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 people of Egypt will not go up and enter in,Egypt, long associated with Israel’s bondage, idolatry, and worldly strength, will also be summoned to acknowledge the reign of the LORD in Jerusalem. Former enemies of God’s people will not be excluded from worship, but neither will they be permitted to remain independent of His authority. Deu 16:16 Three times a year all your men appear before the LORD… then the rain will not fall on them; The withholding of rain represents the removal of God’s sustaining blessing. Although Egypt depended heavily on the Nile rather than seasonal rainfall, the LORD governs every source of life and provision. No nation can secure prosperity apart from willing submission to Him. Deu 11:10-17 For the land you are entering to possess is not like Egypt,… this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations The judgment recalls the plagues brought upon Egypt in the days of Moses, when the LORD exposed the helplessness of false gods and humbled Pharaoh’s defiance. In the coming kingdom, rebellion against the King will bring certain and righteous discipline. Exo 9:13-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning… who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated God’s faithfulness to Israel in the wilderness and celebrated His provision at harvest. Its observance by the nations anticipates a future order in which the whole earth recognizes the LORD as King and rejoices in His dwelling among His people. Lev 23:34-43 Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the fifteenth day… Persons / Places / Events 1. EgyptA nation often symbolizing opposition to God's people in the Bible. Here, it represents those who refuse to worship God. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is sovereign over all nations and enforces His will. 3. The Feast of Tabernacles An important Jewish festival celebrating God's provision and presence, also known as Sukkot. 4. The Nations Refers to all peoples outside of Israel, emphasizing the universal call to worship God. 5. The Plague A divine punishment for disobedience, specifically the withholding of rain, symbolizing God's control over creation. Teaching Points Universal Call to WorshipGod's desire is for all nations to worship Him, as seen in the requirement for Egypt to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles. Consequences of Disobedience The withholding of rain as a plague illustrates the spiritual and physical consequences of refusing to honor God. God's Sovereignty The passage underscores God's control over nature and nations, reminding believers of His ultimate authority. The Importance of Obedience Participating in God's appointed times and ways is crucial for receiving His blessings. Hope for Redemption Even those historically opposed to God, like Egypt, are invited to turn and worship, showing God's mercy and grace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the requirement for Egypt to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles reflect God's plan for all nations?2. In what ways does the withholding of rain as a plague demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation? 3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives? 4. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of spiritual disobedience? 5. How can the hope of redemption for nations like Egypt encourage us in our evangelistic efforts today? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 16:13-17Provides background on the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its importance as a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for God's provision. Isaiah 19:19-25 Foretells a time when Egypt will turn to the Lord, highlighting the potential for redemption and worship among the nations. Revelation 21:24-26 Describes the nations bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of all nations worshiping God. Psalm 2:8-12 Speaks of the nations being given to the Messiah, urging them to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
People Azel, Benjamin, Uzziah, ZechariahPlaces Azal, Corner Gate, Egypt, Gate of Benjamin, Geba, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Rimmon, Tower of HananelTopics Afflicts, Attacked, Booths, Bring, Celebrate, Disease, Doesn't, Egypt, Egyptian, Enter, Fall, Family, Feast, Heathen, Inflicts, Nations, Overflow, Plague, Present, Rain, Smite, Smites, Strike, Tabernacles, Tents, Themselves, WherewithDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 14:16-19Library Light at Evening TimeThis, then, shall be the subject of my present discourse. There are different evening times that happen to the church and to God's people, and as a rule we may rest quite certain that at evening time there shall be light. God very frequently acts in grace in such a manner that we can find a parallel in nature. For instance, God says, "As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, even so shall my word be, it shall not return unto me void, it shall accomplish that which … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Light at Evening Time A Peal of Bells 24TH DAY. Eventide Light. That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life Sanctified Commonplaces The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 The Evening Light Three Inscriptions with one Meaning The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon. The Prophet Amos. In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things. A vision of the King. The Promise to the Patriarchs. The Prophet Joel. Zechariah Links Zechariah 14:18 NIVZechariah 14:18 NLT Zechariah 14:18 ESV Zechariah 14:18 NASB Zechariah 14:18 KJV Zechariah 14:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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