Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left {H3498} of all the nations {H1471} which came {H935} against Jerusalem {H3389} shall even go up {H5927} from {H1767} year {H8141} to year {H8141} to worship {H7812} the King {H4428}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and to keep {H2287} the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521}.

Finally, everyone remaining from all the nations that came to attack Yerushalayim will go up every year to worship the king, ADONAI-Tzva'ot, and to keep the festival of Sukkot.

Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:16 offers a prophetic glimpse into the future Messianic kingdom, describing a time when the entire world will acknowledge the sovereignty of God. This verse follows a dramatic account of God's intervention on the "Day of the Lord," where He defeats the nations that came against Jerusalem and establishes His reign.

Context

This verse is part of Zechariah chapter 14, which vividly portrays the culmination of God's plan for Jerusalem and the nations. The chapter begins with a description of a final battle against Jerusalem, followed by the LORD's miraculous intervention and the establishment of His universal kingdom. Zechariah 14:16 specifically looks beyond the conflict to the glorious era of peace and universal worship that will ensue. It paints a picture of reconciliation and submission, where former adversaries will voluntarily come to worship the true King. This prophecy aligns with broader Old Testament themes of God's ultimate reign over all the earth, as seen in passages like Isaiah 2:2-4.

Key Themes

  • Universal Worship and Acknowledgment: The verse highlights a future where "every one that is left of all the nations" will come to Jerusalem to worship. This signifies a global recognition of the LORD's supreme authority and kingship over all the earth.
  • The King, the LORD of hosts: This title emphasizes God's absolute power and dominion. He is not merely a regional deity but the sovereign ruler of all creation, commanding heavenly armies and earthly affairs.
  • Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles: The specific mention of this Jewish festival is significant. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) historically commemorated God's provision and presence during Israel's wilderness wanderings and celebrated the ingathering of the harvest. Its universal observance in the Messianic era symbolizes God's dwelling among humanity, the ingathering of all nations into His kingdom, and a time of great joy and divine blessing.
  • Peace and Reconciliation: The fact that survivors from nations that "came against Jerusalem" will now worship the LORD points to a profound transformation, moving from enmity to worship, signifying a time of lasting peace under God's rule.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" is a translation of the Hebrew Yahweh Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת). Yahweh is God's covenant name, and Sabaoth means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies. This powerful title underscores God's omnipotence, His absolute control, and His position as the supreme commander and ruler of all creation, reinforcing His ability to bring about the future described in this verse.

The "Feast of Tabernacles" is Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת) in Hebrew. Its inclusion here indicates that this ancient festival will take on new, universal significance in the Messianic age, celebrating God's presence and provision for all peoples.

Related Scriptures

  • For other prophecies of universal worship and God's reign over all nations, consider Psalm 22:27-28 and Revelation 15:4.
  • The idea of God dwelling with His people, which the Feast of Tabernacles foreshadows, is powerfully echoed in Revelation 21:3, where it is declared that "the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them."

Practical Application and Reflection

Zechariah 14:16 offers immense hope and assurance for believers today. It reminds us that despite current global conflicts and resistance to God, His ultimate plan will prevail. The future holds a time when all nations will acknowledge His sovereignty and worship Him in peace. This prophecy encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: It reaffirms that God is in control and His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
  • Live with Eternal Perspective: This verse directs our gaze to the glorious future, motivating us to live lives that reflect the coming kingdom and the universal worship of God.
  • Embrace God's Inclusive Love: The fact that "every one that is left of all the nations" will worship Him demonstrates God's desire for all humanity to come to Him, offering a powerful incentive for sharing the Gospel.

This verse is a testament to God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His righteous and peaceful reign, a future that should inspire awe, hope, and faithful living.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 66:23

    And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

  • Zechariah 14:17

    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 14:19

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

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Isaiah 66:18

    For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

  • Isaiah 66:21

    And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.

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