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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, that whoso will not come up {H5927} of all the families {H4940} of the earth {H776} unto Jerusalem {H3389} to worship {H7812} the King {H4428}, the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, even upon them shall be no rain {H1653}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If any of the families of the earth does not go up to Yerushalayim to worship the king, ADONAI-Tzva'ot, no rain will fall on them.

Berean Standard Bible

And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, that whoso of all the families of the earth goeth not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:17 describes a future, post-Day of the LORD scenario where all surviving nations are commanded to ascend to Jerusalem annually to worship God as "the King, the LORD of hosts." The verse outlines a severe consequence for any family or nation that refuses this universal pilgrimage and worship: the withholding of rain, a vital resource in the ancient world, symbolizing divine judgment and the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 forms the climactic conclusion to the book of Zechariah, presenting a vivid eschatological vision often referred to as the "Day of the LORD." This chapter depicts a final, cosmic battle against Jerusalem, followed by the dramatic intervention of God Himself, who establishes His universal kingship over all the earth ([Zechariah 14:1-9](/zechariah/14-1-9 "Zechariah 14:1-9 - The Day of the LORD and God's Reign")). Following this divine triumph and the transformation of Jerusalem into a holy and secure city ([Zechariah 14:10-11](/zechariah/14-10-11 "Zechariah 14:10-11 - Jerusalem's Security and Holiness")), the narrative shifts to the post-conflict era. Verse 16 explicitly states that survivors from all nations that fought against Jerusalem will annually come up to Jerusalem to worship "the King, the LORD of hosts," and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Verse 17 then immediately provides the specific, dire consequence for any family or nation that defies this universal mandate, reinforcing the absolute nature of God's future reign and the non-negotiable requirement of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), a time when the Jewish people were rebuilding the Temple and their national identity in Jerusalem. The vision in chapter 14, however, transcends this immediate historical setting, projecting into a distant, apocalyptic future. Culturally, rain was not merely a convenience but the lifeblood of an agrarian society in the ancient Near East. Its presence signified divine blessing and prosperity, while its absence (drought) was a severe curse, leading to famine, disease, and death. This understanding is deeply embedded in Old Testament covenant theology, where obedience brought rain and abundance, and disobedience resulted in drought and barrenness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 11:13-17](/deuteronomy/11-13-17 "Deuteronomy 11:13-17 - Blessings and Curses of Obedience")). The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, commemorating God's provision during the wilderness wandering and celebrating the harvest. Its universal observance in this future kingdom signifies the ingathering of all nations into God's worship and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, emphasizing that the God of Israel will ultimately be recognized and worshipped as "King over all the earth" ([Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The LORD's Universal Kingship")). This leads to the theme of **Universal Worship**, where all nations are compelled to acknowledge His supreme authority. The verse also highlights **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating that God's reign will be enforced with tangible consequences for rebellion, underscoring the seriousness of refusing to submit to His will. Finally, it reinforces **Jerusalem's Eschatological Centrality**, portraying it as the undisputed spiritual and governmental capital of the world in the coming kingdom, the locus of God's presence and universal worship, echoing earlier prophetic visions (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the LORD's House")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This word signifies to "depress" or "prostrate oneself," particularly in homage to royalty or God. It denotes an act of profound reverence, submission, and adoration, involving bowing down or falling flat. In this context, it emphasizes the required posture of humility and submission before the divine King.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_), the LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), of hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** The combined title "the King, the LORD of hosts" is highly significant. "King" (melek) asserts God's ultimate royal authority and right to rule. "LORD" (YHWH/Yᵉhôvâh) is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and unique identity as the God of Israel. "Of hosts" (tsâbâʼ) refers to armies or masses, often implying celestial armies (angels) or the heavenly bodies, thus emphasizing God's omnipotence and His command over all creation and spiritual forces. Together, this title declares God's absolute, unrivaled, and universal sovereignty, not merely as a tribal deity but as the supreme monarch over all the earth and its inhabitants.
* **rain (Hebrew, _geshem'_):** This term refers to a "shower" or "rain." In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, rain was synonymous with life, blessing, and prosperity. Its absence meant drought, famine, and death. Thus, the withholding of rain is a direct, tangible, and devastating form of divine judgment, demonstrating God's control over the natural order and His power to enforce His will through the very elements of creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the universal scope of the divine mandate. "All the families of the earth" underscores that no nation or people group is exempt from this future requirement. The phrase "come up unto Jerusalem" denotes a pilgrimage, a physical ascent to the holy city, which will be the spiritual and political center of God's universal kingdom. This highlights the centrality of Jerusalem in God's eschatological plan.
* **"to worship the King, the LORD of hosts":** This specifies the explicit purpose of the pilgrimage: to render homage and adoration to God. The divine title "the King, the LORD of hosts" powerfully asserts God's supreme authority and universal dominion, demanding the worship of all peoples. This worship is not optional but a mandatory act of submission and recognition of His sovereignty.
* **"even upon them shall be no rain":** This final clause declares the direct and severe consequence for disobedience. The withholding of rain is a potent symbol of divine curse and judgment. In an agrarian society, lack of rain meant crop failure, famine, and ultimately, death. This illustrates God's absolute control over creation and His willingness to use natural phenomena to enforce His will and punish rebellion against His universal reign.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "rain" serving as a powerful symbol of divine blessing, life, and prosperity, its absence representing curse, judgment, and barrenness. Jerusalem itself is a **symbol** of God's earthly kingdom and the locus of His presence and universal worship. The phrase "all the families of the earth" uses **hyperbole** to emphasize the truly universal and inescapable nature of God's future reign and the requirement of worship, leaving no room for neutrality. The verse also functions as a clear example of **Divine Retribution**, where a specific act of rebellion (refusal to worship) is met with a direct and fitting punishment (withholding of rain), illustrating the principle of cause and effect in God's moral order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:17 is a stark declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of worship in His coming kingdom. It reveals a future where divine rule is absolute, and all creation is called to acknowledge and submit to the "King, the LORD of hosts." The withholding of rain underscores that rebellion against God's universal authority will not go unpunished, demonstrating His control over the very elements of life and His readiness to use them for judgment. This eschatological vision serves as a profound reminder that God's glory demands universal recognition, and there will be no neutral ground in His perfected reign.

