Related Resources

Zechariah Commentaries
Alexander Maclaren Sermons on Zechariah
Zechariah Devotionals - Today in the Word, Our Daily Homily

Today in the Word
from Moody Bible Institute
(Copyright Moody Bible Institute. Used by permission. All rights reserved)

Zechariah’s family had been among those who returned (his grandfather Iddo is listed in Neh. 12:4). The prophet began his ministry in 520 b.c., during the reign of King Darius of Persia, proclaiming the word of the Lord to these repatriated Jews, a community numbering about 50,000 people. It’s known that Zechariah was a priest, and tradition says he was also a member of the “Great Synagogue,” a ruling council of the day. His name means “the Lord remembers,” evoking God’s covenant faithfulness (cf. Ps. 86:15).

Zechariah’s immediate purpose was to rebuke, encourage, and motivate the people to rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed during the conquest. His book is highly literary in nature, and conveys a strong Messianic theology. In fact, Zechariah has more to say about the Messiah than any other book except Isaiah, and the New Testament cites or alludes to the book of Zechariah over 40 times. Some of his prophecies have already been fulfilled in or near the first coming of Christ, while others await the end times, which means that the book also has an eschatological or apocalyptic flavor. In addition, we’ll find here the same “mountain peak” hermeneutical challenge as we did in Zephaniah--to the prophet, various future events looked close together, while from our perspective in time, some are past and some are future.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY - More often than usual, this month we’ll be suggesting supplementary Bible passages for your reading or study. We want you to see how the images and themes of Zephaniah and Zechariah connect with images and themes elsewhere in Scripture.

In a similar spirit, the great hymn “Just As I Am” admits: “Just as I am, without one plea, / But that Thy blood was shed for me / And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee. / O Lamb of God, I come! I come! / Just as I am, and waiting not / To rid my soul of one dark blot. / To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, / O Lamb of God, I come! I come!”

Repentance, as Zechariah also made clear in today’s reading, is a matter of life and death (cf. Deut. 30:11–20). These early verses set the tone and summarize the point of what follows: learn from history, repent and do right, and blessing will follow.

What was the history? Disobedience, rebellion, and idolatry, as we’ve seen already in the message of Zephaniah. God was faithful to send prophets to warn them, but the nation had refused to listen. Their sin had brought on His anger and the punishment of the Exile. “Where is that generation now?” Zechariah asked rhetorically (v. 5). The Hebrew verb overtake is a hunting term--the Word had pursued and caught them (v. 6). Had they really thought they could escape God’s decrees?

To the remnant who had returned to Palestine, God now said, “Return to me . . . and I will return to you” (v. 3). Is His love then conditional? No, but His blessings are. Conditional upon what? Repentance and obedience (cf. Jer. 18:7–10). To return to the Lord, the people must turn from their evil ways and pursue righteousness. Such repentance also involved acknowledging the justice of God; that is, admitting that He was right to do as He had done to them.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Why not answer today’s call to repentance in your own prayer time?

TODAY IN THE WORD - After a female emperor penguin lays her egg, she goes to sea to eat and regain her strength. In the meantime, the male cares for the egg, keeping it warm with his feet. In the Antarctic at that time of year, it’s completely dark, and temperatures are well below freezing. He can’t leave to get food, so he fasts for about two months.
Thousands of these penguins gather together for warmth. A large circle of them rotates slowly so that each bird has an equal turn in the warmer center. And all the while each father carefully protects his egg.

The emperor penguin provides us with an object lesson in the loving care of our Father God, a theme that undergirds today’s reading as well.

For the next week or so, we’ll be studying eight visions seen by Zechariah, narrated as a single night’s experience. These visions are highly pictorial and symbolic, and they often include interpretive clues given to the prophet (and to us) by an angel.

In this first vision, Zechariah saw a man riding a red horse, with other horses following his instructions. The picture seems to be of a military patrol, and indeed the horses bring back a reconnaissance report that the world is at peace. In the person of the patrol’s commander, Zechariah most likely saw a vision of the preincarnate Christ (such an appearance is called a “theophany”), while the horses represent angels.

The angels’ report made God angry. Why? The nations of the world shouldn’t be so smug, because God’s people were still oppressed and living under foreign domination. Though Babylon, for example, had been the instrument of God’s judgment, such nations had overstepped their bounds and would soon be judged themselves.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Today, set yourself the goal of memorizing verses about Christ’s role as our advocate or intercessor.

