Spirit of Grace

¹ This message (oracle, burden, prophecy) concerning the fate of Israel came from the LORD: “This message is from the LORD, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit…. ⁷ The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. ⁸ On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD who goes before them! ⁹ For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ¹⁰ Then I will pour out a Spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me (Jesus) whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for Him as for a firstborn son who has died.” Zechariah 12:1, 7-10, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Zechariah chapters 12 through 14 contain the final and great section from Zechariah’s prophecy (see Zechariah 12:1-14:21). In these chapters, the prophet Zechariah takes readers to the end times, and he sees a glorious future for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem and the defeat of their enemies through their repentance and turning from sin (see also Jeremiah 7:3-11). Even more important, this last section of Zechariah reveals more about Jesus the Messiah and His glorious future as Lord and King at His second coming in power and great glory to establish the promised Kingdom (see Zechariah 14:16-21).

In these final chapters, Zechariah repeats two important phrases. First, Zechariah repeats the phrase in “that day” (e.g., see Zechariah 12:3-4, 6, 8-9, 11; Zechariah 13:1-2, 4; Zechariah 14:4, 6, 8-9, 13, 20-21). Many biblical scholars believe “that day” is “the Day of the Lord” when the living LORD God of glory brings His wrath and judgment at the end of the age to finally destroy all evil and establish His holy Kingdom through justice for His faithful people.[1] Also, Zechariah emphasizes in these final chapters the phrase “all nations” and “all peoples” that come against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:2-3, 6, 9; see also Zechariah 14:2, 12, 14, 16). Some biblical scholars believe these final chapters are part of the famous “battle of Armageddon” described in the book of Revelation when Satan and his evil alliance come against Jesus and faithful His people (Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:17-21; see also Joel 3:9-16).

Zechariah’s prophecy came in approximately 500 BC. At the time, the Jews were returning from foreign Exile to their promised land, Palestine to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple (see 2 Kings 24:14-16; 2 Kings 25:11). The Jews were small, and the Persians now ruled the Jews (see 2 Chronicles 36:21-23; Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 2:64-65). However, Zechariah proclaimed a glorious future for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem.

Before Christ’s coming to earth at this first coming, the prophet Zechariah had a vision of the future fate of Israel, Jerusalem, and Judah as pronounced by the LORD God (see Zechariah 12:1). Zechariah knew he could trust the living LORD God’s message and predictions because he knew only the living LORD’s sovereign power stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit within humans (Zechariah 12:1; see also Genesis 1:1, 6-8; Psalm 102:25-26; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 45:12; Isaiah 48:13; Jeremiah 51:15; Acts 14:15; Hebrews 1:10-12). The living LORD God – Yahweh[2] – is the Creator and the King of the heavens and earth, and only He gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on the earth (e.g., see Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Isaiah 40:26; Isaiah 51:13; Jeremiah 10:11-12; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:24-26).[3] In the living LORD God, we live, move, and have our being and power (e.g., see Acts 17:28; Ephesians 3:14-17).[4] The living LORD God watches over and controls the heavens and earth and the very people He gave birth (e.g., Psalm 11:4; Psalm 33:13-15, Psalm 139:13-16; Proverbs 15:3; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 18:5-6; Hebrews 4:13). Therefore, the true and living LORD God can ALWAYS be trusted (e.g., Jeremiah 17:5-8, 13-14).

Zechariah sees into the future the glorious victory of Jerusalem[5] and Judah through the living LORD God’s grace and power (see Zechariah 12:1-3, 10; Zechariah 14:1-3). In the future, the living LORD God promises to make Jerusalem and Judah strong to withstand enemy attacks (Zechariah 12:2; see also Psalm 118:14; 2 Timothy 4:17). Zechariah predicted that one day all the Gentile nations on earth would come together to attack Jerusalem and Judah, but the living LORD God will make Jerusalem His instrument of judgment. Jerusalem will become like a very heavy and immovable stone or rock against all the nations that will not yield (Zechariah 12:2-3, 9; see also Isaiah 28:16; Joel 3:1-2; Zechariah 10:3-7; Zechariah 14:1-3, 14). Anyone who tries to move this heavy stone or rock will get crushed and cut into pieces though all nations of the earth are gathered against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:3; see also Isaiah 8:14-15; Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45; Zechariah 9:14-16; Matthew 21:42-44).

