God Loves All People

⁴ The other angel said, “Hurry, and say to that young man (Zechariah), ‘Jerusalem will someday be so full of people and livestock that there will not be room enough for everyone! Many will live outside the city walls. ⁵ Then I, Myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the Glory inside the city!’” … ¹⁰ The LORD says, “Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. ¹¹ Many nations will join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they, too, will be My people. I will live among you, and you will know that the LORD of Heaven’s Armies sent Me to you. ¹² The land of Judah will be the LORD’s special possession in the holy land, and He will once again choose Jerusalem to be His own city. ¹³ Be silent before the LORD, all humanity, for He is springing into action from His holy dwelling.” Zechariah 2:4-5, 10-13, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The living LORD God Almighty sent Zechariah by His Spirit to encourage His people to REPENT and COME BACK to Him (see Zechariah 1:1, 3). In the past, the living LORD was very angry and displeased with His people Israel and Judah (collectively now called the Jews) because of their past evil-doing, rebellion, and sin against Him and His covenant (Zechariah 1:2, 4, 12; see also e.g., Jeremiah 2:5-8).

The living LORD God Almighty (Yahweh also called Jehovah) repeatedly sent His holy prophets as messengers to Israel and Judah to encourage as well as warn His people to REPENT and TURN from their evil ways and evil doing (Zechariah 1:4; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 24:19; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Isaiah 1:16-19; Jeremiah 7:13, 25; Jeremiah 11:7-8; Jeremiah 25:3-4). There were warnings to Israel’s northern kingdom by such prophets as Hosea and Amos. In the southern kingdom of Judah, such prophets as Joel, Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah repeatedly warned of the living LORD God’s judgment against sin and evil doing. The living LORD God, who is Holy and Sovereign, loved His people and had compassion for them (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:15-16). However, Israel and Judah rejected the living LORD God’s holy prophets and continued to live in disobedience, sinfulness, and selfishness (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 7:11-12; see also e.g., 2 Kings 17:13-15; Jeremiah 35:15).

Because of their sins and unfaithfulness, the living LORD God Almighty severely punished His wayward people and scattered them into Exile away from His Promised Land, Palestine (Zechariah 1:5-6, 21; Zechariah 2:6; Zechariah 7:13-14; Zechariah 8:14; see also Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 28:36-42; 2 Chronicles 36:15-21). Some scholars call this scattering of the Jews the Diaspora (e.g., see Leviticus 26:33; Jeremiah 31:10).[1] In other words, Israel and Judah reaped the consequences of their repeated sins and experienced divine judgment and wrath (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Romans 6:23). The living LORD God turned away from His wicked people! When the living LORD God called and said OBEY His commands, they did not listen; so, when they called, He would not listen to their prayers and fasting (Zechariah 7:13; see also Proverbs 1:24-28; Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 7:21-27; Jeremiah 11:10-11, 14). As the Holy Scriptures teaches, the living LORD God Almighty is patient, but He also judges every deed, including every hidden thought, deed, and action, whether good or evil (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Hebrews 4:12-13).  

Now, the holy prophet Zechariah announced to God’s people to REPENT and RETURN to the living LORD God with wholehearted faith and obedience to Him (Zechariah 1:3; see also Isaiah 44:22; Malachi 3:7). Zechariah boldly proclaimed that the living LORD God could not come and bless His chosen people until they REPENTED and a made a moral turn from their wickedness (Zechariah 1:3; see also 2 Chronicles 7:14). Repentance and obedience are prerequisites to experience the blessings of the living LORD God and His Kingdom! Unlike the previous generations, these listeners followed Zechariah’s message of repentance and obedience (see Zechariah 1:3-6). Because of this generation repentance and obedience, the living LORD God was returning with His grace and forgiveness (Zechariah 1:3, 6, 16; Zechariah 3:3-7; see also Daniel 9:2-19).