Judgment was passed on Israel’s enemies in today’s reading--the just wrath of God was the focus of Zechariah’s second night vision. This follows up on the first vision, in which God assessed the situation and promised judgment.

This vision has two parts. In the first, Zechariah saw four horns. Generally, horns symbolized strength--these horns were probably man-made objects, something like trumpets, and possibly crafted from animal horns. They represent the nations which had conquered Israel and Judah, especially Assyria, Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia. An alternative interpretation suggests that “four” is a symbolic number, signifying completeness, and in this view the horns stand for all the enemies of God’s people.

In the second part, the prophet saw four craftsmen, who unmade or destroyed the four horns. They represent nations, namely Egypt, Babylonia, Persia, and Greece, who had overthrown or would overthrow the first set of nations.

In the fate of these nations, we find a dramatic contrast. Whereas they had felt stable and secure in the first vision, now they’re terrified and defeated. Whereas they had “lifted up their horns” (that is, made war) against God’s people in the past, now their horns will be cast down. How did this drastic change come about? By the Lord’s decree, who had justly judged their sin and now sent punishment.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY - How are your evangelism skills these days? In your presentations of the gospel, be sure not to skip over or downplay the part about sin and sin’s punishment, death.

How did they know? Of course, they knew because that bell was the dinner bell, a signal they’d heard many times before. Its cheerful chimes lifted their spirits and called them to the waiting feast.

In a similar way, today’s reading, particularly verse 6, is a trumpet call summoning the exiles home: “Come! Come!” From every direction, God called Israel home.

Zechariah’s first night vision spoke of judgment and restoration, and the second focused on the judgment part of that. In this third vision, we learn more specifics about the restoration and blessing of God’s people. Some of these specifics apply to the immediate future (already past to us), and some to the end times.

The prophet saw a surveyor holding a measuring line with which he intended to measure Jerusalem. The measuring line suggested building or establishing, and was thus a symbol of restoration. God was promising that the city would be completely rebuilt. After all, Jerusalem was the “apple of His eye,” precious in His sight (vv. 8, 12).

Jerusalem would be blessed with three P’s: prosperity, protection, and presence. That the city would overflow with people and livestock shows its prosperity. God would protect the people with a “wall of fire,” an image reminiscent of the Exodus. Best of all, He Himself would dwell with them and be the city’s glory (vv. 5, 10; cf. Rev. 21).

During the millennial kingdom, not only Israel but many nations will be united to God and will be called His people (v. 11). This will be the ultimate fulfillment of His world-embracing covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:3; cf. Isa. 2:2–4).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Today’s reading is one of several in Zechariah that describe a marvelous “homecoming”--Jews coming from throughout the world back to their homeland.

For the rest of his life, Wesley thought of himself as a “brand plucked from the fire” (v. 2, NASB). He even included this verse in an epitaph he composed for himself, recognizing that God had saved him and set him apart for a special work.

In today’s reading, the high priest Joshua (also called Jeshua in Ezra and Nehemiah) is the original “burning stick snatched from the fire.” In this fourth night vision, Zechariah saw the Jewish remnant’s religious leader, a living symbol for the nation. He stood before the “angel of the Lord,” a title often indicating the preincarnate Christ (see also 1:12–13).

When God called Joshua or Israel a “burning stick,” He meant that the people had been saved from grave danger. The metaphor also showed helplessness, that is, the stick could do nothing for itself. The context is itself a second picture, that of a court of law. The man stood silent before his would-be prosecutor, Satan, but the Lord was his defense attorney and spoke on his behalf (cf. Rev. 12:10).

Next, we see a third picture: filthy clothes. These represent the nation’s sinfulness, so when God reclothed Joshua, this signified forgiveness and restoration. Such clothing imagery has deep historical roots--God mercifully provided garments for the fallen Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21)--and is similarly used in the New Testament--for example, new linen is given to the bride of the Lamb (Rev. 19:8; cf. Isa. 61:10).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, imagine one of the vivid pictures from the Scripture reading. Meditate on it and its meaning in the context of Zechariah. Why do you think God chose to communicate truth to us in this way?

