Zechariah 14:18-19
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What's striking here is that the verse doesn't say Egypt won't have rain. Instead, it highlights that if they don't join the nations in worship, there "shall not be upon them" the expected blessing of rain, or something equivalent. This implies that even Egypt, reliant on the Nile's unique watering system, is still ultimately subject to God's provision and can face His judgment through lack.
And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain; there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zechariah’s prophecy is painting a picture of a future, unified world where all nations recognize and worship the Lord of Hosts. The preceding verses describe how any nations that refuse to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles will suffer drought. This verse then specifically addresses Egypt, a nation historically significant to Israel, warning that if they also fail to join in this worship, they will face the same plagues as the other rebellious nations.
Why single out Egypt, a nation known for its great river, not rain? What does this reveal about God's expectations for all people, even those with unique circumstances?
Zechariah 14:18 highlights Egypt, a land historically sustained by the Nile rather than abundant rainfall. This specificity isn't accidental. It underscores that even nations with their own dependable resources are not exempt from God's call to worship.
A Different Dependency
While Palestine relied on the seasonal rains, Egypt depended on the Nile's annual flood. This passage acknowledges Egypt's distinct hydrological reality. However, it contrasts this natural provision with a spiritual one. God, who provides the Nile's flood (ultimately through rains elsewhere), also provides the 'Feast of Booths' – a symbol of His ongoing provision and presence.
Universal Obligation
The prophet uses Egypt to illustrate a broader principle: God's covenant blessings and festivals are for all nations. Just as Egypt's unique water source doesn't excuse it from acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty, no nation's unique strengths or circumstances should excuse them from responding to His call to worship.
Keeping the 'Feast of Booths' seems like an ancient, specific command. Why is it so critical that nations face God's judgment for neglecting it, even in the future?
The Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) was a pivotal annual celebration in Israelite tradition. It commemorated God's faithfulness in leading His people through the wilderness, providing for them in temporary dwellings (booths).
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Remembering God's Faithfulness
This feast was a deliberate act of remembrance. It wasn't just about recalling past events; it was about acknowledging God's continuous provision and presence in the lives of His people. It was a time to dwell in humility, recognizing their dependence on God.
Anticipating Future Fulfillment
In Zechariah's prophecy, keeping this feast points to a future reality where all nations will recognize and worship the 'King, the LORD of hosts.' It symbolizes a universal participation in God's redemptive plan and fellowship. Neglecting it signifies a rejection of God's sovereignty and His appointed way of relating to humanity. The consequence—plague and lack of blessing—is a direct result of refusing to honor God in the way He has ordained.
Understand the original words
maggaphah · Hebrew Noun
A divine stroke or severe judgment inflicted by God upon those who persist in disobedience or rebellion against His commands.
chatta'ah · Hebrew Noun
The legal or moral consequence for sin or disobedience; it signifies divine justice being administered.
Zechariah's prophecy addresses the future participation of all nations, including Egypt, in worshipping God. The historical context of the Jewish diaspora in Egypt, particularly the devastating Kitos War, highlights the stark reality of God's judgment on those who reject Him, contrasting sharply with the future ideal of universal worship.
c. 6th century BC
Jewish Diaspora in Egypt
Following Babylonian and Persian conquests, significant Jewish communities settled in Egypt, particularly around Alexandria, even establishing their own temple.
c. 160s BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Persecution
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV violently suppressed Jewish religious practices in Judea, leading many Jews to flee or seek refuge elsewhere, including Egypt.
c. 145 BC
Temple at Leontopolis Established
A Jewish temple was built in Leontopolis, Egypt, under the leadership of Onias IV, a Jewish priest. This established a significant religious center for Jews in Egypt.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Community in Egypt Flourishing
By this time, the Jewish population in Egypt, especially Alexandria, was large and influential, with its own institutions and significant cultural presence.
c. AD 66 - 73
First Jewish-Roman War
This major revolt against Roman rule included significant upheaval and persecution for Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire, including Egypt. Many Egyptian Jews may have been displaced or perished.
c. AD 115 - 117— this verse
Kitos War in Egypt
A large-scale revolt by Jewish communities in Egypt and Cyrenaica against Roman rule, brutally suppressed by the Roman army. This event severely decimated Jewish populations in these regions.
This passage speaks of removing foreigners who do not observe Passover, highlighting a historical precedent of national observance and consequences for non-compliance.
Psalm 105:32It mentions God turning Egypt's rain to hail, demonstrating God's power to disrupt natural systems that sustain Egypt, underscoring the idea of plagues linked to divine displeasure.
Isaiah 19:23-25This prophecy foretells a future where Egypt, Assyria, and Israel will worship together, showing a vision of unity that aligns with Zechariah's depiction of nations coming to worship.
John 15:1-7Jesus' analogy of the vine and branches speaks to the vital connection needed for fruitfulness, paralleling the idea that separation from God (like not attending the feast) leads to a lack of spiritual 'rain' or vitality.
Revelation 11:8This passage uses Egypt as a symbol for opposition to God, resonating with Zechariah's mention of Egypt and the consequences for not participating in divine worship.
barnesZechariah 14:18: "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."
And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain - Rather, "and there shall not be." It may be that the prophet chose this elliptical form, as well knowing that the symbol did not hold as to Egypt, which, however it ultimately depended on the equatorial rains which ov…
pulpitZechariah 14:18: "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."
Verse 18. - If the family of Egypt go not up. Egypt is mentioned as the great typical enemy of God and Israel, and therefore most obnoxious to punishment if it did not obey the call. That have no rain. This rendering implies, what is not the fact, that Egypt is without rain, and is not de…
What's striking here is that the verse doesn't say Egypt won't have rain. Instead, it highlights that if they don't join the nations in worship, there "shall not be upon them" the expected blessing of rain, or something equivalent. This implies that even Egypt, reliant on the Nile's unique watering system, is still ultimately subject to God's provision and can face His judgment through lack.
Zechariah’s prophecy is painting a picture of a future, unified world where all nations recognize and worship the Lord of Hosts. The preceding verses describe how any nations that refuse to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles will suffer drought. This verse then specifically addresses Egypt, a nation historically significant to Israel, warning that if they also fail to join in this worship, they will face the same plagues as the other rebellious nations.
Zechariah’s prophecy is painting a picture of a future, unified world where all nations recognize and worship the Lord of Hosts. The preceding verses describe how any nations that refuse to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles will suffer drought. This verse then specifically addresses Egypt, a nation historically significant to Israel, warning that if they also fail to join in this worship, they will face the same plagues as the other rebellious nations.
"And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain; there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. This shall be the puni…" — What's striking here is that the verse doesn't say Egypt won't have rain. Instead, it highlights that if they don't join the nations in worship, there "shall not be upon them" the expected blessi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
