Ascent to Jerusalem

In today’s passage, the condition of the Messianic Kingdom (the Millennial Kingdom) is foretold. “Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of armies, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths” (v 16). (1) “Those who are left” refers to Gentile believers who survive the Great Tribulation. They are also the “sheep Gentiles” described in Matthew 25:31-41. (2) These survivors will come up to Jerusalem year after year. They have two purposes. The first is “to worship the King, the Lord of hosts” (ref. Isa.2:2-4 and Ezek. 40-48). (3) The second purpose is “to celebrate the Feast of Booths.” The Feast of Booths was an autumn harvest festival (Lev.23:34-43), but it also foreshadowed the Messianic Kingdom. Therefore, it is only natural that God’s people will celebrate the Feast of Booths during the Messianic Kingdom.

The punishment for those who violate

“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 armies, there will be no rain on them” (v 17). (1) Going up to Jerusalem once a year will be an obligation for all nations. Since it would be impossible for every individual to travel to Jerusalem, this refers to sending a representative delegation. (2) If a nation refuses to obey this command, no rain will fall on that nation for an entire year. In other words, there will be no harvest. “And 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 strikes the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths” (v 18-19). (1) Egypt is singled out as a special example. This may be because there could come a time when Egypt refuses to send a delegation. The Feast of Booths was instituted as a result of the Exodus. From Egypt’s perspective, this is not necessarily something to be welcomed. (2) If Egypt refuses to send a delegation, drought will strike the land. (3) The same punishment that comes upon Egypt will also come upon any other nation that refuses to send a delegation. We Gentiles as well have been invited to the Feast of Booths in the Messianic Kingdom. On that day, we will behold Jesus the King face to face. As we look forward to that day of joy, let us live faithfully in the present.