In the mail was a check for a large sum of money, plus several smaller checks. Together they totalled precisely the amount of money to meet the need! The college’s administrators rejoiced, and praised the Lord for His provision. He had known the need already, and had sent the funds in His time. God is always in control--a truth we see clearly in today’s reading as well.

In the fifth night vision, Zechariah saw a gold lampstand and two olive trees. This was a message from God to Zerubbabel, the governor of the returned exiles. He encouraged him to lead the nation to finish rebuilding the Temple, and to trust in Him though the odds seemed overwhelming. By faith, this “mountain” could be leveled (v. 7).

The lampstand symbolized the service and witness of God’s people, and especially how they are to be a light to the nations. Like the church lampstands in Revelation 1, this lampstand showed God’s glory. The bowl of oil represented the Holy Spirit, fueling the light and present in abundant supply. The two olive trees likely stood for Zerubbabel, the political leader, and Joshua, the religious leader. By showing both the royal and priestly lines, this symbolism furthermore implied the Messiah.

As we know from the historical books of the Old Testament, the nation responded to God with obedience and rebuilt the Temple, completing the project by 516 b.c. They listened, trusted, and obeyed!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, God gave Zerubbabel the encouragement that He would be with him as the nation rebuilt the Temple. Figuratively speaking, a problem that seemed like a mountain could be flattened through God’s power (vv. 6–7).

When God wanted His people to get the message, He sent His prophet Zechariah a vision of a scroll flying across the sky! Of course, the scroll was God’s Word, and to say that it was “flying” meant that it was unrolled, while also suggesting motion and life. The scroll’s dimensions were huge, and this added to the idea that it was easy to see, obvious, or clear. That is to say, God’s commands were not a hidden mystery, which made the sins of the people that much more flagrant.

Because of their sin, the interpreting angel told Zechariah that the scroll was a “curse,” reminding us of the Law’s blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (see Deut. 27–28). Two specific sins are condemned: stealing (a violation of the eighth commandment) and swearing falsely or perjury (a violation of the third commandment). Since the people were no doubt guilty of more than this, these are probably just a few examples of their sinful behavior.

Sin cannot be tolerated in God’s presence. When He comes to dwell with His people, as He had promised in earlier visions, evil won’t be allowed to remain in the land. Sinners will be banished from His presence--the equivalent of spiritual death. When the scroll entered the sinner’s house to destroy it, this was a picture of the destiny of the wicked (v. 4; cf. Ps. 145:20).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we’ve been considering Zechariah’s eight night visions this week, you may have had the urge to sketch out one of the scenes he saw. Go for it today!

The books include construction plans for gas chambers and crematories, prisoner lists, and rare photographs. There is an almost day-by-day calendar of events, along with notes on how few of the 8,000 guards were ever brought to justice. References are given from war crimes proceedings, records, and memoirs. There are also quotes from first-person narratives--testaments secretly buried around the Auschwitz grounds, written by prisoners.

These records chronicle the evil of Hitler’s regime. In a similar way, Zechariah’s visions and other Old Testament passages serve as prophetic records of evil. This seventh night vision reinforces the point that “on that day” sin will be judged, though here the focus seems to be national rather than individual.

Zechariah saw a basket, normal except that it was larger than usual. We know this because it held a woman, who symbolized wickedness. Her destination was Babylon, and the picture of her basket on a pedestal or in a house (v. 11) indicated that she would be worshiped there.

Why was Israel’s sin personified as a woman? Is the Bible sexist? No, we have the creation account as proof that both men and women are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27). A possible reason is simply that the word wickedness (v. 8) is feminine in Hebrew. Or perhaps the reason is that in biblical figurative language, God is male while His people are female--for example, the church is called His bride.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
For today’s reading in Zechariah, the Expositor’s Bible Commentary gives 2 Corinthians 7:1 as the ideal application: “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

TODAY IN THE WORD
In his commentary on this passage in Zechariah, theologian John Calvin concluded with a prayer asking God for the grace to accept the following truth:
“That all things are governed by thee, and that nothing takes place except through thy will, so that in the greatest confusions we may always clearly see thine hand, and that thy counsel is altogether right, and perfectly and singularly wise and just; and may we ever call upon thee, and flee to this port--that we are tossed here and there, that thou mayest ever sustain us by thine hand, until we shall at length be received into that blessed rest which has been procured for us by the blood of thine only-begotten Son. Amen.”

