זכריה, פרק י״ד, פסוק י״ז

In the future era, recognizing God's kingship will become a matter of physical survival for the nations of the world. The annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the festival of Sukkot will transform into a global test of faith, carrying immediate ecological and economic consequences. The various nations of the earth [מצודת דוד] might be tempted to avoid this pilgrimage, perhaps deterred by the long journey or the heavy expenses involved [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, the cost of staying home is far greater. As a direct result of their absence [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון], their lands will be denied rain [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This refers to actual, physical rainfall necessary for crops to grow [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. The severity of this consequence cannot be overstated, as a lack of water ultimately leads to death by starvation [צאינה וראינה].

The primary approach among commentators is that withholding rain is not a random punishment, but one deeply rooted in the essence of the Sukkot festival. Sukkot is the specific time when the entire world is judged regarding water. The traditional commandments of the holiday, such as taking the four species and pouring the water libation, are designed to please God and seek His mercy for the coming year's rainfall [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Because the abundance of rain for the entire world is channeled outward from Jerusalem, any nation that chooses to skip the pilgrimage will simply not receive a favorable judgment, naturally cutting them off from the blessing of water [מלבי״ם].

On a deeper level, rainfall serves as a clear expression of God's active involvement in the world. Historically, only the Land of Israel received its rain through God's direct, individual providence, while the rest of the nations received their water through standard natural systems. In the Messianic era, this reality will shift. As all nations accept their faith in God, their rainfall will also be governed by His exact, personal providence. Therefore, the nations are required to travel to Jerusalem to bow before God or the Messianic king. This act serves as a public declaration, acknowledging that from that moment on, their rain and very survival depend entirely on His direct providence [אברבנאל].