Jesus Is King!

⁹ Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous (just) and victorious (or have salvation), yet He is humble, riding on a donkey — riding on a donkey’s colt. ¹⁰ I will remove the battle chariots from Israel (Ephraim or the ten northern tribes of Israel) and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your King will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. ¹¹ Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death in a waterless dungeon. ¹² Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. Zechariah 9:9-12, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

For many biblical scholars, Zechariah chapter 9 marks a radical shift or turn in Zechariah’s prophecy. Some scholars have noted that the original language and wording from Zechariah chapters 1 through 8 and chapters 9 through 14 are different. Because of these changes, some scholars argue another ancient author and not the prophet Zechariah wrote chapters 9 through 14. In fact, some scholars have noted chapters 9 through 14 contain no explicit reference to the prophet Zechariah but uses the living LORD God’s direct speech. Even more, Matthew 27:9 when quoting Zechariah 11:12-13 assigned the prophet Jeremiah as the author.

Possibly, Zechariah chapters 9 through 14 dates from a later period in Zechariah’s ministry. The prophet Zechariah ministered from approximately 520 to 480 BC (before Christ) to encourage post-exilic Jews returning from foreign Exile into God’s Promised Land (Palestine) to have hope and faith in the living LORD God. Despite these arguments, other biblical scholars have noted many similarities and the common themes throughout chapters 1 through 14 about the glorious future for Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, the Gentile world, and most importantly about the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Zechariah 1:16-17; Zechariah 2:4-5, 10-12; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 4:6-7; Zechariah 6:9-15; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 14:9). Zechariah calls for ALL PEOPLE to look forward to a glorious future with the coming Messiah-King, who is also Savior of the world!

The prophecy of Zechariah has explicit references about the Messiah-King at this first advent (arrival) and His second coming (eschaton) as King! The key to Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem’s glorious future is a coming Messiah-King to rule and lead not only Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem but THE WORLD – from sea to sea (see Zechariah 9:9-10). Zechariah’s prophecy is clear: the nations will worship at Jerusalem, and the LORD will be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9, 16-17; see also Isaiah 2:2-4; Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 11:15). Finally, ALL PEOPLE will honor and worship the King – the true and living LORD God (Yahweh, also known as Jehovah or I AM) and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Luke 1:32-33; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 18:33, 36-37; Philippians 2:6, 10-11). Until then, the living LORD God’s eyes watch over all the world – the good and the bad (Zechariah 9:1; see also e.g., 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 33:13-15, 18; Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17; 1 Peter 3:12). The living LORD God controls the world – Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) (see Zechariah 9:1).

Zechariah chapter 9 opens with the LORD God’s judgment against Israel and Judah’s enemies. Some scholars argue that Zechariah 9 is Zechariah’s predictive prophecy about Alexander the Great and his future military victories (see Zechariah 9:1-8). Amazingly, Zechariah’s prophecy sketches the march of Alexander the Great through Syria (Aram), Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon), and finally Philistia from 333 through 332 BC (see Zechariah 9:1-8). Some scholars have argued that Alexander the Great was an agent of the living LORD God to destroy Israel and Judah’s enemies. Zechariah 9 assures God’s people they need not fear their enemies because the living LORD God protects them and defeat their attackers (Zechariah 9:1-8; Zechariah 12:9; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 115:9-11).

In approximately 500 BC, the living LORD God through His servant Zechariah declared His message or oracle; some translations say burdens (Zechariah 9:1; see also Zechariah 12:1; Malachi 1:1). Zechariah’s oracle – the word of the LORD – involved the coming destruction and doom against the foreign nations Syria (Aram or Hadrach), Damascus, Hamath, and the Phoenicians (Tyre and Sidon) (Zechariah 9:1-2; see also Isaiah 17:1; Isaiah 23:1-2, 4, 11-12; Jeremiah 25:15-26; Jeremiah 49:23-27; Ezekiel 26:1-28:19; Amos 1:3-5, 9-10). All these territories are within Syria-Palestine.