God’s sovereignty is indeed a port of rest for every believer. That’s the theme of Zechariah’s eighth and final night vision. In it, he saw four chariots, pulled by different colored horses, between two bronze mountains. The four chariots are “four spirits of heaven,” that is, angels, who will execute God’s judgments (v. 5). The mountains may symbolize Christ’s strength in judgment, or they might be specific references to Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives.

There’s a symmetry here with the first night vision (see January 10). Then the angels were sent out to assess the situation, now they’re sent throughout the world on a mission of judgment. It’s uncertain if the directions in which they go have specific meanings, except that the north (v. 8) points to Babylon.

The horses’ colors may represent specific judgments. Commentators have speculated that red means war, black means famine, white means violence or conquest, and dappled means pestilence or plague (cf. Rev. 6:1–8). The point here, however, is not the exact nature of the judgments, but the sovereign and awesome nature of who “the Lord of the whole world” is and what He will do (v. 5). Judgment will satisfy His justice and give His Spirit rest (v. 8).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A month ago, it’s unlikely you would have predicted that you would spend January studying the books of Zephaniah and Zechariah. When Today in the Word arrived in the mail, you may have been quite surprised! Yet God knew, and had sovereignly planned these devotionals just for you.

Those who are familiar with the legends know that King Arthur ultimately failed in his quest. But the legends also say that one day the King will return!

This vision of a just and righteous kingdom is shared by the biblical prophets. One day, God will send a perfect King whose kingdom will never fail. That’s the central theme we find in today’s reading. The symbolic action narrated here follows the eight night visions, and probably belongs with them in an outline of Zechariah.

God instructed the prophet to collect gold and silver from three donors (probably lately-returned, prominent exiles who wanted to help rebuild the Temple), have a craftsman named Josiah (or Hen) fashion a crown, and place it on the head of the high priest, Joshua. Afterwards, the crown was to be kept as a memorial of this prophecy.

What did this action illustrate and foretell? It heralded the future Advent of Messiah, the Branch, in whom the offices of king and priest would be united (v. 13; cf. Heb. 7:1–3).

In the words of Haggai, “the desired of all nations will come” (2:7). He will “build the temple of the Lord,” that is, establish worship of the one true God throughout the earth (Zech. 6:13). “Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord,” promised God, meaning that Gentiles will also be involved in these events (v. 15; cf. Isa. 60:3–10).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you wish, sometime in the near future plan a supplementary worship time for your church group or a group of friends. Pick songs that celebrate the Advents of Christ--both of them.

Why was Jesus so hard on them? Since they were leaders, they had led others astray. And in centering their religious life around themselves, they had missed the point of worship. God is the center of true worship!

In today’s reading, Zechariah similarly rebuked his fellow Israelites for their self-centered religious practices. About two years after the night visions, the people of Bethel sent a delegation with a question: should they fast and mourn in the fifth month or not? It was during the fifth month that the Temple had been burned; throughout the years of the Exile, the Jews had remembered that disaster by fasting and grieving (2 Kings 25:8-10; Ps. 74). But the Exile was over, they had returned home, and the Temple was being rebuilt, so they were a bit confused about how to behave.

The Lord’s reply through Zechariah, which consisted of a series of rhetorical questions, showed that their religious observances generally were self-centered, ritualistic, and insincere. Both their feasting and their fasting were “for yourselves” (vv. 5–6). Furthermore, other prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, had already condemned the nation for this same sin, so they should have already known the answer to their question (v. 7; cf. Isa. 58).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here’s a question for personal self-examination today: Why are you doing spiritual practices like prayer, Bible study, worship, and church service? Is it for show, for your own ego, or to assuage guilt feelings? Or is it a loving, obedient expression of intimacy with your Savior and joy in His presence? You may not always have spiritual “feelings” during these times, but they should always be an extension of your faith in the presence of God, not the approval of yourself or others.

One man who stood by him was shortstop Pee Wee Reese. At one game, fans sitting close to the field abused Robinson mercilessly, and it looked as if he might be near the breaking point. At that moment, Reese walked across the field to where Robinson was playing, and put his arm around his teammate’s shoulders. The crowd fell silent.

Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese showed the courage to stand for what was right, even when the majority opposed them. Similarly, Zechariah exhorted the Israelites to pursue righteousness, even when many were practicing hypocrisy and self-centeredness.

