egypt, Feast, Nations, Punishment, Sin, Tabernacles, Tents
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 14:16-19

     5442   pilgrimage

Zechariah 14:16-21

     9155   millennium

Zechariah 14:17-19

     4855   weather, God's judgment

Library
Light at Evening Time
This, then, shall be the subject of my present discourse. There are different evening times that happen to the church and to God's people, and as a rule we may rest quite certain that at evening time there shall be light. God very frequently acts in grace in such a manner that we can find a parallel in nature. For instance, God says, "As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, even so shall my word be, it shall not return unto me void, it shall accomplish that which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Light at Evening Time
AS WE read the Scriptures, we are continually startled by fresh discoveries of the magnificence of God. Our attention is fixed upon a passage, and presently sparklets of fire and glory dart forth. It strikes us; we are struck by it. Hence these bright coruscations. Our admiration is excited. We could not have thought that so much light could possibly lie concealed within a few words. Our text thus reveals to us in a remarkable manner the penetration, the discernment, the clear-sightedness of God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

A Peal of Bells
The text, as you perceive, deals with horses which were unclean under the Jewish law yet, in the day spoken of in the text, the horses themselves shall be purged from commonness or uncleanness, and their harness shall be dedicated to God as certainly as the vestments of the High Priest himself. It will be a happy day indeed when the men who deal with horses, too often a race anything but honest and upbeat shall exhibit in their common transactions a consecration to God, so that on the horses' furniture …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

24TH DAY. Eventide Light.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "At evening-time it shall be light."--ZECH. xiv. 7. Eventide Light. How inspiring the thought of coming glory! How would we rise above our sins, and sorrows, and sufferings, if we could live under the power of "a world to come!" Were faith to take at all times its giant leap beyond a soul-trammelling earth, and remember its brighter destiny. If it could stand on its Pisgah Mount, and look above and beyond the mists and vapours of this land of shadows, and rest on …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life
"My Son, let not the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me break thee down, nor let tribulations cast thee down in any wise, but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in every event. I am sufficient to reward thee above all measure and extent. Not long shalt thou labour here, nor always be weighed down with sorrows. Wait yet a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils. An hour shall come when all labour and confusion shall cease. Little and short is all that passeth …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Sanctified Commonplaces
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness unto the Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts.' (Zechariah xiv. 20, 21.) What I have to say may not strike some of you as setting forth any very high or exalted truth, but I am satisfied as to its being a very important matter. I want to talk to you about the sanctification of the commonplace things in life. …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Evening Light
This chapter is an article written by the author many years after she had received light on the unity of the church. It will acquaint the reader with what is meant by the expression "evening light." "At evening time it shall be light." "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light" (Zechariah 14:6,7). The expression …
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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