A Bible Study
Contents:
| Introduction | |
| Call to Repent | 11-6 |
| Eight Visions: | |
| 1. The Lord will Again Comfort Zion | 17-17 |
| 2. Two Cities - Babylon and Jerusalem | 118-21 |
| 3. A Protected City Without Walls | 21-13 |
| 4. The Real 'Rags to Riches' | 31-10 |
| 5. Gold Lamp and Two Olive Trees | 41-14 |
| 6. Flying Scroll | 51-4 |
| 7. Woman in Basket Taken to Babylon | 55-11 |
| 8. Four Chariots | 61-8 |
| Yeshua to be King and Priest | 69-15 |
| Entreating the Lord | 71-7 |
| Why the Pleasant Land became Desolate | 78-14 |
| The Lord is Jealous for Jerusalem | 81-17 |
| God's Judgements on Tyre, Aram and Philistia | 91-8 |
| Your King Comes to You | 99 - 1012 |
| Worthless Shepherds - Beware! | 111-17 |
| Concerning Israel - Jerusalem | 121 - 1421 |
In 520 BC the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. 11
An exiled priest, who had returned from Babylon with Haggai in 538
under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua.
The people were frightened and vulnerable; surrounded by destruction and poverty.
Was God with them again?
This book is largely about Jerusalem (x36) and its eternal Priest and King -
Jesus Christ, King of both the capital city of Israel
and the kingdom of God that he would build. Jn 219 Ro 1417
It is a 'must' for all world leaders - but most will ignore it; and remain blind. Jn 941
The Call to Repent
11-6
The Lord was angry - hence the exile to Babylon.
Now they had returned and started to rebuild the Temple.
Discouraged by local opposition, they had little
will to continue.
Where was God? Why didn't he help them? This was
supposed to be his city.
So they gave up and set about their own affairs.
And God sent a leanness; whatever they tried, nothing
seemed to succeed.
You planted much, but harvested little ... You expected much, but see it turned out to be little.
What you brought home, I blew away. Why? "Because of my house which remains a ruin,"
declares the Lord Almighty. Hag 16,9
Finally God sent two prophets - Haggai and Zechariah - with the same message.
The Lord Almighty (x45 in 211 verses) called for Repentance.
The Lord Almighty saw that they needed to turn from
their evil ways.
Consider what happened to your evil forefathers who
refused to listen.
Lord Almighty, Lord of Hosts x5 in just 4
verses, and x45 in Zech. Josh 514
Amazingly the returned exiles admit that their punishment had been just.
Then they repented and said,
'The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways
and practices deserve.' 16
This verse is a rare treasure.
God is so pleased. Hag 219 Lu
1532 1614,15
Because the people obeyed,
God was able to give Zechariah eight remarkable visions in a single night.
They are visions (he was awake; rather than dreams while asleep).
An angel of the Lord is present and answers each of Zechariah's questions.
From the days of Adam to today, God's word is unchanged:
God commands all men everywhere to repent. Act 1730 also Lu 131-9
Did he change his message when he sent his Son? No!
Jesus began to preach, 'Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.' Math 417
Seldom in history and in scripture do proud men heed the warnings of God.
Either they reject God’s rescue plan refusing to see that they needs rescuing
or the cost of repentance is thought to be too high.
Eight Visions in 519 BC
1. The Lord will again comfort Zion
17-17
The man and those riding with him are sent on a world recognisance mission.
God already knew the hearts of all men; so why the mission?
So that all are sure that the impending judgement was just. Gen 1816-22
They reported that the earth was at rest and in peace.
i.e. They were totally blind, unaware of God's intent.
It will be as Jesus prophesied, As in the days Noah, people were eating, drinking,
marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the Ark.
Then the flood came and destroyed them all. Lu 1724-30
While people are saying, "Peace and safety", destruction will come on them suddenly ...
and they will not escape. 1 Thes 53
The men of the world were content without God - just as so many are now.
They
are totally unaware of the impending judgement of God.
But because the exiles had repented God revealed a different plan for Jerusalem:
The Lord Almighty says: I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,
but I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. 114,15
Therefore ... I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt ...
the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem. 116,17
The 70 years were almost complete: they had learned their lesson. 112
God wanted them to know the extent of his mercy and grace.
Today the time of trouble for Jacob will again lead to repentance. 1210 Jer 307
Pray earnestly for this. Is 3012-15 c.f. Is 3018-21
When all the world is against Jerusalem and against those he has chosen,
then the end will come and the anger of God be manifest.
The eagerly expected Lord will return like lightning to Jerusalem.
2. Two Cities: Babylon and Jerusalem
118-21
Four horns scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.
The gentile 'horns' of Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem.
Four craftsmen have come to terrify them. Note the tense - 'have come'
Babylon who enslaved the Jews had been thrown down 20 years earlier.
They had seen Babylon defeated by the Medes and Persians.
Babylon's destruction was no accident. It was God fulfilling his word.
This and previous vision reveal two contrasting cities -
God will return to Jerusalem with mercy. Chosen and comforted. 116,17
And Babylon was thrown down.
Craftsmen can both build and destroy. 121 Jer 110
The same hammer and chisel that can split rocks can shape and build.
Zechariah sees the 'hammer' of God that was then re-building Jerusalem,
would also one day destroy wickedness and build a righteous kingdom.
How do men see Babylon?
As desirable gold. The head of statue. Dan 232
In his pride he denied that mighty Babylon could fall to 3 other empires,
so he made an all-gold statue. Dan 31,15
Men love their corrupt 'gold' empires - see only beauty, untarnishable value.
