Zechariah 9:11-17

 

Zechariah 9:11-17

The Logos is the True Shepherd of His People

Zec 9:11  As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. 

Zec 9:12  Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; 

Zec 9:13  When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man. 

Zec 9:14  And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. 

Zec 9:15  The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar. 

Zec 9:16  And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. 

Zec 9:17  For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids. 

          1.     Jesus Is the Good Shepherd of His People – vs. 11-12

a.      The Rightful King is willing to die for His People – vs. 11

                                               i.     Hebrews 9:11-14 

b.     The Rightful King is the stronghold of His People – vs. 12

                                               i.     Acts 3:19-21 

        2.     Jesus Is the One Through Which the Right Prevails – vs. 13

a.      It is often thought by Christian and Jewish scholars that this verse is a prediction of the temporary, and at times fractured, peace achieved by the Maccabean Revolts.

                                               i.     The Maccabean revolts begin with Mattathias and his five sons who resist being forced to participate in idol worship. Mattathias soon dies and his eldest son Judas takes over the leadership. God grants the Maccabeans a victory over their oppressor Apollonius and Judas takes his sword in the battle. While the books of Maccabees are important historical references, they are not inerrant nor inspired scripture.

1.     “10 Then Apollonius gathered together the Gentiles, along with a large army from Samaria, to fight against Israel. 11 When Judas learned of it, he went out to meet him and struck and killed him. Many fell wounded, and the rest fled. 12 They took their spoils, and Judas took the sword of Apollonius and fought with it the rest of his life.”                                                                                                     - 1 Maccabees 3:10-12

                                             ii.     The Prophet Daniel predicts the rise of Antiochus Epiphanies, who is a foreshadowing of the coming Anti-Christ. Daniel also predicts the godly resistance to Antiochus’ and his defilement of the temple.

1.     Daniel 8:9-13 

         3.     Jesus is the One Who Saves His People – vs. 14-17

a.      While verse 13 and some of the other details seem to fit the Maccabean revolts it seems to be an impossible stretch to say that all of what is described in this passage of Zachariah is completely fulfilled in those historical events. God does miraculously deliver and provide for his people during the inter-testamental period, but it seems impossible to limit the complete fulfilment of these words to this time or any other time in history. Which leaves us to wonder what might happen in the future to completely fulfil Zechariah’s words.

b.     Nothing will stand against the triumphal return of Christ – vs 14

                                               i.     While there are mentions of angelic armies in the book of 2 Maccabees, Revelation more accurately points us to the future fulfillment of these words.

1.     “And it happened that, for almost forty days, there appeared over all the city golden-clad cavalry charging through the air, in companies fully armed with lances and drawn swords—troops of cavalry drawn up, attacks and counterattacks made on this side and on that, brandishing of shields, massing of spears, hurling of missiles, the flash of golden trappings, and armor of all kinds”                    - (2 Maccabees 5:2-3).

2.     Revelation 6:2

c.      Christ will completely destroy His enemies and tread in their blood – vs 15

                                               i.     Again, the Maccabean victories were great, often against much larger forces, yet they were never very complete. The Jews during this time were very divided often forced to pick a side and fight each other in the volatile political situation. There is no sweeping victory for the Maccabeans and their influence was temporary. Later the Hasmonean dynasty, which the Maccabean revolts produced, would be utterly dependent on its Roman allies.

                                             ii.     Jesus on the other had completely crushes His enemies and they are never able to rise again.

1.     Revelation 14:19-20; Revelation 19:11-15 

d.     Jesus is the True Shepherd of His people – vs. 16

                                               i.     While the Maccabeans were fierce fighters, often willing to die for their country, they were merely flawed men who could not bring about lasting salvation for their people.

                                             ii.     Jesus on the other hand is the True Savior of His flock

1.     Zechariah 14:1-4; Ezekiel 34:22-24 

e.      Jesus is the only one who can be the Good Shepherd – vs. 17

                                               i.     The Maccabeans were able to secure temporary, external peace, but it did not last.

1.     Psalm 23:1-3 

                                             ii.     Jesus gives us a lasting joy that cannot be taken away

1.     Isaiah 62:6-12

Zechariah 9:9-10

 

Zechariah 9:9-10

Rejoice, O Daughter of Zion, Your King Comes!

