Zechariah 14:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Prior to the arrival of the Savior, there may have been, to some extent, a degree of acceptable excuse among the Gentiles, who could claim that no one had preached to them. In the Gospel parables, the Savior draws attention to this very notion, stating that the laborers, called at the eleventh hour, express: “No one will hire us” (Matt. 20:7). When Christ ultimately appeared, bound the strong one (Matt. 12:29), liberated those under his dominion from his tyranny (the devil), justified by faith those who approached Him, and laid down His life for the sake of all (1 Jn. 3:16), then those who rejected such a divine grace would no longer have valid excuses. Thus, Christ speaks truthfully about the Gentiles when He declares: “But if I had not come and spoken unto them, they had no sin: but now they are not guilty of their sin” (John 15:22).

If the people of Egypt do not rise up and come, there will be no rain upon them, but rather destruction, with which the Lord will strike all nations that refuse to attend the Feast of Tabernacles. This will serve as the sin of Egypt and all nations that choose not to participate in the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles. If the people of Egypt and other nations remain in their pagan ways, they will not ascend to Jerusalem; lacking the ability to take steps toward the exalted, they will not receive the rainfall of the Lord's blessing. The greatest sin for Egyptians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites will be their unwillingness to depart from their lands and ascend to Jerusalem, entering it through the thickets to find an everlasting dwelling.

Nations that decide to embrace piety yet subsequently disregard their noble commitments 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 favor. Likewise, if the Egyptians or any other people, despite being astonished by God's might, neglect the sacred feast and fail to honor Him appropriately, the Prophet declares they will experience a downfall. Their transgression is significant, as they recognize the futility of their idols and clearly perceive God's power, yet continue in their previous apathy.