The Book of Zechariah. A very visual study of the visions and prophecies of Zechariah

Transcription

1 The Book of Zechariah A very visual study of the visions and prophecies of Zechariah

2 INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH The Apocalypse of the Old Testament (with Daniel) The Most Messianic book of the OT A book of apocalyptic visions Presents the Messiah as: The Branch who will remove iniquity; The Stone; His Throne; His Temple; The Coming King; The Shepherd; The Triumphal Entry, on a donkey; His Betrayal for 30 pieces of silver; His Crucifixion, and His Second Coming: looking upon me whom they pierced. It also focuses on the Day of YHWH, the return of Israel in unbelief, and their passing through the Great Tribulation; the siege of Jerusalem by the confederated Gentile powers, and their deliverance by King Messiah. Gives us the only physical description of the Antichrist in the Scripture. Seems to suggest a neutron bomb in Chapter 14. May hold the solution to the enigma of Mystery Babylon and its relation to literal Babylon in prophecy. This most challenging little book is second only to Isaiah in its distinctiveness and importance as a Messianic prophecy. Introduction The postexilic prophet Zechariah was a Levite born in Babylon (Neh 12:1, 16). Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai the prophet, Zerubbabel the governor, and Joshua the high priest (Ezra 5:1-2; Zech 3:1; 4:6; 6:11). Zechariah returned to Jerusalem from Babylon with almost 50,000 other Jewish exiles. He was probably a relatively young man at the beginning of his prophetic ministry (cf. 2:4) while Haggai might have been considerably older. Zechariah = Whom Yahweh Remembers. Son of Berechiah = Yahweh Blesses. Son of Iddo = The Appointed Time. There are 29 Zechariahs in the OT; at least 30 total. (Mt 23:35:) Jewish Targum states that Zechariah the son of Iddo was slain in the sanctuary and that he was both prophet and priest. Zechariah, in effect, closes the OT. Luke opens with the account of another Zechariah ( Yahweh Remembers ) and his wife Elisabeth ( His Oath ). Also a priest, the angel ends 400 years of silence with the announcement of the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist. Holy Spirit dwells on the meaning of names, and their order, in the case of Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:2. The Genealogy in Genesis 5 is another interesting example. RockofAges.org Page 2

3 Written 520 B.C.; contemporaneous with Haggai (Ezra 5:1; 6:14). Zechariah contains more Messianic prophecies than all of the other Minor prophets put together. Minor is a designation from their length (although Zechariah is the longest of them). In the Hebrew Scriptures, they are The Twelve and form a part of the nebhi im aharonim, the latter prophets. Among these, Zechariah is the preeminent. It is the longest book of the 12 Minor prophets, and it is the most frequently quoted: 71 quotes or allusions in NT; 1/3 of these in the Gospels; 31 [name of God, El] in Revelation; 20 from Chapters 1-8; 8 from Chapters Historical Background fall of Jerusalem to the armies of Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. (Judah) Israel s earlier defeat at the hands of the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Most of Jerusalem s inhabitants were deported to Babylon for 70 years During Exile Daniel received the revelation that Gentile kingdoms would be dominant over Judah and Israel until God would set up His kingdom on the earth under the rule of the Messiah (Dan 2; 7). Period referred to by Jesus as the times of the Gentiles (Lk 21:24). Babylonian Empire fell to the Persian Empire (539 B.C.) Cyrus the Great decreed (2 Chr 36:22, 23) that the Jews could return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple (Ezra 1:2-4; cf. Isa 44:28). However, only a small minority of about 50,000 Jews (including Haggai and Zechariah) returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest (Ezra 2). Levitical sacrifices soon reinstituted on a rebuilt altar of burnt offering (Ezra 3:1-6), and in 2nd year of their return the foundation of the temple was laid (Ezra 3:8-13; 5:16). However, external oppression and internal depression halted the rebuilding of the temple for 16 more years of spiritual apathy till the rule of the Persian King Darius Hystaspis ( B.C.). 520 BC God raised up Haggai to encourage Jews to rebuild, two months later Zechariah began his prophetic ministry (cf. Hag 1:1; Zech 1:1), encouraging the people to spiritual renewal and motivating them to rebuild the temple by revealing to them God s plans for Israel s future. With this prophetic encouragement the people completed the temple reconstruction in 515 B.C. (Ezra 6:15). The text suggests that Zechariah was a young man when he received his visions in Chapters 1-8. Chapters 9-14 were probably written much later, in Zechariah s old age. If Zechariah was 30 years old when he wrote the 1st eight chapters, he must have been 70 when he wrote the last six chapters. His age, and the changes in political circumstances (the revolt of Egypt in 486 B.C. and death of Darius in 485 B.C.) account for the differences in style, outlook, and themes between Chapters 1-8 and The Greek manuscript found in the Dead Sea Scrolls contains the end of Zechariah 8 and the beginning of Zechariah 9, with no gap or space between the two chapters. This is an actual BW photo of a piece of the Septuagint, with Zechariah RockofAges.org Page 3

