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 - 139 |
| The Lord is Coming - Again | 141-21 |
Introduction
[Contents]
In 520 BC the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. 11
An exiled priest, who had just returned from Babylon with Haggai in 538 BC
under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah
and Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest.(Hag 22-4)
[This was some 80 years before Ezra and Nehemiah ~458BC ]
The people were frightened and vulnerable; surrounded by destruction and poverty.
Was God with them again?
This book is about Jerusalem (x36)
and Jesus Christ as its sacrificial Priest and eternal King;
who is king of the physical capital city of Israel (Math 2737)
and of the eternal kingdom of God that he would build. (Jn 219 Ro 1417)
It is an absolute 'must' for all the world leaders -
but most will ignore it; and sadly remain blind. (Jn 941)
The "Lord Almighty" x 46 in the 14 chapters of Zech. (and also x12 in Haggai)
The Call to Repent 11-6
[Contents]
The Lord was angry - hence the exile to Babylon. (586-538 48 years)
When they returned, they immediately started to rebuild the Temple.
But, discouraged by local opposition, they had little or no 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.
Haggai revealed the problem and the solution.
You planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough ...
You expected much, but see it turned out to be little.
What you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the Lord Almighty.
"Because of my house which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops.” Hag 16, 9,10
At the same time God sent Zechariah, another prophet with the same message.
The Lord was very angry with your forefathers. Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty, "and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty. 12,3
Amazingly the returned exiles, including their leaders, not only admit their guilt,
but also admitted that God's 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.
Because the people obeyed, God is so pleased. Hag 219 Lu
1532
So 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 this command of God.
Either they reject God’s rescue plan refusing to see that they need rescuing,
or the cost of repentance is thought to be too high.
and by implication, God is wrong!
Eight Visions in 519 BC
1. The Lord will again comfort Zion 17-17 [Contents]
The man and those riding with him are sent on a world reconnaissance mission.
God already knew the hearts of all men; so why the mission?
So that all know that the impending judgement is 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 Hag 221,22 Heb 1226
The men of the world were content without God - just as so many are now.
They
are totally unaware of the impending world 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
Their punishment was 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,
in the day when blind Israel 'sees', seeks the Lord and repents;
then the anger of God be poured out upon the wicked.
The eagerly awaited Lord will return like lightning to Jerusalem.
(He will not choose London, Washington or Moscow.)
Then righteous Israel and all expectant believers will rejoice.
2. Two Cities: Babylon and Jerusalem 118-21
[Contents]
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
But Babylon was, and will be, 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 would then rebuild Jerusalem,
He will also one day destroy all wickedness and build a righteous kingdom.
How do men see Babylon? As desirable gold!
The head of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. 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 - only seeing them as untarnishable.
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,
An alliance of nations (Medes and Persians) would defeat Babylon. Jer 509
Babylon will be destroyed - for ever. Jer 5012,13,26,39 5126
One day the evil 'spiritual Babylon' will also be destroyed for ever. Rev 18
Why?
Arrogance. Jer 5031 Rev 187
Cruelty to Judah. Jer 5124,49 Rev 1813,24
Idols. Jer 5117,45,47 Exd 1212 Rev 182
Selfish 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.
The evil 'little' horn that would flood the world with wickedness
will only be destroyed by Almighty God. Dan 719-26 823-25
He was shown what God would do to 'spiritual Babylon'. Rev 1821
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 will be the joy in heaven when it is. Jer 5148 Rev 1820
As when man repents and God creates a new heart and a new spirit in him.
In the days to come all who are against the Lord and his chosen will be defeated.
Jerusalem will be cleansed by the Lord, and made righteous.
The Lord has sent his Master Craftsman and will send him again as King.
The war will be over; and God will gain an eternal victory.
This is the Lord's plan. He will accomplish it. None can prevent it.
Ps 3310,11 21-9 Is 1425-27 Mic 411-13 Dan 234,35,44,45 Rev 1917-21 Is 34 c.f. Is 35
3. A Protected City Without Walls; 21-13
[Contents]
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 (Jer 4941 Ezek 3810-12)
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 the villages (and cities) at peace in the Millennium,
when men shall not train for war any more. Is 24 Ezek 3810,11
Almighty God will surely establish this eternal kingdom, this the New Jerusalem.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Math 610
The day 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, also 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
It is amazing that men can so easily be 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 with 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 it 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
[Contents]
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 has filthy clothes.
He commands that they be removed
Only the Almighty can
remove the indelible, natural stain of sin.
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 113,14 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 35
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, the '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
im everything. 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
1550-52
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 completely and precisely on time!
