Zechariah 14:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:2 unveils a dramatic prophetic vision of a future, climactic battle centered on Jerusalem, orchestrated by God Himself. It describes a severe, yet partial, judgment upon the city, where invading nations will conquer, plunder, and brutalize its inhabitants, leading to a significant portion of the population being taken into captivity. Crucially, the verse emphasizes that despite this devastating tribulation, a "residue" of the people will remain in the city, signaling God's sovereign control over the conflict and His ultimate preservation of a remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 stands as the powerful culmination of the book's eschatological prophecies, particularly the second major prophetic burden (chapters 9-14). Following visions of the Messiah's humble arrival and rejection (chapters 9-11), and the outpouring of a spirit of grace and supplication leading to national repentance and purification (chapters 12-13), chapter 14 describes the final, decisive confrontation between God and the nations at Jerusalem. This verse specifically initiates the description of the "Day of the Lord" (Zechariah 14:1), setting the stage for divine judgment upon Jerusalem before God's ultimate intervention and the establishment of His universal kingdom. It serves as a direct prelude to the Lord's triumphant return and reign from Jerusalem, as detailed in the subsequent verses of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), a time when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were engaged in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Their immediate historical context was one of vulnerability, dependence on Persian rule, and a longing for the restoration of Israel's former glory and divine favor. Culturally, sieges and the brutal treatment of conquered cities—including plundering, enslavement, and sexual violence against women—were common and horrific aspects of ancient Near Eastern warfare. The prophecy in Zechariah 14:2 would have resonated deeply with the collective memory of past invasions and the ever-present fear of future subjugation, while also pointing to a divinely orchestrated future event that would transcend typical human conflicts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the hostile actions of "all nations" are under God's ultimate control and serve His purposes, as seen in His declaration, "For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle." This echoes the understanding of God's dominion over earthly kingdoms found in passages like [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Judgment and Tribulation**, specifically upon Jerusalem, which must endure a period of severe suffering before its ultimate redemption. The vivid description of the city being "taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished" paints a stark picture of this tribulation. Thirdly, and crucially, the verse introduces the theme of a **Preserved Remnant**, stating that "half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city." This concept of a surviving remnant, preserved through divine faithfulness despite widespread judgment, is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, pointing to God's unwavering covenant promises and His plan for future restoration, as also seen in [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "The Remnant of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gather (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** From H622, a primitive root meaning "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)." In this context, "gather" emphasizes God's active, deliberate, and sovereign orchestration of the nations. It is not a passive permission but an intentional assembly of hostile forces, indicating that this global conflict is part of His divine plan and under His control.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, meaning "a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts." The use of "all nations" signifies a universal opposition, encompassing the Gentile world united against Jerusalem. This highlights the global scope of the impending conflict and the magnitude of the forces God will array.
* **ravished (Hebrew, _shâgal'_):** From H7693, a primitive root meaning "to copulate with; lie with, ravish." This stark and brutal term describes sexual violence, a common atrocity in ancient warfare. Its inclusion underscores the horrific and dehumanizing nature of the judgment and invasion upon Jerusalem, vividly portraying the suffering endured by its inhabitants.
* **residue (Hebrew, _yether'_):** From H3499, meaning "properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging free)." This term is profoundly significant, indicating a portion that remains after a larger part has been removed or destroyed. In this verse, it specifically refers to the people who are *not* cut off or taken into captivity, emphasizing God's preservation of a remnant despite severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency and purpose. God Himself declares His intention to assemble a global coalition of nations for a military assault on Jerusalem. This is not a random geopolitical event but a divinely ordained conflict, setting the stage for God's ultimate intervention and demonstration of His sovereignty over all earthly powers.
* **"and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished":** This segment vividly describes the immediate, devastating consequences of the invasion. "The city shall be taken" signifies its capture and subjugation. "The houses rifled" speaks of widespread looting and desecration of private property, a common outcome of conquest. The phrase "the women ravished" is a stark and horrifying detail, highlighting the extreme brutality and moral depravity that accompanies such warfare, underscoring the depth of suffering inflicted upon the inhabitants.
* **"and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city":** This crucial concluding clause introduces a critical distinction. While a significant portion ("half") of Jerusalem's population will endure the humiliation and hardship of forced exile, it is explicitly stated that the remaining "residue" will *not* be utterly destroyed or removed from the city. This signifies a partial judgment, not total annihilation, and points to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant, ensuring the continuity of His people and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Divine Pronouncement** is central, with God speaking directly ("For I will gather"), emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and active role in orchestrating future events. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident, as the verse paints a grim picture of a future tribulation, setting the stage for the Lord's subsequent intervention and triumph described later in the chapter. **Juxtaposition** is powerfully used to contrast the severity of the judgment (city taken, houses rifled, women ravished, half into captivity) with the promise of preservation ("the residue... shall not be cut off"). This contrast highlights God's justice in judgment alongside His faithfulness in maintaining a remnant. The vivid, almost journalistic, description of the atrocities of war—plundering and sexual violence—serves as a form of **Pathos**, evoking a strong emotional response and underscoring the horrific reality of the impending conflict. Finally, the phrase "all nations" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche**, representing a vast, overwhelming, and globally representative force rather than literally every single nation on earth, emphasizing the magnitude of the opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:2 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereign control over human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst severe judgment. It reveals that even the most hostile and destructive actions of nations are ultimately subservient to God's overarching plan. The partial nature of Jerusalem's judgment—the preservation of a "residue"—is a testament to God's mercy and His commitment to His promises, ensuring that His redemptive purposes will ultimately prevail. This truth provides a framework for understanding divine judgment not as arbitrary destruction, but as a purposeful act within a larger redemptive narrative, culminating in the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.

* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord")
* [Revelation 16:16](/revelation/16-16 "The Gathering at Armageddon")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "God's Remnant in Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:2, while describing a future prophetic event, offers enduring truths for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is ultimately in control of all world events, even those that appear chaotic, unjust, or utterly devastating. His sovereignty extends over nations, their leaders, and their actions, orchestrating them—even their hostility—to serve His greater purposes. This perspective calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering faithfulness, even when we witness tribulation, opposition, or seemingly insurmountable challenges in our own lives or in the world around us. The preservation of a "residue" in this verse offers profound hope, underscoring that despite judgment and suffering, God always maintains a remnant according to His covenant promises. This assurance provides comfort that God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration will culminate in His glorious and righteous reign, and that His people will endure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "gathering" nations for battle challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty in world events?**
* **In what ways does the detailed description of Jerusalem's suffering in this verse inform your prayers for those experiencing conflict and violence today?**
* **What hope can we draw from the promise that a "residue" will not be cut off, even in the midst of severe judgment?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate control over all things impact your trust in Him during times of personal or global uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Is Zechariah 14:2 a literal prophecy, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While prophetic language often employs symbolism, the details in Zechariah 14:2 are presented with striking literalism: "all nations," "Jerusalem," "city shall be taken," "houses rifled," "women ravished," "half... into captivity," and "residue... not cut off." Many biblical scholars interpret this as a literal, future event, a climactic global conflict centered on Jerusalem, preceding or coinciding with the Second Coming of Christ. The specificity of the actions and outcomes suggests a real historical fulfillment, albeit one that is part of a larger divine plan with spiritual implications.

**When will this prophecy be fulfilled?**

Answer: Zechariah 14:2 is widely understood to be an eschatological prophecy, meaning it pertains to the "last days" or the end times. It describes events immediately preceding the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom on earth, as detailed later in [Zechariah 14:3-9](/zechariah/14-3-9 "The Lord's Return and Reign"). While the exact timing is not revealed, it points to a future period of intense tribulation for Jerusalem and the world, often associated with the events described in other prophetic books like Daniel and Revelation, particularly the Battle of Armageddon in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:2, with its stark depiction of judgment and the preservation of a remnant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Day of the Lord" described here, a time of divine wrath and intervention, ultimately points to the final judgment that Christ will execute upon His return. While Jerusalem faces a partial judgment in this verse, the full weight of God's wrath for sin was borne by Christ on the cross, as He became the ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, the concept of the "residue" or remnant is profoundly fulfilled in the church, the body of Christ, composed of both Jew and Gentile believers who are preserved not by their own merit but by God's grace through faith in Jesus. This remnant, gathered from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")), is not "cut off" but is eternally secure in Him. Ultimately, this prophecy foreshadows the glorious return of Christ, who will decisively defeat all opposing nations ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ's Triumphant Return")) and establish His righteous, universal kingdom from Jerusalem, where He will reign as King over all the earth ([Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth")). Thus, the tribulation and preservation in Zechariah 14:2 serve to highlight the necessity and triumph of Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate reign.

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

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.