 

Zec 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 

Zec 9:10  And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. 

 

         1.     All of God’s People are to Rejoice at the Coming of the True King – vs. 9

a.     Gentile believers are to rejoice at the coming of the King

                                               i.     Isaiah 60:1-5 

b.     Jewish believers will someday rejoice at the coming of their King

                                               i.     Isaiah 44:21-24 

c.     Our King Conquers with Humility

                                               i.     Jesus is just

1.     He is both Just

a.     Psalm 98:9 

2.     And the Justifier

a.     Isaiah 53:10-11 

                                             ii.     Jesus brings salvation

1.     Isaiah 53:3-6 

                                           iii.     Jesus is humble

1.     Philippians 2:5-8 

                                            iv.     Jesus doesn’t conquer on a war horse but comes riding a donkey (a symbol of peace)

1.     Matthew 21:1-11 

           2.     The True King Conquers in Peace not with War – vs. 10

a.     The King’s army will not need any weapons of war to overcome

                                               i.     Judah was told a descendant of his would reign forever and there is no mention of an army

1.     Genesis 49:9-11 

                                             ii.     The Prophets foretold of a suffering Messiah

1.     1 Peter 1:10-11 

b.     The King comes in peace

                                               i.     Micah 4:1-3 

c.     The King will eventually reign over all

                                               i.     1 Corinthians 15:24-28 

                                             ii.     Philippians 2:9-11 

Zechariah 9:1-8

 

Zechariah 9:1-8

The Logos is the Rightful Savior of His People

Zec 9:1  The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD. 

Zec 9:2  And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise. 

Zec 9:3  And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets. 

Zec 9:4  Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire. 

Zec 9:5  Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. 

Zec 9:6  And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. 

Zec 9:7  And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. 

Zec 9:8  And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. 

           1.     Zechariah Receives of a Vision of the Coming of a Great Man Who Will Make Many Mighty Conquests – vs. 1a

a.      This vision of Zechariah accurately predicts Alexander the Great’s conquest of Palestine 200 years before the events happened. It is a 2300-year-old battle plan given long before the birth of its commander. Alexander had a sense of Divine protection as he made his incredible conquest, yet he sought the help of many gods. He received many oracles from many different gods during his short life, yet only the One True God can accurately predict the future.

b.     Daniel the prophet also accurately predicts the rise of Alexander and the division of his kingdom after his death, 250 years before Alexander was born.

                                               i.     Daniel 8:20-22 

          2.     The Mighty Man Will be Used of God to Administer Judgment on the Enemies of Israel – vs. 1b- 5

a.      Alexander is going to be used by God to destroy the oppressors of Israel, and even though Israel was loyal to his enemy, the Medo-Persian Empire and Darus III, He will unexpectedly had mercy on them.

                                               i.     After destroying Darus III’s army at the battle of Granicus, Alexander proceeds to defeat Medo-Persian Santraps across Syria. – vs. 1b

1.     Daniel also prophesies that Alxander will destroy the Medo-Persian Empire

a.      Daniel 8:5-8 

                                             ii.     Alexander then turns south to destroy the cities on the coast of the Mediterranean. These city states are loyal to their ruler Darus III and hostile to Israel. The first of which is Zidon and Tyre  - vs. 2-4

1.     Tyre is a brilliant island city that is well-fortified with all kinds of creative ways to defend itself. – vs. 2

a.      Ezekiel 28:1-3 

2.     Tyre is extremely wealthy – vs. 3

a.      Ezekiel 28:5-7 

3.     Tyre, even though it seems an impregnable island, is defeated by a land-based army from the sea. Even though Alexander has no navy, he is undeterred by this and proceeds to build a giant causeway from the ruins of another city. Alexander burns and destroys Trye. – vs. 4

a.      Ezekiel 26:12 

                                            iii.     Next is the cities of Philistia – vs. 5

1.     Even though the Philistine cities have months to prepare for Alexander’s army, they to fall and their king is killed. Thus, forever ending their abuse of God’s people.

a.      There are 3 other pronouncements against the Philistines and there is no mention of any remnant.