Moreover, the living LORD God promises to confuse, blind, and bewilder any armies and their horses that come against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:2, 4; see also Exodus 15:1-21, Deuteronomy 28:28; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Psalm 76:6). For the living LORD God promises He will watch over and keep His eyes open towards the people of Jerusalem and Judah that trusts in Him, but He will defeat all Jerusalem and Judah’s enemies (Zechariah 12:4; see also Psalm 32:8; Psalm 33:18, 21-22). Then, the leaders of Judah will say to themselves that the people of Jerusalem are strong because the LORD of Hosts is their God is their strength (Zechariah 12:5; see also Zechariah 10:5).[6] Truly, if God is for you, who can ever be against you to defeat you (e.g., see Exodus 3:2; Exodus 14:22; Numbers 14:9; 2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 118:6; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4). Those who trust in the living LORD God Almighty need not fear or be afraid because He is with you (e.g., see Jeremiah 1:8, 12).  

Also, in the future, the living LORD God promises to make the clans of Judah like a firepot that sets the forest aflame — like a burning match among the sheaves (see Zechariah 12:6). Judah will destroy or purify all the neighboring nations right and left, while Jerusalem stands unmoved and secure (Zechariah 12:6; see also Zechariah 2:6-8; Zechariah 9:14-16). The living LORD God Almighty declares He will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, and He will become Jerusalem’s glory within the city (e.g., see Zechariah 2:5, 10-12; Zechariah 8:1-2; Revelation 21:10-11, 23-24). Jerusalem is the apple of the living LORD God’s eye, and He loves Jerusalem with a jealous and affectionate love more than any other city (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 87:1-2; Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 2:8; Zechariah 8:3). Moreover, Jerusalem will become filled with a great number of people and animals living within Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:6; see also e.g., Zechariah 2:4; Zechariah 8:3-5; Zechariah 14:10-11). The living LORD God promises to return to Jerusalem and Judah with His mercy, and Jerusalem and Judah will overflow with prosperity (e.g., see Zechariah 1:16-17).

Then, the living LORD God promises to restore and give His salvation and victory to Judah first, before Jerusalem (see Zechariah 12:7). The living LORD God desires that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents not magnify nor overshadow the ordinary people living in Judah (see Zechariah 12:7). Moreover, Zechariah declares that the living LORD God promises to shield and defend the people living in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:8; see also Psalm 91:4; Joel 3:16). The weakest and lowliest amongst Jerusalem will be as mighty and glorious as King David, the man after God’s own heart (Zechariah 12:8; see also 1 Samuel 13:14; Joel 3:10; Acts 13:22).[7] Likewise, the prophet Zechariah proclaims that the royal line of David shall have godlike glory, as the Angel of the LORD[8] goes before and leads God’s people (Zechariah 12:8; see also Genesis 16:7; Exodus 14:19; Exodus 33:2; Joshua 5:13-15). Even more, all faithful and obedient people of God will become empowered and strengthened by the living LORD God’s Spirit to overpower and defeat their enemies (e.g., see Leviticus 26:7-9, 11-12; Deuteronomy 28:7; Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:9-11; Ephesians 3:16-17). The living LORD God declares that His plans is to destroy and make a clean sweep of all the Gentile nations that come against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:9; see also Jeremiah 46:27-28; Haggai 2:21-22; Zechariah 1:21; Zechariah 9:14-15; Zechariah 14:2-3).

Next, the prophet Zechariah predicts the living LORD God will pour out His Spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:10; see also Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 39:25, 29; Zechariah 4:6). In the last days, like the other the Old Testament prophets predict, the living LORD God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people (e.g., see Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17). This Spirit will be the living LORD God’s loving-kindness, mercy, and compassion that will bring new life and power (Zechariah 12:10; see also e.g., Ezekiel 37:5-6, 9-10, 14).

At that time, Zechariah predicts the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will then be able to finally recognize and worship Jesus as both Lord and Messiah and as the One they critically wounded and pierced, without proper ground for a death sentence (Zechariah 12:10; see also Psalm 22:16; Isaiah 53:3, 5; John 19:34, 37; John 20:27; Acts 13:28-30; Philippians 2:9-11). Moreover, the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will weep and mourn for Jesus, whom they unjustly killed and pierced, as a parent grieves the loss of the firstborn child (Zechariah 12:10, 12; see also Matthew 24:30; Acts 2:23-24, 36-37; Acts 3:14-15; Acts 7:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Revelation 1:7). The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem at that day will be even greater and massive than the grievous mourning for the godly King Josiah, who was killed in the valley of Megiddo (Zechariah 12:11; see also 2 Kings 23:29).[9]

Then, everyone of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem will REPENT and cry in profound sorrow when they see the pierced and RESURRECTED Messiah (Christ), whom they killed by hanging Him on Calvary’s Cross (Zechariah 12:12-14; see also Matthew 24:30; Acts 5:30-32). The deep and sincere national mourning and repentance will affect the entire community, both family by family and men and women alike. The families of David, Nathan, Levi, and Shimeites will be bowed down with universal grief and mourning — king, prophet, priest, and people, both high and low (see Zechariah 12:12-13). Each family will go into private mourning, husbands and wives apart, to face their sorrow alone (see Zechariah 12:14).