Notably, Zechariah predicted that Tyre and Sidon would be destroyed (see Zechariah 9:2-4). Similarly, the prophet Ezekiel predicted Tyre’s destruction (see Ezekiel 26:14). Tyre and Sidon trusted in their smarts and skills, and not the living LORD God (see Zechariah 9:2). Further, Tyre relied on their great wealth of gold, silver, and military power (Zechariah 9:2-4; see also Ezekiel 26:3-5; Ezekiel 28:2-10, 18). Tyre was built on an island a half-mile from the shore, which seemed secure and strong – an island fortress (see Isaiah 23:4; Ezekiel 26:5). Also, Tyre was the major power of trade and commerce with abundant wealth (e.g., see Isaiah 23:2-3, 8, 18; Ezekiel 26:12; Ezekiel 27:3-27, 22; Ezekiel 28:4-5, 7, 12-14-16-18). As predicted Ezekiel’s prophecy in approximately 500 BC, Tyre was destroyed by Alexander Great in July 332 BC and has never been rebuilt (see Ezekiel 26:12-14). Indeed, material wealth cannot buy anyone deliverance away from the living LORD God’s judgment and wrath (e.g., see Proverbs 11:4; Zephaniah 1:18).

Even more, the prophet Zechariah predicted that the Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron would see Aram, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon’s destructions and be filled with fear, desperation, and terror (see Zechariah 9:5). Even then, the prophet Zechariah predicted destruction by the living LORD God of the Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod (Zechariah 9:5-6; see also Amos 1:6-8; Ezekiel 25:15-17; Zephaniah 2:4-7).

Remarkedly, these foreign nations were prideful, greedy, and cruel (see Zechariah 9:3-4, 6-7). Even worse, these nations did not trust and worship the living LORD God and obey His good ways (Zechariah 9:7; see also Amos 1:3-2:5). Instead, these foreign nations were led away by false gods, idolatry, and pride (see Zechariah 9:7). In this prophecy, Zechariah sees the living LORD God as a Divine Warrior who brings His judgment against these wicked and prideful nations. The living LORD God will judge every nation by the standard of right and wrong! As the book of Proverbs teaches, pride always goes before destruction (e.g., see Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 16:5, 18; Proverbs 29:23).

After the LORD’s judgment, the prophet Zechariah predicted a remnant of these foreign Gentile nations will join His chosen people, Israel and Judah, and be united with His people (Zechariah 9:7; see also Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 14:1; Micah 4:2-4; Zechariah 8:8, 20-23; Ephesians 2:12-19). Then, Zechariah predicted these united and faithful people of God would be a family or Temple brought together in Judah (see Zechariah 9:7). Even more, the living LORD God promises to live amongst His faithful people and continually guard His faithful people against harm, enemy attack, and danger (Zechariah 9:8, 10; see also Zechariah 2:5, 10; Zechariah 10:3-5; Zechariah 12:4-5). As predicted by Zechariah, Alexander the Great amazingly spared Jerusalem and its Temple during his invasion and destructions of Tyre and the Philistine cities.

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! The prophet Zechariah predicted a coming King or Ruler that will be the Capstone (Zechariah 9:9; see also Isaiah 12:6; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Micah 5:2, 5; Zephaniah 3:14-15; Zechariah 2:10; Zechariah 10:4; Matthew 2:2). This coming King would be called the Righteous One and the Victor because He would be filled with goodness, mercy, grace, fairness, victory, and wisdom (Zechariah 9:9; see also Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 42:1-4; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:11-16). Indeed, the Messiah-King will be the ideal king obediently conforming to the divine standard of morality and ethics, particularly as revealed in the Mosaic covenant and Psalm 72 (e.g., see Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 2 Samuel 23:1-4; Psalm 72:1-11). However, the prophet Zechariah predicted the coming Messiah-King would be humble, kind, and patient (Zechariah 9:9; see also Isaiah 53:2-3, 7; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:6-7).

