And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11
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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21). Here, as the text continues to unfold a scene from end times, as the text describes both how God protects those who believe and turn to Him and how God pours out His wrath on those who do not worship Him. V11 provides encouragement to God's faithful as God promises that Jerusalem will never again face destruction and the city will "dwell in security." V12 then describes how those of the other nations waging war against Jerusalem will suffer in agony as their flesh, eyes, and tongues rot. V13 shares how those who suffer this wrath will experience great panic. V14 then moves to describe how God will plunder all the surrounding nations of their wealth. V15 then shares how even the animals of these nations will suffer a plague. V16 pivots to those of all the nations who have survived God's wrath (presumably because they call on His name as faithful) - this remnant will "go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths." Vv17-19 then shares how those who do not worship the Lord will experience no rain, a plague, and punishment. Vv20-21 conclude the text for this division, and for the book of Zechariah by sharing how bells of the horses shall have inscriptions that read "Holy to the Lord," and how pots used in the temple will be "holy to the Lord of hosts," perhaps suggesting a return to the sanctity of temple rituals and temple tools that might at the time of Zechariah been used for unholy purposes. While certain aspects of the text are less clear, we should be clear that end times will bring judgement and accountability for all, believers and non-believers alike. Those who have rejected God will suffer eternally. We should be motivated to encourage others to avoid this fate - to save them. See also Jude 22-23.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the prophecies You provide of end times and how this gives me comfort that You save and are saving a place for me. Help me Father God be merciful to those who doubt and share the Good News with them persistently. I am not deserving of how good You are to me Father God. 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 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 words for me today and every day.
