“For I.” The prophecy switches to a first-person narrative. Zechariah 14:3 switches back to the prophet speaking.

“I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle.” This is also in Zechariah 12:1-3. Jesus knew this was coming and warned his disciples to flee if they ever saw armies coming to surround Jerusalem: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that her desolation has drawn near. Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of her must leave, and do not let those who are in the country enter her” (Luke 21:20-21; cp. Luke 19:41-44). This confederation of nations coming to fight against Jerusalem will occur during the terrible time of Tribulation foretold in the Old Testament and by Jesus (see commentary on Dan. 12:1).

[For more on the terrible death and destruction in the Great Tribulation and Armageddon, see commentary on Dan. 12:1. For more on the duration of the last half of the Tribulation, as well as the days of Judgment following Armageddon, see commentary on Daniel 12:11. For more on the basic chronology of the End Times, see commentary on Matt. 25:32. For more on the worldwide kingdom that Jesus Christ will set up on earth after he conquers it at the Battle of Armageddon, the Millennial Kingdom, see Appendix 3, “Christ’s Future Kingdom on Earth.” For more on the first and second resurrection, see commentary on Acts 24:15.]

“and the women raped.” Warfare is usually very brutal. The same thing was foretold by Isaiah about Babylon being conquered by the Medes and Persians (Isa. 13:16).