Even more, the coming King would bring salvation and grace and unite ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles – as the Capstone (Cornerstone) (Zechariah 9:9; see also Psalm 118:22; Zechariah 4:7; John 11:52; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:4-10). The Messiah-King will not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (e.g., see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). Indeed, the Messiah-King will fulfill the Abrahamic covenant to bless ALL NATIONS through faith in Him (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17-15; see also Galatians 3:8, 16). Importantly, Zechariah predicts the coming Messiah-King will proclaim peace to the nations (Zechariah 9:10; see also Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-10; Micah 5:10-11; Luke 2:14; John 16:33; Colossians 1:19-20). The Messiah-King’s sovereign rule will extend from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth (Zechariah 9:10; see also Psalm 72:8).

Amazingly, other Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Zephaniah also predicted a coming King or Ruler from King David’s family line (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Micah 5:2-5; Zephaniah 3:14-15; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15-18; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14, 27). The book of Zechariah along with the other Old Testament books – the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms – ALL POINT TO THE MESSIAH (Christ) (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Luke 24:25, 27, 44-45; John 1:45; John 5:39-40, 45-47).[1] Messiah is a transliteration of Hebrew word meaning, “Anointed One” when translated into Greek is Christos or English as Christ (e.g., see John 1:41-42; John 4:25-26, 29). The Holy Scriptures teaches that our father Abraham, the prophet Moses, and many other great prophets and righteous servants of the Old Testament saw in the distance the coming Messiah-King and rejoiced (e.g., see Luke 10:24; John 8:56; Hebrews 11:13, 26; 1 Peter 1:10-12).

When the New Testament opens, the Gospel writers declared that the long-awaited and predicted Messiah-King had finally arrived in the Personhood of Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:1, 14-15; Luke 1:30-35; John 1:1-5). The New Testament Gospel writers attributed Zechariah’s prophecy of a coming King-Messiah to the Lord Jesus (see Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-15, quoting Zechariah 9:9). When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what we traditionally call “Palm Sunday,” the Gospel writers linked Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as King to Zechariah’s prophecy (see Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19).

During His public ministry on earth, Jesus declared to the Jewish leaders that they searched the Scriptures believing the Scriptures will give them eternal life (see John 5:35, 39). However, Jesus declared that the Old Testament Scriptures point to Him, as He is the Prince and Author of life (John 1:4; John 3:15-16; John 5:39-40; John 6:27, 35, 47-48; see also Acts 3:15). Jesus professed to the Jewish religious leaders that Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms wrote about Him and testified about His glory (John 5:46-47; see also Genesis 3:15; Luke 16:29-31; John 12:41; Romans 15:8; Hebrews 11:26). The Old Testament stated that everyone who believed in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through His Name (e.g., see Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 31:34; Zechariah 13:1; Luke 24:27; Acts 3:18-19; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:22-23).

In particular, the Gospel of John declared that Jesus is God and King who existed with His Father – the living LORD God (Yahweh, the Great I AM) – from the beginning of all creation (John 1:1-3, 18, 29-30; John 14:9; John 18:5-6, 8, 33-37; see also e.g., Exodus 3:13-14; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15-20). Jesus is ONE with His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see John 10:30, 38; John 14:9-11, 20; John 17:11, 21-23). Jesus existed BEFORE Abraham, Moses, and the prophets as He existed before the world began (John 1:2; John 8:58; John 17:5, 24; see also Colossians 1:17). Abraham, Moses, and the Old Testament prophets saw and predicted the Messiah’s coming (John 1:45; John 8:57-58; see also Luke 24:27, 44-45; Romans 15:7-9). Moreover, the New Testament declares that Jesus is Jewish (see John 4:9), the Great Prophet (see Matthew 21:11), the Christ (see Matthew 1:1, 16-17), a Rabbi or Teacher (see John 20:16), and our Savior (see Luke 2:10-12)!