But how does God see it?
As a strong and devouring lion. Dan 74
And as a city doomed to destruction. Jer 50,51 Is 47
In 593 BC Jeremiah had seen what will happen to Babylon 54 years later,
and he saw what God would do at the end. Jer 504,5
An alliance of nations (Medes and Persians, not Egypt). Jer 59
Babylon will be completely destroyed - for ever. Jer 5013,39 Rev 821
Why?
Arrogance. Jer 5031 Rev 187
Cruelty to Judah. Jer 5124,49 Rev 1813,24
Idols. Jer 5117,47 Exd 1212 Rev 182
Riches. Jer 5113 Rev 18
But the Babylon of man's naturally corrupt heart remains firmly embedded.
Only God can destroy such strong foundations and create a new heart.
Therefore flee from Babylon. Jer 516,45 Rev 184 2 Co 617 Gen 1912-17
The evil spirit of Babylon in man must be destroyed. Ro 122
And great is the joy in heaven when it is. Jer 5148 Rev 1820
When man repents and God creates a new heart and a new spirit in a man.
In the days to come all who are against the Lord and his chosen will be defeated.
The war will be over; and God will gain a grain victory.
This is the Lord's plan; it will be accomplished. None can prevent it.
Ps 3310,11 21-9 Is 1425-27 Mic 411,12 Dan 234,35,44,45 Rev 1917-21 Is 34 c.f. Is 35
3. A Protected City Without Walls
21-13
A man is sent to measure the size of Jerusalem;
but another is hastily sent to say:
Jerusalem will be a city without walls! 24
God himself will be
their wall of fire and their glory within. 25
Some 80 years later we read how Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.
So Zechariah's vision was for a later day;
when the Lord reigns
over Zion and the earth for 1000 years. Rev 204
But it is not the new
Jerusalem that has walls but no gates. Rev 2115,17,25
Isaiah and Ezekiel
see all villages (and cities) at peace in the Millennium,
when men shall not train for war any more. Is 24 Ezek 3810,11
The Lord Almighty will surely establish this kingdom, and the New Jerusalem.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It will come.
Meanwhile Judah is called to separate from Babylon. 26,7
Rev 184 2 Co 617
This is not so much a physical separation - they
had already returned -
but a spiritual one.
A new and contrite heart, different from 'the world'.
As Paul instructs us,
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Ro 122
Will we dare to be different and live as strangers on the earth? Heb
1113b
The security of Jerusalem will not depend upon it's walls, like Babylon.
The people would remember how useless they had been to protect Belshazzar.
God himself would protect them; he guaranteed to protect their souls. 2 Pe 14
e.g. David, Ezekiel, Daniel, even Jeremiah and Job.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Prov 1810
God always delights to protect the apple of his eye. 28
(If only Solomon had taken more notice of what he wrote! 1 Kgs 96,7
114-9)
God assures them that he will dwell among them.
This was always his desire. Exd 258 2945,46 Jn 1416
Isn't it amazing that men can so easily be so careless and ungrateful.
Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. 211
May the Jews believe and welcome us;
and may we honour the Jews whom we are privileged to join.
Be still before the Lord, all mankind ... 213
Consider this amazing reconciliation and grace. Ro 1012,13 Eph 36-12 Jn 1427
God's measuring line is long and embraces all who believe in Christ Jesus.
He jealously guards Jerusalem and all whom he has called and chosen.
Attackers beware!! Ps 461-7 Jn 1715 2 Thes 33
4. The Real 'Rags to Riches'
31-10
Even Joshua the High Priest needed to be snatched from the fire.
32
He was dressed in filthy clothes. 33
Like all men, we have fallen short,
there is no-one
righteous, all are under sin. Ro 323,10,9
Who dares to come before the Lord and claim to be
good? Lu 1818-24 Is 646
Joshua made no excuses - he had none. Like Isaiah
and Peter. Is 65 Lu 58
He knew he was a sinful man; and so did God. Job
210b c.f. 426
God first rebukes Satan - How dare you attack one whom I have chosen!?
c.f. Job 18 23
He is rightly called the accuser of the
brethren. Rev 1210-12
One day the Accuser himself will be locked up. Rev
202,3
And then finally cast
into the lake of fire for ever. Rev 2010
The Lord does not deny Joshua's filthy clothes.
He commands that they be removed -
Only the Almighty can
remove the indelible stain of sin - our sinful nature.
He wants Joshua to know the symbolism
and to be assured of the extent of his mercy.
See I have taken away your sin.
34
All men need to hear
this from God. Lu 520 748 Math
92-8 Col 112-14 Jer 3134b
It remains the great
longing of the heart of God. Lu 1520,32
Joshua is not left naked; God clothes him in rich
garments.
Some see Christianity as a list of negatives and prohibitions.
It will certainly seem so to all those who enjoy sin.
8½ / 10 Commandments are 'You shall not ...'
But the summary of the Law is Math 2236-40 Lu 1027 (Deut 65 Lev 1918)
He commands, Put a clean turban on his head.
This is much more than a change of appearance. God changes the inside too.
The mind of Joshua
is transformed, he is a new creation! Deut 306
With all his old sin taken away and re-clothed in righteousness,
he stands before God forgiven and clean.
With Regeneration, 'Baptism into Christ' God gives
assurance.
Count yourselves
dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Ro 611
Watchman Nee wrote
a whole book on this important verse.
