זכריה, פרק י״ד, פסוק ט״ז

After a massive, devastating war, humanity will undergo a profound spiritual transformation. The very nations that once gathered to lay siege to Jerusalem and destroy it will return as devoted pilgrims. These individuals are the survivors of terrible conflicts and plagues [שטיינזלץ], representing a remaining third of the world's nations [אבן עזרא, אברבנאל]. Having witnessed extraordinary events, these former enemies [מצודת דוד] will reflect deeply on what transpired and undergo a complete repentance, finally recognizing God's absolute rule over the entire earth [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Driven by this newfound clarity, the survivors will travel to Jerusalem every year [מצודת ציון] to offer sacrifices [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that their journey is to bow before God Himself, as the nations finally accept Him as the ultimate King [רד״ק]. However, a subtle detail in the phrasing suggests to some that they will bow before the King Messiah. Just as foreign rulers once paid homage to King Solomon, the nations will bow to the Messiah whom God has crowned, awestruck by his perfection and the wonders he performs [אבן עזרא, אברבנאל].

This annual pilgrimage takes place specifically during the Festival of Tabernacles. Historically, the final defeat of these enemies and the great war of Gog and Magog are destined to occur during this exact season. Therefore, the yearly journey serves as a memorial to the miracles of that time and a celebration of their survival from the plague [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, רד״ק, אברבנאל, צאינה וראינה]. On a deeper spiritual level, the festival carries a crucial message for the world. In the past, these nations denied divine providence, placing their trust entirely in their own power and the stability of their permanent homes. Leaving those homes to sit in a temporary hut, with the stars visible through the roof, reminds a person of their mortality and shatters the illusion of earthly security. Celebrating this festival symbolizes their rejection of false beliefs and their new understanding that God alone watches over the world and provides its rain and abundance.

The festival also holds a deep, historical connection to the nations of the world. In the era of the Temple, seventy bulls were sacrificed during this time on behalf of the seventy nations to protect them and draw down goodness upon them [אהבת יהונתן]. Additionally, observing this festival serves as a divine test. It is considered a relatively easy Commandment, given specifically to the nations to measure their true willingness to obey God [רש״י]. Yet, this yearly journey is not solely a matter of spiritual awakening; it is backed by clear consequences. Any nation that refuses to recognize God's providence and fails to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem will face severe punishment, particularly the withholding of the rain and earthly abundance they depend on to survive [שטיינזלץ, אהבת יהונתן].