4 Zechariah = Whom Yahweh Remembers Son of Berechiah = Yahweh Blesses Son of Iddo = The Appointed Time Verses 1-6: Call to Repentance Return to Me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts. (v3) Adonai Tsavaot (LORD of Hosts) 52X, underscores God s authority Reminder of what happened to their fathers (judgment) Don t let the same thing happen to you! Return to Me (stay with God!) Visions Begin (8 or 10?) Rider on a Red Horse, Among the Myrtle Trees AND Re-Con Angels Myrtle symbol of Israel, God is watching Earth resting quietly (not good news for the Jews! Promises in Haggai) Rider = Angel of the LORD (Jesus!) Reconnaissance angels walking to and fro throughout the earth Important Promises! I am zealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great zeal. (v14) I am angry with the nations (v 15) I am returning to Jerusalem my house shall be built in it (Temple)...and a surveyor s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. (v. 16) The LORD will again comfort Zion and will again choose Jerusalem. (v17) 4 Horns...horns that have scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem. (v19) Horns symbolize power, strength, nations (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome) The number 4 is found throughout this book. In Hebrew, 4 symbolizes the earth, creation, earthly government, etc. 4 Craftsmen (Carpenters)...coming to terrify them (the 4 horns, nations), to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it. (v19) Persia, Greece, Rome...Jesus? Babylon (1st horn) destroyed by Persia (2nd Horn, 1st Carpenter), Persia destroyed by Greece (3rd Horn, 2nd Carpenter), Greece destroyed by Rome (4th horn, 3rd carpenter), Rome to be completely destroyed by Jesus (4th carpenter!) God raised up 4 empires, and He will bring them all down, using subsequent empires to take out the one before, until the final carpenter - Jesus, who will destroy all human government. RockofAges.org Page 4

5 The rider among the myrtle trees The 4 horns The 4 carpenters All digital artwork by Ted Larson, RockofAges.org Page 5

6 The Visions Continue... A Man with a Measuring Line GOD S PLAN FOR THE JEWS IN A NUTSHELL (Zechariah 1-2) Find God s plan in a nutshell for the Gentile nations in Daniel chapter 2 Both plans go together, but are separate. This chapter primarily speaks of the expansion and restoration of physical Jerusalem, judgment on her enemies, and Jesus second return to establish His Kingdom and reign from Jerusalem. A man with a measuring line in his land (v. 1) Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. (v. 4) Measuring Jerusalem, Jerusalem to be expanded, without walls For I, says the LORD, will be a fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst. (v. 5) God Himself will protect her, even though she has no walls. glory in her midst - Shekinah glory, glory in the tent God will dwell there...flee from the land of the north (v. 6) Get out of Babylon! This applies to then, and future. People living in Babylon at the time should have returned to the land of God s Promise. Later, it will become a reminder that we do not belong to the world. Babylon stands for everything in opposition to God. He sent me after glory, to the nations which plunder you (v. 8) Jesus, second coming? (after glory?) Jesus will return to destroy all the nations that have plundered Jerusalem. Today, that includes just about every nation! He who touches you touches the apple of His eye. (v. 8) An expression of what is most precious, most demanding of protection. Don t mess with Israel! (Remember the Abrahamic Covenant!!) Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me. (v. 9) Me = Jesus, the Messiah, the destroyer of Israel s enemies Sing and Rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst, says the LORD. (v. 10)... Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people (v. 11) Speaks of BOTH comings, first coming, and Millennial Kingdom (second coming), people from all nations will become God s people. Then you will know again..(v. 11) They will look on Me whom they pierced (Zechariah 12:10) First time they rejected Him. Second time THEY WILL KNOW! And the LORD will take possession of Judah (v. 12) When Jesus reigns after second coming, during Millennial Kingdom. (V. 13) Mankind has no voice before God, unless he is fully hidden in Christ. Second Coming and Judgment! RockofAges.org Page 6