The living LORD God sent His Son Jesus into the world for many reasons. Truly, Jesus is the “Siloam” (or the “Sent One”). First, the living LORD God sent His Son Jesus into the world to bring salvation and peace (e.g., see John 1:33; John 3:16; John 4:34; John 5:24; John 6:38-39; John 8:16, 18; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15). Everyone who BELIEVES and OBEYS God’s only begotten Son Jesus is SAVED (kept safe) from the Evil One and ADOPTED by the living LORD God of heaven and earth as His children through the Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8, 15-18, 36; John 5:24; John 6:40, 47; John 10:7-10; John 11:25-26; see also Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31; Galatians 3:26-28). Jesus is our Passover Lamb and Savior, who takes away our sins through faith in Him (John 1:29, 36; see also Matthew 1:21; Romans 3:23-25; Revelation 5:6). Moreover, the living LORD God sent His Son Jesus into the world to reveal His Name (character and nature) and His unfailing love for the world so that we can be united with Him (John 1:14-18; John 3:16; John 17:6, 20-21, 26; see also Exodus 34:5-7). Finally, the living LORD God graciously sent His only begotten Son Jesus into the world that He might bring EVERYONE to repentance and save the world through His Son Jesus (John 1:29; John 3:16-17; John 12:47; see also e.g., Isaiah 53:11; Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; 1 John 4:9).

Through faith in the Lord Jesus, EVERYONE can obtain access to the living LORD God of heaven and earth and His unending grace and acceptance (John 1:14-17; see also John 12:26; John 14:6; Hebrews 4:14-16). The Lord Jesus is the ONLY way to the living LORD God (John 10:7, 9; John 14:6; see also Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12). THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE STAIRWAY BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH (see John 1:51, New Living Translation, 2^nd Edition).

Jesus is the Messiah and King (e.g., see Matthew 1:16-17; Matthew 16:16, 20; Luke 2:10-11). The Gospels testify that Jesus is the long-awaited Servant, the Chosen One of God, the Messiah (which means “Christ”), and King of the world (John 1:34, 41, 49; John 4:25-26; John 6:69; John 12:12-13; John 20:30-31; see also Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 1:16-17, 21; Matthew 2:2; Mark 1:24; Mark 8:29; Matthew 27:11, 42). John the Baptist repeatedly proclaimed to the crowds that the long-awaited King and Messiah predicted by Moses, the Old Testament prophets, and Psalms had finally arrived in Jesus (John 1:6-9, 15, 23, 29; John 3:26; John 11:27; see also e.g., Isaiah 40:3). The Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul spent their lives declaring the message from the Old Testament that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) and salvation is found in Him alone (Acts 2:36, 38-40; Acts 5:42; Acts 9:22; Acts 10:36; Acts 17:2-3; Acts 18:5, 28; Acts 26:21-23; Acts 24:14-16; 2 Timothy 3:15; see also Matthew 1:1, 16; Matthew 16:16; Luke 2:10-11). During Jesus’s public ministry, the people declared that Jesus is the King and Savior of the world of Israel (John 1:49; John 3:17; John 4:42; John 12:9; see also Matthew 1:21; Matthew 2:2; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23; Romans 11:14; Titus 2:13-14; 1 John 4:10, 14).

During His public time on earth, Jesus performed many miraculous signs that testified and revealed His glory as the long-awaited Messiah-King, Prophet, and the Son of the living God (John 2:7-11, 23; John 3:2, 16-17; John 4:45-46; John 5:36; John 6:14-15; John 10:24-32, 37-38; John 11:47; John 12:17-19, 37; John 14:11; John 20:30-31; John 21:25; see also Matthew 11:4; Matthew 16:16). As predicted by the prophets, Jesus taught the people with heavenly authority, healed the sick, forgave sins, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, walked on water, and feed the hungry were just some of the miracles recorded in the Gospel messages (John 4:46-54; John 5:1-15, 20; John 6:2, 5-12, 19; John 7:14-15; John 8:11; John 11:1-45; John 12:9; e.g., see Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 49:9; Isaiah 51:14; Isaiah 61:1-2; Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 11:1-6; Mark 1:39; Luke 4:18-19; Luke 7:22; Mark 2:5; Luke 7:47-48; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38). Because Jesus was God, Jesus could discern the secret thoughts, motives, and hearts of all humans (John 1:48; John 2:24-25; John 6:61, 64; John 18:4; see also 2 Chronicles 6:30; Jeremiah 17:10; Matthew 9:4; Acts 15:8). NO OTHER HUMAN DID THE MIRACULOUS SIGNS OF JESUS!