                                                                                                     i.     Amos 1:7-8; Zephaniah 2:4-5; Ezekiel 25:15-17 

           3.     Although the Mighty Man is Great, He Illegitimately Clams to be the Son of God – vs. 6-7

a.      While there is much debate as to who or what this verse refers to, I believe it to make the most sense as possibly referring to Alexander himself. It could also be referring to Ptolemy, Alexander’s illegitimate brother, who ruled Palestine after Alexander’s death. Quite possibly it refers to Alexander’s spurious claim to be the son of a god. – vs. 6

b.     It was probably tempting to see Alexander as a terror. Yet, God instead advises His people to welcome him as a Jebusite or converted Gentile. Jaddua the High Priest, in the time of Alexander, welcomes him into Jerusalem. When Alexander witnesses this incredibly hospitable act he falls on his face before God honoring Him. – vs. 7

                                               i.     Psalm 9:20 

           4.     Jesus is the True Messiah and Deliver of His People – vs. 8

a.      Although Alexander was a great man, he is in no way the Messiah. He was a flawed man that worshipped many gods. Furthermore, his short life was filled with violence. He died at a young age, and his kingdom was fought over by his generals. He is vastly different from our loving, and humble Savior, Jesus Christ.

                                               i.     Jesus is our protector

1.     Man proposes, yet God disposes

a.      Daniel 2:20-21 

                                             ii.     Jesus causes evil to Passover us - Psalm 34:7 

                                            iii.     Jesus frees us from the Oppressor - Ephesians 2:1-5 

                                            iv.     I know this because I have seen it with my own eyes - Zechariah 9:9 

Zechariah 8:18-23

 

Zechariah 8:18-23

The Logos Turns Our Grief into Joy!

Zec 8:18  And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, 

Zec 8:19  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. 

Zec 8:20  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: 

Zec 8:21  And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. 

Zec 8:22  Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. 

Zec 8:23  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. 

 

        1.     The Word of the Lord of Host Speaks a Final Conclusion – vs. 18*

a.     This section of vision began back in the beginning of Chapter 7; as a message to the Jews who had strayed into legalism. Despite their sin there is always forgiveness and God concludes His warning to them with final encouragement of hope.

                                               i.     Zechariah 7:11-14 

         2.     They That Sow in Tears Will Someday Reap in Joy – vs 19*

a.     The fasts that were once to mourn the destruction of Jerusalem, will someday be turned into joyful feasting

                                               i.     Psalm 126:1-6 

b.     A love of the Truth brings everlasting peace and a balm to the soul that is plagued by legalism

                                               i.     Jesus is the Truth

1.     John 14:6 

                                             ii.     Jesus is the only one that can heal the legalistic heart

1.     Philippians 3:7-10 

 

         3.     Someday There Will be Peace on Earth – vs. 20*

a.     All the peoples of the earth shall worship Jesus

                                               i.     Psalm 22:27 

b.     While, in our time, not everyone is willing to submit, someday all will bow the knee.

                                               i.     Philippians 2:10-11 

         4.     All People Will Willingly Submit to Sovereignty of the King of Kings – vs. 21*

a.     Jesus is the King of Kings

                                               i.     Daniel 7:13-14 

b.     Those that repent and receive Jesus will be saved

                                               i.     Acts 2:37-41 

c.     Jesus’ Church will someday reign with Him

                                               i.     Ephesians 1:20-23 

         5.     The City if Peace Will Someday be the Hope of the Earth Again – vs. 22*

a.     During the Church Age, Jerusalem holds no special significance

                                               i.     John 4:23-24 

b.     Yet After Christ’s return we will see the fulfilment of what Micah the prophet talks about

                                               i.     Micah 4:1-5 

         6.     God Will Someday Fulfil His Promises to His Unrepentant People – the Jews – vs. 23*

a.     During the 1000 years of Jesus’ reign on earth

                                               i.     Language barriers will fall

1.     Genesis 11:9 

2.     Psalm 67:1-7 

                                             ii.     National barriers will fall

1.     Acts 17:26 

2.     Revelation 7:9-10 

                                           iii.     God will restore the Jewish people

1.     Jeremiah 31:31-34