7 The measuring line The wall of fire The apple of His eye RockofAges.org Page 7

8 Egypt/ Assyria big, but not world empires used by God to destroy the northern kingdom of Israel. He rejected them as symbolic of those completely turned against Him (no 10 lost tribes though!) 722 BC Israel destroyed, goes into captivity, does NOT return REJECTED NORTHERN KINGDOM NOT INCLUDED IN THE PROPHECIES IN ZECHARIAH, EXCEPT THAT GOD WILL RE- UNITE ISRAEL AS ONE KINGDOM SCOPE OF THE 4 VISIONS IN ZECHARIAH CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 ENCOMPASSES THE TIME FROM FIRST GENTILE OPPRESSION TO THE OVERTHROW OF THE LAST OPPRESSION (ANTICHRIST AND WORLD GOVERNMENT IN OPPOSITION TO GOD) AND HIS PEOPLE) AND USHERS IN THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM. PRETTY BROAD SCOPE!! And we re not done yet! BABYLON 1st Horn Babylon raised as 1st true world power, used by God to punish Judah PERSIA 2nd Horn, 1st Craftsman, to destroy Babylon Persia, 2nd world empire, Cyrus, King of Persia decrees people of Israel to return to land of Israel YOU ARE HERE IN REAL TIME IN ZECHARIAH GREECE 3rd Horn, 2nd Craftsman, to destroy ROME 4th Horn, 3rd Craftsman, to destroy Greece Persia Rome, 4th world empire, brutal, crucified Messiah, the 4th Craftsman. Rome not destroyed, fell apart. To be revived at end of time. OPPRESSION AND SCATTERING OF ISRAEL CONTINUES...4TH HORN STILL IN EXISTENCE. CHURCH IS BORN...TIMES OF GENTILES CONTINUES...God calls those from the Gentiles. God calls His people (Jew and Gentile) to come out of Babylon, both literally and spiritually. Babylon to be destroyed literally. Also represents world in opposition to God. Do NOT align with Babylon! (the world!) (See Revelation 17-18) JESUS 4th Craftsman, to destroy Rome 2 (4th Horn) MILLENNIAL KINGDOM REIGN OF JESUS FROM JERUSALEM We are somewhere In here today THE WATCHER AMONG THE MYRTLE TREES... Greece, 3rd world empire, further oppression, world Hellenized 606 BC 1st siege of Jerusalem, southern kingdom of Judah begins 70 yr captivity in Babylon 536 BC Persia conquers Babylon. Babylonian Empire ends, Persian empire begins, 70 year captivity ends 520 BC Remnant of Jews back in land, under Persian rule. Temple and city not yet rebuilt. Haggai prophecies about getting temple rebuilt. Zechariah prophecies about God s plan for near and far future as ultimate restoration of land and throne of David Israel enlarged, city and walls rebuilt. Enlarging grows, but not the complete fulfillment. (Man with a measuring line...but he s not done yet!) 164 BC Antiochus Ephiphanes (type for coming AntiChrist, Daniel 9) 63 BC Roman Empire Pompei takes Jerusalem 30 AD Jesus dies, 4th Carpenter put to death. Messiah cut off (Daniel 9) 70 AD 2nd Temple destroyed, Jews scattered (the diaspora ) 1948 AD Israel becomes nation again. God bringing the scattered back to the land. Israel still oppressed, but living outside walls the enlarging continues in earnest. God shakes his fist at the nations Armageddon. Jesus returns. The 4th Carpenter destroys Revived Rome (4th horn) (Terrible beast- Daniel 7; Toes of iron and clay (Daniel 2) Revelation 19! God is wall of fire around Jerusalem, greatly expands her borders The glory returns! God takes possession of Israel Jews and Gentiles joined as one people of God ( My people ) Messiah reigns from Jerusalem God DWELLS with His people The New Heavens and New Earth God unites earth and heaven God dwells with His people The eternal state (ultimate heaven) (Revelation 21-22) NUTSHELL SUMMARY OF ZECHARIAH 1-2 RockofAges.org Page 8

9 Another Vision... Joshua, the High Priest, the Accuser and the Angel of the Lord Courtroom drama: Joshua, the High Priest, is excrement bespattered standing before the Angel of the Lord (Jesus!) with the accuser pointing out his filth. The Accuser doesn t have to fabricate anything. It s all true! (Satan = accuser ) Joshua is symbolic for Israel, and all believers as priests of God The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire? (v2) Saved in the nick of time! (aren t we all??) See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes. (v4) God provides clean clothes for Joshua, for each of us (Jesus atonement). This cleansing and re-clothing is strictly GOD s work. Man cannot do this. It cannot be earned. Obedience still required If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command (v7) ( Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua ) For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH. (v8) Messiah is coming (branch of Jesse). One of the names of Jesus. Isaiah 53:2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. Isaiah 11:1, There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots This chapter is about how an infinitely holy God can accomplish such grand plans (chapters 1 and 2) with a sinful and besmirched people. It is about God transforming His people from their own self righteousness to His righteousness. It is a summary chapter of the condition of all mankind before a Holy God, and what He plans to do about it! It is one of the most beautiful pictures in the entire Bible.) A stone with 7 eyes (all knowing, all seeing God) (Revelation 5:6, the Lamb who was slain, with 7 horns and 7 eyes.) How is this stone engraved? His brow, His hands, His feet, His side. It is a divine engraving ) God will engrave its inscription (the rock of our salvation!) I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day (v9) (at death of Jesus, and at second coming!) The price for sin was paid in a single moment, on one day and ultimately Israel will be saved when she looks on her deliverable ( Me, whom they have pierced ) Many miracles described in this chapter: the cleansing of all mankind before a holy God, the coming of the Messiah, the payment for sin to make us holy in one day, the divine engraving of the rock of our salvation, and the coming Kingdom where peace will reign. RockofAges.org Page 9

10 Accused The new robe RockofAges.org Page 10

11 (these are actually ONE continuous vision ) And another Vision... A Very Unusual Lampstand And 2 Olive Trees Unlimited supply of oil (7 X 7, perfect, complete unlimited) Menorah = symbol of nation of Israel, Israel was to have been the lightbearer to all the nations, but failed. Will have opportunity to do so again. ALSO Messiah and branches ( I am the vine, you are the branches John 14) Oil, most defined symbol in scripture = Holy Spirit 7 X 7 = 49?? Official Seal of the Nation of Israel today...not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. (v6) God will do it all, by His Spirit, not by man s efforts (Lampstand in tabernacle/temple normally filled by priests manually, now God will supply automatically all that is needed) Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of Grace, grace to it! (v7) All obstacles removed. Zerubbabel will begin AND finish the rebuilt temple with God s provision and power, not his own. (HUGE lesson!) Then you will know (v 9) (phrase used repeatedly in scripture) The seven (eyes of Zechariah 3:9) rejoice These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth. (v14) Identity of Two Anointed Ones? Revelation 11, Two Witnesses? Zerubbabel and Joshua? Moses and Elijah? Who are the sons of oil? Joshua not mentioned in this chapter...many thoughts...not necessary to know exact identity. RockofAges.org Page 11