Like Christian in The Pilgrim's Progress on the 'Way of Salvation',
when he comes to the Cross - his burden of sin falls
off his back,
he is given a scroll (revelation of the Word and
assurance), and clean clothes.
Joshua is given a promise to govern the courts of God if he keep God's ways.
37
He is told that he is symbolic of things to come. 38
My Servant, the Branch (also called Yeshua)
... says the Lord Almighty,
will remove the
sin of this land in a single day. 38b,9
In that day there will be real peace and real
forgiveness.
They will be reconciled with the Almighty, and sit
at peace together.
That single day came exactly as promised 2000
years ago.
It was the day when
Jesus cried upon the Cross, It is finished! Jn 1930
What was finished?
Jesus bore the punishment our sin deserves.
Though
guilty, he delights to set us free.
Jesus kept God's ways perfectly even when it cost
everything he had. Jn 519 Lu 2242
Joshua is shown this promise of God engraved in stone. 39
As always, the Lord has kept his promise.
But there is also a part that has yet to be fulfilled.
When the earth shall be filled with the knowledge
of the Lord
as the waters cover
the sea. Is 119
When all the tress of the field will clap their
hands. Is 5512
When the kingdom of God will become worldwide, not
just in our hearts.
Lu 1721
Dan 244 Is 358-10 6517-25 Lu
1318 Ro 1417 1 Co 420
1550
All this, and more the Lord Almighty will complete. Phil 16
321
And he will do so in a single day.
39
On the day when the
Faithful and True, ... the Word of God, ...
the King of kings, shall come again. Rev 1911,13,16
God, who alone sees everything (7 eyes).
And he will do it precisely on time!
Yes, I am coming
soon. Amen. Come Lord Jesus. Rev 2220
5. Gold Lamp and 2 Olive Trees
41-14
Zechariah asks the angel about the gold lampstand with 7 lights
and the olive trees, one on each side.
This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
Not by might nor by Power, but by my Spirit.
What are you, O mighty mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. 46,7
What would be achieved by the Spirit of the Lord?
The completion of the Temple. The Spirit would give
them a will to work.
They would be amazed how a few men could build so
much in a short time.
What was the mountain?
The many obstacles.
They knew from experience the discouragement local opposition.
Do we give up when it seems God 'closes a door',
or do we persevere?
Who despises the day of small things? 410
The new Temple seemed so insignificant compared with
1st Temple. Hag 23,9
Why wasn't it? Why did the 7 eyes of the Lord
see it so differently? Hag 7
Men will rejoice when they see the plumbline.
Hebrew word translated plumbline uncertain, may = 'cornerstone', 'capstone'.
i.e. The stone upon which all others depend.
The righteousness of God's chosen Redeemer.
What are these two olive trees?
These are the two who anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth. 411,12
i.e. Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the governor (or king).
They will enable the 7 branched lamp to burn brightly. And they did.
But they would also point to the day when a far greater One would come.
Jesus would cry out, I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jn 812 Col 113,14
When he hung upon the Cross there was darkness, but then the Sun shone.
The Lamp that burns so brightly gives understanding of the truth. Ps 119105
This is the principle ministry of the Counsellor, the Spirit of truth. Jn 14-16
To all who seek him, he reveals the secrets of the kingdom. Math 1311,16
The Messiah would both prophesy and fulfill all prophecy.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 1910
This Messiah would be both Priest and King - for ever. Heb 71,16,17 Rev 1916
Jesus is Prophet, Priest and King - for ever!
The 7 branched Lamp would never be extinguished.
His redemption sacrifice is effective cover for all sin for all time.
His reign as King will never end. The 'olive trees' will never die.
The dimensions given are huge for a leather scroll (15 x 30 feet).
Like an advert towed by a light aircraft, but without the aircraft!
c.f. only a hand seen writing at Belshazzar's blasphemous feast.
God wanted everyone to see his message.
At the end God's final warnings will be obvious to all
in the wars, extreme natural disasters and in demonic activity.
But instead of repenting, men will curse God. Rev 169,11, 21
What was the message? A curse over the whole land:
All guilty of theft or perjury will be banished and their homes destroyed.
Theft - 8th and 10th Commandments.
No stealing, no coveting.
Perjury - 9th and 3rd Commandments.
No false testimony, perjury or gossip! No taking the Lord's name in vain.
No swearing (verbal abuse of God). No court oaths and then willful lying.
At the time this was clearly a national problem; so God warned them.
Today neither sin rank very highly in most men's estimation.
It is yet another example of how God sees things so differently.
Burglary is a threat to our own possessions - so must be wrong!
But what about tax dodging, social welfare fraud, or 'the firm won't miss it'?
Advertising based upon greed, me, more. Coveting is as witchcraft. Col 35
Does this include the 'theft' and 'perjury' of God's Word by liberal bishops?
i.e. Those who encourage homosexuality that God so clearly hates and judges?
Will we therefore see the Church of England destroy itself? Probably.
The 'system' may not die, but the glory of God will depart. Ezek 10,11
Falsehood, pretence, spin, lies and deceit are all common, from top to bottom.
Truth in our courts is a joke. Baptism and marriage vows are a mockery.
Who longs for truth and honesty?
Did the bad habits that developed in Judah ferment while in exile?
Jer 523-31 Hab 14 Mic
39-12 Is 5913-15
We have no reason to be proud. We should hang our heads in shame.
We must heed the warning God gave to them and now gives to us.
Remember that Sodom was also arrogant, overfed and unconcerned.