In today’s passage, the prophet moved from yesterday’s condemnation of false religion to an exhortation to true religion. The emphasis, as we can also find in other prophets, was on justice, mercy, and compassion (v. 9; cf. Micah 6:8). Specifically, the people should not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, or poor people, nor should they think evil of others (v. 10; cf. James 1:27). These extend the command to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Lev. 19:18; Mark 12:33).

The failure of the pre-Exilic Israelites to obey God in these areas and others was what had led to the Captivity and Exile (vv. 11–14). Strong phrases are used here--they refused, stubbornly turned their backs, stopped up their ears, and hardened their hearts. Their behavior was willful and intentional, not an accident or the result of ignorance. The metaphor of a whirlwind reflected the scattering of the Jews throughout the world, also called the Diaspora.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In applying today’s Bible reading, let’s follow up on yesterday’s “Today Along the Way.” Yesterday, we asked a question for self-examination through the Holy Spirit. Did God speak to you during this time?

Biologists and engineers looking to duplicate the gecko’s abilities in synthetic glues have recently uncovered its secret. It uses millions of tiny foot hairs to adhere to surfaces through weak molecular attractive forces. Each foot hair ends in about a thousand even tinier pads at its tip. These pads are arranged in precise geometric sizes and shapes and determine the level of stickiness. The total adhesive power of an average gecko would support 280 pounds!

As sticky as geckos’ feet are, God’s faithfulness is even “stickier.” He never lets us go, and His promises endure forever. That’s the lesson we learn in today’s passage, in which restoration and blessing were promised to Israel.

In the reading, we see farmland that is abundantly fruitful, and old people and children enjoying life in the midst of safety and plenty (vv. 4–5, 12). This memorable picture of peace and prosperity, which will be realized in full during Christ’s coming reign on earth, parallels other, more well-known Bible passages (cf. Isa. 65:17–25; Jer. 31:10–14). God loved Israel and had pledged Himself to her in an everlasting covenant relationship. He will bring His people home, and return to Jerusalem to dwell with them (vv. 3, 7–8).

In the big picture, we see a strong contrast (vv. 10–11, 14–15). As the people looked to the past, they saw judgment; as they looked to the future, they saw blessing. Whereas previous times had been hard, the future held fruitfulness and comfort. In the days of Conquest and Exile, they’d known no security, but in the future, God Himself would save them and use them to bless others--an irony, since those others had previously cursed them (v. 13).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you’ve been studying Zechariah, you may want more in-depth resources to aid your understanding and interpretation. This week, obtain a commentary on Zechariah at your local Christian bookstore or church library.

A small boy put the offering plate on the floor and stepped into it. When asked what he was doing, he replied that he had no money, so he wanted to give himself to God instead. The pastor scolded him for disturbing the service and sent him back to his seat.

But God had a plan for that boy, and took him at his word. His name was Robert Moffat, and he became a pioneering missionary to southern Africa!

What drives present-day evangelism and missions is God’s heart for the nations, on display in today’s reading. Yesterday we read about the blessings God has planned for Israel, with the eight-times-repeated refrain, “This is what the Lord says.” Today, we find two more statements foretelling blessings, both based on the sure foundation of God’s promise.

In all Zechariah’s prophecies, the key to the blessings described is the presence of God: His resolve to save His people and dwell with them in Person. His presence and the blessings flowing from it are a promise not only for Jerusalem and Israel, but for the whole world--God’s vision in this regard is global! The blessings themselves will show His presence, and people of many nations will seek the Lord in Jerusalem (vv. 20–23; cf. Ps. 67).

God’s redemptive purposes have always encompassed all humanity, as we see from start to finish in the Bible: from His promise following the Fall to His covenant with Abraham to a plethora of end times prophecies to Paul’s calling as an apostle to the Gentiles (Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Micah 4:2–3; Col. 1:27–29).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Zechariah prophesied that God’s presence with Israel will be a witness to the nations. In truth, every Christian is a witness, a light who attracts others to Jesus (Matt. 5:14–16).

By the time of today’s reading, Tyre had already withstood two long sieges by the superpowers of the day. Assyria had tried to conquer the city for five years, but failed. Then for 13 years, Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians had thrown their armies against the city, but Tyre had remained independent and prosperous.