12 RockofAges.org Page 12 The Lampstand

13 Visions continue... A Flying Scroll Scroll s length known: 20 X 10 cubits (same as Tabernacle, Solomon s Porch) Judgment begins at home! This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth; Every thief shall be expelled, according to this side of the scroll, and Every perjurer shall be expelled, according to that side of it. (v 3) PREVIOUS VISIONS ABOUT ENLARGEMENT AND BLESSING OF ISRAEL NOW COMES THE JUDGMENT 2-sided scroll! Curse = the Law condemns to death Thief, Perjurer = represents middle commandment of each of 2 sections of the Law representative for entire Law, Word of God Purged = cleaned out (Revelation 22:14-15) It shall remain in the midst of his house and consume it, with its timber and stones. (v 4) Leprosy a type for SIN. Same as what was to be done to leper s house. A Woman in an Ephah (Basket) Woman in the Basket Harlot? Revelation 17...then he said, This is Wickedness! and he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth. (v 8) WICKEDNESS = Everything opposed to God, Lawlessness, False Religion, material goods, power) more important than God 3 ASPECTS OF BABYLON: FALL: Literal 539 BC by Persia DESTRUCTION: Not yet! MYSTERY Revelation 17, Woman Riding the Beast Isaiah 13, 14; Jeremiah 50, 51 Revelation 17, 18 Two women carrying the basket women not angels (seduction?)...and there were two women coming with the wind in their wings for they had wings like the wings of a stork (v 9) STORK = unclean bird, evil To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base. (v11) Land of Shinar = Babylon = Literal world power/city (Fall in 539 BC) Figurative, Tale of Two Cities (Babylon, Jerusalem) A Religious System False Religion/Idolatry (Harlotry, consistent in Word (Hosea; Ezekiel 16, 23; Rev. 17) A Commercial System wealth, power, greed (Rev. 18) Waiting for Rebuilding Will be destroyed completely (all evil, all false religion) for all time God s people called repeatedly to come out of her both literally and figuratively RockofAges.org Page 13

14 The Flying Scroll The Basket The Woman in the Basket Lifting the Basket Women with wings RockofAges.org Page 14

15 Visions conclude. The Four Chariots THIS IS ABOUT WORLD-WIDE JUDGMENT, CONDITIONS AT END OF TIME, OVERTHROW OF ALL GENTILE POWERS An encouragement to the Jews at this time Coming between 2 mountains: Mt. Zion and Mt. of Olives? In valley of Jehoshaphat (Megiddo, Armageddon) Mountains of Bronze = judgment 1st=Red horses; 2nd= black; 3rd= white; 4th= dappled Equivalent to horses in Revelation 6? Red = war, black = famine, pale = death, disease (epidemics), white = conquering, Antichrist 4 Spirits of Heaven = angelic powers waiting for God s go-ahead on judgment Judgment goes north and south (Israel s classic enemies), but also to and fro throughout the earth. Order of horses dispatch may be important: black (famine) then white (conquering) to north, dappled (death, disease) to south; red throughout the earth? (whole earth at war?) And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country. (v 8) North country ALWAYS Israel s enemies. God will judge. He HAS to judge because He is just and righteous. And He WILL. Only then will His Spirit rest. Crowning of Joshua (Yeshua) CROWNING OF THE HIGH PRIEST HERE SIGNIFIES A COMING BRANCH (MESSIAH) WHO WILL BE BOTH HIGH PRIEST AND KING. THIS IS ABOUT THE CROWNING OF KING JESUS FOR HIS MILLENNIAL REIGN. THESE VISIONS CULMINATE IN THE CROWNING OF JESUS. Gift brought from Jews in Babylon who elected to stay there. Told to make elaborate crown and place on Joshua s head (High Priest) Something weird here! Only kings, from line of Judah, are to be crowned, and only those from tribe of Levi to be priests. Now a priest is being crowned. He is BOTH priest and king? Hmmmm..should remind us of another priest and king (Melchizedek, Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 7)...Behold the Man whose name is the BRANCH!... (v 12) Behold the Man.spoken by Pilate! Speaks BEYOND current high priest, Joshua, to coming priest AND king Jesus! BRANCH = Jesus, Messiah, referred as BRANCH, throughout scriptures, Branch of David 4-fold branch (King, Servant, Man, God Gospels) This One will build the temple (both near and FAR.second temple and Millennial Temple) Peace between the two positions of priest and king. This current crown to be a memorial of something in the future! (Same as feasts of God are a memorial of future events, not past) To remind people of God s faithfulness RockofAges.org Page 15