Many biblical scholars see in the verses of Zechariah 12 the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah). Truly, Jesus is the Rock, Capstone, or Cornerstone of God (Zechariah 12:3; see also e.g., Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 61:1-11; Zechariah 4:7; Zechariah 10:4; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:4-7). Jesus the Messiah is the sure foundation and precious stone of Zion predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45; Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11-12; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19-22). Even more, the Lord Jesus is the powerful and all-seeing Capstone (omniscience) that will defeat and destroy the forces of evil and sin in a single day (Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:7, 10; see also Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16).

Likewise, many biblical scholars believe Zechariah 12 refers to Jesus the Messiah (Christ) at His second coming in the clouds of heaven to establish His Kingdom on earth (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 11:15). At that moment, the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah (Christ), and they will acknowledge and worship Jesus as Lord with deep regret that He was the One whom their forefathers pierced and impaled (Zechariah 12:10; see also e.g., Isaiah 52:13; Matthew 24:30; Acts 5:42; Philippians 2:9-11). Only Jesus Christ was pierced for our wrongdoings and wounded for our sins; however, He gives everyone peace, healing, wholeness, and forgiveness through repentance (turning from sin) and faith in Him (e.g., see Isaiah 53:5, 7-8; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:24; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24-25). The resurrected Jesus Christ, who is Ruler of the kings of the earth, has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father (e.g., see 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:9-10).

Significantly, Zechariah sees the living LORD God’s outpouring of His Spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (see Zechariah 12:10). One of the most beautiful parts of the Holy Scriptures is God’s grace! The LORD God’s grace is His kindness and love. HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! The living LORD God FREELY gives to EVERYONE His Spirit of grace and prayer through REPENTANCE (turning from sin), FAITH (trust), and OBEDIENCE to His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Acts 5:32; Acts 8:9-25; Ephesians 2:5, 8-10). The Lord Jesus Christ is grace (e.g., see John 1:14). Out of the Lord Jesus Christ’s fullness we have all received God’s grace through faith in Him (see John 1:16-17). The Lord Jesus Christ is our DIRECT connection to the SOURCE of the Spirit of grace and prayer, His Father – the living LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see John 1:51 (NLT); John 15:5; Ephesians 3:7; Hebrews 4:14-16). The living and sovereign LORD God GIVES His grace (favor) to everyone who has faith in His Son, Jesus the Messiah. God’s grace is so connected with Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul could speak of the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Timothy 2:1). The overwhelming power of God’s grace is displayed for us in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Moreover, grace is connected to God’s mercy, the atoning death of Jesus Christ, and with our salvation (e.g., see Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 1:10, 13; 1 Peter 5:10). The Spirit of grace and prayer abides and lives within all faithful believers of Jesus to complete the living LORD God’s good works on earth (e.g., see Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 9:14; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13). For believers of Jesus, our calling, our witness, our works are all based on the enabling power of God’s Spirit of grace and prayer in our lives (e.g., see Acts 4:33; Acts 6:8; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:26; Acts 15:40; Acts 20:32; 2 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). God’s grace is His sustaining power within our lives and hearts that strengthens us to obey Him and serve to others (e.g., see Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:10). The Apostle Paul sharply rejected any perversion of the Spirit of grace which failed to recognize that the true experience of God’s grace changes one’s life in the direction of righteousness (e.g., see Romans 6:1, 14-15). GRACE NEVER GIVES FREEDOM TO SIN (e.g., see Jude 1:4).

Some people who read Zechariah and other Old Testament prophecies believe these promises are only for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem – the Jews. The increased blessings of the Jewish people are one of the LORD God’s covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12; Hebrews 11:12). The faithful LORD God of glory graciously chose the Jewish people as His treasured possession and holy people (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Kings 3:8; Acts 13:17).

HERE IS GOOD NEWS - GOSPEL! Through personal FAITH and OBEDIENCE in the Lord Jesus Christ, we Gentiles (non-Jews) also receive God’s abundant grace, righteousness, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s people – Israel and Judah (e.g., see John 1:12-13; John 3:15-17; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:22-23; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Romans 1:5-6, 16-17; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:9). In other words, EVERYONE that place their hope and obedient faith in God’s Son Jesus becomes one with His Father, the living LORD God as the true Israel (Jew or Hebrew) and the true children of Abraham (e.g., see Isaiah 56:8; John 10:16; John 17:11; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:6-9, 26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ unites and reconciles all faithful believers in Him – Gentiles and Jews – to His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see John 14:6; Ephesians 2:15-16, 18, 21; Ephesians 3:6, 12). Believing Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His Father’s household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:15-16, 19-22). As part of God’s family through faith in Jesus, we Gentiles can also approach God’s throne of grace with freedom and confidence (e.g., see Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:6, 12; Hebrews 4:14-16).  Through FAITH in Jesus Christ, BOTH Jews and Gentiles share all the glorious blessings and grace of the living LORD God as His children (e.g., see Galatians 3:26-29).