They were haughty and did detestable things. Ezek 1649
This God-rejecting attitude is a fertile ground for Sodomy. Ro 118-32
When God removes his protection, destruction is inevitable.
Dishonesty destroys individuals, families and even nations. Gal 67
7. 'Wickedness' in Basket Taken to Babylon
55-11
Shown a woman in a measuring basket and told
This is the iniquity of the people throughout the land.
Two women with wings take the basket to Babylon.
A measuring basket indicates that sin is determined by God's standard.
Men usually reckon by a very different standard.
e.g. UK law changes in last 50 years that have legalised what God hates.
Homosexuality, easy divorce, Sabbath working, multi-faith, abortion murder.
The whole basket is taken to Babylon where all wickedness belongs;
and where they probably learned many more evil ways.
Babylon, like Babel, is symbolic of wickedness. Jer 5029,31 5144,47,49 Is 219 47
Sin has no place in Jerusalem; one day all sin will be totally removed. Is 358-10
Ancient Babylon died, covered with sand and never seen again. Jer 5013 5137
And the Babylon that symbolises the grasping pride of rich, cruel, sinful man,
will be totally destroyed in a single hour. Rev 18
See notes on Zech 118-21
Then, and only then, will Jerusalem achieve it's name as the city of peace.
God will not share his beloved Jeshurun with evil, lying Islam. Deut 3326-29
Did the Jews leave their sin in Babylon? Or when they repented? Not entirely.
But one day they will. Zech 1210,11 131 Ro 1125-27
4 powerful horses with chariots are dispatched throughout the world.
Those going to the north country have given my Spirit rest. 68
i.e. they have been given victory over Babylon.
Their punishment complete, Cyrus had allowed the Jews to return. Is 4511-13
And over all earth's evil empires, over oppression ... and over sin.
Though wicked leaders are currently trying to divide Israel,
prior to destroying God's chosen. They will fail. Zech 121-9 143
The Spirit sees victory that is given now individually. 1 Co 1555-57 Ro 724,25
And in the future when the Kingdom of God is worldwide. Dan 244,45
Only at the end will God's Spirit rest and his anger be vented. Rev
1414-151
(These are chariots, not the same horses as in Zech 18 or in Rev 61-8)
(Just as Rev 62 is not the same white horse as in Rev 1911
where the focus is on the rider, who is the King of Kings)
As at Babel, men will set up an evil world empire. (c.f. EU's foundation)
But it will be the shortest lived empire in the history of the world. Just 3½ years!
They will not just be scattered, but killed by the sword of the Lord. Rev 1921
Their leaders, the Beast and False Prophet, he will cast into hell! Rev 1920
Yeshua to be King and Priest
69-15
In the 5th vision of the gold lamp and two olive branches God
shows the separate ministries
of Priest and King (or Governor) - Joshua and Zerubbabel.
Now they are combined since it looks forward to the day of Jesus the Messiah.
He is Prophet, Priest and King over all the earth.
Normally this would not be possible.
Priests were from tribe of Levi, Kings were from Judah. Heb
711-14
Yeshua was a priest not on the basis of a regulation as
to his ancestry
but on the basis of the power of an
indestructible life. Heb 716,17
Yeshua was like Melchizedek, or rather Melchizedek was like
Yeshua,
who was both king and priest for ever.
Gen 1418-20
God also reveals through Zechariah:
Here is the man whose name is the Branch,
and he ... will build the Temple of the Lord
and he will be clothed with majesty ...
and he will be a priest on his throne.
612,13
Jesus tells his questioners how he will build a new temple in 3 days! Jn 219-22
Why the Pleasant Land became
Desolate
78-14
The word of the Lord came again to Zechariah ... administer true justice
...
Do not think evil of each other. 710
They are reminded of their recent history:
Currently the pleasant land of Israel is in turmoil and war.
What about our "green and pleasant land" that delights in rejecting the Lord?
One day soon this land will lie desolate unless we repent.
In the days of Haggai and Zechariah the people of Jerusalem did repent.
The Lord is Jealous for
Jerusalem 81-17
The Lord Almighty says, "I am very jealous for Zion."
82
1. I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. 83
2. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth. 83
They obeyed. Their hands were strong. The Temple
was rebuilt.
Therefore you must speak the truth to each other.
816,17
God's Judgement upon Aram, Tyre and
Philistia 91-8
Concerning Israel -
Jerusalem 121
-1421
Jews
Church
in Egypt
Only after the resurrection did his disciples understand
what he meant.
Do we understand?
What was the 'Temple' that Jesus Built?
His body that rose from the dead,
and his whole family
of believers who were raised with him.
Our great High Priest will also build a new, world-wide 'Kingdom of God'.
Dan 244
Eventually in the 'new heaven and new earth',
the Lord God Almighty himself will be the Temple.
Rev 2122
In the immediate future, they would rebuild the Temple.
This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God. 615
And when built it would be proof that these visions are true and from God.
You will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. 615
Likewise, the resurrection of Jesus would prove his authority
to 'cleanse' the Temple. Jn 218,19
The rebuilding of the Temple was completed 3 years later in 516 BC
Entreating the Lord
71-7
2 years later, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah.
71
This was no chance event or casual conversation.
It came as a result of an urgent entreaty. Should
they continue to mourn?
Their desire for the favour of God and Zechariah’s
desire to answer correctly,
was not an idle question,
but a consuming passion.
In his grace God answered.
God questions their motive. Was it really for me that you fasted?
