1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5 And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.
6 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the light shall not be clear, [nor] dark:
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.
8 And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin’s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king’s winepresses.
11 And [men] shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
13 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.
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.
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.
16 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.
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.
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.
19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
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.
21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
Overview of Zechariah Chapter 14
Zechariah Chapter 14 is a prophetic text that describes the Day of the Lord, a significant eschatological event characterized by divine intervention, judgment, and restoration. This chapter presents vivid imagery and themes of conflict, divine presence, and ultimate victory for God’s people.
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment and Conflict
The chapter begins with a description of a great battle against Jerusalem, indicating a time of severe conflict and turmoil.
- The Day of the Lord
This chapter emphasizes the concept of the Day of the Lord, a time when God will intervene directly in human affairs.
- Restoration and Hope
Despite the impending judgment, the chapter concludes with promises of restoration and the establishment of God’s reign.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1-2: The Coming Judgment
These verses depict the gathering of nations against Jerusalem, highlighting the severity of the situation where the city will be plundered and its inhabitants will face distress.
- Verse 3-5: The Lord’s Intervention
God promises to intervene on behalf of Jerusalem, fighting against the nations. This divine action is characterized by a dramatic appearance of the Lord, who will come with His saints.
- Verse 6-7: Cosmic Disturbances
The imagery of darkness and light symbolizes a profound transformation in the natural order, indicating the significance of the event.
- Verse 8-9: Living Waters
These verses introduce the concept of living waters flowing from Jerusalem, symbolizing life, healing, and abundance that will spread throughout the land.
- Verse 10-11: Transformation of the Land
The geography of Jerusalem will be altered, leading to a secure and prosperous city, emphasizing God’s promise of restoration.
- Verse 12-15: Judgment on the Nations
These verses describe the fate of the nations that oppose God, illustrating the consequences of rebellion against divine authority.
- Verse 16-19: Worship and Feast
Post-judgment, the nations will be required to worship the King, highlighting the universal acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
- Verse 20-21: Holiness and Purity
The chapter concludes with a vision of holiness permeating all aspects of life, where even everyday items will be consecrated to the Lord, signifying a complete transformation of society.
Symbolism and Imagery
- Living Waters
This symbolizes spiritual sustenance and the transformative power of God’s presence.
- The Mountain of Olives
The geographical reference signifies a place of divine revelation and action, particularly in the context of Jesus’ ministry.
- Cosmic Disturbances
These serve as a metaphor for divine intervention and the upheaval of the status quo, indicating a new order established by God.
Theological Implications
Zechariah 14 presents significant theological implications regarding God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy. It reinforces the belief in a future hope where God will restore His people and establish His kingdom on earth. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of worship and obedience to God, as all nations will ultimately recognize His authority.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 14 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ultimate plan for humanity, highlighting themes of judgment, restoration, and the establishment of His kingdom. The vivid imagery and prophetic declarations encourage believers to remain steadfast in faith, looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