In light of this history, it took tremendous faith and guts for Zechariah to prophesy the doom of Tyre and other enemies of Israel (cf. Ezek. 26:3–14). Chapters 9–11 constitute a single prophetic oracle, one of two that occupy the rest of the book. An oracle may be defined simply as a “pronouncement or revelation from God.” One meaning of the Hebrew verb is “to lift up,” as in “to lift up one’s voice,” the calling of a prophet.

From our perspective in time, the judgments in today’s reading have mostly already been accomplished. Alexander the Great defeated or destroyed the nations mentioned here, including his conquest of Tyre about 333 b.c. How did he do it when others had failed? He built a breakwater out to the city’s island fortress, and triumphed after a mere five-month siege. Amazingly, Alexander and the Greek army bypassed Israel and completely spared Jerusalem and the Temple!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Tyre seems to have been a society quite confident in its physical strength and material goods. Surely we as Americans are tempted by this same attitude!

Said Sonia Arrison, director of the Pacific Research Institute’s Center for Technology Studies: “E-mail has affected every aspect of human communication, from dating to conducting business and even to conducting war. . . . It is also a good way to transport the goods and services of the 21st century: ideas.” That first e-mail message, according to one news article, “launched a revolution in the history of human communications.”

The incarnation of Christ likewise marked a revolution in the history of divine communication with humanity. After many generations of other methods, God’s final, perfect revelation would be His only begotten Son. Zechariah foretold Him in today’s reading!

In the rapidly-shifting time perspectives of prophecy, we’ve zoomed ahead from events mostly fulfilled under Alexander the Great to the advents of the Messiah--one of which to us is already past, and one future.

What qualities would characterize the coming King? He would behave righteously and act to save or redeem His people. He would be gentle, but also powerful--powerful enough to bring peace to the whole earth! That He would come riding on a donkey showed humility as well as royalty, since in King David’s day the donkey was regarded as a royal mount. This specific prophecy was fulfilled on Palm Sunday, during the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (v. 9; Matt. 21:1–11).

What would the King do? He would fight on behalf of His people, using them as a bow or sword against their enemies (v. 13). He would free the prisoners (cf. Isa. 42:6–7). And He would disarm the nations and end all war--a prophecy to be fulfilled in the Millennium.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we delve more into the messianic prophecies of Zechariah, we’ll recommend more parallel readings in “Today Along the Way.” Today, you might wish to read John 12:12–19, an account of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, exactly as predicted in our Scripture reading.

After about 80 hours of drilling, pumping air in and water out, and technical problem-solving, the rescuers finally reached the trapped men and pulled them up to safety through a special rescue tube. “I didn’t think I was going to see my wife and kids again,” said one rescued miner. “It was a miracle. Between God and my wife and the kids, that’s the only things that got me through.”

Rescue and life are what the Messiah’s Advent signify as well. Continuing from verse 13, we again see the Lord marching forth as a Divine Warrior to save His people (cf. Hab. 3:11–15). This metaphor is often accompanied in Scripture by thunderstorm imagery, showing the superior, supernatural, utterly different nature of His battles.

The bowl simile in verse 15 is particularly rich and complex. Since the bowl was full, it suggested the completeness or totality of the Lord’s victory. It also implied the joy of victory, since it’s linked to an immediately preceding statement about wine. Most importantly, since a sprinkling bowl would have been full of blood from the sacrifices, this figure of speech meant that God’s triumph would inspire worship.

Verse 16 also used figurative language to summarize God’s salvation and love for His people. In one picture, they were a flock, implying that He was their Shepherd, a familiar and comforting metaphor of care, guidance, and provision (cf. Ps. 100:3). In a second picture, they were sparkling jewels, that is, God’s special treasure, living trophies of His glory (cf. Isa. 62:3).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our suggested extra reading today is Psalm 18:7–19. As in our main reading, the Lord is pictured as a mighty, supernatural warrior coming in power and glory to save His people. The difference is that in Zechariah, God comes to rescue a nation, while in Psalm 18, He comes to rescue an individual: “He drew me out of deep waters” (v. 16).

“Tent peg” is one of the less familiar metaphors for the Messiah mentioned in today’s reading, but it’s a good one. This chapter continues the themes of the past few days: Messiah’s coming, His mission of rescue and restoration, and the blessings resulting from His work.

First, we see images of spring showers, focusing on the fact that it’s the Lord who sends rain, not idols (vv. 1–2). God was angry with false prophets and deceiving leaders--the people needed to listen to their true Shepherd, not to be led astray by empty lies.