Through their repentance and obedience, the living LORD God promised to return to His people and favor them by His Spirit – the Spirit of the LORD to His people (Zechariah 1:3, 6; Zechariah 2:6; see also Haggai 1:13; Haggai 2:4-5). As James proclaims in the New Testament: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NKJV). Zechariah’s announcement of the living LORD God’s Presence with His people evokes earlier divine promises to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and to Moses, Solomon, and others (e.g., see Genesis 26:3, 24; Genesis 31:3; Exodus 3:12; 1 Kings 11:38; Isaiah 43:5; Jeremiah 30:11; Jeremiah 42:11; Jeremiah 46:28, etc.). Amazingly, John the Baptist and his Cousin the Lord Jesus Christ had the same message of Zechariah and other prophets – REPENT and bear GOOD FRUIT (lives) and not wicked deeds (e.g., see Matthew 3:1-2, 8, 10; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 5:1-16; Mark 1:14-15; Revelation 2:5, 16, 21-22; Revelation 3:3, 19).  

The living LORD God wanted to restore, comfort, protect, and bless His people through their repentance, humility, and obedience to Him and His covenant (Zechariah 1:3, 13; see also Leviticus 26:40-41; 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, 17; Proverbs 2:6-7; Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 55:6-7; James 4:10). The living LORD God wanted His people to live good, peaceful, and truthful lives in His world and not deceptive and evil (e.g., see Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:16, 19). The living LORD God declared to Zechariah:

⁹ “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. ¹⁰ Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’” Zechariah 7:9-10, New International Version

Also, the living LORD God declared to Zechariah:

¹⁴ “Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered Me, … ¹⁵ so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, … ¹⁹ … Therefore, love truth and peace.” Zechariah 8:14-17, 19, New International Version

Then, the living LORD through His holy angels gave His prophet Zechariah various night visions (Zechariah 1:7-6:15; see also Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:6, 16). Many biblical scholars believe Zechariah saw these various night visions in one-night. Angelic beings feature prominently in these visions with divine communication. In these night visions, the prophet Zechariah meets the “Angel of the Lord” as well as other heavenly angels as messengers of the true and sovereign LORD.

Also, these night visions include what many scholars call an “interpreting angel” who explained to Zechariah the meaning of these various night visions (see Zechariah 1:9, 13-14, 19; Zechariah 2:3; Zechariah 4:1, 4-5; Zechariah 5:10; Zechariah 6:4-5). Many times, throughout these night visions, the prophet Zechariah asked questions of an “interpreting angel” separate and distinct from the “Angel of the Lord,” and Zechariah received answers from this interpreting angel repeatedly throughout his prophecy (Zechariah 1:9, 13-14, 19, 21; Zechariah 2:2-3; Zechariah 4:1, 4-5, 10-13; Zechariah 5:5, 10; Zechariah 6:4-6). Amazingly, Zechariah’s night visions have many similarities to Charles Dickens’ classic where Ebenezer Scrooge who was also accompanied by the ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future. Like Scrooge’s vision, Zechariah’s visions were all received in one night. Like Scrooge’s ghost, the interpreting angel was present throughout to review Zechariah’s understanding and explain the night visions.

In the first night vision, Zechariah saw the “Angel of the Lord” riding a red horse. Then, the Angel of the Lord was standing among some myrtle trees in a valley ravine (Zechariah 1:7-8, 10-12; see also Genesis 16:10). Behind the Angel of the Lord were other horses that were copper red, sorrel (reddish-brown or speckle), and white, each with its rider (see Zechariah 1:8, 10). Zechariah has a vision of the Angel of the Lord leading a heavenly army or cavalry astride red, brown, and white horses (see also Zechariah 6:2-7). Amazingly, the book of Revelation also references these heavenly horsemen (see Revelation 6:2-8).  

For centuries, biblical scholars have debated the identity of “Angel of the Lord.” Many biblical scholars believe this Angel of the Lord is the Second Person of the Godhead (Trinity) – Jesus the Messiah (Christ) or a Christophany – and Jesus appeared as a Revealer of the living LORD God. Other scholars believe the Angel of the Lord is a Theophany or a self-manifestation of the living LORD God. However, other scholars believe the Angel of the Lord is a spokesman or messenger for the living LORD God. In Hebrew, “malʾach” means “messenger.”