16 The Chariots The Crowning The Branch King and Priest RockofAges.org Page 16

17 RockofAges.org Page 17 (This chart is available in a larger version (11X17), free download at

18 What do we KNOW from this? Rider Among the Myrtle Trees, Re-Con Angels God has promised destruction of Israel s enemies and glory to be returned to Jerusalem, but it s not happening yet (at that time in their history, after return from exile) God (Jesus) is always watching over Israel God is jealous over Israel, and will do what He said He would do The 4 Horns A history lesson in a nutshell There will be 4 main powers that will persecute and scatter Israel Aligns with Daniel 2, 7 (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome.) At this time in their history, they are under the dominion of the 2nd horn (Persia) God unfolds that world powers will continue to scatter Israel The 4 Craftsmen (Carpenters) The history lesson continues, very broad overview of Israel s persecution, and God s plan for history God will use each of the 4 powers to destroy the one before it Israel s enemies will be destroyed, but by another power that will rise up to replace it (Persia conquers Babylon, Greece conquers Persia, Rome conquers Greece.then 4th Carpenter conquers revived Roman empire (Jesus is 4th Carpenter) Man with a Measuring Line Jerusalem will be greatly NOTE: Chapters 1 and 2 are a sort of historical capsule of the general plan (God s plan from current time after exile, until Jesus returns in glory) expanded (near, far, FAR-FAR!) beyond city walls Reminder that Israel s enemies are in the NORTH, and all of God s people should get out of the North, as judgment is coming on them Jesus will be sent to the nations which plunder you - He will bring judgment City walls will not be necessary, as God will be her protection (a ring of fire around her) Jerusalem will be God s throne, many nations joined together as God s people NOW THE VISIONS ARE EXPANDED IN GENERAL SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATIONS OF HIS PLAN OF REDEMPTION, JUDGMENT AND FULFILLMENT OF PROMISES Joshua, the Accuser and Jesus Joshua (each of us) is besmirched dirty before a holy God Satan accuses he s right! God will save, ( pluck from the fire of judgment) Messiah is coming, He will provide clean clothes for Joshua (and us) Accuser cannot accuse anymore, all iniquity removed (in one day both His death and Second Coming) The Unusual Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees Lampstand (menorah) symbol of Israel Israel was to have been light bearer to nations, failed; will have opportunity to do so again Oil = Holy Spirit, unlimited supply Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts - all these things, all history as planned by God, will happen not by man s power, but by God s Spirit God will supply all that is needed All obstacle will be removed by God (both for this rebuilding of Temple, and future events) Two anointed ones (perhaps witnesses of Revelation 11? Moses and Elijah?) (some think relates to Isaac and Ishmael for Jews and Gentiles united as one in Jesus) God s Spirit and His anointed ones are ready and unlimited in power and strength to do God s will The Flying Scroll Scroll is God s Word, alive, active, dynamic and moving Word is also the Law, which will judge all men, beginning with House of Israel Leprosy is a TYPE for SIN The Woman in the Basket Woman=WICKEDNESS, symbolic of all evil, tied to Babylon (Tale of Two Cities, City of Man/Enemy-Babylon, and City of God-Jerusalem Carried by uncleanness (dirty in God s sight) False religion (harlotry), commercial system in opposition to God Basket awaiting a place to settle, then ultimate judgment (perhaps speaks to rebuilding of Babylon so it can be finally destroyed?) God s people repeatedly told to come out of her! (Babylon, wickedness) The 4 Chariots Foresees ultimate judgment of all Gentile powers, not just historical destruction of the 4 world powers Looks ahead to Armageddon, between the 2 mountains Horses of judgment perhaps aligned with those in Revelation 6 (famine/inflation, war, conquest, disease and death) end time conditions Israel s enemies (north and south) ultimately judged, God s Spirit then rests, promises are fulfilled Chapters 1 6 We are dirty before God but He will make us clean Nothing happens except by God s Spirit and His Power He has readied a plan, and all barriers will be removed His Word is alive, active and will judge Wickedness abounds, but is awaiting judgment Judgment of the Gentile Nations will come at Armageddon Jesus will be crowned and will reign over all the nations Vision ends here, but next event is the culminating conclusion: The crowning of High Priest Joshua which stands for the Messiah being crowned and serving dual roles of High Priest and King over His Millennial Kingdom. All promises to Israel will be met at this time. RockofAges.org Page 18

19 The Question about Fasting THIS CHAPTER IS ABOUT HAVING A RIGHT HEART WITH GOD, AND NOT FALLING INTO MEANINGLESS RITUAL. When the heart is right, the ritual is all right. When the heart is wrong, the ritual is wrong. Should we still fast about the fall of Jerusalem? Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me for Me? (v 4-5) For God, or for us? About God, or about us? Not about ritual, but rightness of heart before God Warning not to fall in same trap as forefathers But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known.. (v 14a) Important to remember that God did not ordain or command these fasts they had in question. They were all man-made. God will Keep His Promises about Israel GOD S PROMISES DO NOT DEPEND ON OUR RITUAL BEHAVIOR, OR ON ANYTHING ELSE. HE PROMISED AND HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES. THOSE PROMISES INCLUDE THE RESTORATION OF HIS PEOPLE TO THE LAND, AND PEACEFUL RULE. Continues answer to question from Chapter 7. Furthermore.your rituals have no bearing on My promises! I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervor I am zealous for her.thus says the LORD: I will return to Zion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth... (v 2b-3a) Promises about the Millennial Kingdom.compare to Isaiah 65 God will bring His people back to Israel They will be His people, and He will be their God Rely on these promises they WILL happen! Instructions for what to do (still does not answer about yes or no to fasting!) God s people will be exalted to their rightful place among the nations In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. (v 23) God s people will be blessed during the Millennium, and everyone RockofAges.org Page 19

