Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
JOY
Zechariah 9:9; 12:10; 13:1, 7–9; 14:3–9
The last six chapters of Zechariah are divided into two oracles. Chapters 9–11 constitute the first, while Chapters 12–14 constitute the second. Both oracles begin with the promise of judgment on Israel’s enemies, and then both oracles point to one who would come. In the first oracle, he is called Israel’s “king,” the “Lord” and a “shepherd.” In the second oracle, he is called the one “whom they pierced” and a “shepherd.” The first oracle ends with the divine shepherd-king being detested and rejected by the flock. This person is also rejected in the second oracle, to the point of being pierced and struck, implying his death. The second oracle, however, does not end with the divine shepherd-king’s rejection. In Chapter 14, Zechariah described a celebration of the day of the Lord and the consummation of the Kingdom.
Rejoice Over the Savior (9:9; 12:10)
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion” and “shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem” because God is going to judge your enemies. Zechariah called on the people of Jerusalem to rejoice over a new sovereign.
After announcing the king’s coming, the prophet described the king’s character. He is “righteous” and, therefore, saving; he is “humble” and, therefore, peaceful. In contrast to most kings, he is “humble,” or gentle.
Zechariah 12:10 provides the people with another reason to rejoice. The Lord would not only deliver His people physically but also spiritually. God was going to pour out His Holy Spirit on His covenant people. Because of the convicting work of God’s Spirit, Israel would turn to the Messiah with mourning. They would not simply be looking at the Messiah literally but looking to Him in faith for salvation. Genuine salvation always results in joy.
This is quite a verse. What would a Jewish prophet who has been taught monotheism in the sixth century B.C. be doing putting these words into the mouth of God and speaking it to the priests? “And they will look at Me whom they pierced?” In his Gospel, John recounted the crucifixion and included the story of the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. And he quoted this passage from Zechariah and declared it fulfilled. In this amazing verse, the Lord said, “they will look (future tense) at Me whom they pierced” (past tense). How can they pierce Yahweh? Only if He had flesh. But how could they look in the future on this one they have pierced and killed in the past? Only if He comes to life again. Only if He returns. We should praise the great Messiah, Jesus, and honor Him. We should rejoice over Him and sing about Him with all of our being.
Rejoice Over Cleansing (13:1, 7–9)
In Zechariah, God Himself comes as our Messiah Deliverer. He judged the nations and protected His people. He purged His people and blessed them. He made the difference. His jealous love impelled Him to return to His unresponsive people. God provided a fountain that cleanses His people from their sin. This fountain washed away their sin and impurity. The forgiveness of sin was made possible through the atoning death of the pierced one (Zech. 12:10).
The shepherd would be struck and the sheep scattered, but through the suffering of the Messiah, people would be cleansed from all of their sin.
The apostle John wrote, “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection are the basis for Christianity. The New Covenant promises are only realized in our lives as we repent of our sin and trust Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Rejoice Over the Coming King (14:3–9)
Christians can rejoice no matter how difficult life may be at the present because King Jesus is going to return. When He returns, He will bring victorious judgment on all who are opposed to Him and blessing to those who are looking for His coming.
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