75
Or was it just to end your slavery and discomfort?
Even now, God asks them is it me you seek,
or is it the dreamed
of peace and prosperity of yesteryear? 77
My goal is God himself,
not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing,
but himself, my God.
‘Tis his to lead
me there, not mine, but his,
At any cost, dear Lord,
by any road.
God knows our hearts and our motives far better than we do!
Mixed motives are very difficult to determine for
ourselves,
and almost impossible
to ascertain accurately for others.
What we think and say of others is often based upon
what we assume their
motives to be - good
or bad.
God asks the people of Jerusalem as they rebuild the Temple,
Is it me that you really desire, or is it the building?
This question did not cease to be relevant in 518
BC !
Do we value Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral
more than the presence
of God? Or activity more than Presence? Lu 1038-42
Do we miss the departure of God and his protection
from the rebellious UK?
1 Sam 1614
Ezek 104,18 1123 Ro 121-31
How many even notice his departure? !
Which is more important to us, God or our happiness?
Ironically true happiness
is only found with God.
Sooner or later modern
hedonism only leads to disappointment,
greed,
selfishness, corruption and despair. e.g. Solomon in Ecc.
When the road is steep we cry out to God for help.
But what do we do when the road is easy? Deut
610-12
God was able to ask this revealing question of a repentant people.
He knew they would respond positively and not reject
him.
show mercy and compassion to one another ...
18-10
This command from the Lord Almighty was more concerned
with civil or social justice than with criminal justice.
True civil justice is not just concerned with disputes of the rich and powerful;
The widow, orphan, alien and poor must not be neglected.
The principle is easy to declare, but did they have a heart to desire to
obey it?
Over 20% of Israelis today live below the poverty
line.
Do we share God's desire for righteousness and justice?
Do we only want justice for ourselves, or are we
concerned for others?
There are many difficulties in administering social justice:
Balance of state and personal (or family) responsibility.
What happens to those
without family, or in cases of family breakdown?
Increased life expectancy
- pensions and health care - who provides?
Inheritance tax. Share
wealth or keep well earned savings?
Abuse of welfare state for poor or economic migrants.
Needs arising from unrepentant immoral or known dangerous
behaviour.
e.g. Sex, drugs, tobacco.
Biggest problem remains our natural greed, selfishness
and independence.
c.f. God's command
for year of Jubilee and 7 year land Sabbath.
Is this pretending everyone is good? No.
Does it mean that we call evil good? Of course not.
God doesn't, and he
is not telling us to do so.
But it does mean we are quick to forgive;
that all our words
are honest and true.
There is no 'spin',
no lies, no deceit, no twisting, no false testimony.
See Ps
5016-22
But they refused to pay attention ... so the Lord
Almighty was very angry ...
this is how they
made the pleasant land desolate. 711-14
The warning reveals the cause and the justice of
their exile to Babylon.
Sooner or later rejecting God always leads to desolation
and destruction.
Today we have a greater knowledge of history than any previous generation.
Are we willing to learn from it, or do we refuse
to pay attention to the Lord?
Is God sidelined? Are his revelations and commands
willfully ignored?
There is poverty, fear, carnage and death.
Wicked men are trying to divide the land,
forcing the Jews to
give away God's gift to evil, hateful, heathen Arabs.
Then, as now, God longs to stand up for his chosen people.
In the days of Jeremiah they stubbornly refused to listen to the word of
the Lord.
For 40 long years they consistently rejected him.
711,12
In 605 BC they did not learn when Nebuchadnezzar
exiled the first group.
In 597 they did not learn when the 2nd
group was taken to Babylon.
In 586 The Lord Almighty was very angry.
He destroyed Jerusalem
and even the Temple; but still they didn't learn.
Though the Jews are often very concerned with their
long history;
they are also very
slow to learn from it.
As a nation they mostly still reject the God of their fathers.
But in the day of Jacob's trouble, they will
turn to the Lord. Jer 307-17
They will cry out,
What must we do to be saved? Act 237-41
The answer given will
be same as Peter gave 2000 years ago to the Jews
on
the day of Pentecost. Repent and be baptised ...
Will God forgive our pro-Arab, anti-Jewish policies?
Can God ignore our ingratitude and rebellion?
Doesn't our 'cut and pasting' of the word of God
deserve his judgement?
God was delighted to prosper them and the rebuilding of the
Temple.
Who will learn from this?
It was vital that the Jews saw God as the Lord Almighty. x12
in this passage.
Jealousy is one of the 7 deadly sins. How can God
be jealous?
He will brook no other
rivals; he will always be faithful to Israel.
No other gods. And
no idols. Commandments 1 and 2. Exd 203-6
Hebrew word is also
translated 'zealous'.
God spells out what his jealousy or zeal means:
Our desire for God holds no surprises - though it needs a changed heart.
But God's desire for us is amazing.
It seems that his whole purpose in creation was to
build a Kingdom,
to dwell with a multitude
that no man could number.
Jerusalem here is literal. The mosques on the Temple Mount are only temporary.
The city will not be divided when Jesus reigns there
in the Millennium.
There will be no Muslims; and no Islamic lies about God not having a Son.
There will be no spin, no deceit, no guile - but it will be like Nathaniel.
Jn 147
The Counsellor will lead us into all truth.
The shadows and the mists will clear - God will reveal
all the mysteries.
We will understand all his prophetic word. No more speculation or divisions.
Motivations will be simple and honest; not mixed.
