Zechariah 14:17

Zechariah 14:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And it shall be, that whoso of all the families of the earth goeth not up unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, upon them there shall be no rain.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And it will be that if any one of all the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to give worship to the King, the Lord of armies, on them there will be no rain.

Free Bible Version FBV

If any of the peoples of the world refuse to go to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And who so will not come vp of all the families of the earth vnto Ierusalem to worship the King the Lord of hostes, euen vpon them shall come no raine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it hath come to pass, That he who doth not go up of the families of the land unto Jerusalem, To bow himself to the King, Jehovah of Hosts, Even on them there is no shower.

World English Bible WEB

It will be that whoever of all the families of the earth doesn’t go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Armies, on them there will be no rain.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it shall be, that whoever will not come up of all the families of the earth to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it shall come to pass, that he that shall not go up of the families of the land to Jerusalem, to adore the King, the Lord of hosts, there shall be no rain upon them.

Translation for Translators T4T

If there are people in those nations who do not go to Jerusalem to worship there, rain will not fall on their land.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 14:17

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 14:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ֠/הָיָה אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא יַעֲלֶ֜ה מֵ/אֵ֨ת מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ אֶל יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֔ת לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֑וֹת וְ/לֹ֥א עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם יִהְיֶ֥ה הַ/גָּֽשֶׁם

וְ֠/הָיָה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יַעֲלֶ֜ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת mishpâchâh H4940 family N-fp

הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֔ת shâchâh H7812 to bow Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הַ/גָּֽשֶׁם geshem H1653 rain Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 14:17

וְ֠/הָיָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יַעֲלֶ֜ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

מֵ/אֵ֨ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת mishpâchâh H4940 "family" N-fp

This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.

הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

לְ/הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֔ת shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.

Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel

Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

צְבָא֑וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

הַ/גָּֽשֶׁם geshem H1653 "rain" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word means a shower or rain, like a refreshing downpour from the sky. It appears in the Bible to describe weather. In the KJV, it is translated as rain or shower.

Definition: rain, shower

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: rain, shower. See also: Genesis 7:12; Ecclesiastes 11:3; Psalms 68:10.

Study Notes — Zechariah 14:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 14:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 14:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 14:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:17
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 14:17
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17
Sermons on Zechariah 14:17

Context — All Nations Will Worship the King

17And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them.

18And 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. 19This will be the punishment of Egypt and of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Amos 4:7–8	“I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. People staggered from city to city for water to drink, but they were not satisfied; yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.
2	Isaiah 60:12	For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.
3	Jeremiah 14:4	The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads.
4	Revelation 11:6	These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.
5	James 5:17	Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
6	Deuteronomy 11:17	or the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you. He will shut the heavens so that there will be no rain, nor will the land yield its produce, and you will soon perish from the good land that the LORD is giving you.
7	Deuteronomy 28:23–24	The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed.
8	Genesis 12:3	I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ”
9	2 Chronicles 7:13	If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send a plague among My people,
10	Jeremiah 14:22	Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.

Zechariah 14:17 Summary

This verse is saying that when Jesus returns, all the families of the earth will need to go to Jerusalem to worship Him, and if they don't, they won't receive the blessings of rain, which is necessary for life. This is a reminder that God is the King of all the earth and deserves our worship and obedience, as mentioned in Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 95:6. By worshiping God, we show that we trust and love Him, and we can receive His blessings and care, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Jeremiah 29:13. This is an opportunity for all people to come and worship the one true God, and to experience His love and provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of going up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts?

Going up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, is a sign of obedience and reverence to God, as seen in Zechariah 14:16, and is a way to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a reminder of God's provision and care, as mentioned in Leviticus 23:34.

What happens to the families of the earth that do not go up to Jerusalem to worship?

According to Zechariah 14:17, if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship, then the rain will not fall on them, which is a form of punishment and a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:14 and Deuteronomy 28:12.

Is this verse only talking about the nation of Israel or all nations?

This verse is talking about all the families of the earth, indicating that God's plan of salvation and worship is not limited to the nation of Israel, but is for all people, as mentioned in Isaiah 56:7 and Revelation 7:9-10.

How does this verse relate to the millennial kingdom?

