Zechariah 14:16

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:16 offers a profound prophetic vision of the post-conflict Messianic age, depicting a future where all surviving nations, even those who previously opposed Jerusalem, will annually journey to the holy city. Their purpose will be to worship the sovereign King, the LORD of hosts, and to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, signifying a universal acknowledgment of God's reign, a profound transformation from enmity to peace, and the joyous ingathering of all peoples into His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14:16 is situated within the climactic final chapter of the book of Zechariah, which vividly portrays the "Day of the Lord." The preceding verses (Zechariah 14:1-15) describe a dramatic eschatological battle where all nations gather against Jerusalem, followed by the LORD's miraculous intervention, a cataclysmic reshaping of the land, and the defeat of Jerusalem's enemies. This intervention establishes the LORD's universal kingship, as declared in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord will be King over all the earth"). Verse 16 then shifts from the judgment and conflict to the subsequent era of peace and universal worship, detailing the transformed relationship between God and the surviving nations. It serves as a direct consequence and fulfillment of the LORD's established reign, demonstrating the lasting impact of His victory and the establishment of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Zechariah is the post-exilic period, as the Jewish people returned from Babylon and began rebuilding the temple and their national life. They faced discouragement and opposition, and Zechariah's prophecies provided hope and encouragement by looking forward to God's ultimate vindication of Jerusalem and the establishment of His kingdom. Culturally, the "Feast of Tabernacles" (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Israel, commemorating God's provision during their wilderness wanderings and celebrating the ingathering of the harvest. Its mention here, in a universal context, elevates its significance beyond Israel to encompass all humanity, symbolizing God's dwelling with His people and the ingathering of all nations. The concept of "nations coming against Jerusalem" was a recurring historical reality and prophetic motif, reflecting the geopolitical struggles of Israel's past and future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Universal Sovereignty**, explicitly stating that the LORD will be "King over all the earth" ([Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord is King over all the earth")). Secondly, it highlights **Universal Worship and Acknowledgment**, envisioning a future where "every one that is left of all the nations" will come to worship, moving beyond Israel-centric worship to global adoration. This aligns with prophecies in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - All Nations Flow to Zion") and [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House"). Thirdly, the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes **God's Dwelling Among Humanity and the Ingathering of Nations**, symbolizing a time of divine presence, joy, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, a theme also seen in [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Your Light"). Finally, the transformation of former adversaries into worshippers speaks to **Ultimate Peace and Reconciliation** under God's righteous rule, a stark contrast to the conflict described earlier in the chapter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This term, often translated as "Gentile" or "heathen," refers to foreign peoples or ethnic groups distinct from Israel. In this context, it specifically denotes the non-Israelite peoples who previously "came against Jerusalem," emphasizing the dramatic reversal where former adversaries will now come in worship, acknowledging the true King.
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** (H7812) This primitive root means "to depress, i.e., prostrate," signifying an act of profound submission, homage, and reverence, typically by bowing down or falling flat. Its use here indicates not merely attendance, but a deep, humble acknowledgment of the King's supreme authority and worthiness of adoration, a stark contrast to their former hostility.
* **Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew, _chag çukkâh'_):** (H2282, H5521) _Chag_ refers to a festival or solemn feast, often involving a sacred procession. _Çukkâh_ means "hut" or "booth." Together, this refers to Sukkot, a joyous harvest festival commemorating God's provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings and His dwelling among them. Its universal observance in this prophecy symbolizes God's ultimate presence with all humanity and the ingathering of the harvest of nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem":** This opening clause sets the stage for a future event, specifically targeting the survivors from the Gentile nations that had previously waged war against Jerusalem. It highlights God's sovereignty even in judgment, preserving a remnant from these hostile groups who will now be transformed from adversaries into worshippers.
* **"shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts":** This specifies the annual pilgrimage of these surviving nations to Jerusalem. Their purpose is to "worship," indicating a profound act of obeisance and adoration. The object of their worship is explicitly identified as "the King, the LORD of hosts," emphasizing God's supreme, universal, and military authority over all creation. The annual nature suggests a perpetual, established practice in this future kingdom.
* **"and to keep the feast of tabernacles":** This final clause details the specific act of worship: the observance of Sukkot. Its inclusion signifies the universalization of a distinctly Israelite festival, symbolizing God's dwelling among all peoples, the joyous celebration of His provision, and the ingathering of all nations into His redemptive plan in the Messianic era.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse describes a future event that has not yet occurred, detailing God's eschatological plan for the nations and Jerusalem. **Symbolism** is heavily at play with the "Feast of Tabernacles," which transcends its historical significance for Israel to become a universal symbol of God's dwelling with humanity, the ingathering of all peoples, and a time of profound joy and divine blessing in the Messianic kingdom. The phrase "every one that is left of all the nations" uses **Synecdoche**, where a part (the remnant) stands for the transformed whole of the Gentile world, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's future reign. Furthermore, the stark contrast between nations "which came against Jerusalem" and their subsequent act of "worship[ing] the King, the LORD of hosts" is a powerful use of **Antithesis**, highlighting the dramatic and miraculous transformation wrought by God's sovereign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:16 presents a radical theological shift, envisioning a future where God's universal sovereignty is acknowledged not just by Israel, but by all surviving nations, even those who were once His adversaries. This demonstrates God's ultimate redemptive purpose extends beyond a single people group to encompass all humanity. The annual pilgrimage and observance of the Feast of Tabernacles signify a profound transformation from enmity to worship, illustrating God's power to reconcile and integrate diverse peoples into His kingdom. It underscores the theme of a worldwide, unified worship of the one true God, a future where peace reigns under His divine authority.