20 Priests and Prophets Messiah RockofAges.org Page 20

21 The Imminent Destruction of Israel s Enemies THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE GOD PROMISES PUNISHMENT AND SOMETIMES DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL S ENEMIES. These prophecies are quite remarkable because they detail the actual campaign of Alexander the Great s sweep from the North upon Israel s neighbors about 200 years before it happened. But the scope is much broader than just this... Remarkable chapter details the actual northern sweep of Alexander the Great, destroying the cities mentioned: Hadrach, Damascus (ancient Phoenicia), Hamath (upper Syria), Tyre, Sidon, Askhelon, Gaza, Ekron (Philistia) Alexander follows this exact route in actual history Spares Jerusalem (WHY? Book of Daniel?) I will camp around my house because of the army, because of him who passes by and him who returns. (v 8) This is incredible prophecy, but ONLY A TYPE for what will be in final days Prophecy of the One coming on a donkey Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a cost, the foal of a donkey. (v 9) ISRAEL S King is coming...first coming. Future deliverance of Israel Armageddon God s victory Future Strengthening of Judah and Ephraim ISRAEL S CONTINUED PROBLEM OF IDOLATRY WILL BE EVIDENT AGAIN IN LAST TIMES. HE IS ANGRY AT THE BAD SHEPHERDS AND WILL STRIKE THEM DOWN. HE WILL COME (THE CORNERSTONE - V4) TO FIGHT WITH HIS PEOPLE. The latter rain...physical and spiritual, on the land and on the people (lack of rain always a form of punishment) The people will also be spiritually renewed (Spirit-filled!) Israel s problem defined, then and now and beyond. (near, far, and far-far!) - idolatry, false prophets, bad shepherds over people (last days will be full of counterfeits!) For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock God Himself will come and tread down their enemies and fight with them Another scattering coming (Great Diaspora, 70 AD) But, a regathering, too! Current return is only partial. Just wait.! Victory for God s people over their enemies So I will strengthen them in the LORD, and they shall walk up and down in His name, says the LORD. (v 23) God s people will know Him and worship Him and find their strength in Him once again. RockofAges.org Page 21

22 With Lightning Coming Shepherd RockofAges.org Page 22

23 THIS IS A DISTURBING AND HORRIFYING CHAPTER, BUT EXPLAINS WHY THE JEWS ARE SO PERSECUTED. THEIR REJECTION OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Jesus) BROKE THE CONDITIONAL COVENANT. GOD LIFTED HIS PROTECTION AND WILL SEND A FOOLISH SHEPHERD (AntiChrist) in the last days. The Good Shepherd is Rejected, the Foolish Shepherd Will Come Get ready for destruction! The north again is a path for Israel s enemies whom God will use to exact the price of their rejection of the Messiah Open your doors, O Lebanon, that fire may devour your cedars. Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, because the mighty trees are ruined. (v 1-2) (interesting note: history tells us Titus destroyed the cedars of Lebanon, cut them all down to build siege ramps to destroy Jerusalem! God s Word can be taken quite literally!) Feed the flock for slaughter (v4) Israel s shepherds are not good shepherds, they do not feed them and care for them, but lead them astray, and are fattening them up for slaughter many Jews will die. For I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land, says the LORD... (v 6a) God s Two Staffs Beauty and Bonds Literally graciousness and unifiers, binding oaths, etc. (Grace/ covenant) God breaks Beauty (no longer shows them grace and mercy) (v 9 most likely reference to cannibalism documented in Josephus during time of the siege of Jerusalem by Titus [Rome] 70 AD) Then breaks Bonds signifying a break in the brotherhood between Judah and Israel (southern and northern kingdoms). TEMPORARY! Interesting note about the Shepherd s wages Then I said to them, If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain. So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, Throw it to the potter - that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter. (v 12-13) Obvious reference to Judas, rejection of the Good Shepherd. The 30 pieces of silver (silver = blood money, symbol for atonement, redemption in OT) was equivalent to that of an injured slave. Not very much. In other words, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was not even worth a healthy slave s price. Notice I speaking.this is GOD asking! The foolish shepherd (Zechariah most likely acting this out, similar to Ezekiel) God will raise up a bad, foolish (Hebrew immoral, evil) shepherd, will not care for sheep, but tear them up and eat them. Woe to the worthless shepherd (v 17) This is reference to the AntiChrist He will be defeated and overthrown, but will do great damage first (to God s people, and others) Possible physical description of the AntiChrist??? Right arm and right eye damaged (deadly head wound, Rev. 13:3??) Relation to John 5:43? Is Jesus referencing the AntiChrist here? RockofAges.org Page 23

24 Burning Cedars RockofAges.org Page 24

25 Jerusalem a Cup of Trembling National Conversion of Jews GOD IS JEALOUS OVER ZION. NO ONE better mess with her! In the last days, Jerusalem will cause the whole world to stumble and be crushed if they are against her. In the midst of this, the Jews will recognize Yeshua HaMashiach, and grieve over their former rejection of Him. God will then stand and fight for them. Reminder of WHO is speaking here: the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him. (v 1) (nothing is too hard for Him! He will do this.) Jerusalem to be a cup of trembling (or drunkenness ) to all world Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. (v 2) Those who try to move Jerusalem will be crushed Jews will call upon God In that day (the day of the Lord, day of wrath) 7X this chapter God will defend Jerusalem and His people. He will destroy all nations that come against Israel. This is not too hard for Him! Why is He doing this now? APPEARS TO BE NATIONAL CONVERSION OF THE JEWS! And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication then they will look on Me * whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. (v 10) * Hebrew aleph (A) and tau (Z) added here. Equivalent to Greek Alpha and Omega. AMAZING!!! Untranslated no one knew what to do with it! Remarkable verse! Jews will accept Jesus as Messiah. They will see Him, and know He is Messiah, and will grieve deeply over their former rejection. Grace is restored (the breaking of the staff of grace was temporary!) (Romans 11:25-27) Great mourning and grieving over their former rejection will fill the land. Everyone, individually, (not just the collective nation) will grieve, but will also call upon the Name of Jesus (Baruch HaShem! Blessed be the Name!) RockofAges.org Page 25