In the Old Testament times, the Angel of the Lord appeared several times as the “Presence” of God. In the Old Testament, the Angel of the Lord appeared to the slave girl Hagar (see Genesis 16:7-14; Genesis 21:17-21), Abraham (see Genesis 18:1-19:1; Genesis 22:11-18), Jacob (see Genesis 31:11, 13), Moses (see Exodus 3:1-6), Joshua before the fall of Jericho (see Joshua 5:13-15), the ancient Israelites (see Exodus 23:20-33, Judges 2:1-4), the poor farmer Gideon (see Judges 6:11-23), Samson’s parents (see Judges 13:3-22), to Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (see Daniel 3:19, 24-25, 28; Daniel 6:22) and now to the prophet Zechariah (see Zechariah 1:11-12; Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 12:8). In Zechariah’s prophet, the Angel of the Lord reports directly to the living LORD God Almighty as He pleads for compassion upon Jerusalem (see Zechariah 1:13).

Then, the interpreting angel stood beside the prophet Zechariah, and Zechariah asked the angel, “Sir, what are all those horses for?” (see Zechariah 1:9). However, the Angel of the Lord answered and informed Zechariah that He and the other horsemen were sent by the living LORD God to patrol and walk the earth (Zechariah 1:10-11; see also Zechariah 6:2-8). The Holy Scriptures speak of the living LORD God as the LORD of Hosts because He is the Leader of His powerful angelic army or heavenly court that patrols the earth and carries out His orders (Zechariah 6:2-8; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 1:6-7; Job 2:1-2; Daniel 7:9-10). Also, these holy angels are ministering spirits sent to serve and help those who will inherit salvation, and they report back to the living LORD God (Zechariah 4:10-11; see also Hebrews 1:14).

Next, the other heavenly riders (messengers) reported to the Angel of the Lord that they had patrolled the whole earth and everywhere there was prosperity, quiet, and peace (see Zechariah 1:11, 15). Upon hearing this report, the Angel of the Lord prayed this prayer: “O LORD Almighty, for seventy years Your anger has raged against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah. How long will it be until You again show mercy to them?” (Zechariah 1:12, The Living Bible Translation). The Angel of the Lord pleaded with the LORD God to end His judgment against Israel and Judah and have mercy on His people (Zechariah 1:12; see also Psalm 80:4; Psalm 89:46).

As mentioned earlier, the living LORD God was previously anger with His people and hid His Presence and goodness because of their many sins and wickedness (e.g., Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 5:1-7; Isaiah 57:17). For a moment, the living LORD God turned away from His wicked and disobedient people but now He was returning (e.g., see Isaiah 47:6; Isaiah 54:7-8). The living LORD God informed His holy prophet Jeremiah that He would again return to His people after seventy years of judgment (Exile) from His Promised Land with peace and overflowing prosperity (Jeremiah 25:11-12; Jeremiah 29:10-14; see also Isaiah 57:18-20; Daniel 9:2-3). The living LORD God promises that when we wholehearted return to Him with repentance and faith, He would return to us with His healing, peace, blessings, and full restoration (e.g., see Hosea 6:1; Matthew 4:17, 23-25; John 16:33; Philippians 4:4-7). The living LORD God brings His perfect peace to those who keep their minds and hearts depended upon Him (e.g., see Isaiah 26:3-4). Nevertheless, the living LORD God does NOT give His peace to the wicked who turns their minds and hearts away from Him (e.g., see Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:19-21). Truly, there is no peace for the wicked!

Next, the living LORD God answered the interpreting angel who stood beside Zechariah, speaking words of grace, kindness, goodness, comfort, and assurance for His people (Zechariah 1:13; see also Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 57:18-19). In other words, the living LORD God promises His repentant, humble, and faithful people a bright future, hope, and comfort (Zechariah 1:13, 16-17; Zechariah 8:15; see also Jeremiah 29:10-11). The living LORD God loves the people of this world (e.g., see John 3:16).

