Zechariah 14:16

Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

Study Bible

Then all the survivors
This phrase indicates a remnant, a group of people who have endured a significant event. In the Hebrew context, the word for "survivors" (שָׁאָר, sha'ar) often refers to those who remain after a divine judgment or calamity. This remnant theme is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing hope and continuity of God's promises despite adversity.

from all the nations
The inclusion of "all the nations" signifies a universal scope. Historically, this reflects the prophetic vision of the Gentiles being included in God's redemptive plan. The Hebrew word for nations, גּוֹיִם (goyim), often refers to non-Israelite peoples, indicating a future where God's kingdom transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

that came against Jerusalem
This phrase recalls the eschatological battle where nations gather against Jerusalem, a recurring theme in prophetic literature. Jerusalem, the city of God, symbolizes God's presence and His covenant with His people. The historical context of Jerusalem being besieged numerous times underscores the city's central role in God's salvific history.

will go up year after year
The phrase "will go up" (עָלָה, alah) is often used in the context of pilgrimage, particularly to Jerusalem. The repetition "year after year" emphasizes the perpetual and ongoing nature of this worship, suggesting a new era of devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts
Here, "the King" and "the LORD of Hosts" (יהוה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) are titles that affirm God's supreme authority and command over heavenly armies. This dual title underscores God's majesty and power, inviting all nations to recognize His kingship and divine rule.

and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey and God's provision. In this prophetic vision, the celebration by all nations signifies a future fulfillment where God's provision and presence are universally acknowledged. The historical and agricultural aspects of the feast, which include themes of harvest and thanksgiving, further symbolize spiritual abundance and divine blessing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Survivors of the Nations
These are the people from various nations who have survived the events described earlier in Zechariah 14, specifically the battle against Jerusalem. They represent those who have come through a time of judgment and are now called to worship the Lord.

2. Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is central to this prophecy. It is the place where the nations are called to come and worship the Lord, highlighting its significance as a spiritual center.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles
Also known as Sukkot, this is a Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision. It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving, and in this context, it symbolizes the nations' acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Teaching Points

Universal Worship
The call for all nations to worship the Lord in Jerusalem signifies the universal nature of God's kingdom. It reminds us that God's plan includes people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

The Importance of Obedience
The survivors are those who heed the call to worship. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the blessings that follow.

Celebration of God's Provision
The Feast of Tabernacles is a time to remember and celebrate God's provision. In our lives, we should regularly take time to acknowledge and give thanks for God's faithfulness.

Unity in Worship
The gathering of nations in Jerusalem points to a future unity among believers. It challenges us to seek unity in our worship and fellowship with others.

Hope in Restoration
This prophecy offers hope for restoration and renewal. It encourages us to look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and to live in anticipation of His coming kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the call for the nations to worship in Jerusalem reflect God's desire for a universal relationship with humanity?

2. In what ways can the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles inspire us to remember and give thanks for God's provision in our lives today?

3. How does the prophecy in Zechariah 14:16 connect with the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, and what does this mean for our understanding of God's ultimate plan?

4. What practical steps can we take to promote unity in worship and fellowship among believers from different backgrounds and cultures?

5. How can the hope of restoration and renewal in Zechariah 14:16 encourage us in our current circumstances, and how can we share this hope with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23
This chapter outlines the Feast of Tabernacles, providing background on its significance and how it was traditionally observed by the Israelites.

Revelation 21
This passage describes the New Jerusalem and the nations walking by its light, drawing a parallel to the nations coming to Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:16.

Isaiah 2
This chapter speaks of a future time when all nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord, similar to the call for the nations to worship in Jerusalem.