3. I will save my people ... I will bring them back to live in
Jerusalem. 87,8
As God gathered the animals into the Ark, so he will gather his people to
Zion.
Like a shepherd he will draw them together. Ezek 3411-31
And give the dry bones life. Ezek 371-14
God gave Ezekiel the same vision.
I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant.
I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary
among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their
God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord
make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever. Ezek
3726-28
God has brought them back; how long until he fulfills the second part?
See pictures of boys and girls playing in Jerusalem.
85
Though taken in 1991, they still thrill my heart.
God always keeps his word.
For some 50 years (586-538 BC) Jews had been enslaved by Babylon.
Now in Zechariah's day they were free and had returned
to Jerusalem.
Therefore Do not be afraid, but let yours hands
be strong. 813b
But then they rejected their Messiah, when 'last
of all God sent his Son'.
The Jews have consistently been the object of man's cursing for 2000 years.
813a
Today they are home again. And again, all the world
objects.
In court, at home, with your neighbour ... always.
This instruction continues the previous word of the
Lord that called for true justice. 79,10
They should also rehearse the truth of God's word. For he said,
Now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem
and Judah. 815
The Jews were instructed to repeat this truth to
each other.
After 2 generations of slavery in exile in Babylon
and 20 years of failures,
they were probably
doubtful of God's kindness.
The truth concerns God's covenant, his unbreakable promise.
The earth is the Lord's. Ps
241
And he gave one small
specific part of it to Israel. Gen 127 1518-20
178
This is the truth. Let no mere man deny or try to
nullify it.
I long that the current Jewish leaders would fear God and rehearse this truth.
One day they will. What a day it will be.
On Wed 20th Aug 2003 Hanegbi (Israeli Internal Security Minister)
gave instructions that Jews and Christians may enter
the Temple Mount
for 2 hours every morning. It is a good start. Let's
hope it continues.
They were rich and proud and had sold the Israelites as slaves.
see also Joel 34-6 Ezek 25-28
But the Lord will take away her possessions and destroy her power ...
and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
94,6
Mainland Tyre had already been totally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar
in 572 after a 13 year siege, and defeated the Philistine
cities.
God does not do half a job. This prophecy reminds them he will complete it.
Alexander destroyed the 'Sea' city of Tyre in 322
after building a causeway.
He also 'finished off' the Philistines, who then
disappear from history.
Their 'Britannia rules the waves' attitude has a clear message to the UK
today.
Especially when combined with the vehement anti-Israel
government policies.
Your King Comes to
You 99 - 1012
This familiar word of God is read each year on Palm Sunday.
Jesus fulfilled this word some 2000 years ago; but he did not seem like a
king.
He was only welcomed by a few.
He rode a donkey, not a white horse.
Uniquely, he was righteous.
He brought the gift of salvation;
and unlike all other
kings, he did not 'take, take, take' from the people. 1 Sam 810-18
Within a week he would be crucified.
His coronation crown was not made of gold, but of
sharp thorns.
No one realised the peace he proclaimed and brought
to the nations.
Even the apostle Peter
would be amazed. Act 10
His rule from the River to the ends of the earth
has yet to be acknowledged.
But it will be when
he comes again as King of kings. Rev 1916
This King shed his blood and kept his covenant.
He set free all who
held captive by sin and who believed him.
What a King!!
He comes to us - we could never go to him. We don't know how or where to
go.
Zechariah then describes the battle in the last days when the Lord will return.
Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like
lightning.
The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet ...
The Lord Almighty will shield them ...
The Lord their God will save them on that day ...
They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
914-16
It is not the IDF that will save Israel, but the Lord Almighty.
This is emphasised later in Zech 12 and 14.
God will not abandon his people in the day that they cry to him. Exd
223-25
As yet, only a few direct their pleading to the Lord
God.
Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. 101
Ask in spring, not summer.
Do not ask Baal; idols speak deceit ...
for the Lord Almighty
will care for his flock, the house of Judah. 102,3
This spring Galilee was below the red danger level. Now it has risen 15 ft!
Let Israel give thanks to the Lord.
Give me also springs of water Josh 1519 also
Is 351-7 Jn 413,14
Pray that God may so water our souls that they become
a spring for others.
From Judah will come the cornerstone. 104
Just as he promised, he came. But few recognised
him. 2 Pe 24-8
The tent peg or centre pole on which all hangs is Jesus.
He will support Israel and all his church. He will
not give way c.f. Is 2223-25
Soon he will come again, and this time:
I will strengthen the house of Judah ...
I will restore them because I have compassion
on them ...
Their heart will rejoice in the Lord ...
Surely I will redeem them ...
Though I scatter them ... they will return.
106-9
What a glorious truth.
He reminds them of how the Lord dealt with Assyria and Egypt.
This is how he will deal with all your enemies when
he brings you back.
I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will walk.
1012
See also Is 54 and Deut 3326-29
The day will surely come when the Lord will fulfill all this.
Such is his faithfulness, compassion and power.
Worthless Shepherds - Beware!
111-17
Much of this chapter is difficult to understand and apply to Zechariah's
day.
The great 'trees' (cedar, pine and oak) are ruined. 111-3
Even the shepherds and the young lions will wail
and roar from hunger.
Learn from the example of Assyria and Egypt.
1011 Also Babylon. Dan 51-4,30
The trees are tall and strong, the shepherds (leaders)
are powerful
and lions are seen
as the undisputed 'kings' of the animal world,
But all who challenge
or reject the Lord Almighty will inevitably fall.