26 12:1 The One who forms the spirit of man within him 12:10 Pierced RockofAges.org Page 26

27 Israel Will be Cleansed, But in Hard Times National Conversion continues in that day God will purify the land and the people (He will cut off the names of the idols.and the unclean spirit in the land will leave. No more false prophets it will be a dangerous time for any one who wants to falsely prophesy even his or her own parents will kill them. This relates back to OT law (Deuteronomy 18:20). This is not new. GOD WILL PURIFY THE REMNANT OF HIS PEOPLE, BUT THROUGH VERY DIFFICULT TIMES. 2/3 WILL DIE. 1/3 IS LEFT AND WILL BE REFINED. This is during the last days, during the Tribulation period. The Time of Jacob s Trouble will be a terrible time for the entire world, but mostly for the Jews. Messiah s death prophesied: Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion, says the LORD of hosts. (v7) Then the scattering...and then a gap of time. (same gap that is seen in other places, like Daniel, etc. Age of the Church, Age of Gentiles, Times of the Gentiles, etc.) Then the terrible times come: ( Time of Jacob s Trouble, Tribulation) And it shall come to pass in all the land, says the LORD, That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. (v 8-9) The 1/3 Remnant will Call on God They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, This is My people and each one will say, The LORD is my God. (v 9b) Hosea 2:23; Jeremiah 32:37-42; Ezekiel 37: The remarkable connectivity of scripture! RockofAges.org Page 27

28 13:1 Fountain RockofAges.org Page 28

29 Battle for Jerusalem, Armageddon, Return of Messiah, Major Cosmic Events, Judgment and Wrath, the Millennial Kingdom, and a whole lotta other stuff!!!! BEHOLD, the day of the LORD is coming. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem (v 2a) Terrible day for Jerusalem, many will die and be taken captive, but God will preserve a remnant. God will then fight against those nations, as He did with Joshua at Jericho. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS THE CULMINATION OF ALL HISTORY. The final battles, the Lord s return with His saints, changes to the planet, lifting of the curse, demonic forces gone, some terrible form of final judgment, perhaps the neutron bomb, and the Millennial Kingdom on earth. It is a remarkable chapter which shows us the end of time as we know it. NOTE: IN THAT DAY is not necessarily a 24-hour period of time. Most commentators believe it represents the time of the Tribulation, culminating with Armageddon, prior to the Millennial Kingdom. Some even believe it includes the Millennial reign. Messiah returns, huge cosmic events He will stand on the Mount of Olives which will split in two creating a huge valley. Jews will flee through resulting valley like they did during the big earthquake 200 years earlier (from time of this writing) The saints come with Him! Thus the LORD my God will come, and all the saints with You. (v5b) 1 Corinthians 15:23, Revelation 19. The saints (God s people, perhaps those already raptured and all the dead in Him including Tribulation saints, etc.) will return with Him. Big changes in the planet! No light until the evening, living waters will flow from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 47, Revelation 22:1-2) Jerusalem will be raised up and plains will be created around her. This will be the time of restitution of all things. 14:4 On the Mount of Olives RockofAges.org Page 29

30 God s Kingdom begins! And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be The LORD is one, and His name one. (v 9) (The Sh ma, Deuteronomy 6) The curse on the planet is lifted, and demons bound And in that day,...something else. Something that is used to exact judgment on those who fought against Jerusalem...The neutron bomb??? Passages (v.12-15) describe something that causes instant consumption of people and animals, yet leaving the wealth of all the surrounding nations behind for God s people. That describes what the neutron bomb does. This terrible weapon destroys flesh (protein) only, not structures. Only two nations have this weapon Israel and Russia. (USA determined NOT to develop it because of its horrible power.) Feast of Tabernacles will be celebrated (mandatory) each year by all nations (all other feasts have been literally fulfilled by this time) God will rule with an iron fist during this time (see Psalm 2). Will be enforced by withholding of rain. HOLINESS will define God s Kingdom In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts. (concluding verse -21b- in this chapter). Canaanite was usually used for the ancient Phoenicians, and other surrounding pagan peoples in the Land of Canaan, who were defined by their LACK of holiness and very wicked and evil ways. 14:20 Horse Bells 14:20-21 Holy Bowl NOTE: If you want to evaluate a teacher or pastor, ask him or her their interpretation of Zechariah, in particular chapter 14. Zechariah more than any other book in scripture denounces the theory of replacement theology which states that God s chosen, the Jews, are no longer part of His covenant promises. Zechariah is all about God s final keeping of the Covenant with Israel and the Jews. The Church has NOT replaced Israel. We have been grafted in. Replacement Theology is a big lie. The 7 Feasts of God: God s Prophetic Calendar (Leviticus 23, Exodus 12) Spring Feasts 1 Passover death of Jesus, the Passover Lamb, Pesach 2 Unleavened Bread burial of Jesus ( unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies John 12:24) Yom HaMatzot 3 Firstfruits the resurrection of Jesus (the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest) Yom HaBikkurim Summer 4 Weeks (Pentecost) - the coming of the Holy Spirit and beginning of the Church Age (where we are now) Shavuot Fall Feasts 5 Trumpets (perhaps the rapture? Or regathering of Jews?) Rosh HaShanah, or Yom Teruah more literally 6 Day of Atonement (perhaps Day of the Lord ) Yom Kippur 7 Tabernacles the Millennial Kingdom (as discussed here in Zechariah 14) Sukkot First 4 feasts already literally fulfilled. Spring feasts detail Jesus first coming, the 4th feast is about the Church, and the Fall feasts will be about His Second coming. RockofAges.org Page 30

