Zechariah 9:1-17
Q.1. Had God planned destruction for Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistines equally? How did Jesus fulfill the unique qualities of promised Israel’s king? – (Zech.9:1-9 c.f. Mt.21:5; Jn.12:12-16)
Just as God keeps an eye on the tribes of Israel, so He was also aware of the actions of the surrounding nations. Zechariah was given a ‘burden’ against Damascus in Syria, and Tyre and Sidon. These nations considered themselves to be impregnable, but they would be utterly destroyed (as they were by Alexander the Great (Greece – Zech.9:13). The cities of the Philistines were amazed by their destruction and would themselves be over-run by an aggressive people. However, a Philistine remnant will be spared – … Then they also will be a remnant for our God, and be like a clan in Judah, and Ekron like a Jebusite (Zech.9:7). [Alexander the Great treated Israel with kindness to fulfill the promise made some two hundred years earlier – But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will pass over them anymore, for now I have seen with My eyes (Zech.9:8)]. Jesus fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy, when He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in the Gospels – Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zech.9:9 c.f. Mt.21:5; Jn.12:12-16). Yet as quickly as Jesus was acclaimed, He was rejected by the nation.
Q.2. What indicated that Zechariah was moving from Christ’s first, to His ultimate reign? Why will Israel be singled out for eventual restoration and blessing? – (Zech.9:10-17 c.f. Is.61:1-2; Mal.3:17; 1 Pet.1:10-11; Rev.20:9)
Zechariah saw accurately the pinnacles of prophecy of the future of Christ. However, he was unable to see the vast valley in between, that takes us to the peaceful Millennial Reign of Christ – I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; And the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations; And His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth (Zech.9:10). This has not happened yet, but surely will. Zechariah foresaw a time – 12 …This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you … Then the Lord will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning; And the Lord God will blow the trumpet, and will march in the storm winds of the south … And the Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of His people; For they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land (Zech.9:12, 14, 16). Just as the blessing and salvation of the saints is undeserved, so is God’s blessing upon His people Israel – As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit (Zech.9:11). Considering the greatness and holiness of God, such grace reveals that He is in a league of His own.