12 Now this will be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem ; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet , and their eyes will rot in their sockets , and their tongue will rot in their mouth . 13 It will come about in that day that a great panic from the Lord will fall on them; and they will seize one another's hand , and the hand of one will be lifted against the hand of another . 14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem ; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered , gold and silver and garments in great abundance . 15 So also like this plague will be the plague on the horse , the mule , the camel , the donkey and all the cattle that will be in those camps .
16 Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King , the Lord of hosts , and to celebrate the Feast of Booths . 17 And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King , the Lord of hosts , there will be no rain on them. 18 If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter , then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the Lord smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Zechariah 14:12-18
Commentary on Zechariah 14:8-15
(Read Zechariah 14:8-15)
Some consider that the progress of the gospel, beginning from Jerusalem, is referred to by the living waters flowing from that city. Neither shall the gospel and means of grace, nor the graces of the Spirit wrought in the hearts of believers by those means, ever fail, by reason either of the heat of persecution, or storms of temptation, or the blasts of any other affliction. Tremendous judgments appear to be foretold, to be sent upon those who should oppose the settlement of the Jews in their own land. How far they are to be understood literally, events alone can determine. The furious rage and malice which stir up men against each other, are faint shadows of the enmity which reigns among those who have perished in their sins. Even the inferior creatures often suffer for the sin of man, and in his plagues. Thus God will show his displeasure against sin.
Commentary on Zechariah 14:16-21
(Read Zechariah 14:16-21)
As it is impossible for all nations literally to come to Jerusalem once a year, to keep a feast, it is evident that a figurative meaning must here be applied. Gospel worship is represented by the keeping of the feast of tabernacles. Every day of a Christian's life is a day of the feast of tabernacles; every Lord's day especially is the great day of the feast; therefore every day let us worship the Lord of hosts, and keep every Lord's day with peculiar solemnity. It is just for God to withhold the blessings of grace from those who do not attend the means of grace. It is a sin that is its own punishment; those who forsake the duty, forfeit the privilege of communion with God. A time of complete peace and purity of the church will arrive. Men will carry on their common affairs, and their sacred services, upon the same holy principles of faith, love and obedience. Real holiness shall be more diffused, because there shall be a more plentiful pouring forth of the Spirit of holiness than ever before. There shall be holiness even in common things. Every action and every enjoyment of the believer, should be so regulated according to the will of God, that it may be directed to his glory. Our whole lives should be as one constant sacrifice, or act of devotion; no selfish motive should prevail in any of our actions. But how far is the Christian church from this state of purity! Other times, however, are at hand, and the Lord will reform and enlarge his church, as he has promised. Yet in heaven alone will perfect holiness and happiness be found.