See how the Lord broke the two staffs, 'Favour' and 'Union'.
1110,14
The shepherds were rich and arrogant - and the flock detested me.
118
So they perished. 119
N. tribes of Israel were scattered for ever by Assyria.
These verses probably refer to the days when the Jewish leadership
rejected their Messiah, then Judah would be scattered
for 2000 years.
When the Shepherd came he was 'sold' for just 30
pieces of silver. 1113
Jesus was betrayed
for just the price of a slave! Math 2615
and threw them into
the house of the Lord to the potter. 1113 Math
277
In that day many rejected Jesus - and he grew weary of them.
118b Math 2142-44
So the staff of 'Favour' was broken - for a season.
UK have mostly become weary of the Lord and rejected all his Commandments.
1 - No other gods c.f. promotion of multi-faith.
2 - No idols c.f. pop stars and sports icons + cars, personal
image etc
3 - The name of the Lord is taken in vain in our courts. Used
as swear-word.
4 - Sabbath is now rejected. Evolution instead of Creation.
Holiness is ridiculed.
Happiness is the goal.
5 - Parents are not honoured often despised. Family breakup common.
6 - Murder and violent crime is still increasing.
Abortion/murder of
190,000/year.
7 - Adultery is now the norm. Only T marry, and of those 50%
divorce.
Homosexuality now
legalised.
8 - Stealing to fund drug habit remains a major problem.
9 - False testimony or spin rather than truth raised to a new
level.
10 - No Coveting c.f. lottery, gambling casios, advertising appeal, 'love of money'.
Our privileged Christian heritage has been systematically blown to the winds.
What will he do to such a careless and arrogant, God rejecting people?
Woe to the worthless shepherd. 1117
This warning is undoubtedly true in every generation.
Other than a warning, what did it mean to them? Why
did God proclaim it?
Was there a danger then, as there certainly was in
AD 30
when the 'shepherds'
were fleecing the flock instead of feeding it? Jn 214-16
The Pharisees did not
seem to care one whit about the poor. Ezek 341-10
They despised them,
and did not seek to help the lost and sinful.
c.f.
the attitude of Jesus. Math 115 Lu 734
530-32 157
Idols are worthless because they are false; they
deceive.
So is an idol
shepherd. (1117 KJV)
They may have eyes,
but they do not see. Jn 939 Is 69
4418 Math 623
Appear innocent but
are like savage wolves. Math 715 2 Pe 21
Act 2029
When they are faced
with danger they run away. 1117 Jn 1012
Is 5610-12
But the Good Shepherd willingly lays down his life
for the sheep. Jn 1011
Not as a lifesaver
who dies trying to save a drowning boy;
but
as an effective Redeemer who rose again from death in triumph.
3000 years ago David gained Jerusalem from the Jebusites. 2 Sam
56-10
Since then events in the capital city of Israel have always been front page
news.
Jesus said, "Surely no prophet can die outside
Jerusalem." Lu 1333
Jerusalem is without any significant resources or trade route, but God chose
Zion.
What does he say concerning it's future?
Satan and Islam consistently try to frustrate the plans of the Lord Almighty.
Dome of the Rock on Temple site in 691 and 10 yrs
later the el-Aksa mosque.
Muslims always try to build mosques on their enemies
holy sites.
Today Israel remains a thorn to Islam and an insult to Allah.
The Arabs will not rest until all Israel is destroyed.
As God says, war will continue to the end. Dan
926b
These chapters tell us clearly what he has planned for Jerusalem and the
Jews.
Satan is now doing all he can to destroy Israel,
and thus show God does not keep his word, or is just
unable to do so.
He will fail.
The Arabs and wicked world leaders will find themselves
up against
the Lord Almighty,
the sovereign Lord!
The Lord God is he who created the heavens, the earth and man.
121
I am going to make Jerusalem
a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples
reeling. 122a
Who surrounds Zion? Syria (Assyria / Aram), Jordan (Ammon + Moab),
Iraq and Iran (Babylon + Medes and Persians), Egypt,
Palestinian Arabs.
They all hate Israel and the God of Israel who has
enabled her to triumph.
Further afield there is also Russia, EU, UN and even
the USA.
They will each be sent reeling -
As Jerusalem once drunk the cup of God's wrath (70
and 135 AD)
so will all these
surrounding nations. Is 5117
e.g. 1948 war of Independence, 1967 Six day war,
1973 Yom Kippur war.
Each time the world
was amazed; and so were the Arabs!
Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 122b
Arab trade boycott that forbids trading with any
firm that trades with Israel.
This has mostly failed because not only Arabs have
petro-dollars to spend.
The Arabs need the superior Western industrial produce,
especially arms.
Zech 12 refers to near the end, Zech 14 is at the
return of Jesus Christ.
On that day, when all nations of the earth are gathered against her ...
123a
Little Israel will stand alone against the world.
Jer 3017
But the God of Israel will be seen to stand with
her!
I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations.
All who try to move it will injure themselves. 123b
World leaders need to read these 3 chapters - or
suffer the consequences.
God has here declared that they will not heed his
warning.
He does not say how
they will injure themselves, but they surely will.
Their armies will panic
and make mad decisions,
their
horses (or tanks?) will become blind.
Maybe the countries
will also suffer major economic and natural disasters.
God promises to do this. And he always keeps his
word.
The wicked will not prosper for ever.
Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts, "The people of Jerusalem
are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their
God." 125
This will be a radical change from today's largely
agnostic government.