In Jesus was eternal Light and an indestructible Life (John 1:4-5; see also e.g., John 3:19; John 5:26; John 6:35, 51, 57-58; John 8:12; John 11:25; John 14:6; Acts 3:15; 1 John 1:1-2). The Resurrected Jesus gives everyone that comes to Him by faith His light and indestructible life-giving power – the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, also called “living water,” is Jesus’ gift to all who come to Him by faith (John 4:10, 14; John 5:26; John 7:37-39; John 17:2; see also Isaiah 55:1). To receive Holy Spirit, Jesus called EVERYONE to REPENTANCE (turning) AWAY FROM SIN and TURNING TO HIS FATHER, the living LORD God of heaven and earth, and OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS (John 5:8-9, 14-15; John 8:11; John 14:15-16, 21, 23-26; John 15:9-10, 12, 17; see also Matthew 4:17; Matthew 18:3; Mark 1:14-15; Mark 2:5; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 5:31-32). The Lord Jesus is the Judge of sins (John 5:22-24, 27, 30; John 17:2; see also Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31). Jesus gives forgiveness of sins and eternal life to EVERYONE who OBEYS His message and BELIEVE in His Father, the living LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see John 3:14-18, 36; John 5:24; John 8:51; John 11:26). Everyone who does what is right and good comes to Jesus, the Light of the world (see John 3:21; John 5:29).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd that UNITES people (Jews and Gentiles) to His Father, the living LORD God (John 10:11, 14, 16, 31; John 11:51-52; John 12:32; John 17:11, 20-23; see also Ephesians 2:11-22). The prophet Ezekiel predicted a Good Shepherd would come from God that cares for God’s people (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:23; Ezekiel 37:24). Jesus fulfills the prophet Ezekiel’s prophecy. Also, Jesus is the Capstone of God’s united people where the Holy Spirit indwells His people – the flock (John 10:16; see also 1 Peter 2:4-8). As a Good Shepherd, Jesus cares and protects God’s people who come to and obeys Him (see John 10:11, 15, 17). He willingly gave His life as the Passover Lamb to protect God’s people and to take away our sins and transgressions (John 1:29, 36; John 10:17-18; see also Isaiah 53:7-8, 12; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation 5:6, 8-10). Jesus is our peace (John 14:27; John 16:33; see also Ephesians 2:14).

Returning to Zechariah 9, the prophet predicted the Messiah-King would come and bring peace from sea to sea (see Zechariah 9:9-10). Some biblical scholars attribute Zechariah 9:9 to Jesus’ first advent (arrival) to earth and Zechariah 9:10 to Jesus’ second coming at the end of the age. Having introduced the Messiah-King in Zechariah 9:9, some biblical scholars believe verses 10 through 17 of Zechariah 9 look forward to the end-time and the future Kingdom. The fulfillment of verse 10 has not yet come. In fact, after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension to heaven, warfare, and conflict continued amongst the nations.

Like many messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, some scholars believe verses 9-10 combine more than one appearance of the Messiah. That is, Zechariah chapter 9 did not distinguish between Jesus’ first coming into the world and His second coming when He will establish His Kingdom on earth (see also Zechariah 14:9). The entire age of the church fits between Zechariah 9:9 and 9:10, just as it does between Isaiah 9:6 and 7, and after the comma in Isaiah 61:2. Thus, some scholars argue that Zechariah 9:10 describe what will happen when Jesus returns at His second coming to earth to defeat His enemies, establish universal peace amongst ALL PEOPLE, and finalize His Kingdom.[2] At His first advent, Jesus rode a humble donkey; but at His second advent, He will ride a white horse and lead the armies of heaven (see Revelation 19:11-16).

