Zechariah 14:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the example of the Egyptians, we see a reflection of those who have wandered away and have carelessly surrendered themselves to false worship. For them, a grave and unavoidable punishment awaits if they refuse to acknowledge the precious gift of salvation offered through Christ. It can be said that they were nearly the architects of their own destruction, for when eternal life was presented to them—when divine mercy was extended for the forgiveness of sins—they instead chose to follow their own misguided pursuits. They left their sinful nature unpurged and remained in error, despite the divine light shining on all, inviting those engulfed in darkness to see the truth.

If the people of Egypt do not choose to rise up and come, then they will not receive rain, but rather face desolation, with which the Lord will strike all the nations that do not attend the Feast of Tabernacles. This will stand as the transgression of Egypt and all the nations that refuse to participate in this celebration. If the Egyptians do not make their pilgrimage there, they will find themselves in ruin, as the Lord will afflict every tribe that does not ascend to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the iniquity of Egypt and of all nations that fail to come to this holy celebration.

Nations that have embraced piety but subsequently overlooked their noble commitment by failing to attend the aforementioned feast will face consequences similar to those who have rebelled and faced judgment. Scripture states, “And these shall be added to it; and it shall not rain upon them,” indicating that they will receive no measure of grace. If the Egyptians, or any other society, are struck in awe by God's might yet neglect the feast and fail to honor Him as expected, they too will experience, as the Prophet declares, a downfall; for they commit a serious offense, remaining indifferent despite recognizing the futility of their idols and witnessing the undeniable power of God.