Yes, I am coming
soon. Amen. Come Lord Jesus. Rev 2220
5. Gold Lamp and 2 Olive Trees 41-14
[Contents]
Zechariah asks the angel about the gold lampstand with 7 lights.
And the olive trees, one on each side. Priest and King.
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 was it that 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.
But a more important work of the Spirit has always been the revelation of truth,
the eternal truth and life with Almighty God in his kingdom.
Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Exd 258
Destroy ths temple, and I will raise it again in three days ...
but the temple he spoken of was his body. Jn 219-22
So this mighty work of the Spirit was not a temporary stone structure,
but is God and man living together in righteousness for all eternity.
This was the mighty truth revealed to Zerubbabel by the Spirit.
The temple building they would complete was only a sign of God’s presence.
What was the mountain that would be levelled?
The many problems that appeared to be insurmountable or unpopular.
They knew from experience the discouragement of local opposition.
If it seems 'a door closes ', is it God or is it just an obstacle to overcome?
Do we persevere or change direction?
For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice,
and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. 410
The new Temple would seem so insignificant compared with 1st Temple.
But this 2nd Temple would not be the end of the story.
Zechariah is shown the seven eyes of the Lord, (see 38,9 + Rev 45 56)
The menorah and the gold lampstand symbolise the Light of God,
the Christ, who sees all and is ‘the Light of the World’. Jn 812
Again Zech' is shown the end-time plan of God, when Christ is King. Hag 23-9
A time when God will shake the whole earth,
and the glory of his later ‘house’ will be greater than any former temple.
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 now gives understanding of the truth. Ps 119105
Zechariah asks, "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 comes as eternal High Priest and King.
One man, not two as represented by Joshua and Zerubbabel.
The Lord Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch,
and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord.
It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty
and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne.' Zech 612,13
He will be like Mechizedek. Gen 1418-20 Heb 711-17 Rev 1916
When he returns as King, the splendour will be far, far greater.
Jesus is Prophet, Priest and King - for ever!
The 2nd Temple would be destroyed in 70 AD.
But Jesus, the 7 branched Lamp, would never be extinguished.
The sun was only temporally darkened for 3 hours at Calvary.
Christ's redemption sacrifice is effective cover for all sin, for all time.
His reign as King will never end. The 'olive trees' will never die. Heb 716,17,24
6. Flying Scroll 51-4
[Contents]
The dimensions given are huge for a leather scroll (30 feet x 15 feet).
Like an advert towed by a light aircraft, but without the aircraft!
c.f. writing at Belshazzar's blasphemous feast when only a hand was seen.
God clearly wanted everyone to see his final warnings will be obvious to all
Men will see it fulfilled in the wars, natural disasters and in demonic activity.
But instead of repenting, men will curse God. Rev 169,11, 21
What was God's scroll message?
The curse goes out over the whole land, for everyone who steals ...
Everyone who swears falsely ... 53
i.e. greed, coveting, perjury, broken promises, lying etc.
Punishment will be to be banished and their homes destroyed.
At the time this may have been a national problem; so God warned them.
But as in previous 5 visions, it is also directed at later years.
Today these are so common that they are not highly ranked as sins.
It is yet another example of how God sees things so differently. (Is 558)
Does this include the 'theft' and 'perjury' of God's Word by liberal bishops?
Those who encourage homosexuality, which God clearly hates and judges.
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.
How many longs for truth and honesty?
God had exiled Judah for making 'light' of sin. Jer 523-31 2 Tim 31-5
So the glory of God will depart. Ezek 10,11
As a nation 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
And Almighty God judged them with fire.
Today’s God-rejecting attitude is due to rejecting God as Creator of all.
God promises to remove his protection, destruction is inevitable. Ro 118-32
All men will 'reap what they have sown'. Gal 67
At the end, just before the 7 bowls of wrath are poured out, John is shown:
a flying angel who said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory ..."
Babylon falls, the wicked are judged.
But the saints are marked and enabled to endure. Rev 146-13
It will be man's last opportunity to repent.
7. 'Wickedness' in Basket Taken to Babylon 55-11
[Contents]
Shown a measuring basket. He asks what it is?
The angel tells him This is their iniquity in all the land.
And when the lid is lifted he sees a woman. “This is Wickedness.” 66,8
Then shown two women with wings, who take the basket to Babylon.
Note: This is not a gender issue. Neither is the harlot of Babylon in Rev 17.
This basket is filled with iniquity; and so is Mystery Babylon the Great,
the Mother of all prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth ...
The 'harlot' is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth. Rev 175,18
She is the spiritual force of satanic darkness that rules most world leaders.