* [Psalm 22:27-28](/psalm/22-27-28 "Psalm 22:27-28 - All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD")
* [Isaiah 66:23](/isaiah/66-23 "Isaiah 66:23 - All flesh shall come to worship before me")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - All nations shall come and worship before you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:16 offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of God's ultimate triumph over all opposition. In a world often characterized by conflict, division, and resistance to divine authority, this verse paints a vivid picture of a future where peace prevails and all peoples willingly submit to the King of kings. It challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that current struggles are temporary and God's sovereign plan for universal worship will ultimately be fulfilled. This prophecy should fuel our passion for missions, knowing that God desires "every one that is left of all the nations" to come to Him. It encourages us to pray for global reconciliation and to embody the spirit of worship and submission in our daily lives, anticipating the glorious day when all knees will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of universal worship in Zechariah 14:16 impact your understanding of God's global plan?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, live out the spirit of this prophecy by promoting peace and reconciliation in our own spheres of influence?**
* **What does the transformation of hostile nations into worshippers teach us about the power of God's grace and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Feast of Tabernacles" being observed by all nations in this prophecy?**

Answer: The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of Israel's major pilgrimage festivals, commemorating God's provision during their wilderness wanderings and celebrating the ingathering of the harvest. Its universal observance in [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - All nations to worship the King") is highly significant. It symbolizes several key aspects of the Messianic age: God's dwelling among all humanity, not just Israel (foreshadowing [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's dwelling with humanity")); the ingathering of all nations into God's kingdom (a spiritual harvest); and a time of profound joy, peace, and divine blessing for the entire world under God's righteous rule. It suggests that the blessings and presence once uniquely experienced by Israel will be extended to all peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "King, the LORD of hosts" to whom all nations will eventually bow. While the Old Testament prophets foresaw a future Messianic kingdom, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah, the true King whose reign will indeed be universal. The prophecy of nations coming to Jerusalem to worship the LORD is realized in the global spread of the Gospel, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are being redeemed and brought into God's kingdom through Christ ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from every tribe and nation")). The annual observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing God's dwelling with humanity, is profoundly fulfilled in the Incarnation, where God "tabernacled among us" in the person of Jesus Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us")). Furthermore, this prophecy looks forward to Christ's second coming, when His reign will be fully established, and every knee will truly bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus")). The transformation of hostile nations into worshippers points to the reconciling power of the cross, through which Christ breaks down walls of hostility and creates one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ our peace")). Thus, Zechariah 14:16 is a powerful testament to the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.