Zechariah 14:18

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

And if the family {H4940} of Egypt {H4714} go not up {H5927}, and come {H935} not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague {H4046}, wherewith the LORD {H3068} will smite {H5062} the heathen {H1471} that come not up {H5927} to keep {H2287} the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521}.

If the family of Egypt doesn't go up, if they refuse to come, they will have no [annual] overflow [from the Nile]; moreover, there will be the plague with which ADONAI will strike the nations that don't go up to keep the festival of Sukkot.

And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, neither shall it be upon them; there shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite the nations that go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:18 is a prophetic declaration concerning the future Messianic kingdom, specifically detailing the consequences for nations that refuse to acknowledge the Lord's universal reign and participate in His worship. This verse focuses on Egypt's unique punishment, alongside a general plague for other disobedient nations.

Context of Zechariah 14:18

Chapter 14 of Zechariah describes the dramatic events of the Day of the Lord, culminating in the establishment of God's global kingdom on earth. Following a final battle, the Lord will be King over all the earth, and Jerusalem will be the spiritual center. Verses 16-19 specifically outline the requirement for all surviving nations to come to Jerusalem annually to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This verse details the severe divine judgment awaiting those who refuse this pilgrimage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Worship and Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's absolute authority over all nations in the future kingdom. All peoples will be expected to acknowledge His rule and participate in His prescribed worship.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Refusal to obey God's command to worship brings specific and severe divine judgment. This highlights that even in a glorious future, accountability for rebellion remains.
  • Divine Control Over Nature: The specific punishment for Egypt—"no rain"—demonstrates God's precise control over natural elements. This is particularly significant for Egypt, a nation historically dependent on the Nile River's annual flooding rather than rainfall. This judgment directly impacts their agricultural lifeblood, showing God's power to affect even their unique ecosystem.
  • The Feast of Tabernacles: This ancient festival, celebrating God's provision and dwelling among His people during the wilderness wanderings, takes on new significance as a universal act of worship in the Messianic era. It symbolizes the Lord's permanent dwelling with humanity and the ingathering of all nations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague," maggephah (מַגֵּפָה), refers to a divine visitation of disease or disaster. It's the same term often used for the plagues God sent upon Egypt in the book of Exodus, underscoring a historical parallel of divine judgment against a defiant nation. The phrase "no rain" for Egypt is a pointed reversal of their natural blessing, highlighting the Lord's direct intervention in their unique environment.

Practical Application

While this prophecy points to a future literal event, its underlying principles offer timeless lessons:

  • The Importance of Worship: The passage emphasizes that true peace and prosperity come from acknowledging God's sovereignty and engaging in genuine worship. Our willingness to worship God now, even amidst challenges, reflects a heart prepared for His future kingdom.
  • Accountability for All: No nation or individual is exempt from God's ultimate judgment. Disobedience, particularly deliberate rejection of God's ways, carries severe consequences.
  • God's Control: The specific judgments highlight God's absolute control over all creation, including natural elements. This should inspire both reverence and trust in His power to provide and to judge.
  • Anticipating God's Kingdom: This verse, within the broader context of Zechariah 14, provides a glimpse into the future reign of Christ, reminding us of the ultimate triumph of God's will and the universal call to worship. It encourages us to live now in anticipation of that glorious day when the Lord will indeed be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).
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.

  • Zechariah 14:15

    And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.

  • Deuteronomy 11:10

    For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:

  • Deuteronomy 11:11

    But the land, whither ye go to possess it, [is] a land of hills and valleys, [and] drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

  • Zechariah 14:12

    And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

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