Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

For I will gather {H622} all nations {H1471} against Jerusalem {H3389} to battle {H4421}; and the city {H5892} shall be taken {H3920}, and the houses {H1004} rifled {H8155}, and the women {H802} ravished {H7901}{H7693}; and half {H2677} of the city {H5892} shall go forth {H3318} into captivity {H1473}, and the residue {H3499} of the people {H5971} shall not be cut off {H3772} from the city {H5892}.

"For I will gather all the nations against Yerushalayim for war. The city will be taken, the houses will be rifled, the women will be raped, and half the city will go into exile; but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city."

For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Context of Zechariah 14:2

Zechariah 14 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Zechariah, often referred to as an "eschatological chapter" because it primarily deals with events surrounding the Day of the Lord. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic, future global conflict centered on Jerusalem. The preceding chapters have built towards a time of divine intervention and judgment upon the nations, culminating in the establishment of God's kingdom. Zechariah 14:2 describes the initial phase of this climactic event, where God Himself orchestrates the gathering of hostile nations against His chosen city, detailing the initial, devastating consequences for its inhabitants before His ultimate triumph.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Orchestration: The opening phrase, "For I will gather all nations," immediately highlights God's absolute divine sovereignty. Even the hostile actions of nations are ultimately under His control and serve His greater purposes. This battle is not merely a human conflict but a divinely appointed event designed to bring about God's plan.
  • Partial Judgment on Jerusalem: The verse vividly describes the brutal consequences of this invasion: the city taken, houses rifled, and women ravished. However, a crucial distinction is made: "half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city." This signifies a severe but partial judgment, indicating that while Jerusalem will face immense tribulation, it will not be utterly destroyed. A remnant will be preserved.
  • Eschatological Conflict: This prophecy points to a climactic battle in the end times, often understood as preceding or coinciding with the Second Coming of Christ. It portrays the intense global opposition against Jerusalem and God's people before His decisive intervention and the establishment of His universal reign.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew verb for "gather" (אָסַף - 'asaph) emphasizes a deliberate collection or assembly, reinforcing the idea that God is actively bringing these nations together, not merely permitting it.
  • The phrase "women ravished" (שָׁגַל - shagal) is a stark and disturbing detail, highlighting the horrific brutality and moral degradation that accompanies such warfare, underscoring the severity of the judgment.
  • The term "residue" (יֶתֶר - yetar) is significant. It signifies a remainder or a preserved remnant. This concept is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy, assuring that despite judgment, God will always preserve a portion of His people according to His covenant faithfulness.

Practical Application

While Zechariah 14:2 describes a future prophetic event, it offers timeless truths for believers today. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control of all world events, even those that seem chaotic or unjust. His sovereignty extends over nations and their actions. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and purposes, even when we witness tribulation or opposition. It also provides hope, as the preservation of a "residue" points to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration, which will culminate in His glorious reign.

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.

  • Luke 21:20

    And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

  • Luke 21:24

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:29

    And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

  • Isaiah 13:16

    Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

  • Matthew 24:19

    And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

  • Matthew 24:22

    And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

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