* [Deuteronomy 11:16-17](/deuteronomy/11-16-17 "Deuteronomy 11:16-17 - Warning Against Disobedience and Drought"): "Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you."
* [Psalm 22:27-28](/psalm/22-27-28 "Psalm 22:27-28 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the LORD"): "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations."
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - Who Shall Not Fear and Glorify God?"): "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Zechariah 14:17 describes a future, literal event in God's kingdom, its underlying principles hold profound spiritual and practical implications for believers today. The verse reminds us that worship of God is not an optional activity but a fundamental imperative for all humanity, reflecting His inherent worthiness and absolute sovereignty. It challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own worship, asking if we are truly prostrating ourselves before "the King, the LORD of hosts" in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, the consequence of "no rain" serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual barrenness and the absence of divine blessing that results from rebellion or indifference towards God. Just as physical rain is essential for life, spiritual "rain" (the Holy Spirit, God's Word, His presence) is vital for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. This prophecy encourages us to live now in anticipation of God's ultimate reign, aligning our hearts and lives with His will, actively participating in His mission to draw all peoples to Himself, and recognizing that true life and flourishing come only through humble submission and devoted worship of the one true King.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 14:17 challenge our understanding of God's universal sovereignty and the nature of required worship?**
* **In what ways might we, even today, experience a spiritual "lack of rain" in our lives by neglecting or refusing to fully worship God with our time, talents, and resources?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of obedience and the consequences of spiritual rebellion, both individually and corporately?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "no rain" as a judgment in this verse?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, rain was absolutely essential for agriculture and, thus, for life itself. A lack of rain meant drought, crop failure, famine, and ultimately, death. Therefore, "no rain" is a highly potent and devastating form of divine judgment, symbolizing not just economic hardship but a complete withdrawal of God's life-sustaining blessing. It underscores God's absolute control over creation and His power to enforce His will, demonstrating that He can use the very elements of nature to punish those who refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty and worship Him. This judgment is a direct, tangible consequence for spiritual rebellion, reflecting a principle seen throughout the Old Testament where obedience brought blessings (including rain) and disobedience brought curses (including drought), as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - The Curse of Drought").

**Does this prophecy mean all nations will be forced to worship God?**

Answer: Zechariah 14:17 implies a universal recognition of God's kingship and a mandatory pilgrimage to Jerusalem for worship, with dire consequences for refusal. While the text does not explicitly state "forced" worship in the sense of a coerced internal disposition, it certainly describes an enforced outward submission to God's reign in His future kingdom. The judgment of "no rain" indicates that refusal to participate in this universal worship will result in severe, tangible consequences, suggesting that outward compliance will be required. This reflects the absolute nature of God's sovereignty; in His perfected kingdom, there will be no room for neutrality or open rebellion against "the King, the LORD of hosts." This contrasts with the present age where belief is by faith and choice, yet it foreshadows a time when God's glory will be so manifest that all will be compelled to acknowledge Him, whether in willing worship or under judgment, as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "King, the LORD of hosts" whom all families of the earth are called to worship. While Zechariah speaks of a future earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the true and eternal King, whose kingdom is both present and future ([Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")). The universal worship demanded in Zechariah 14:17 is echoed in the New Testament's declaration that "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses the authority to command the elements, including rain, and to bring spiritual life or judgment. He is the source of the true "rain"—the living water of the Holy Spirit—that brings spiritual fruitfulness to those who believe in Him ([John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). Conversely, those who refuse to come to Him for salvation and spiritual life will experience a spiritual barrenness, a "no rain" of divine blessing, leading to ultimate judgment ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Thus, Zechariah 14:17 foreshadows the glorious reality of Christ's universal reign, where He will be acknowledged as King by all, and His presence will be the ultimate fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, as God Himself will dwell among His people ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man")).

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

Jeremiah 14:4

Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

Isaiah 60:12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

Amos 4:7

And also I have withholden the rain from you, when [there were] yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.

Amos 4:8

So two [or] three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Revelation 11:6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Deuteronomy 11:17

And [then] the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and [lest] ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.

James 5:17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.