September 22, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Zechariah 8 - One of the neat promises God makes to the Jews is that He will "dwell in the midst of Jerusalem" verse 3, and that when "the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets" verse 5!  What a pleasant picture to think on! 

Zechariah 9 - This chapter gives some of the clearest prophecies regarding Christ's first coming and His rejection by the Jews.  Verse 9 speaks of Him  coming as a King "...riding on a donkey..." verse 9.  Of course, we know that He was rejected.   

Zechariah 10 - Israel's shepherds were not watching over the flock.  It was as if "there is no shepherd" verse 2.  But the Lord "will visit His flock" verse 3 and He will strengthen them and have mercy on them.  The future of Israel will be "as though I had not cast them aside" verse 6.

Zechariah 11 - Again, in this chapter a clear prophecy is given of the rejection of Christ.  "Thirty pieces of silver" verse 12 would be given for Him.  Those silver pieces would be "thrown to the potter" verse 13 which prophecies what Judas did with the money and how the priests bought the "potter's field" with it, see Matthew 27:9,10.

Zechariah 12 - The attack against Jerusalem in the future is discussed in this chapter.  The Lord will save Judah, verse 7.  In the Millennium the Lord will "pour on the house of David...the Spirit of grace and supplication..." verse 10.  At that time the people will look on Christ who they had pierced, verse 10. 

Zechariah 13 - Verses 1-6 speak of the punishment of false prophets in the future.  Verse 7 speaks of the true Prophet, the Messiah, who would be the Shepherd that was struck.  Verses 8,9 speak of the cleansing affect of persecution of God's people that will help purify them.

Zechariah 14 - The Lord's triumphant return is seen in this chapter.  Literally, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem, verse 4.  There will be a river that will flow from Jerusalem, verse 8.  The Lord shall be "King over all the earth," verse 9.  The whole world will be called "to worship the King, the Lord of hosts"  verse 16.