God clearly declares that Jerusalem will remain intact in her place ...
The Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem
(i.e. Jews) ...
On that day I will set out to destroy all the
nations that attack Jerusalem. 126-9
In June 2001 Barak offered Arafat 97% of Judah and half Jerusalem,
including all the Old city. Thankfully Arafat turned
it down.
When will people see that God has clearly reserved Jerusalem for the Jews?
Why are the wicked so blind, so deaf, so foolish?
Why has God promised to destroy the enemies of the Jews?
1210 - 136
1. Because he is faithful to Israel whom he
has chosen.
2. The Jews will seek the Lord and repent.
They will look on
me, the one whom they have pierced,
and they will mourn
... 1210 Jn 1933-37 Rev
17
On that day the weeping in Jerusalem
will be great. 1211
Immediately (!) on that same day ...
A fountain will be opened ...
to cleanse them from sin. 131
God is eagerly awaiting that day.
How many in his church
share his longing for Israel to be saved?
All the world will be against the people whom God
is for.
This shows us just
how wicked the world will have become.
Jesus said it will
be like in the days of Noah. Lu 1725,26 Gen
65
Though clearly warned,
the flood was not only unexpected, but deserved.
There is no 'back door' for the Jews; they must enter
like everyone else.
They enter by repentance
and faith. Act 531,32 2021
The Lord God tells
us in this prophesy that they will enter.
see
also Ezek 379,10 Ro 1125 Is
4522,25 Jer 3133,34
On that day I will banish the names of idols from the land.
132
Islam, the Dome on the Rock, the el-Aksa mosque will be gone for ever.
So will all the other idols of money, sex and power.
All the false prophets will be punished and ashamed.
So will evil atheistic politicians like Peres, Beilin
and the 'peaceniks',
who delighted to give
away the land God gave them. c.f. Naboth 1 Kg 213
False prophets enjoy popular acclaim, but they delight
to lie and scheme.
Is 3010
Jer 530,31 613-15 Math 1411
True prophets, like Jeremiah, always have a hard
time in a wicked world.
They are rejected and
ridiculed. Jn 1518-27
On that day there will be no false prophets.
Men will delight in the truth and in the reign of
Christ their King and Saviour.
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd ... 137a
This is not the honour of death by the sword of war,
but the ignominious death by the sword of Justice,
and not for his own sin, but for ours.
Jesus was struck and the apostles were scattered. 137b Math
2631 Jn 1632
Peter denied his Master 3 times as prophesied. Jn
1338
But he was also restored. Jn 2115-19
By prayer. Jn 176-11
2/3 will be struck down ... 1/3 left ... and these I will refine
...
they will call on my name ... They are my
people. 138,9
This was fulfilled in AD70 by the Romans. Rejecting the Saviour is costly.
The Lord confirms the remnant S belong to him.
The believing Jews had fled to Pella, east of Jordan,
and survived.
Zech 142 reveals the height of Jacob’s trouble. Jer
307
I will gather all nations to Jerusalem to fight against it.
142 123 Gen 78,9 Jer
259
Judgement on the wicked nations - they wilfully despise
God.
Judgement for Jews who continue to reject their God.
The city will be captured and half will be exiled. 142
Only those who know this book will realise it is
not the end of the story.
The lonely disaster will also cause them to turn
to the Lord.
Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations.
143 129
The Lord Almighty will stand on the Mount of
Olives. 144
His enemies do not stand a chance!
In blind panic they will fight each other.
124 1413 Judg 722 1 Sam
1420 Hag 222
More details in Joel 31-16 and Rev
1919-21 also Ro 1125-27 Is
5912-21
The victory of the Lord is complete and instant.
It is a literal, physical victory; not an illusion or a vain hope.
On that day ...
Then the Lord my God will come and all his holy ones with him.
145
He will come with and for the redeemed. 1 Thes
413-18
No light. But when evening comes there will be light. 146,7
What God will do at this time will amaze us all.
Probably describes life in the new heaven and new
earth. Rev 2123 225
Living water will flow out from Jerusalem. 148
In Ezek 47 God reveals that where the river flows
everything will live. Ezek 479
Fish, and also trees
with leaves and fruit for healing. Ezek 4712 Rev
221,2
The Lord will be King over the whole earth. 149
And there will be no other name, no other God anywhere.
Jerusalem will be secure. 1411 126,8
At last she will be the city of peace.
Jerusalem changed hands 17 times between 1000 and
37 BC
and a further 21 times
from 70 to 1967 AD
1416-21 describes life during the Millennium.
Survivors will go up to Jerusalem to worship the
King, the Lord Almighty. 1416
They will celebrate the feast of Tabernacles
Forgiveness after Day
of Atonement. Ingathering of final harvest. Is 5310b
Why doesn’t church
celebrate Sabbath or any of the 3 major Jewish feasts?
Non-participation
of Tabernacles punished. 1417-19
Sabbath
(Saturday)Creation
Sunday
Resurrection
Worship Sun / planets
Passover
Deliverance from slavery
Easter
Christ crucified
Pagan Fertility festival
Pentecost
Firstfruits
Christmas
Birth of Christ
Pagan Mid-winter festival
Tabernacles
Sinai provision
Final Ingathering
Holy to the Lord will be inscribed; 1420
instead of the Islamic lie “God has no
Son” on Dome on the Rock.
No Canaanites. 1421b Descendants of Ham, cursed by God. Gen
106 1516,21
Only the righteous will live in the house
of the Lord Almighty. Is 358-10