The measuring basket indicates that the sin is as determined by God’s standard.
Men usually reckon by a very different standard - prosperity, popularity etc
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 Evolution Theory lie taught as truth (thus ignore God as Creator)
The whole basket is taken to Babylon (Babel) where all wickedness belongs.
(See 2nd vision where Jerusalem and Babylon are compared.)
Babylon, like Babel, is symbolic of wickedness. Jer 5029,31 5144,47,49 Is 219
She is arrogant and defies the Living God - like Goliath. 1 Sam 1745
She has become a dwelling place for demons ...
All nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich
from the power of her luxurious living.” Rev 182,3
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 5013,39 5137
This Babylon symbolises the grasping pride of rich, cruel, sinful man,
It will be totally destroyed in a single hour. Rev 1810,17,19
The brief, decisive battle is described in Rev 1911-21
See notes on the Two Cities in 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
8. Four Chariots 61-8
[Contents]
4 chariots, each with powerful horses, are dispatched to patrol the earth. 61,7
The angel tells him, These are going out to the four winds of heaven,
after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth. 68
The black horses go to the north country followed by the white.
The dappled horses go to the south country.
Not told where the red horses went.
Neither is there an interpretation as to the significance.
Only told that the vision ends with
“Behold, those who go toward the north country
have set my Spirit at rest in the north country.” 68
When 'Babylon' (in the north) is finally defeated, only then will God’s Spirit rest.
These 8 visions are given to assure God's people
that the day of wickedness will end,
and an eternal day of forgiveness, righteousness and truth will be established.
This is the enduring message of the whole Bible, it is assuring God’s Word.
Yeshua to be King and Priest 69-15
[Contents]
In the 5th vision of the gold lamp and two olive branches God
reveals the separate ministries
of Priest (Joshua) and King (or Governor - 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 only 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 to Zechariah:
Here is the man whose name is the Branch,
and he ... will build the Temple of the Lord
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
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 - completed 516 BC.
This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God. 615
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
Entreating the Lord 71-7
[Contents]
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?
God asks them directly, is it me you seek,
or is it the dreamed
of peace and prosperity of yesteryear? 77
Could they echo the hymn-writer:
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.
Why the Pleasant Land became Desolate 78-14
[Contents]
The word of the Lord came again to Zechariah ... administer true justice ...
show mercy and compassion to one another ...
18-10
This command from the Lord Almighty was more concerned
with civil rather than with criminal justice.
It was directed at balancing the rich and powerful with the weak and poor.
This has always been a social problem.
Today we expect government welfare to supervise this using taxation.
But somehow the rich get richer and the poor suffer.
Do we only want justice for ourselves; how concerned are we for others?
The biggest problem remains our natural greed, selfishness and independence.
God's command for year of Jubilee and 7 year land Sabbath is ignored.
Do not think evil of each other. 710
How quick are we to criticise others? Let our words be honest and true.
May there be no deceit, no twisting, no false testimony or false praise.
The prophet reminds them of the cause of their recent exile:
But they refused to pay attention ...
so the Lord Almighty was very angry ...
this is how they made the pleasant land desolate. 711-14
Sooner or later rejecting God always leads to desolation and judgement.
Are we willing to learn from history or do we refuse to pay attention to the Lord?
Are his revelations and commands willfully ignored?
Currently the pleasant land of Israel is in turmoil and war.
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.
'Protestors' are dividing the Jewish people; liberal socialism .v. religion.
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 ...
What about our "green and pleasant land" that delights in rejecting the Lord?
Will God forgive our pro-Arab, anti-Jewish policies?
One day soon this land will lie desolate unless we repent.
In the days of Haggai and Zechariah the people of Jerusalem did repent.
God was delighted to prosper them and the rebuilding of the Temple.
The Lord is Jealous for Jerusalem 81-17
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The Lord Almighty says, "I am very jealous for Zion." 82
It was vital that the Jews saw God as the Lord Almighty. x12 in this passage.
Jealousy is one of the 7 deadly sins. So 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:
1. I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. 83
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.
2. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth. 83
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
Zechariah sees a picture of boys and girls playing in Jerusalem. 85
In 1991, I saw them too and took a photo. It still thrills my heart.
God always keeps his word.
There will come a day when Jews in Jerusalem will no longer be contested.
For some 50 years (586-538 BC) Jews had been enslaved by Babylon.
In Zechariah's day they were free and had returned to Jerusalem.
Therefore Do not be afraid, but let yours hands be strong. 813b
They obeyed. Their hands were strong. The Temple was rebuilt.