Furthermore, the prophet Zechariah foretells the King’s deliverance and redemption because of His blood covenant (see Zechariah 9:11). Notably, the covenant at Mount Sinai was sealed by the blood (Exodus 24:3-8; see also Hebrews 9:18-22). King Jesus’ sacrificial blood shed on Calvary’s Cross purchased our freedom from hopelessness and eternal death caused by our sinfulness (Zechariah 9:11; see also Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 61:1-2; Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Ephesians 4:8; Hebrews 9:16; Hebrews 13:20-21). Through faith in Him, Jesus rescues us from the prison of sinfulness that lead-s to death and brings new life (e.g., see Romans 8:1-2). Therefore, the living LORD God calls ALL PEOPLE to COME BACK to Him to find hope, restoration, and freedom (Zechariah 9:12; see also 2 Corinthians 5:20). The living LORD God promises renewal with repayment of two blessings (a double portion or bonus) for our losses (Zechariah 9:12; see also Isaiah 40:2; Isaiah 61:3, 7). Those who honor, trust, and seek the LORD lack no good thing (e.g., see Psalm 23:1; Psalm 34:9-10; Psalm 84:11; Philippians 4:19-20).

Next in verse 13, some scholars believe this section refers to the Jews victory over the Greeks (also known as the sons of Javan) during Maccabean revolt in 2^nd century BC (166 – 160 BC). In fact, some biblical scholars argue verses 10 through 17 were fulfilled by the Jews during the Maccabean revolt against Greece (particularly of Antiochus Epiphanes). In this section, the living LORD God declared that Judah is His weapon and bow and Israel (Ephraim) is His arrow to the string to defeat Greece (Zechariah 9:13; see also Daniel 10:20). Essentially, Israel and Judah are the living LORD God’s weapons (see Zechariah 9:13).

However, verses 14 through 17 of Zechariah 9 could also refer to the final battle at the end of the age with the coming of the LORD in the clouds (see also Isaiah 66:15-16; Matthew 24:30-31). In verse 14, Zechariah declared the LORD will appear above His people, and His arrows will fly like lightning (see Zechariah 9:14). Then, the Sovereign LORD will sound the ram’s horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert (see Zechariah 9:14). As Divine Warrior, the living LORD God will protect and strengthen His people and defeat their enemies once and for all (Zechariah 9:15; see also Isaiah 31:5; Zechariah 10:4-7; Zechariah 12:6-8; Zechariah 14:3, 10). Next, the prophet Zechariah forecasts the living LORD God will rescue and save His people, just as a shepherd protects His sheep (Zechariah 9:16; see also Psalm 100:3). His victorious people will sparkle and shine in His land like beautiful jewels in a crown (see Zechariah 9:16-17). God’s people will thrive and flourish with abundance, beauty, and plenty (Zechariah 9:17; see also Isaiah 62-3-4).

How great and good is the LORD! The living LORD God has revealed these great miraculous wonders so that EVERYONE will know that the LORD is God; besides Him, there is no other (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:6). The LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him can ALWAYS be trusted (Zechariah 12:1; see also Genesis 1:8; Psalm 104:2; Isaiah 42:5). TRUST AND HOPE IN THE LORD!

References

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).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

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

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).

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[1] E.g., see Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18; Numbers 21:9; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 8:8, 10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Isaiah 61:1-3; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 9:24-27; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 9:25; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 6:9-15; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:7; Malachi 3:1; Psalm 2:6-9; Psalm 2:6-9; Psalm 16:10; Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 34:20; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:1-9, 20-21, 26; Psalm 72:1-17; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:22-26.

[2] The second advent or second coming of Christ is the coming of God to earth. The Holy Scriptures repeatedly foretells many times – plainly without misinterpretation of Christ’s second coming at such passages at Deuteronomy 30:2-3; Zechariah 14:3-4; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:3-14, 27; 36-39; Matthew 25:31-32; Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:25-28; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 22:7, 20.