Sing
and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in
your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves
to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in
your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to
you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land,
and will again choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah
2:10-12
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 2:1-13, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). The commentary broadly describes the theme of these verses as "God's desire to restore and rebuild" Jerusalem. It then shares how this message would have been surprising given how "the city was in such ruin and so unstable that very few wanted to live in it, preferring the surrounding area in Judah" (see also Nehemiah 11:1-2). The commentary then outlines in detail four elements of God's message for His people:
- The exiles remaining in Babylon should return to Jerusalem as quickly as possible (vv6-7)
- The nations that had been harming Israel will be judged (vv8-9)
- God will bless Israel and many nations through Israel (vv10-12)
- All people should be silent in the presence of the Lord (v13)
The commentary wraps for this text by emphasizing how, "[b]ecause of His love for His people, God placed Israel under His own protective and powerful care....God’s overwhelming love for us that protects us, draws us back to Himself, and renews us is the ultimate root of God’s extreme jealousy for us. He will not let us go, because we are precious to Him!"
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who restores, comforts, protects, and so much more! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
