What does Zechariah 14:18 mean?
"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." - Zechariah 14:18
Zechariah 14:18 in the King James Version of the Bible reads,
"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."
This verse comes from the book of Zechariah, which is a part of the Old Testament and is found in the section of the Minor Prophets. Zechariah was a prophet who lived in the 6th century BC and his prophecies are recorded in this book. This particular verse is a part of a series of prophecies about the future and ultimate victory of God's people.
At first glance, this verse may seem somewhat cryptic and confusing. It seems to be a warning to the family of Egypt about the consequences of not participating in the feast of tabernacles. The feast of tabernacles, or Sukkot, was an important Jewish festival that commemorated the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and celebrated the fall harvest. It was also a time to remember and give thanks for God's provision and protection.
In the context of this verse, Zechariah is delivering a message of judgment and warning to the nations. He is prophesying about a time when all nations will be required to participate in the feast of tabernacles, and those who do not will suffer the consequences. This speaks to the theme of God's sovereignty and the universal nature of His rule. It emphasizes that all people, regardless of their nationality or background, are subject to God's authority and will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.
The mention of rain and the plague in this verse also holds symbolic significance. In the ancient Near East, rain was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and favor. A lack of rain was viewed as a punishment from God. Similarly, the mention of a plague as a consequence for not participating in the feast of tabernacles underscores the severity of God's judgment on those who refuse to acknowledge and honor Him.
The imagery of rain and plague also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of the nations. Just as rain brings life and sustenance to the land, participating in the feast of tabernacles and honoring God brings spiritual nourishment and blessing to the people. Conversely, the plague serves as a warning of the spiritual consequences of disobedience and neglecting God.
Furthermore, the use of the term "heathen" in this verse is significant. In its historical context, it referred to those who were not part of the Jewish faith. This verse makes it clear that all nations, not just the Israelites, are subject to God's judgment and are called to honor Him.
Overall, Zechariah 14:18 emphasizes the universal authority of God and His expectations for all people to acknowledge and honor Him. It serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations. The themes of judgment, warning, and universal responsibility are prevalent in this verse, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual implications of our actions.
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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 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." - Zechariah 14:18
Zechariah 14:9
Zechariah 8:18 - "¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 6:14 - "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
Zechariah 1:18 - "¶ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns."
Zechariah 12:14 - "All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart."
Zechariah 4:14 - "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 14:14 - "And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
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 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
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."
Zechariah 14:3 - "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle."
Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."
"¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying," - Zechariah 8:18
Zechariah 1:18 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were four horns.
Zechariah 1:18 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were four horns.
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
Zechariah 14:20 - "¶ In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar."
1 Chronicles 26:14 - "And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward."
Zechariah 14:7 - "But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light."
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."
"All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart." - Zechariah 12:14
"¶ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns." - Zechariah 1:18
1 Chronicles 15:18 - "And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, the porters."
Zechariah 9:14 - "And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south."
2 Chronicles 20:14 - "¶ Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;"
Zechariah 8:14 - "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:"