Then the interpreting angel said to Zechariah:

¹⁴ “Shout this message for all to hear: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. ¹⁵ But I am very angry with the other nations that are now enjoying peace and security. I was only a little angry with My people, but the nations inflicted harm on them far beyond My intentions. ¹⁶ “‘Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My Temple will be rebuilt, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem.’ ¹⁷ “Say this also: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as His own.’” Zechariah 1:14-17, New Living Bible 2^nd Edition

The interpreting holy angel wanted to assure Zechariah that the living LORD God still loved His people Israel and Judah with a jealous love (Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 2:8; Zechariah 8:1-2; see also Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9; Joel 2:18). However, now the living LORD God was very angry with the Gentile (non-Jewish or heathen) nations that He used to punish His people’s sinfulness because these Gentile nations went too far with their punishment and disaster to annihilate Israel and Judah (Zechariah 1:15; see also Joel 3:2). Now, these foreign nations would experience divine judgment and wrath (see Zechariah 1:15). Even more, the living LORD God promised to return to His people with mercy and compassion, and He also promised to rebuild Jerusalem and His Temple (Zechariah 1:16; see also Zechariah 2:10-12; Zechariah 8:2-3). Now, His people and the new Jerusalem Temple will once again overflow with the living LORD God’s Presence – abundant prosperity, peace, blessings, and comfort (Zechariah 1:17; see also Zechariah 2:4-5).

In the second night vision, Zechariah looked and saw four animal horns! Zechariah asked the interpreting angel with him, “What are these?” (see Zechariah 1:18-19). The interpreting angel informed Zechariah, “They represent the four world powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem” (see Zechariah 1:20, The Living Bible Translation). Next, the LORD revealed to Zechariah four blacksmiths (craftsmen), and Zechariah asked for the meaning of these four blacksmiths (craftsmen) (see Zechariah 1:20-21). The LORD replied to Zechariah, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people” (see Zechariah 1:21, New International Version). In other words, the nations that devastated Palestine would also be devastated and destroyed. The living LORD God still loved His people – the Jews, and He would destroy and defeat any weapon, tongue, or nations that came against His chosen people – Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (e.g., see Zechariah 12:1-9; Isaiah 54:16-17). As a side note, all obedient believers of Jesus Christ have been grafted and become apart of the living LORD God’s chosen people – the Jews (e.g., see John 1:12-13; John 11:52; Galatians 3:26-29).

Then in the third night vision, Zechariah looked around and he saw a man carrying a yardstick or tape measure in his hand (Zechariah 2:1; see also Ezekiel 40:3; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 21:15-17). Zechariah asked the man, “Where are you going?” and the man said he was measuring Jerusalem (see Zechariah 2:2). The man wanted to see whether Jerusalem is big enough for all the people (see Zechariah 2:2)! The living LORD God planned to fully restore and rebuild His people – Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem – and return with His favor, peace, and prosperity (Zechariah 1:16-17; see also Jeremiah 31:38-40; Ezekiel 36:8-12). The living LORD God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, David and the other prophets will be fulfilled, and Israel and Judah will be a blessing to all nations will be fulfilled (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; 2 Samuel 7:7:12-16; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 44:28; Amos 9:11-15).

Next, the interpreting angel and another angel came forward to talk Zechariah (Zechariah 2:3; see also Zechariah 1:9, 19). The angels informed Zechariah that in the future Jerusalem will become a city without walls — bursting with people and bursting with animals to never again be destroyed (Zechariah 2:4; see also e.g., Isaiah 49:19; Jeremiah 31:23-28; Zechariah 14:10-11). Even more, the angels told Zechariah that many will live outside the city walls, with all their many cattle — and yet they will be safe (see Zechariah 2:4). The living LORD God Himself be a wall of fire protecting the people and all Jerusalem (His Daughter and Bride), and He will live within and become the Glory of the city with His radiant Presence and everlasting Light (Zechariah 2:5, 10-11; see also Psalm 125:1-2; Isaiah 60:18-20; Revelation 21:1-4, 10-11, 22-26). Zechariah’s vision is symbolic of the living LORD God’s divine protection of His obedient people (see Zechariah 9:8) In the Holy City, all God’s people – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) will be righteous and nothing impure, deceitful, and evil will ever enter (see e.g., Isaiah 60:18-22; Galatians 5:19-21; Daniel 12:1-3; Revelation 21:8, 27; Revelation 22:14-16).

