For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3
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 today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21). Here the commentary depicts the text for this division with the title Satan’s Gruesome Attack on Jerusalem. It then shares how the text provides a glimpse of what will happen to Jerusalem at the Battle of Armageddon during end times (see Revelation 16:16 and 19:11-20), describing the scene: "[t]he intent of this worldwide attack will be to impose satanic authority on Jerusalem and to subdue God’s people completely." The commentary then emphasizes how at that point God steps in to finally defeat Satan. We are reminded that our safety and refuge "does not depend on our distance from danger...[but instead] on our nearness to God," implying that is where our focus should be. God is always with us and He will help us overcome anything the world will ever throw at us - He will save us and we will overcome (see John 16:33). God promises to remain near to those who remain near to Him (spending time with Him in scripture study, prayer, etc.) - see Jeremiah 29:13.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and my Savior. I am SO grateful for the amazing grace You pour out for me every day. You save and You are saving a place for me in Heaven and oh what a glorious place it will be. I am not deserving of how You save and how You protect, etc. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and 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 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.