This verse is a part of the description of the millennial kingdom, where Jesus Christ will reign as King over all the earth, and all nations will be required to worship Him and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, as mentioned in Zechariah 14:9 and Revelation 20:4-6.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and how can I apply this to my life?
How does the promise of rain or lack of rain relate to God's provision and care in my life?
What are some ways that I can show reverence and obedience to God, like going up to Jerusalem to worship?
How can I share the message of God's sovereignty and love with others, so they can also worship Him?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 14:17

And it shall be, [that] whosoever will not come up,.... This, though it follows upon the former account, must be understood of times preceding the spiritual reign of Christ; for the rain of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17

Whoso will not come up, if there be any more remiss than they ought herein, and neglect to worship the Lord, even upon them shall be no rain; they shall be punished with want of rain, and with want of the blessings which plentiful and seasonable rain produceth, their land shall be barren.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17

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.Ver. 17. Even upon them shall be no rain] i.e. Nullam misericordiam assequentur, saith Theodoret; They shall get no good at God’ s hand. Judea was sumen totius orbis, bread basket of the whole world, as one saith, a very fat and fertile country; but yet so as that her fruitfulness depended much upon seasonable showers, the former and latter rain; and the prophet seemeth here to allude to that of Moses, Deuteronomy 11:10-11, &c. If God did not hear the heaven, and the heaven the earth, the earth could not hear the grain, wine, and oil, nor those hear Jezreel, Hosea 2:22. Judea was not like that country in Pliny, ubi siccitas dat lutum, imbres pulverem, where drought made dirt, rain made dust; but if the heaven were iron over them, the earth would soon be brass under them, and not yield her increase, and then where would they be quickly? since animantis cuiusque vita in fuga est, life would be lost if not maintained by daily food. Rain is in Scripture put, 1. Properly, for water coming out of the clouds, Deuteronomy 11:11 Proverbs 16:15, nourishing the herbs and trees. 2. Metaphorically, for Christ, his gospel and his graces, wherewith the souls of men are made fruitful in good works, Isaiah 45:8 Deuteronomy 32:2 Hosea 6:3. The want of rain is, on the contrary, made here and Revelation 11:5 a sign of a curse. It waiteth not for the sons of men, Micah 5:7, but it accomplisheth what God appointeth, Isaiah 55:10-11. Why it falleth here and now we know not, and wonder.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17

(17) No rain.—Though the worship of the Lord is to become universal, apostacy is not regarded as impossible. The punishment for such deflexion is spoken of in such figurative language as suits the symbolic description of the nations’ conversion.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17

Verse 17. Upon them shall be no rain.] Those who do not worship God shall not have his blessing; and those who do not attend Divine ordinances cannot have the graces and blessings which God usually dispenses by them. On such slothful, idle Christians, there shall be no rain!

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 14:17

17. will not come up] goeth not up, R. V. no rain] Comp. 1 Kings 17; Luke 4:25; Amos 4:7-8. “Pluviæ defectus omnem fere quæ inde oriri in illis terris solet comprehendit calamitatem, annonæ caritatem, seditiones, pestem.” Rosenm.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 14:17

Whoso will not go up - Cyril: “To those who ‘go not up,’” he threatens the same punishment as persecutors would endure. For enemies, and they who will not love, shall have the same lot.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 14:17

17. Those who fail to take part in the harvest festival of thanksgiving will be punished by the withholding of rain during the following year, which will result in the failure of crops and in famine.

Sermons on Zechariah 14:17

	Sermon	Description
	The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes
	The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy
	The Place of Israel in God's Purposes - Part 3 by Derek Prince	This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the restoration of the Jewish people according to biblical prophecy. It highlights the process of God giving the Jewish people a n
	Experiencing the Presence of God's Spirit by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and being open to God's leading, especially for both the younger and older generations within the church. It calls fo
	Prayer by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, Dr. James Stewart emphasizes the importance of having both a vision and a strategy from God. He believes that God not only gives us a vision but also provides a str
	Elijah Was a Man - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah from the Bible. He highlights how God used various circumstances to humble Elijah and teach him reliance on God alone. T
	Chapel of the Air - Interview With Dr. Orr (Part 2) by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching and the impact it has had on people's lives. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and how it precedes revival, usin