Through the prophet Zechariah, the living LORD God told His people to come back to Him and His Promised Land, Zion in the land of Palestine (Zechariah 2:6-7; see also Isaiah 48:20). The living LORD God Almighty was redeeming His people! As mentioned earlier, even though the living LORD God had previously scattered and punished His disobedient people, He was now calling His people to REPENT and turn from their sins with their whole hearts and RETURN to Him and His Land (Zechariah 1:3; Zechariah 7:13-14; see also Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27; Deuteronomy 28:64-67; Jeremiah 3:16-21; Jeremiah 31:10-12; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18). The living LORD God wanted to come and live amongst His obedient people and live within their hearts (e.g., see Leviticus 26:12; Psalm 85:9; Isaiah 12:1-2; Ezekiel 11:16-21).

Moreover, the living LORD God still loved Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem as they were the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8; see also Deuteronomy 32:10). The living LORD God loved His chosen people and was jealous for their affections and wholehearted devotion (e.g., Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9; Deuteronomy 6:15). Therefore, the living LORD God sent His Glory against the nations that hurt and harmed His people (Zechariah 2:8-9; see also John 17:5). The living LORD God promised to punish and turn against His people’s enemies that mistreated and abused Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:15, 20-21; see also Isaiah 52:12; Jeremiah 51:6). God’s people – those who honor and place their faith in Him and His Son Jesus – are precious to the living LORD God (e.g., see Psalm 103:13; John 1:12-13).

Then, the living LORD God – who is the great King over all the earth – encouraged His people to sing and rejoice because He and His Presence promised to be with them to bring His blessings, healing, and restoration (Zechariah 2:5, 10; see also Psalm 47:1-2, 6-7; Isaiah 12:4-6; Isaiah 65:18-19; Isaiah 66:1-3; Ezekiel 37:26-27; Zephaniah 3:16-20; Zechariah 8:2-3; Revelation 21:3-4). Since the beginning, the living LORD God wanted a personal and intimate relationship with His obedient people to bless them (e.g., see Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 26:9-12; Numbers 23:21). In His first coming, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) – who is the Son of the living God and King – came and brought the Kingdom of God along with Kingdom’s blessings, healing, and restoration to all that came to Him in faith (Zechariah 9:9; see also Matthew 4:17, 23-25; Matthew 21:5; John 1:1-5, 14, 16, 18; John 20:30-31). One day, the kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah (Jesus), and He will reign forever and ever with His holy people (e.g., see Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:3-4, 7-8).

In the future, many Gentile nations (non-Jews) will come to and join the living LORD God and His people the Jews, and they too shall worship and become God’s people and His glorious Presence will be with them (Zechariah 2:10-11; see also Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2; Zechariah 8:8, 20-23). Even more, the land of Judah shall be the LORD’s inheritance in the Holy Land - Palestine, for the living LORD God shall once more again bless Jerusalem (Zion) – His chosen city – where His Name can be glorified (Zechariah 2:12; see also 2 Chronicles 6:4-6; Zechariah 1:16-17; Zechariah 3:2).

Therefore, the prophet Zechariah proclaims to all people to be silent and humble themselves before the living LORD God for He will come to earth from heaven, which is His holy home (Zechariah 2:13; see also Habakkuk 2:20). The living LORD God will be King over the whole earth and on that day, there will be one LORD, and His Name only will be worshipped and celebrated (Zechariah 14:9, 16; see also Philippians 2:10-11).

Reference

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets: Volume 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2006).

Rogland, Max. Haggai and Zechariah 1-8: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2016).

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[1] The prophet Moses warned that if the Israelites failed to obey the living LORD God’s covenant (e.g., the Ten Commandments), they would be uprooted from the Promised Land and scattered all over the earth. At least three times in history this kind of dispersion of the Jews took place on a massive scale. Assyria, Babylon, and finally the Roman empire invaded the homeland of the Jews – Palestine and scattered them far abroad.