There are also many pictures of strength and victory here. God planned to make Judah “like a proud horse in battle” (v. 3). The nation will overthrow their enemies (v. 5). When the Lord brings His people home, they will “pass through the sea of trouble,” a clear allusion to the Red Sea Crossing and His miraculous rescue of them from bondage in Egypt (vv. 10–11).

This homecoming will bring back Jews to the Promised Land from every corner of the earth (vv. 8–12). When God says He will “signal” for them (v. 8), the Hebrew word literally means “whistle.” That is, the Lord is going to whistle for His sheep!

The most powerful images in this chapter refer to the Messiah, Jesus Christ (v. 4). He’s the cornerstone, the first and most important brick in God’s building (cf. Isa. 28:16; Eph. 2:19–21). As we’ve mentioned, He’s the tent peg. He’s also the battle bow, or the Divine Warrior we’ve already seen fight to save His people. And He’s the ruler, or King, whose righteous reign will bring peace to the nations.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout Zechariah, we’ve encountered vivid figures of speech, including metaphors, symbols, and personifications. For example, in verse 3 of today’s reading God promises to make Judah “like a proud horse in battle”--a simile for strength and victory.

“Christians who suffer are able to look into the eyes of the suffering Jesus of the Cross. This Jesus is a man touched with the feeling of our infirmities, a man who knows that we are made of dust, a man tested in all points as we are, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.”

By the Spirit, Zechariah and other prophets foretold the rejection and suffering of the Messiah. This first of two oracles now concludes on a negative note: Messiah would come, but incredibly, He would be despised. Thankfully, we have the benefit of hindsight and the New Testament to help us make sense of why this happened and how this fits into God’s plan.

For most of the chapter, Zechariah lived out a two-part object lesson. In the first part (vv. 4–14), he acted as a good shepherd--in fact, as the Good Shepherd, a type of Christ. In the second part (vv. 15–17), he played as a warning the opposite role--a cruel, selfish shepherd whom we know as Antichrist.

The flock that Zechariah led was “marked for slaughter,” that is, for judgment. Why would Israel be punished so severely? Because the flock detested him--that is, the nation would fail to recognize and accept their rightful Shepherd. Symbolically, the two staffs of Favor and Union would be broken--God’s blessing and national unity would cease. The Good Shepherd’s “pay” would be thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave in ancient times and of Judas’ betrayal of Christ (cf. Matt. 26:14–16; 27:3–10).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have time, do some additional Bible study today. Read John 10, the passage about Jesus being the Good Shepherd, and make a list of connections and parallels between this chapter and Zechariah 11. Two main areas that should stand out are the shepherd imagery and the Jewish rejection of their Shepherd.

That sinking feeling that you’ve blown it--we’ve all had it at one time or another. Magnify that feeling about a bazillion times, and you’ll know how Israel will feel when they look on the “one they have pierced,” and realize their colossal error in rejecting Him.

In today’s reading, we will study Zechariah’s second oracle, which continues to the end of the book. Through it all, we’ll see one basic scene: Messiah’s Second Advent, when He’ll return to complete His work of redemption and establish His rule on earth. No one can resist His sovereign power (v. 1).

The oracle first shows Messiah’s physical deliverance of Israel. The nation is pictured as the cup of God’s wrath, which will send the nations reeling (v. 2). Just as drunken men are overcome by alcohol, so the wicked will be overcome by divine judgment. Israel will also be an “immovable rock,” strong and secure (vv. 3–5). God’s people will be a fire in dry grass, defeating their enemies as quickly as such a fire spreads (v. 6).

In yesterday’s prophecy, Israel was condemned, but now the nation is redeemed when the Shepherd returns. “On that day” the Lord will save, shield, fight, win, and pour out His Spirit. “On that day,” God plus the weakest person will be a mighty warrior.

By God’s grace, Israel will receive spiritual deliverance as well. They’ll see the Crucified One and grieve. To “look on” Him carries the idea of responding in faith (v. 10). With their eyes opened to the truth, they will repent with sincere and godly sorrow.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Spend some time in prayer today rejoicing in your Savior. Through the lens of Scripture, behold Him, confess to Him, praise Him, and meditate on His greatness and love. He paid the ultimate price for your salvation--He gave His life that you might have eternal life!