But then they rejected their Messiah, when 'last of all God sent his Son'.
The Jews have always been the object of man's cursing for 2000 years.
813a
Today they are home again.
But unsurprisingly all the world objects.
Therefore you must speak the truth to each other. 816,17
Now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. 815
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.
God's Judgement upon Aram, Tyre and Philistia 91-8
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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 BC 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-everything Jewish policies.
Your King Comes to You 99 - 1012
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Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey ... 99
This familiar word of God is read each year on Palm Sunday.
Jesus fulfilled it 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 sets free all who are held captive by sin and who believed him.
What a King!!
He comes to us - we could never go to him.
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 for mercy.
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
Caleb's daughter pleaded:
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, the Son of God came. But few recognised him. 2 Pe 24-8
The tent peg or centre pole on which all our salvation 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
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Much of this chapter is difficult to understand and apply to Zechariah'sday.
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
'Lions' are seen as the undisputed 'kings' of the animal world,
But all who challenge or reject the Lord Almighty will inevitably fall.
The shepherds were rich and arrogant - and the flock detested me.
118
So the Lord broke the two staffs, 'Favour' and 'Union'. 1110,14
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.
Concerning Israel - Jerusalem 121 -1421
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3000 years ago David gained Jerusalem from the Jebusites. 2 Sam 56-10
Since then, it has remained the capital city of Israel.
Jerusalem is without any significant resources or trade route,
yet God chose Zion and says much in scripture 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.
They consider it shows the superiority of Islam.
The existence of Jewish Israel remains a thorn 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 3 chapters tell us clearly what he has planned for Jerusalem and the Jews.
Satan continues his inadequate best to disrupt God’s plan. He will fail.
The Arabs and wicked world leaders will find themselves up against
the Lord Almighty, the sovereign Lord!
The Lord, who stretches out the heavens,
who lays the foundation of the earth,
and who forms the spirit of man within him. 121
And he tells us how the foolish battle will end.
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, China, EU, UN and even the USA.
They will each be sent reeling -
As Jerusalem once drunk the cup of God's wrath (in 586 BC and 70 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 especially the Arabs!
Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 122b
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
Clearly the world leaders will not bother to read God’s Word;
these 3 chapters that reveal the consequences of their blasphemy.
Their arrogance will ask who can possibly stand against all our might,
all our hydrogen bombs, missiles and electronic technology.
The answer is Almighty God can, and he will. He has promised.
On that day I will make the leaders of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile ...
On that day the Lord will shield those who live in Jerusalem ...
On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. 126-9
And even more important, God reveals a plan for the soul of Israel.
On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David
and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land ...
They will call on my name and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God. 131,2, 9
How will this come about?
God says, I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they wil l mourn for him as one mourns for an only child ...
On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great. 1210,11
There is no 'back door' for the Jews; they must enter like all God’s chosen people.
They enter by repentance and faith. Act 531,32 2021
The Lord God confirms to us in this prophesy that they will enter.
see also Ezek 379,10 Ro 1125 Is 4522,25 Jer 3133,34
Such grace, such mercy, such kindness, such faithfulness.
When we despair of the world’s wickedness, deceit and arrogance;
God reveals his plan and the whole purpose of his creation.
The righteous, eternal kingdom; all saved by Jesus Christ.
The Lord is Coming - Again 141-21
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BC / AD marks the greatest date in human history;
The day that enabled sinful man to be transformed from darkness to light.
It was the day when Christ was crucified and repentant man was forgiven.
But it did not stop all men from being born naturally sinful.
That requires another greatest day
That day is now revealed to Zechariah. The world’s greatest battle, by far!
And surprisingly it is the Lord who gathers the protagonist, (142)
all the nations of the world are gathered to fight Jerusalem!
A bit one sided one might think. Wrong!
Simply because the Lord will go out and fight against those nations. 143
And that makes the battle completely one-sided; the other way!
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives ... 144
It will be split to form a valley for the Jews to safely flee.
Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.
He will come with and for the redeemed. 1 Thes 413-18
On that day there will be no light ... When evening comes, there will be light.
On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem ...
The Lord will be king over the whole earth ...
Jerusalem will be raised up ... never again will it be destroyed ...
Jerusalem changed hands 17 times between 1000 and 37 BC
and a further 21 times from 70 to 1967 AD
On that day men will be stricken by the Lord with great panic ...
On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses,
and the cooking pots ...
On that day there will no longer be a Canaanite
in the house of the Lord Almighty. 144-21 (Gen 106 1516,21)
It will be quite a day! The beginning of God’s righteous, never ending kingdom.