Therefore, love and trust the LORD JESUS with your WHOLE HEART and MIND, because He is the long-awaited Christ (Messiah) predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 1:16; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 5:42; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:5, 28; Ephesians 3:17). The living LORD God loves and accepts ALL PEOPLE from every nation who humbly and WHOLEHEARTEDLY loves and serves Him and His Son Jesus by faith (allegiance) and does what is right towards others (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; Luke 3:8; Acts 10:1-2, 34-35, 43; Acts 15:9). We have peace and reconciliation with the living LORD God of glory through faith, obedience, and devotion to His Son Jesus, who is Lord of all people (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:11-13; Ephesians 2:14-18).

Reference

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

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

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

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

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

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

Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991).

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[1] The “Day of the LORD” frequently occurs throughout the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Isaiah 13:6, 9; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 13:5; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1, 11, 31; Joel 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Malachi 4:5). The New Testament writers also see the “Day of the LORD” when the Jesus the Messiah (Christ) returns in glory with His holy angels (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 1:6, 10; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10).

[2] Yahweh is the LORD God’s divine name in Hebrew (see Exodus 3:15 Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 24:16). Yahweh is a transliteration of the proper name YHWH that is sometimes rendered “Jehovah.”.

[3] The Hebrew word ruach means breath, wind, and spirit, and ruach represents the breath of life in humans and animals (e.g., see Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:15-22) The loss of God's ruach brings death (e.g., see Genesis 1:1-2; Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:29-30; Psalm 146:4). The ruach is the God-given power to recognize, to will, to understand, and to make decisions. We owe all our spiritual nature and abilities in these areas not to a process of becoming a better human animal but to God's creative ruach working inside our bodies. 

[4] The living LORD God is the reigning and eternal King and Creator who deserves our wholehearted worship, obedience, and love (e.g., Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 6:26; Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 14:7; Revelation 19:6). Heaven is the living LORD God’s throne, and the earth is His footstool (e.g., see Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 66:1-2; Matthew 5:34-35). The all-powerful and sovereign LORD God looks with grace and mercy on those who are humble and repentant in spirit, and who wholeheartedly honors Him and obeys His commandments (e.g., see 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2-4; Matthew 5:3-4; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:13-14; Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:27, 30).

[5] In the Holy Scriptures, Jerusalem is also called Zion.

[6] The living LORD of Hosts is also called GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, LORD All-Powerful, the LORD Almighty, or King (e.g., see 1 Samuel 1:3; Jeremiah 48:15; Jeremiah 50:34). The Hosts consist of God’s angels, human armies, the forces of nature such as fire, hail, and wind, the sun, moon, stars, and occasionally Israel. These forces are the living LORD God’s agents He uses to protect and defend His people (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 10:9-15; 2 Kings 6:17). The living LORD God Almighty is the sovereign King of all, and He controls all the powers of the universe (e.g., see Psalm 97:1; Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 5:24; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 15:3; Revelation 19:6).

[7] King David was known as a man after God’s own heart, despite his failings with Bathsheba described in 2 Samuel 11. When confronted with his sins with Bathsheba, he repented and renewed his wholehearted allegiance and devotion to the living LORD God only (e.g., see 1 Kings 2:1-4). Because of King David’s devotion to the living LORD God, King David’s family line was blessed with the living LORD God’s only begotten Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 13:23).

[8] The Angel of the LORD is God as the Divine Warrior, Rescuer, and Protector (e.g., see Zechariah 1:11; Zechariah 3:1).

[9] The reference is to the slaying of good King Josiah by Pharaoh Neco (see 2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:23-24). Josiah was one of Judah’s greatest kings, and he ruled for 31 years. During his reign, Josiah carried out extensive religious reforms, including removing altars, idols, and symbols of ungodly worship from the Jerusalem Temple, and he returned the people to the wholehearted worship of the living LORD God only. Even more, Josiah rediscovered the Law of Moses and acted immediately on what the Law of Moses taught. However, Josiah unwisely thrusted himself into international politics by marching against Egypt, and he died suddenly in battle. Josiah’s untimely death shocked the nation. The story of King Josiah can be found at 2 Kings 22:1 through 2 Kings 23:30 and 2 Chronicles chapters 34 and 35.