The physical dryness of the Atacama Desert reflects the spiritual dryness of Israel in today’s reading. We’re still learning about the Messiah’s dealings with Israel, here for the most part at His Second Coming. After the Spirit has been poured out, and after the nation has recognized its sinful rejection of Christ and repented, then will come God’s forgiveness, pictured here as a cleansing fountain (v. 1).

The cleansing from sin will involve an end to worship of other gods, and an end to false prophecies (vv. 2–6). People who have done these things will hide and lie, as opposed to the open blasphemy practiced among the original audience of Zechariah’s message. Even family members of such sinners will have God as their first and all-consuming priority (cf. Deut. 13:6–9).

Verse 7 returns briefly to Christ’s First Coming. Jesus quoted the lines about the Shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered as fulfilled in His arrest (Matt. 26:31). A severe refining process will precede a remnant’s return and restoration (vv. 8–9).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The long-awaited One has come! The Living Water is available today! Are you excited about this message? Have you shared this good news recently?

After winning the first set against Todd Martin, he dropped the next two sets on tiebreakers. He didn’t give up though, and fought back tenaciously with tough serves, pinpoint returns, and relentless volleying to counter Martin’s 23 aces. After three hours and 23 minutes, he finally won the fifth set 6-2 to clinch his fifth career Grand Slam championship.

While we can’t really say that Christ’s victory will be “come-from-behind,” it certainly appears that way at the beginning of today’s reading. During the battle of Armageddon, the nations will fight against Jerusalem, and at first will be winning. But then the Lord will arrive, fight, conquer, and make the city safe forever (vv. 2–5, 10–11). He’ll stand on the Mount of Olives, which is one reason why some scholars think Christ will return to this specific place. In the passage, though, the focus is on the fact that He’ll powerfully make a way of escape for His people. “On that day,” nature itself will obey God’s sovereignty, reminiscent of the day the sun stopped in the sky for Joshua (vv. 6–7; Josh. 10:12–14).

When Christ returns to do battle--this is the same battle as pictured in Zechariah 12 (see January 28)--He’ll be accompanied by “all the holy ones” (v. 5). These might be angels, but are more likely believers. Before the Tribulation period preceding the Second Coming, believers will have been “raptured” to be with Jesus, and at this point they’ll return to fight with and for the Lamb (Rev. 17:14).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we see in both the Old and New Testaments, Jesus is coming again! At His Second Advent, He’ll judge the nations, establish His kingdom, and dwell with us.

The book of Zechariah closes on this same note of triumph and glory. The nations who attacked Israel will be struck with a plague, and will give up their wealth. Best of all, the entire world will come to worship the one true God at the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 16–19).

Why the Feast of Tabernacles? This feast celebrated the harvest, suggesting the completion of God’s plan for history and the gathering of all believers. It also commemorated the journey of the Exodus, reminding us of God’s special dealings with Israel. It was the last and greatest festival on the Jewish calendar, a time of joy and thankfulness. In all these ways, the Feast of Tabernacles is a fitting symbol for history’s climax.

Why do the book and this second oracle end with pots and pans (vv. 20–21)? The significance is that “on that day” everything will be dedicated to the Lord. In the past, only a gold plate on the high priest’s turban had “Holy to the Lord” engraved on it; but now, figuratively, even the horse’s bells will have God’s name on them, meaning they’ll be consecrated or holy. No evil will be allowed in God’s house (cf. Rev. 21:27).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
About any subject, but especially in regard to the Messiah and the end times, what new things did you learn this month? What spiritual truth or principle have you come to understand for the first time? What part of God’s character do you grasp more clearly than ever before?

Copyright Moody Bible Institute
Used by permission. All rights reserved

Our Daily Homily
by F B Meyer

Many bells ring in our lives hour by hour: for awaking from our sleep, for meals, for work in the school or factory, for our attendance on those who employ us. There is the bell of call for the surgeon, the clergyman, the man of business. Let us look on each summons, from whatever quarter, as being the call of God, as much so as the recurring duties of the priests in the temple of old; and let us regard each opportunity as a sacred bowl, from which we may pour out some holy libation to the glory of God. We can only live like this when we have consecrated ourselves absolutely to God, and regard our entire life as being marked out in all its details as a sacred plan. It is good also carefully to observe our priestly office, and to remember that we are a holy nation as well as a royal priesthood.

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