31 REVIEW OF THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH Zechariah = Whom Yahweh Remembers - Son of Berechiah = Yahweh Blesses Son of Iddo = The Appointed Time Who is Speaking? Adonai Tsavaot 52X (Lord of Hosts) THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY AND POWER Chapter 1: Visions Begin Plan for Israel (History in Advance) Call to Repentance Rider on red horse among the Myrtle Trees AND Re-Con Angels 4 Horns = 4 world powers (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome). Gentile domination, Jews scattered 4 Craftsmen (Carpenters?) = each world power will destroy the one before it. Persia, Greece, Rome...Jesus? Chapter 2: Visions Continue Jerusalem Expanded A Man with a Measuring Line = Jerusalem expanded, no walls Get out of Babylon! Second Coming prophesied (before the first!) Millennial Kingdom, people from all nations will become God s people GOD S PLAN FOR THE JEWS IN A NUTSHELL (Zechariah 1-2) Chapter 3: Vision Continue Courtroom Drama Joshua, High Priest, is excrement bespattered standing before Angel of the Lord (Jesus!) with the accuser pointing out his filth Joshua is symbolic for Israel, and all believers as priests of God God provides clean clothes for priest, for each of us (Jesus atonement) Obedience still required Messiah is coming (branch of Jesse) A stone with 7 eyes (all knowing God) Chapter 4: More Visions Unusual Lampstand And 2 Olive Trees Menorah = symbol of nation of Israel, ALSO Messiah and branches Oil, most defined symbol in scripture = Holy Spirit God will do it all, by His Spirit, not by man s efforts All obstacles removed. Zerubbabel will begin AND finish temple The seven (eyes of Zechariah 3:9) rejoice Two Anointed Ones? Revelation 11, Two Witnesses? Chapter 5: More Visions A Flying Scroll and a Woman in a Basket Curse = the Law condemns to death, Judgment of Israel Leprosy a type for SIN Woman in the Basket Harlot? Revelation 17 WICKEDNESS = Everything opposed to God, Lawlessness, False Religion, things (material goods, power) more important than God Land of Shinar = Babylon (future rising?) Chapter 6: Visions End, Future Prophecies The Four Chariots (horses of judgment, Revelation) Mountains of Bronze = judgment 4 Spirits of Heaven = angelic powers waiting for God s judgment signal Crowning of Joshua (Yeshua) Prophecy of the BRANCH = Jesus, Messiah, referred to as BRANCH Peace between the two positions of priest and king RockofAges.org Page 31

32 Chapter 7: The Question about Fasting For God, or for us? About God, or about us? Not about ritual, but rightness of heart before God Warning not to fall in same trap as forefathers Chapter 8: God will Keep His Promises about Israel Continues answer your rituals have no bearing on My promises! Promises of Millennial Kingdom, God will bring His people back to Israel Instructions for what to do God s people will be exalted to their rightful place among the nations God s people will be blessed during the Millennium Chapter 9: The Imminent Destruction of Israel s Enemies Remarkable prophecies about Alexander the Great (exact route!) Prophecy of the One coming on a donkey ISRAEL S King is coming...first coming Future deliverance of Israel, Armageddon, God s victory Chapter 10: Future Strengthening of Judah and Ephraim Another scattering coming (Great Diaspora, 70 AD) But, a regathering, too! Victory for God s people over their enemies God s people will know Him and worship Him and find their strength in Him once again Chapter 11: Good Shepherd Rejected, Foolish Shepherd Will Come Get ready for destruction! (Israel) Israel s no-good shepherds God s Two Staffs Beauty and Bonds - Covenant Broken Prophecy about Judas betrayal The foolish shepherd = AntiChrist Possible physical description of the AntiChrist??? Chapter 12: Israel in the Last Days Jerusalem a Cup of Trembling National Conversion of Jews, Jews will call upon God Great mourning and grieving over former rejection of Messiah Chapter 13: Israel Will be Cleansed, But in Hard Times National Conversion continues, No more false prophets Messiah s death prophesied Then the scattering...and then a gap of time. Then the terrible times come: ( Time of Jacob s Trouble, Tribulation) The 1/3 Remnant will call on God Chapter 14: The Culmination of Man s History Battle for Jerusalem, Armageddon Return of Messiah, with the saints! Major cosmic/earthly events, changes in planet, curse ended (?) Judgment and Wrath Millennial Kingdom (Feast of Tabernacles fulfilled) HOLINESS will define God s Kingdom RockofAges.org Page 32

33 THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH NOTES RockofAges.org Page 33

34 THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH NOTES RockofAges.org Page 34

35 THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH NOTES RockofAges.org Page 35