NOTES for Zec 14:1-21

As in some other passages of Holy Scripture, the prophetic depiction of coming events reveals more than the history of one people’s relations with neighboring states. The description of specific historical events also becomes a parable that reveals the meaning of the destinies not only of the Jewish people, but of all humanity. And so we see that the destruction of Jerusalem proves not to be a defeat, but the threshold of a victorious triumph. Yet the triumph of the victors who, with the Lord’s help, overcame their enemies becomes a foreshadowing of the coming victory of Truth, a foreshadowing of God’s final victory over evil and sin.

The prophecy also speaks of water flowing from Jerusalem, and after Christ’s conversation with the Samaritan woman we can better understand what this living water is that will pour out upon all nations. Thus the call addressed to neighboring peoples to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles becomes understandable, for water played an important role in its rites, symbolizing the Lord’s mercy. Let us remember that it was at this very feast that Christ spoke about living water, meaning the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

Those who do not draw near to the Source of life risk withering, like tribes that have deprived themselves of living water.