Zechariah 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The survivors of the hostile nations come up year after year to worship the LORD as King and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
What Does Zechariah 14:16 Mean?
A startling grace follows the judgment: "every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem" now goes up year by year to worship. The former enemies become worshipers; those who came to make war return to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, the joyful harvest feast that celebrated God's provision and his dwelling among his people.
Here the chapter's purpose shines clear. God's aim is not merely to destroy his foes but to gather the nations into worship of the King, the LORD of hosts. The reach of his kingdom (v. 9) becomes the gathering of all peoples to honor him. This anticipates the great ingathering of the nations to the worship of God, the day when people from every land come to keep festival before the Lord. Judgment, in God's hand, opens the door to worship.
Zechariah 14:16 in the Original Language
sukkot (סֻכּוֹת), 'tabernacles' -- the feast of booths, recalling God's dwelling with his people and his harvest provision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zechariah 14:16
What does Zechariah 14:16 mean?
The survivors of the hostile nations come up year after year to worship the LORD as King and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.